The holiday season is coming up fast. Are you ready? If you’re still looking for the perfect gift, many local bakeries and shops offer delectable treats that can be wrapped and saved for just the right moment. Even better, these goodies are available all year long, so you don’t need to worry about stocking up (though they also make great stocking stuffers!). Here are five local and giftable goodies your family and friends are sure to love—plus a bonus treat for your furry family members!
Named for Utica, New York, but located in Apex, Utica Bakery specializes in handcrafted Italian and European pastries and baked goods. Owner Vincent DeSimone has an extensive menu of dishes both savory and sweet, so even the pickiest of eaters is sure to find something to enjoy. For a popular treat that won’t disappoint, Utica offers a 1-pound box of assorted Italian cookies that will keep your sweet tooth satisfied with a variety of flavors such as lemon-anise, cuccidati, and chocolate meatball. Boxes can sell out quickly, so be sure to preorder via Facebook Messenger or get to the bakery early.
430 Upchurch Street, Apex | uticabakery.com
Founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife team David and Joana Whittingham, Fera’wyn’s is a delightful chocolatier in Holly Springs named for the character played by Joana in the online video game through which the pair met. With a dedicated gluten-free kitchen and several goods that can also be made dairy-free, their truffles and confections have delighted the Triangle’s growing community of customers with dietary restrictions. Chocolates come in 4-piece, 5-piece, 6-piece, 12-piece, or 24-piece boxes, and can be ordered either in store or online for store pickup or shipping.
652 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs | ferawyns.com
Owned by home baker Jungeun Cottrell, Pastries by J is located in Apex and specializes in macarons and custom cakes. There are a wide variety of flavors available for fans of the macaron: Choose from classic flavors such as salted caramel, chocolate ganache, and coffee; fun flavors such as black sesame, chai latte, and injeolmi (roasted bean powder); and premium flavors such as s’mores, Earl Grey, and key lime pie. Gift boxes are available for purchase, with one flavor per dozen and a minimum purchase of two dozen boxes required.
This Cary-based Mediterranean café was started in 2001 by another husband-and-wife team, Hanadi Asad and Jamaal Ali. In fact, the name of the shop is a combination of the couple’s last names. Asali specializes in Mediterranean treats, including desserts, cakes, small plates, beverages, and more—even offering reservations for high tea. Some of their most giftable options include baklava variety boxes, which come in both small and large sizes. Orders can be placed either in person or over the phone.
107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Suite 106-A, Cary | asalidessertscafe.com
Owned by Kristin Wardwell and Whitney Bascom, Sugar Snap Treats in Holly Springs takes traditional candies and adds a crunchy, freeze-dried twist. From sour saltwater taffy and gummy worms to their signature BBQ Rainbow Bites and Firecrackers, they’ve got a treat for just about everyone, regardless of taste. You may even come across them as a topping at local ice cream shops, such as Fat Cat Homemade Ice Cream in Fuquay-Varina. Bags of candies can be picked up in store or at the Holly Springs Farmers Market, or ordered online for pickup, local delivery, or shipping.
5301 Yorkville Court, Holly Springs | sugarsnaptreats.com
Located in Fuquay-Varina, Pawsitively Delicious Treats uses no additives or preservatives in their fresh, homemade treats. Owner and baker Joyce Delgado-Mistler offers a wide variety of treats for dogs and cats alike, but the Bow Wow Peanut Butter and Yogurt Cups, covered with carob (a dog-safe alternative to chocolate), are a particularly mouthwatering option for dogs. Treats can be purchased in store or online in packs of 8 and 24 or as a subscription. Pawsitively’s blog also highlights adoptable dogs from local rescues to give them a better chance at finding their forever homes.
103 Raleigh Street, Fuquay-Varina | pawsitivelydelicioustreats.com
Originally published by 5 West in print and online on November 4, 2025