The Weekly Radish Highlights | Littleton Food Co-op

Producer Spotlight: The Honey Pot

January 27, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

Producer: The Honey Pot

Owner/Founder: Beatrice Dixon

Location: Atlanta, GA

Found at the Co-op: Pads, liners, tampons, washes, wipes, bath bombs

Website: thehoneypot.co

As is the unfortunate origin story for many companies, The Honey Pot started because CEO and co-founder Bea Dixon was suffering; and there was no solution in sight. As a child, she suffered through bacterial vaginosis for eight painful months. Then, her grandmother came to her in a dream and presented the correct remedy of herbs to heal herself. In 2014, armed with the knowledge of the dangerous toxins found in most name-brand feminine hygiene items – and the gumption to change that – she founded The Honey Pot. Now, all of The Honey Pot’s products are plant-based, powered by natural ingredients that make them hypoallergenic. There’s no SL, SLES, phthalates, or artificial fragrances.

But to this day, it is still the people that come first. As Dixon said to Fortune, “I don’t want us to be judged based on how much money we raise or how much money we make. I want us to be judged on the character of our business, how we serve the humans we do.” Part of that translates to annually donating 2% of online sales to organizations that support wellness and education. The Honey Pot also won a 2020 ESSENCE Best in Black Beauty Award.

Fire Cider Recipe from Heartsong Farm Wellness

January 13, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

We were fortunate enough to host Grace Phillips of Heartsong Farm Wellness Center at the Littleton Co-op in January 2024 to lead a class on fire cider. Participants learned about typical fire cider ingredients and the benefits of this beloved tonic. While herbalist Rosemary Gladstar has the best known recipe for fire cider, it has truly evolved to be more of a concept than an exact recipe after years of adaptation in the herbalism and wellness communities. That being said, you can truly make this your own, so don’t fret about exact measurements or the need to substitute or omit an ingredient. After all, you’re the one who is going to be consuming it, so make it to your enjoyment.

Whatever ingredients you want to include in your fire cider, make sure to grab them here at the Littleton Co-op! We have the North Country’s best selection of local organic produce (often on sale!) to make your fire cider shine. Below is the recipe Grace shared during the Co-op’s fire cider making class:

Ingredients

 ½ gallon raw apple cider vinegar
 2 Onions (yellow preferred), chopped
 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
 2-3 Cayenne Peppers, chopped
 1 Fresh Ginger Root, grated
 1 Fresh Horseradish Root, grated
 2 bulbs Garlic, crushed or chopped
 Small jar of raw Honey

Equipment

 ½ gallon glass mason jar
 1 correct size lid (ideally the plastic ‘no spill’, but regular metal lid is fine)
 Cheese grater
 Paring Knife
 2 Cutting Boards
 4 small bowls
 Small and large spoons
 Parchment or wax paper
 Cheesecloth or strainer
 Paring Knife
 2 Cutting Boards
 4 small bowls
 Small and large spoons

Place your desired amounts (or all of each) of the onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, cayenne peppers, ginger, and horseradish into the canning jar. Cover with apple cider vinegar by two to four inches. If using a metal canning jar lid, place a piece of parchment or wax paper under the lid to prevent the vinegar from touching the metal. Shake well. Store in a dark, cool place for one month and shake daily during that time.

After one month, use a cheesecloth or strainer to separate the solid ingredients and any pulp from the liquid, pouring the vinegar liquid into a clean jar. Add honey to taste and balance out the fiery ingredients. 1/4 cup honey is a good place to start. Stir honey into vinegar until incorporated. Taste and continue adding honey until reaching desired sweetness level. The mixture should taste spicy, hot, and sweet (if desired).

Fire cider can keep for several months unrefrigerated and in a cool pantry, but it is best kept in the fridge. Use as a daily wellness tonic, or as a sauce for salads, vegetables, and grains. And if you don’t want to discard your strained out ingredients, check out this waste-reducing recipe for Fire Cider Chutney from our friends at Shelburne Farms. Enjoy!

10 Unique Ways to Present a Gift Card

December 16, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

In many ways, a gift card is the perfect gift. It’s always the recipient’s favorite flavor, correct size, and matches all dietary restrictions. And a gift card to the Littleton Food Co-op is a surefire way to make sure your loved one is getting quality local food options at great prices. You can even purchase a Littleton Co-op gift card online and have it sent directly to your recipient (contiguous US addresses only). However, gift cards also get slept on as a present option, often said to be underappreciated and underwhelming because of their small size and frankly, lack of creativity. That’s where we come in! Here are some creative ways to present a gift card to your recipient that will have them saying “best present ever!”

Frame it Up

A simple frame will do, but take it one step further and replace the boring background photo it comes with with a pretty scrap of fabric, a colorful burst of paper, original art, or even a photo — hey, who woulda thought!?

Wine AND Money

To create a non-boring gift, just combine two stereotypically boring gifts into one! Use some ribbon and bow making skills (if you have) to attach the gift card. Bonus points if the wine is from our wide selection of domestic, international, organic, and fair-trade wine options at the Littleton Co-op.

Knit a Pouch

A generically labeled “pouch” is great for beginner crafters or those without a lot of time; who says it has to be square or symmetrical!? If it (the gift card) fits, it sits, it gifts. It also combines the authenticity of a homemade gift with the perceived impersonal element of gifting a card.

Load Up a Mug

You can choose to include some of their favorite sweet or savory treats — we suggest browsing the Co-op Bulk Department — or pad the inside with tissue paper, newspaper, or another material.

A Money-Filled Ornament

Many retailers sell fully or partially clear ornaments that can be taken apart to design. You can certainly spend time designing one… or let our rainbow veggie gift card shine through.

Deck the Halls

Slip your gift card into a deck of cards. Extra creativity points if you use an online site to create a custom deck of cards. Sneaky points if you don’t tell them the gift card is in there and you wait to see how long it takes them to deal a hand.

Slip in a Stylish Wallet

Save your recipient one step and put their gift card where it’s eventually going to end up! This also makes sure the card is protected from being lost in holiday craziness and is “disguised” as a gift card.

Decorative Tin

Don’t throw away that old mint container! Give it a new life with some decorations — bling, fabric, art, and textural pieces are all appropriate. No old mint tin laying around? You can certainly can purchase a new one, but consider taking the mints out and presenting them separately (or keeping them for yourself) to prevent germs from transfering.

Willy Wonka It

Slip it between the inner and outer wrapper of their favorite chocolate bar! Some stealth will be involved in this operation if you want a clean-cut and less noticeable result. Just make sure they don’t automatically throw away the wrapper without notifying!

Wait, Gift Cards Don’t Have Feet!

But your recipient probably does! No one can resist a pair of cozy socks, especially if there’s a great gift card inside!

So what are you waiting for? Purchase a Littleton Co-op gift card today and get to gifting!

7 Hanukkah Cocktails to Delight

December 16, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

No eggnog or milk for Santa here! As the world of craft cocktails has gotten…craftier, chefs around the world have put themselves to the ultimate test of creating a specialty Hanukkah drink. Each chef listed below garnered inspiration from a different source; some paid homage to the traditional blue/white/silver color scheme; others played with traditional Jewish ingredients; and some just needed to get that punny name out in the world. Maybe you try one of these or are inspired to develop your own recipe!

Olive Oil Gin Sour

Egg Cream

Hebrew Hammer

Aperol Schvitz

Jelly Donut Cocktail

Blueberry Ginger Ale Spritzer

The Latkatini

Traditional Poppy Seed Rugelach

December 16, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

Make ’em fruity or make ’em sweet with chocolate, these bite sized rugelach are sure to delight your Hanukkah or other celebration.

Recipe Information

Total Time:

6 hours (including chilling); 1 hour active

Servings:

24 cookies

Ingredients

Dough

1 1/2 sticks butter, room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

1/2 cup poppy seeds
1/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons raisins, chopped
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Preparation

Cream butter and cream cheese together until fluffy. Add flour, sugar and salt and beat to combine. Form 2 disks and wrap in plastic wrap; chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
In a coffee or spice grinder, grind the poppy seeds coarsely. Heat poppy seeds in a pan with milk, honey, raisins and zest, stirring over medium-low heat until thickened, about 20 minutes. Let cool. This can be done ahead, and refrigerated overnight, or 45 minutes before the dough chilling time is over.
Line two sheet pans with parchment, preheat oven to 325⁰F. Roll out each round of dough to make a 12-inch round about1/8-inch thick, then spread each with half of the filling. Use a pizza cutter or chef’s knife to cut each round in 12 wedges. Roll up each piece, starting at the wide end, curving the tips to make a crescent shape. Place on pan, chill for an hour.
Bake for 40 minutes total, switching the position of the pans between upper and lower oven racks at 20 minutes.
Place the pans on cooling racks and allow rugelach to cool for 10 minutes on the pans, then transfer to the racks to cool completely. When cool, store in air-tight containers for up to a week or in the freezer for up to one month.

Tips & Notes

It’s easy to make delicious rugelach variations—simply substitute the poppy seed filling with jam, cooked fruit, even chocolate chips.

Nutritional Information

161 calories, 10 g. fat, 26 mg. cholesterol, 108 mg. sodium, 16 g. carbohydrate, 1 g. fiber, 2 g. protein

This recipe was originally curated by Robin Asbell and appeared on Grocery.Coop, Stronger Together.

Winter Seasonal Beers at the Littleton Co-op

December 10, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

While it can be tempting to limit your seasonal brewski thinking to just the times of sunshine and sandy toes, we urge you not to forget about all the great seasonal releases happening during these frigid months. Our beer buyer Kevin has been bringing in winter and holiday releases since before Halloween; but, now that the first snowstorm has fallen we’re finally ready to talk about some of them. Just remember that this list is not reflective of current inventory, so if you’re extra curious about picking one up, it’s best to contact the store to see if it’s still on the shelf. Or stop on by and talk to beermaster Kevin himself! He’s always happy to help you find what you’re looking for or uncover a new favorite brew. Here’s a few winter/holiday releases he wants you to keep an eye out for:

Joe’s Lager – Rek-lis Brewing Company

Classic American Lager brewed in collaboration with local ski industry titans Lahout’s Ski Shop in celebration of Joe Lahout Sr. From Rek-lis: “This light, crushable American lager is the epitome of an après-ski beer. It’s made for the average Joe, the Joey skiing in jeans, the Joe Schmo, and especially Joe Sr., who carved deep lines on the slopes of Cannon Mountain. At just 4%, it’s the perfect beer to crush while keeping your turns sharp all day long.”

Gingerbread Cider – Stowe Cider

Fresh-pressed apples, molasses, cloves, ginger, and a touch of sweet apple cider — what more could you ask for in a winter semi-dry hard cider? It’s a warm and smooth twist on the classic cookie from over the border in Stowe, VT.

Ice Wizard – Burlington Beer Company

It’s a double IPA that’s cold-fermented like a lager to produce a drier, crisper West Coast-like 8% ABV brew. From Burlington Beer: “Think vibrant pineapple, juicy apricot, and a hint of pine, all brought together with an ice-cold finish that’s crisp and refreshing.” Sounds like a bright and fruity glimmer of sunshine in the depths of the New England winter the Ice Wizard has concocted for us.

Powder Season – Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company

From the makers of the cheeky “Pulp Daddy” comes a seasonal winter ale brewed with REAL cherries. Founded in 2015 from just south of us in Worcester, MA, Greater Good brews exclusively high ABV (8% or higher) beers for “a singular goal of brewing big, full-flavored beers that are a little bolder than everything else out there.”

Ice Storm of ’98 – Baxter Brewing Co

Folks born in the early 2000’s may be of legal drinking age now, but only the tried and true will fully appreciate Baxter’s Ice Storm of ’98. This NEIPA that sits at 5.8% will put you in a much more comfortable position than its namesake New England event, even served ice cold. From Baxter Brewing: “With a lush malt profile and dynamic citrus, fruit-forward hop profile, this New England IPA is brewed to get us through any weather.”

Seasick Crocodile – Prairie Artisan Ales

As its kitschy name implies, everyone is choosing this highly-anticipated seasonal release from Prairie Artisan Ales over any grinch-y beer. With notes of cinnamon, cranberry, ginger, and nutmeg, this sour — like all of its other Prairie counterparts — is a great reminder of keeping the holiday season fun and playful.

Samichlaus Classic – Eggenberger

From Eggenberger: “Is brewed only once a year on December 6, and is aged for 10 months before bottling. As a result, this dark lager is one of the rarest beer specialties in the world and with 14% alcohol by volume, it is also the strongest of its kind. Samichlaus may be aged in the bottle for many years to come, as older vintages become more complex with a creamy warming finish. This beer is served best with sophisticated dishes and desserts, particularly with chocolates, or as a digestive by itself.”

Celebrator – Ayinger Privatbrauerei

Folks who tout this beer as “best in the world” aren’t wrong — Celebrator has had multiple wins, including the 2024 title, as “World’s Best” in the “World Beer Awards.” From the brewers: “Our mahogany-colored “Celebrator”, an underlying dark double barrel with 6.7% alcohol content and 18.5° root spice, is the dessert beer among our beer specialties. With its sensationally solid foam and a velvety, full body, our “Celebrator” is pure delight for any strong beer lover.”

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale – St. Bernardus

From the brewers: “St.Bernardus Christmas Ale is an intensely dark beer with a full, yet slightly fruity flavour, overflowing with the tastes of winter and zesty seasonal aromas. Aniseed notes are complemented by hints of creamy caramel and fire-roasted chestnuts. This zestiness shows no signes of abating, pushing through to a magnificent finish of dried fruits and chocolate. Just like all of our beers, this brew bears the imprint of the unique St.Bernardus yeast (dating back to 1946), that gives it its own special complexity.”

Scaldis de Noel – Dubisson, Noel – Oxbow Brewing Co, Delirium Noel – Huyghe Brewery

From Dubisson: “The Scaldis de Noël is brewed solely from malts, hops, candy sugar and water. It is a filtered, top-fermented beer with an alcohol volume of 12%. The use of caramel malts produces a copper-coloured beer with a full, rounded taste. The Scaldis de Noël owes its fruity taste and subtle hop aromas to the well-thought out choice of hops in this brew.”

Noel by Oxbow Brewing Co. in Maine is a wheat-based strong, dark brewed for the holiday season.

Top fermented and bottle conditioned, Delirium Noel boasts potent aromas of dark fruit, apricot, caramel malt, sweet cherry, cinnamon and clove with notes of vanilla, apple, banana and yeast. The taste is similar to aroma and also includes toffee, plum, and red wine with notes of pepper and bitter hops. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and creamy smooth thanks to generous and lively carbonation; the 10.0% ABV is well hidden, and the finish is lingering, spicy, and dry.

New beers added at the Littleton Co-op weekly! Come stop by and check out our selection of hundreds of local, craft, and international beers!

Take Your Holiday Visitors Here

December 9, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

Depending on your point of view on visitors, you might be lucky and get to score a few extra days on either side of the holidays before or after the “main event”; whether that be your Christmas dinner, gift exchange, candle lighting ceremony, etc. Even a couple of extra hours can be precious time to spend with friends and family from far away. So you have the time…what do you do with your guests now? Show them what the awesome North Country has to offer! Down below we’ve compiled a list of classic northern NH locations perfect for first-time visitors and those willing to potentially deal with crowds and wait times, as well as some great spots even locals might not realize are great destinations to bring guests. Make sure to check online or cont

But first:

Littleton Food Co-op

Make sure you bring all of your visitors to the Littleton Food Co-op! The Co-op is *the* place to find quality local and organic foods, mementos from a variety of local producers, and more. We might be biased, but a locally-owned grocery store is the best way to see what’s important to a community all at once. Find out what life is truly like for those in the North Country through our food and drink. Moreso, stop and relax in the Co-op Cafe for a cup of coffee and a look at our community art gallery. And if you’re too busy exploring to cook, we have hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepped daily for your convenience. No membership is required to shop, everyone is welcome at the Co-op!

Cultural Classics

Super Secret Ice Cream

Beloved by locals and national admirers alike, Super Secret Ice Cream quickly catapulted from relative anonymity (hence the “Secret”) to full-blown phenomenon in the past couple of years. Just 10 minutes up the road from the Littleton Co-op, 2024 James Beard Award Nominated chef Kristina Zontini and her team handmake ice cream chock full of local ingredients and “no weird stuff.” Their products represent artisanal ice cream at its finest; you can stick with classic Vanilla Bean and Milky Chocolate, or be daring and get a scoop of Coquito or Cherry Pistachio & Mascarpone. Gluten free and vegan options available. Don’t forget the house-made waffle cone! Your guests will be left begging to take some home with them — that’s what Super Secret’s pint koozies are for. More Info.

Schilling Beer Company

Historians familiar with the Littleton area may recognize this brewery from its original purpose — a mill! Littleton’s iconic riverfront red mill is now the centerpiece to Schilling Beer’s three building campus. Founded in 2013, Schilling was one of the breweries leading the North Country beer-renaissance. They specialize in brewing modern European-inspired beers from their custom-built 20-barrel brewhouse. While they do not offer brewery tours at this time, you can get a great view of the process from their Store and Tasting Room. But Schilling isn’t just for beer enthusiasts – their woodfired pizzas, poutine, and pub pretzels will not leave those refraining from drinking with a less-than experience. Cozy up in the main building by the pizza oven, or check out one of their heated outdoor warming booths. More Info.

Chutters

Kids and adults alike will enjoy a trip to the world’s longest candy counter, humbly situated on Littleton’s Main Street. Chutters is 112 feet of candy from yesteryear, today, and tomorrow all bustled into a lively, fun-filled atmosphere. They also have a delectable array of fudge and specialty chocolates. All candy is picked yourself and priced by the pound, so even the pickiest of eaters will rest easy knowing they can get *exactly* 12 gummy bears and 4 licorice ropes. More Info.

You might not think of…

Meadowstone Farm

Our friends at Meadowstone Farm do more than just wholesale their great products to the Littleton Co-op. Meadowstone is a cornerstone of the local food landscape, producing food with integrity — grown with a passion. They have a year-round farm stand open 8-5:30 daily and offer self-guided tours around the property. This is a great opportunity to learn about beyond organic growing, animal care, and our local landscape. And you just might walk away with a gift to take home or even a last-minute supper ingredient. More Info.

Wildbloom Beer

A relative newcomer to the North Country beer scene, what Wildbloom Beer may lack in seniority they sure make up for in heart and passion. Conveniently located on Littleton’s historic Main Street, Wildbloom’s serene taproom is the perfect antidote to a hectic and chilly day outside. Co-owners Devin and Beth have made it clear that introverts are welcome to lounge in one of their cozy windowed corners, but they’re also more than ready and willing to strike up a conversation with you, beer-centric or otherwise. Unlike many breweries of today, there’s no gimmicks or unnecessary frills here — the focus is on their (amazing) beer. It’s bring your own food, but they often announce local food pop-ups on their Instagram page. More Info.

Local Trail Networks

Wait, a set of FREE well-maintained trails that won’t be overcrowded with tourists? Yes, it exists! We are so fortunate to have access to the PRKR Mountain Trails in Littleton and Bethlehem Trails Association right over in Bethlehem. These trail networks are both 100% volunteer-maintained and community-funded. Consider taking your visiting outdoor enthusiasts for a quick jaunt or multiple hour trek across our beautiful natural landscape. And if anyone forgot any gear, the Bethlehem Trails Association has a “gear library” that operates very similarly to a little free library! Even if you want to stay around town, local organization Bike the North Country has set up a number of bike repair stations and bike racks in downtown areas for your use. BTA More Info. PRKR More Info.

Order Your Holiday Roast Today!

December 9, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

Don’t think that the Co-op Meat Department only takes speciality orders for Thanksgiving turkeys! The Co-op Meat Department is often touted as one of the best in the North Country. Let our experts behind the counter help you craft a holiday meal you won’t forget. Since December holidays are a little different for everyone, we have a number of options — too many to put in an online order form. To order from our wide selection of ham, beef, lamb, poultry, and more, you can do the following:

Call the Littleton Co-op

Just give us a call to order your roast today! Call the Co-op at (603) 444-2800 and ask to speak to the Meat Department. One of our employees will assist you over the phone.

Stop by in store!

Shopping at the Co-op already? Take one more thing off of your to-do list and order your holiday meat in person. Simply speak to one of our employees behind the counter to discuss your options. They will also be able to recommend already available pre-shelved options if you’re not ready to commit to a special pre-order.

Let the Littleton Co-op help you craft a high-quality holiday meal! Questions? Email us at in**@***********op.org.

Matzo Ball Soup Recipe

December 9, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

While matzo is a traditional food and ingredient for Passover, matzo ball is an irresistible treat for a winter evening. For a vegetarian version the chicken breast can be excluded and chicken stock substituted for vegetable stock.

Ingredients

Matzo balls

3 large eggs
3 tablespoons chicken fat or vegetable oil
3/4 cup matzo meal
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Black pepper
3 tablespoons cold water

Soup

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 large carrots, sliced
3 ribs celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
12-ounce chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cubed
8 cups chicken stock
Black pepper
1 teaspoon dried dill

Preparation

For matzo balls: Lightly whisk the eggs in a medium bowl, then whisk in the fat or oil. Add the matzo meal, salt, baking powder and a few grinds of pepper to the egg mixture and stir to mix. Stir in the water and refrigerate for 30 minutes, until the moisture has been absorbed.
For soup: In a large pot, drizzle oil and place over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots and celery, and saute until they start to sizzle, then reduce to medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and chicken and raise the heat to medium high. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes to lightly brown in spots.
Add the chicken stock, pepper and dill and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer, then cover the pot.
Scoop rounded tablespoons of matzo mixture, roll each scoop into a ball and drop into the simmering soup. When all the matzo balls are in the soup, cover and adjust the heat to bring the soup back to a very gentle simmer. Cook for 30-40 minutes, and then serve hot.

Nutritional Information

640 calories, 26 g. fat, 250 mg. cholesterol, 1340 mg. sodium, 51 g. carbohydrate, 5 g. fiber, 47 g. protein

This post originally appeared on the Co-op Stronger Together website.

2024 Littleton Co-op Gift Guide – There’s something for everyone!

December 5, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

Holiday gift shopping at your local grocery store? Are you suggesting I get all my friends and family some carrots and a chunk of cheese? Not at all! Although, that wouldn’t be the worst gift…

Your community-owned Littleton Food Co-op has a number of great gift options for everyone on your list! And yes, some of them are food-based. But none of the options we’ve laid out below will require space in your refrigerator or freezer – save that for your holiday feast! By the way, have you ordered your custom roast yet? If not, go do that now! We also carry a number of special non-edible items if you want to go in a different direction. So, without further ado, here is a selection of our favorite gifts from the Littleton Co-op for the 2024 holiday season:

View and download as a PDF – less scrolling!

For the chef

For some of us, cooking can be a chore, or just a “necessary evil” to keep our bodies well fueled. But we all know that one person for whom cooking is an experience. They love preparing a fresh meal from scratch, appreciate quality ingredients, and will always be found in the kitchen. It would truthfully be a faux pas to NOT get something from the Littleton Co-op for the Chef in your life; but, if you’re not a foodie yourself, it can be intimidating to find a place to start. That’s where we come in with these suggestions:

Wozz! Kitchen Creations

The double punch of Wozz! Kitchen Creations is they make high quality sauces, marinades, and more, AND they’re right in our backyard! From down the road in Bethlehem, NH, “Wozz,” also known as company founder Warrick Dowsett, is a former luxury yacht private chef who wanted to bottle the flavors he experienced first hand on his global travels. And no one understands the needs of home chefs better than a chef himself. The other beauty of the Wozz! line is its versatility. If your gift recipient leans towards cooking a specific cuisine, you can pick up sauces that work with that cuisine type. Alternatively, bring multiple varietals together for a global package!

110 Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is not just for greasing the pan, and a foodie home chef will understand the importance of a quality olive oil. Keep it local and pick up a bottle of 110 (OneTen) Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This newer venture is from the family of Woodsville Village Pizza, who sources and presses the olives from their own orchard in Kalamata, Greece. This is an exclusively cold-pressed oil with no added chemicals, preservatives, or blends. If you really want to elevate and personalize this gift, bring your own glass or other container to pick up new 110 Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the Bulk Department.

Organic Tierra Farm Cashews

Chefs who cook with elevated ingredients need an elevated snack, too. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and flavor, any cashew variety from Tierra Farm is a great choice. We love snacking on the curry and everything bagel cashews. Tierra Farm products come directly from farmers in the Finger Lakes region of New York in small, hand-crafted batches. Recipients will also appreciate their plastic-free home compostable packaging. They are even committed to going plastic free in all areas of their manufacturing! Or, you can take it up a notch and scoop Tierra Farm and other nut options directly from the Bulk Department bins into your own reusable container.

For the Overworked

Listen: who isn’t overworked these days? There are the people out there who fully recognize they need a break and some pampering, and those who are fully in denial that they are pushed to their limit. Since you likely can’t gift your recipient a day (or three) off from work, school, and life responsibilities, you can infuse some self care into their life. Self care gifts are more often than not marketed towards women – men deserve pampering, too! But remember: just because you want to make someone else feel well cared for, doesn’t mean you have to overextend yourself either. One way to take the stress off is doing all of your holiday shopping in one place – might as well make it the Littleton Co-op…

Mountain Lathers Gift Set

Is it a coincidence that so many of the products in our gift guide are locally made items? We don’t think so! Our local producers ROCK! Local soapmaker Mountain Lathers went above and beyond this holiday season in offering this Washtub Bundle Soap Set. This is so adorable, yet its neutral color scheme makes it giftable and usable for anyone on your list. Not only does the set come with three hand crafted seasonally scented soaps, the cute bathtub can be used as a soap holder, decor, or toy. We appreciate the attention to artistry here and the reusable packaging, because who needs another brown basket?

Badger Aromatherapy Travel Kit

We can’t always guarantee our need for focus, stress relief, or a meditative moment will happen at home when we have full access to our well-loved self-care toolkit, whatever that may look like. In fact, the moments we need a helping hand the most are likely not going to happen at home if the world has any say in it. That’s where this convenient Aromatherapy Travel Kit from Badger comes in! The five balms in the kit are designed to target the following needs: to delight and uplift the spirits (Cheerful Mind Balm); to energize and clear the mind (Focus Balm); to calm and soothe the mind (Stress Soother); to cool and relax the mind (Headache Soother); and to center and balance your inner “badger” (Yoga and Meditation). These travel sized organic sticks can be applied at common pressure points and/or as lip balm. We love a versatile gift!

Ridge Hemp CBD Face Cream

CBD products: completely safe, won’t get you high, and not just ingestible products anymore. We are so excited to now be carrying products from our friends at Ridge Hemp just down the road in Littleton. Their face creams are smooth, lightweight, and a great introductory product to the calming properties of CBD oil. It’s even gentle enough to be used around the eye cream. Aside from the CBD, the cream’s ingredients are designed with nourishing and skin-boosting antioxidants, cell regenerating proteins, and plenty of Vitamin C. The three options are unscented, grapefruit, and turmeric. Must be 18+ to purchase per NH State law.

Burt’s Bees Grooming Essentials for Men

We have so much to do during the holiday season, so when a pre-made gift set option is presented to you, don’t let it pass you by. Our friends at Burt’s Bees put together this Grooming Essentials for Men kit, featuring: cooling shave cream; cooling face wash; soothing moisturizer and after shave; and cooling beeswax lip balm. All of these products are infused with aloe and hemp to moisturize, hydrate, and soothe skin. They can also be used at home for everyday use or taken on the go.

For the “Tired of Giving Toys”

By the end of the year 2024, we think both children and adults are sick of more plastic toys cluttering up their home. That’s why we chose quality made, experience-based gifts to give to the young ones in your life. “The hottest toys this season” are just that – only interesting for a season. These options are timeless and relatively ageless, meaning if it has to be put aside until the excitement of new toys wears off, it’ll still be useful and exciting. And let’s be so for real here: the young at heart would love any of these gifts, too. Just like a child, we’re feeling pretty antsy to present these ideas, so let’s get to it:

Bath Bombs

Did you ever think your youngin’ would actually be excited for bath time? Well believe it with the help of these colorful bath bombs! If you’ve never had the pleasure of using a bath bomb, what happens is these small condensed balls of natural ingredients will spin and dissolve into a sea of magical AND nourishing color. They’re basically the only way to turn your tub water into mystical shades of purple, green, and orange without staining any skin or tile. Watch the bath bomb do its thing, but also make sure to watch your young one’s face as they see it dissolve before their eyes.

Decomposition Book

Writing, but make it cool. Gone are the days where writing means virgin white paper bound inside a boring black and white casing. Michael Roger, a family-owned and operated company, produces these Decomposition books: whimsical, fashion-forward eco-conscious notebooks that will inspire anyone to write the next great novel (or maybe just their homework assignment). Writing is a useful skill that can be developed at any age, but no child is going to appreciate you giving them something that looks and feels like schoolwork. A Decomposition book isn’t work – it’s a colorful portal into new written possibilities.

Eco Kids Make Your Own Ornament Kit

These Eco Kids kits are actually multiple gifts all rolled into one: a gift for a child to open at your gathering; the gift of using the kit to make something; the gift to the parents of their child being kept occupied; and a sentimental and handmade final product. Unlike other ornaments made for children, the ornaments made through this kit are made of clay instead of cheap paper or other products. Not only will the final product’s quality be better, but the young artist will feel more empowered using this medium traditionally reserved for adults.

Ice Cream Toppings Kit

This is the one gift suggestion that requires a bit of construction by the gift-giver ahead of time. But that just means more opportunity for customization! Everyone loves ice cream, but you run the risk of your gift melting before your recipient gets to it if it ends up on the bottom of the pile. Plus, your hands get really cold trying to wrap a frozen product – just trust us on this one. Instead, go with the gift of ice cream accessories to help them elevate the at-home ice cream experience! This gift can consist of anything your recipient might enjoy with/on their ice cream. Suggestions include a Stonewall Kitchen sauce, Watkins sprinkles, peppermint sticks, and your cone preference. Nuts, maraschino cherries, and candy pieces are other good options. And it could always be supplemented with a gift card to Super Secret Ice Cream!

Knots of Fun Dog Toy

Depending on the type of family you come from or are gifting into, the family pets may already be receiving their own presents. But all dogs know: dog toys are so much more fun when there’s a dog toy AND a tiny human to play with. With any luck, these simple, durable toys will give you hours of interactive play. And Knots of Fun toys are one size fits all – no worrying if they’d better fit in a size medium or large. Technically, this gift could go to anyone in the family, but young ones will appreciate you recognizing the special bond they have with the family pet – and parents will appreciate the opportunity to tire the tikes out.

For the Homebody

You might think we’re sending negative feelings towards this class of people by calling them “homebodies,” but it’s really the opposite. We fully understand and support the urge to not leave the house, especially in the winter. You’re telling me you want me to go outside and do things? Where it’s cold? And there’s other people there? Yeah, hard pass. Just because homebodies may be less sociable than others, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a great gift. Instead of trying to push them outside their comfort zone, try giving them a gift that makes their in-home experience even better. Consider the following:

Littleton Co-op Official 15th Anniversary Puzzle

If one thing will get a homebody out into the world is a quality sale…or an empty fridge. Bring everyone’s favorite community-owned grocery store into the comfort of one’s home with the official Co-op puzzle! This Vermont-made puzzle features a collage of great cooperative moments from the past 15 years of the Littleton Co-op. Sitting at 375 pieces, it will make for an entertaining afternoon without being so difficult you quit in frustration. Who doesn’t love breaking open a new puzzle on a cold winter day!?

Sillycow Farms Hot Chocolate

While their name is a bit silly, Sillycow Farms Hot chocolate is no joke. Made just over the river in St. Johnsbury, VT, Sillycow products are gluten free and Non-GMO Project verified. In fact, their flagship flavor “Chocolate Chocolate” has just two ingredients: cocoa and natural cane sugar. That’s all they need to create a classic cozy drink that everyone will enjoy. If your recipient would appreciate a little bit of adventure (well, adventure for a homebody) introduce them to Sillycow’s less traditional flavors like Chocolate Truffle, Chocolate Moo-use (Vanilla), or Chocolate Sea Salt and Caramel. And then they get the best gift of all – a cute bottle to reuse again and again!

White Mountain Apiary Beeswax Candle

These local hand-crafted candles from our friends at White Mountain Apiaries in Whitefield, NH are more than just gorgeous home decor pieces. Each candle is made from 100% beeswax. Beeswax is a natural, renewable resource whose candles emit a bright, healthful light within the same spectrum as the sun. Imagine being able to grant someone the greatest gift – sunlight! – in the depths of the North Country winter. Even more so, beeswax candles drip less and burn longer, so your recipient won’t have to worry about losing out when they want to light it every day. Choose from a traditional pillar or a fun, whimsical shape.

Matr Boomie Jalini Wine Stopper

Some days, there’s no better way to unwind and let your stressors go with a glass of wine. But what if recorking your wine could be an experience so grand it rivals actually drinking the vino? These hand painted wine stoppers are made with ceramic and cork to get the job done while adding a beautiful aesthetic to your end of day ritual. This is the perfect gift for those who appreciate function just as much as beauty. Pick up a few, or compliment one with a bottle of wine or oil of your choice.

Buzzballz Biggies

While maybe not as…classy as a bottle of wine, the new Buzzballz Biggies certainly would win the “Most Festive” award. These comically large alcohol-filled ornament-shaped containers are the equivalent of over eight of their original Buzzball counterparts. Definitely not for one person to consume in one sitting! But any of the Biggie flavors will provide a ready-to-drink cocktail with premium ingredients for many nights to come – no trip to the bar required. This item may only be purchased by customers 21+ with valid ID for recipients 21+. Please drink responsibly.

For the Adventurous

Adventurer means something different to everyone. Maybe it means mountain climbing. Maybe it means trying something new every day. Maybe it means leaving the house today (see above re: homebody). Keep these folks’ daring spirits alive with their holiday present. Now, not everyone has the resources to give the gift of an international rock climbing adventure or snorkeling with sharks extravaganza, but these gifts straight from the Littleton Co-op can infuse adventure into everyday life:

Ropewear Can Cozie

Bring outdoor adventure into the home with these unique can cozies. The company Cactus to Pine takes retired climbing rope and fashions it into new products, keeping material out of landfills and giving you a never before seen gift option. This is a great way to level-up a very practical gift – nobody likes cold hands! Your recipient may choose to keep their cozie at home to dream of more adventure-filled days, or even take it out with them on their next hike, climb, or activity for the finish line celebration drink.

Kingdom Coffee Roasters Coffee

Every adventurer needs adventure fuel! Choose a local and delicious adventure fuel with Kingdom Coffee Roasters, a family-run business from the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. If you’d like to lean even more into the “adventure” theme, we suggest the Trailbuilder Blend. Trailbuilder Blend is a dark roast that’s just a few shades darker than a medium roast, making it much more sweet and smooth than other dark roasts. And while we can’t make any promises about being ready to build a trail from scratch after a few cups, you’ll certainly be closer than if you didn’t have any.

Woodland Farms Brewery N/A Beer

Adventuring doesn’t have to mean pushing your body to the extreme every day. Non-alcoholic beer is a relatively new product to market that keeps all the great flavor of beer, without the alcohol. That means no fuzziness, no hangover, and more time to hop to your new adventure. We love that N.A. options allow you to still have that celebratory drink, just with much less consequences. Woodland Farms is Maine’s first non-alcoholic brewer that offers low calorie, lower carbs than regular beer, and less than 0.5% alcohol in each can brewed with Maine-grown ingredients. And their cans come in the same styles you love – IPAs, sours, stouts, and more.

If you don’t think any of these gift ideas are what your recipient is looking for, you can’t go wrong with a Littleton Co-op gift card! Purchase in store at any register or purchase online here. We can mail to any US address!