The Down by 12th Avenue 2017 Gift Guide

I doubt I'm the only one who's left their Christmas shopping a little late this year. I've always thought it's better to be busy than bored, and these holidays have been bountiful in the former. Fortunately: food is the best gift to buy late. Last minute food buys are often fresher and have a greatly lessened risk of being snapped up by a roommate or family member.

So here's a list of our favourite ideas, food, and food-related gifts for the special people in your life this year:

Foods

Local Honey

Raw honey and honeycomb from local producers is a prestigious gift in many cultures, but here in Australia it's often overlooked— A shame, as honey bees in Australia are the most productive in the world. We love honey and honeycomb from Honey I'm Home. And if you can make it into their Maylands store be sure to try a few of their honeys first to work out what's right for you.

Tea

Threeonesix do direct trade with a tea farm in Northern Thailand. What this means for you is some of the best tea available in Perth, all at a great price and all the sweeter because all Threeonesix teas purchased make a direct positive impact in providing safe and dignified employment in Northern Thailand. Threeonesix are even holding a popup retail store in Subiaco every saturday morning until Christmas, check out their Facebook page for details.

Local Spirits

Spirits from local distilleries Whipper Snapper and High Spirits make us proud of the local spirit scene. Whipper Snapper's Crazy Uncle Moonshine and High Spirits' Vodka make for great summery mixed drinks. Whipper Snapper's Upshot features in our Mint Julep, a drink which will last you a whole summer afternoon, and as for the High Spirits Gin.. You guys are clever, you can work out what to do with that one this summer.

Coffee

The retail shelf at Modus in Mt Lawley hosts a rotation of some of the best coffees roasted throughout the world. With all of the associated gear you'll need to make it. 

Dormilona's famous Tinto and Blanco house wines are back in stock and at under $25, they're too good not to have. Snatch some up before they're gone once more! 

If you're already a fan of the house wines, be sure to also check out the brilliant Bare All Wines label from L.A.S. Vino. 

Not Foods

Ceramics

ERVCeramics are a line of beautiful, local and bespoke ceramic mugs, bowls and plates available in William Topp and Monde Design. They're surprisingly hardy and dishwasher safe for everyday use, whilst being striking enough to save as an occasion piece.

Cast Iron

Cast iron pots and pans make great, heirloom quality gifts for new and experienced cooks. Cast iron radiates heat more than non-stick or stainless steel pans, allowing you to cook with high heat and still cook finnicky foods like chicken to a safe internal temperature. Many will even go straight from the stove to the oven, allowing you to combine the fast direct heat of the stove with the indirect, controlled heat of the oven. Check out Gumtree for low maintenance enamelled products from Lodge and Le Creuset, or try a new un-enamelled pan by Lodge or Solidtechnics. 

Instant Read Thermometer

A good thermometer is a game changer in the kitchen, from ensuring you never anxiously overcook chicken, to rudimentary sous vide, to brewing finnicky green and oolong teas at the perfect temperature. Fast-reading thermometers like this one by Thermoworks are a little pricier, but don't run the risk of accidentally overcooking your food while hunting around for a correct temperature.