Here are some options, and we'll start with seafood, something that sets Alaska apart:
10th & M Seafoods has a number of options. Visit www.10thandmseafoods.com for a full list.
Dannon Southall says one of this year's most popular packages is the 5-pound jumbo Alaska king crab legs and claws for $229.95, which includes overnight delivery. Another popular option is the Alaska Seafood Combo, which includes 2 pounds of golden king crab, 2 pounds of frozen halibut fillets, 2 pounds of frozen sockeye fillets and 1 pound of frozen smoked sockeye fillets for $213.
10th & M also has non-perishable seafood gift-basket options, including the Smoked Salmon Sampler basket for $75.90. It includes one each smoked king, sockeye and silver canned salmon (6.5 ounces), a 14-ounce reindeer salami, cheese and crackers in a basket. The price includes delivery.
"One of the easiest Alaskan treats to end to someone Outside is either canned or jarred salmon," Southall says. "We have a variety to choose from - king, sockeye and silver."
The last day to order for delivery before Christmas is Dec. 22.
At New Sagaya Markets, there are also multiple seafood packages to select from to send as gifts. Visit www.newsagaya.com for more information or to place an order.
Among the selections are lots of crab options: 5 pounds of golden king crab for $159.95, 10 pounds of golden king crab ($295), 3 pounds of red king crab clusters ($159), 5 pounds of red king crab ($225) and 10 pounds of red king crab ($398). Other options include 5 pounds of halibut fillets ($169) and a pair of variety packs: the first includes 2 pounds of golden king crab, 1 pound of halibut, 1 pound of sockeye salmon fillet, 1 package of smoked salmon and 12 ounces of polish sausage for $155; the second package contains all the same items but replaces the golden king crab with red king crab and is $185.
FishEx/Fisherman's Express also has plenty of seafood gift items. Visit www.fishex.com for a full selection.
One of highlights is the King Crab Special Gift Box ($209.95). It includes 3 pounds of captain's reserve king crab, 1 pint king crab bisque, four crab cakes, 3 ounces of white truffle butter and a pair of crab shelling tools. Shipping is included.
FishEx also is highlighting Alaska blue king crab, with 3- to 20-pound boxes. The 3-pound box is $139.95 and includes a pint of seafood cioppino. The shop has plenty of other options including smoked salmon, halibut, Alaska shrimp and scallops.
Owner Cade Smith says if shoppers want to order Norton Sound red king crab they should act quickly. "Our inventory is almost gone," he says.
Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop has plenty of seasonal treats, including traditional desserts from around the world. Plenty of gift basket options are available. (www.fireislandbread.com)
Summit Spice and Tea Company with two locations (in South Anchorage on Huffman Road and in Midtown at the corner of Benson Boulevard and Denali Street), has loads of gift boxes, including those featuring curry, spices for seafood and spices for meat. (www.summitspiceandtea.com)
Arctic Organics, the longtime Valley growers, offer gift cards of any value that can be used for wintertime vegetables orders, summer farmers markets or applied to a Community Supported Agriculture summer vegetable subscription. (www.arcticorganics.com)
At the market
Several vendors are setting up today in The Mall at Sears, including Country Health Foods, A.D. Farm, Rempel Family Farm, Northern Lights Mushrooms and Matanuska Creamery.
"Santa at the mall has endorsed Alex (Davis') carrots as a great treat for his reindeer; four varieties really help as they do tend to be picky," says Duane Clark of Country Health Foods, who is currently handling A.D. Farm's products.
Other items available at the market include chicken and duck eggs, Alaska grass-fed beef, local free-range chicken, Alaska seafood and local honey. The Rempels will have sugar pumpkins, stripetti squash, jumbo pink banana squash, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, three varieties of beets and seven varieties of potatoes.
The market is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.
Matanuska Creamery will also have space set up inside the Dimond Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday with cheeses, eggnog and homemade butters.
Steve Edwards lives and writes in Anchorage. If you have a suggestion for a future Market Fresh column, please contact him at sedwards@adn.com.
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