6 top holiday gifts for foodies in Birmingham 

Written by Ben Pierce

Birmingham is a mecca for those who love to eat—especially during the holiday season. To show the foodie in your life some love this holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of six gifts that will make them say “yum!”

1. Local fine wines from top Birmingham shops

If you’re giving out wines for big banquet foods, think spicey earthy reds like riojas and Rhone blends.

Consider dry roses and crisp whites like Vermentino for pre-dinner or sipping wines. If you prefer red, there are soft pinot noirs, dolcettos and barberas.  

Spend a little time looking over their supply and ask the staff for recommendations.

Along with a bottle of red or white, you’ll discover fun wine stem charms, wine keys, vacuum pump preservers and more—all perfect for a stocking or gift bag.

We’re lucky to have quite a few exceptional wine shops in Birmingham. Some to check out include:

• Classic Wine Company: 1831 28th Ave S, #110, Birmingham, AL 35209
• Piggly Wiggly Crestline: 41 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
• The Vintage Wine Shop: 201 Cahaba Park Cir, Birmingham, AL 35242
• Corbeau Wine Bar: 817 Green Springs Hwy Suite 105, Homewood, AL 35209 | 160 Morrow Ave, Ste 112, Trussville, AL 35173

Discover more wine shops in Birmingham.

2. Tasty coffees + teas from The Redcat Coffeehouse in Birmingham + more

(Top) The Abysinnian at Red Cat Birmingham; (Bottom L-R) Seeds Coffee Co and Church Street Coffee and Books. (Bham Now)

Warm drinks are another great way to pamper your foodie-loving friends this holiday season. Birmingham is full of local coffee and tea spots, too, which makes finding a gift easy.

Here are some places you can find fresh ground bags of coffee, unique tea flavors and more:

• Church Street Coffee & Books: 81 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
• The Red Cat Coffeehouse: 2901 2nd Ave S, #120, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Red Bike Coffee Shop: 5512 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212
• Seeds Coffee Co: 174 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209

3. Crafted bottles of olive oils from Birmingham + Homewood shops

For anyone who spends time in the kitchen cooking or eating, olive oil is a key ingredient used for many purposes. It can also come in uniquely crafted bottles, making it an exciting find inside any gift bag.

Piggly Wiggly in Crestline has an impressive selection of oils, as do many of the city’s wine shops. 

There are also many fascinating guidebooks and histories about olive oil that would make a good gift option. Browse the bookstores below for options and recommendations:

• Little Professor Bookshop: 2738 18th St S, Homewood, AL 35209 | 2807 2nd Ave S, Ste B, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Thank You Books: 5502B Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212

4. Handmade chocolates from local sweet shops

Artisanal chocolates are all the rage among those with a sweet tooth. Those who love exploring foods enjoy the variety found in chocolate, whether it’s indulging in a cup of hot cocoa, sharing a rich ganache with friends, or breaking off a bit of that special bar surreptitiously tucked behind jars in the fridge so no one else will eat it. 

Check these spots for an enticing array of bars, bonbons and more available in store and online.

• Chocolatà: 701 37th Street S, #5, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Elizabeth Moore Chocolates: 2742 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124

5. Cheeseboard + charcuterie boards from Mountain Brook

A good cheeseboard is a pleaser, whether topped with a sharp cheddar or a creamy goat cheese.

You can find specially crafted selections perfect for your holiday party—and gifts—and a number of places around Birmingham including:

We’re blessed with grocery stores like Whole Foods, The Winn Dixie on Montevallo Road, and the Crestline Piggly Wiggly who take care to stock a wide selection of fine cheeses.

• Red or White—Forest Park: 3916 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Piggly Wiggly Crestline: 41 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213

6. Decorative cutting boards from Alabama Goods in Homewood

People who enjoy cooking also love making their creations visually pleasing. Another gift idea for your foodie friend is a decorative cutting board.

They’re great for cheese and crackers or charcuterie and come in various sizes and prizes.

Visit Alabama Goods in Homewood for a nice selection of Alabama-shaped cutting and presentation boards, all made locally in Bama.

• Alabama Goods: 2933 18th St S, Homewood, AL 35209

Have foodie gift ideas of your own? Share them on social media by tagging @bhamnow on Facebook,  Instagram +  LinkedIn.