If you have a big freezer and the resources/means at your disposal, if you eat meat I encourage you to look into buying a local animal—it comes with a smaller carbon footprint, and generally a much better taste (and more assurances about what, exactly, you’re getting). But that’s not possible for everyone, nor does it make sense to, say, buy half a cow if you’re only a family of two, or whatever.

Another option is to buy from Omaha Steaks, particular during one of their half-off sales (like now). Buy the amount that suits your needs, and it all arrives packed in dry ice. If you’re not 100% satisfied, their unconditional guarantee will refund your money.

We’ve gotten gifts from there several times and I’ve always been happy with what we’ve received. Plus, it’s fun to play with the dry ice.