Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or Festivus, there is one thing for certain...there's someone you have NO IDEA how to shop for! Well that's the good thing about food gifts, everyone has to eat! And no matter what the loved one, colleague, or host's tastes are they'll appreciate the sentiment you put into their present if you follow these simple rules.
1. Customize it. Anyone can buy a gift card from a local restaurant, but how do you make it unique? Perhaps they have kids that you could babysit during their adult dinner. Or maybe the place allows you to bring your own bottle of wine? Consider a spot known for their great dessert and treat your friend to a luxury they wouldn't usually buy for themselves. Many restaurants (like Jolie's & Tsunami) offer a perk card to the buyer when you buy so many gifts, so shop around. Bread & Circus sells lots of their housemade goodies in their market; any would complement a gift card there. Indulge is always a crowd pleaser (you must try their shakes) or stock up on a variety of lunchtime stops for your office mates to enjoy, you may even get an invite out of it!
2. Stock the pantry. I love giving cookbooks at gifts, especially to newlyweds or teenagers moving away from home. But having a cookbook and using a cookbook are two completely different things. Scoot on over to www.juniorleagueoflafayette.com and pick up one of their famous "Talk About" cookbooks, scour the pages for the tastiest sounding dish and buy all the dry ingredients to make it (skip meat, dairy and eggs). Use a cute tea towel to bundle the spices, flour, or grains with a nice pretty bow, and voila!
3. Satisfy their sweet tooth. Unless they're my dad, everyone loves sweets. There are great online recipes for batters or drink mixes in a jar - simply layer the dry ingredients in a mason jar and attach the recipe with some twine or ribbon. Hot cocoa with crushed peppermint and mini marshmallows are great go-to-gifts for teachers or hostesses, and make pretty favors for any holiday party. Top the jar with mittens that can be shaped into antlers or flopped over for a snowman's hat, grab a few paint pens and you have an awesome kid gift!
4. Give of yourself. Is there a dish that you make that always gets rave reviews? Something you've always wanted to bottle or sell? We all have that signature recipe that everyone asks for. Instead of forking over grandma's sauce know-how or Aunt Ida's cookie secrets, prepare a batch and store in a decorative tin or freezeable container. Several even come printed with holiday motifs. Add a handmade tag and deliver with a smile, and it's sure to be appreciated.
The holidays don't have to be fussy, expensive or complicated to be amazing. In fact, the best gift of all each season is the time we can spend with loved ones and moments reflecting on our year. Make your last minute shopping and give the gift of grub!