Is it too early to think about holiday gifts? Maybe a tad. But starting now will give you the opportunity to feel incredibly virtuous, smug even. And what’s better still is that you can put a good dent in your shopping by supporting local businesses that make great consumable products right here in the Berkshires. Because everyone loves to eat and who needs more stuff? Here’s our strategy: stock up now and assemble bags or boxes of assorted goodies, ready to send later (or grab as a last-minute hostess gift throughout the year). We reached out to our friends, readers, and social media followers, who shared a few of their favorite products with us. This is by no means a complete list, but it’s a great start:

HAPPY HOUR

Berkshire Mountain Distillers: Based in Sheffield, this distillery was at the forefront of the craft distiller movement. Its bottles speak to their Berkshire pedigree: Berkshire Bourbon, Ice Glen Vodka, Greylock Gin, Ragged Mountain Rum. Available at wine and liquor stores throughout the county and at the distillery.

Big Elm Brewing: This Sheffield, solar-powered brewer offers six signature brews as well as hard seltzers in a variety of flavors. Available at their taprooms in Sheffield and Great Barrington and at retailers county-wide. Bright Ideas Brewing: Founded on the campus of MASS MoCA, this North Adams brewer grew and expanded its operation and now offers 16-ounce 4-packs at a variety of north county retailers, including Spirit Shoppe in Williamstown and Pontoosuc Package in Lanesbrorough.

Balderdash Cellars: This popular community gathering spot in Richmond produces a variety of whites, roses, reds from California grapes. Available at the winery and at a limited number of wine shops, including Spirited and Nejaime’s Wine Cellar.

Berkshire Cider Project: Dry, sparkling hard cider is this North Adams-based cidery’s specialty. Available at their tasting room at Greylock Works and at wine shops throughout the county. You can also gift a subscription through their Cider Club.

Hilltop Orchards: This Richmond orchard is the home of JMash hard cider (made with its own apples) and much more, including Ice Wine that contains 45 apples in each bottle.

COFFEE BREAK

No. Six Depot Roastery and Cafe: Ethically sourced, small batch coffee roasted in West Stockbridge. Available at the café, online, and at retailers throughout the county.

Tunnel City Coffee: A north county favorite, this Williamstown roastery, situated in the Norad Mill, offers several roasts at its retail locations at Williams College, at MASS MoCA, and online.

Barrington Coffee: Sourced from small farms around the world, this 30-year-old roastery offers a wide variety of roasts, including rare and exotic coffees as well as an anaerobic collection. Available online and a variety of retailers including Guido’s and Wild Oats.

ExtraSpecialTeas: Inventive tea with a social mission. This sweet little tea house employs special needs adults at its Great Barrington and Housatonic locations and offers its own special loose-leaf tea blends. Pick up a bag of Housie Paooza, Blue Skies (which sheds light on autism), and more at either location.

Harney & Sons: Situated just over the border in Millerton, NY, Harney & Sons is not, technically, a Berkshire company, but who among us does not love their teas? Now distributed nationally, their signature black and gold tins make great gifts. Available at local retailers and at their tea shop in Millerton.

PANTRY ESSENTIALS

Highlawn Farm Ghee: Made from high quality cream from Highlawn’s Jersey herd in Lee, this ghee is a great cooking substitute for both butter and olive oil. Think Omega-3s! Available at the farm.

Baldwin’s Extracts: You’ll find a treasure trove of baking ingredients at Charles H. Baldwin & Sons in West Stockbridge (and online). But our fav is their vanilla extract. It’s a splurge that’s worth every penny. Rolling Rock Salt: Sea salts, peppercorns, and inventive spice blends all made by hand in Sheffield and whimsically named. Available online and at local farmers markets.

Ooma Tesora’s: Small batch marinara sauce made in Windsor the way your grandma used to do it—with plum tomatoes, olive oil, fresh onions, and garlic, and sea salt and herbs. And NO SUGAR! Available online and at Guido’s, Wild Oats, and other local markets.

Bizalion’s EVOO: The owners of this Great Barrington specialty food shop source their own extra virgin olive oil from a select group of Mediterranean growers. New to their selection: olive oil that’s aged in bourbon barrels right up the road at Berkshire Mountain Distillers.

SWEET TREATS

Klara’s Gourmet Cookies: Macaroons and shortbread widely distributed at Berkshire retailers and produced in Lee. Our go-to: the lemon poppyseed shortbread.

Chocolate Springs: A must for all chocoholics. Every chocolate is handmade in Lenox and they’re as lovely as they are tasty. We love the truffles; their hot chocolate mix also makes a great gift.

Berkshire Bark Chocolate: Yummy hunks of dark, milk, and white chocolate packed with nuts, seeds, fruit, cocoa nibs and more. Our personal fav is Midnight Harvest. Available at specialty stores throughout the Berkshires.

Bola Granola: A local legend, now nationally distributed and available in bulk online and at Guido’s. Filled with oats, almonds, and pumpkin seeds and more for a protein-rich snack. We love Barely Sweet (made with local maple syrup) mixed with local yoghurt.

HONEY, SYRUP, AND JAM

Tree Hugger Honey: Made in North Adams, from 100 hives scattered across north county. Available at Wild Oats Market, Adams Hometown Markets, several smaller retailers, and online.

Berkshire Honey: Small batch honey made in Great Barrington. Look for its pretty labels at your favorite south county specialty retailer, including Taft Farms, North Plain Farm, Gorham & Norton, and Williams & Sons Country Store

Turner Farms: Based in South Egremont, this long-established family-owned sugarhouse taps 4,300 trees! Syrup is available at local specialty retailers and online.

Mill Brook Sugarhouse: Another long-time Berkshire business, this Lenox based sugarhouse sells syrup in traditional jugs and in glass bottles. Available at the sugarhouse, at Loebs, Elm Street Market, and Brattle Farm.

Ioka Valley Farm: Lovely and expansive, this Hancock farm is worth a visit for a variety of products, including pure maple syrup of all grades, maple cream, maple sugar, maple barbecue sauce, and maple mustard.

Berkshire Wine Jelly: Served with cheese, drizzled over cheesecake, added to a cocktail or to salad dressing, this versatile and delicious jelly is available online and at a number of specialty retailers, such as Spirited, Nejaime’s, and Lanesborough Local.