60 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • DECEMBER 2019
GIFT GUIDE
SHOP LOCAL, GIFT LOCAL
BY DONNA CHRISTOPHER
Shoppers say they will spend an average of $942 on
Christmas gifts this year, up from $885 at this time
last year, according to a Gallup poll.
Spending it locally will boost the economy on Long
Island, which is brimming with independent businesses
that produce everything from homemade goat
soap to world-class Italian sausage.
Maybe your special someone is a big supporter of
artisanal makers or is your hometown’s biggest
cheerleader. Here’s a roundup of gift ideas made for
and by Long Islanders.
4 Girlz Sweets
If your recipient swoons over
chocolate, they'll be over the moon
when they open a package with
custom-made chocolate molded
lollipops or chocolate-covered
strawberries. Invent your own idea
or select existing themes like winter
snowmen with top hats, or snowflake
medallions. The company can
custom-make characters and designs
on any lollipops. You can order them
wrapped and arranged in a pretty
box or vase. North Bellport. Facebook.
com/4girlzsweets/ Lollipops by
the piece $1-$2.50; platters $20 and up.
Ceriello
The Italian specialty store ships
locally made dry-cured salami,
soppressata, pancetta, and fresh
sausage made in the store, among
other items. The sausage flavors are
sweet, hot, fennel, romano cheese and
parsley, broccoli rabe and fresh mozzarella,
tomato, basil and garlic, and chicken. Items are shipped overnight in
airtight cooler boxes. You can also order homemade pasta sauces, dressings,
marinade, and dry-aged beef. Call 516-747-0277 or visit ceriellofinefoods.com
for prices and ordering. 541 Willis Ave., Williston Park.
locaLI bred
This online marketplace sells Long Island-made
products, both edible and nonedible, in curated gift
boxes. The company was founded to highlight local
artisans and makers, according to co-owner Theresa
Pinelli, who co-founded localLI (pronounced
"locally") with Halle Geller last year. Each of the
boxed gifts supports at least 10 businesses on LI.
“People love the idea of supporting local and
sometimes it is difficult to find these artisans who
may be only selling at a farmer’s market or online
or Etsy,” says Pinelli. "This brings all these people
together in one place so people can find them.”
Among a host of gift ideas, you can select The
Long Island Snack Gift Box. The rich assortment
includes Caramel Popcorn from Bon Bons Chocolatier
in Huntington, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from
Tate’s Bakeshop in Southampton, Hot & Sweet Nuts
from the Little Bird Kitchen in Plainview, North
Fork Potato Chips from Mattituck, Dried Apple
Slices from from the Milk Pail in Water Mill,
Almond Brittle from A Little Brittle Heaven in
Amityville, Beef Jerky and Teriyaki Beef Jerky in
Greenport, a mini cookie box from Vienna Cookie
Company in Baldwin, and more. localibred.com
Gift boxes are $86-$164.
North Fork Chocolate Company
Handcrafted in small batches and made daily. You
can shop in the store or online for handcrafted
artisanal bonbons, truffles, exotic barks, and bars.
The company has a signature blend of Belgian
chocolate that surrounds centers handcrafted
from local farm and purveyor products. In-store
you will find a large selection of locally handcrafted
gifts and epicurean delights. 740 Main Rd,
Aquebogue, Shop.northforkchocolate.com $5-$49.
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
/ceriellofinefoods.com
/localibred.com
/Shop.northforkchocolate.com
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
/ceriellofinefoods.com
/localibred.com
/Shop.northforkchocolate.com
