The older you get, the more you appreciate practical gifts — read: presents you can eat. Whether it's a housewarming gift for the hostess with the mostess, or something for your friend who appreciates playing with new seasonings, Raleigh has no shortage of mouth-watering foodie gift finds.

Places to peruse

After brunch, shop more than 300 specialty food products made in NC and the South at NOFO.

Build your own gourmet gift basket out of Midtown Olive Oil's wide selection of oils, vinegars, and specialty food items or scoop up a premade bundle.

Pick up local foodie gifts from DECO like Big Spoon Butter, Crude Bitters, The Pit BBQ Sauce, and cute kitchen decor.

Gingham and Posh offers NC-filled baskets featuring products like Videri Chocolate Factory bars, Ginny O's Cheese Straws, and Tonya's Peanut Brittle.

Leave out some Howling Cow Egg Nog for Santa —he'll thank you, we promise. | Photo provided by Tabletop Media Group

Grab-and-go gifts

Even the big man needs a present — pick up some Howling Cow Egg Nog to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Scott Crawford is offering a trio of yummy gifts from his kitchens + bars — make a basket out of Crawford and Son’s truffled eggnog, Jolie’s duck rillettes + crostini, and Cookshop’s pimento cheese + fried saltine crackers.

Nothing says "happy holidays" like receiving a popcorn bucket from Ella's Popcorn.

Grab a caffeinated holiday basket from Gabi's Grounds or a gift card from one of Raleigh's coffee shops.

Add the City of Oak's own Bone Suckin' Sauce to your pit master's stocking.

Make your hostess' spread complete by bringing a seasonal loaf like the artisan snowman bread from La Farm Bakery.

The perfect stocking stuffer does exist — spice up a seasonal recipe with Nons Pinching Salts, available at local stores like Edge of Urge and Curate.

Last but not least, take a page from Raleigh chefs by gifting a cookbook from a local culinary expert.