Ms. Mint And Get Local Make Local Basket Gifts Easy

Not all gift baskets are created equal.

So ditch the generic, imported cheese-and-sausage composition and gift these two companies' antidotes to mundane baskets. Each features only regional edibles–many of which we've started gathering for our own holiday gifting.

Get Local Chicago: This company's seven baskets are packed with such familiar names as Salted Caramel snacks, Milk & Honey granola, Goose Island sodas, Rare Bird Preserves and Crop to Cup coffee (one of the founders is the coffee company's CEO). Choose baskets like "Breakfast in Bed" and "S'mores Chicago," or pick your own theme. Get Local is adept at large corporate orders, weddings and unusual requests, and delivery in the Chicago area is only $5. Email jessica@getlocalchicago.com for options and ordering information.

Ms. Mint: Food photographer and local food advocate Kate Gross is behind these gift baskets ($25 to $100 each) packed with products from Gross' network of farmers and producers. Baskets are filled with edibles from 11 regional companies, like maple syrup candy from Southwest Michigan, Chicago-made hot sauce, and popcorn on the cob from Fairbury, Illinois. Order by Monday, November 28, for shipping or drop-offs between December 12 and 22.