Gift Giving Guy

“Forget love — I’d rather fall in chocolate!”
(attributed to Sandra J. Dykes)

Food makes a great gift. Find that person’s favorite cuisine or a taste from home. My wife is a chocolate lover, so Godiva chocolates never fail to please. For Mother’s Day 2007, I gave my mom a taste of her Baltimore hometown: a dozen delicious crab cakes from Phillips Seafood (crabcakes.com). And I finally found a place online (monicaspies.com) that makes and delivers the hard-to-find elderberry pies that my father-in-law craves.

If you are considering a food gift card or certificate, step it up. Give a dinner of significance, such as the restaurant from the first date, proposal, rehearsal dinner or a hands-down favorite dining spot. You may need to visit the restaurant in person to pick up these certificates or have them mailed. Looking for something more romantic? Try a Google search on “personal chef” (plus your city) to hire a personal chef to prepare a romantic dinner in your home. Or better yet — cook a four-course meal for your special someone yourself.

Below are some examples of food gifts I enjoy giving:

• Godiva chocolates (and coffee). I gave the 36 piece Signature Truffle Assortment this Valentine’s Day 2007 to my wife. For coffee, I like to give the Café Godiva, particularly the Chocolate Créme or the Créme Brulèe.
• Flavored gourmet popcorn from Popcorn Palace. I sent a large tin to my dad on his birthday. The Chicago Style (caramel/cheddar mix) is unbelievably delicious.
• Cookie “bouquets” from Cookies by Design. These cookie bouquets are custom-shaped and hand-decorated sugar cookies on sticks, arranged in a basket. A great gift for Father’s Day.
• A complete meal from Impromptu Gourmet. Skip the dining gift certificate and send the meal right to their door. With the “Complete Meal Experience,” you can send a three-course meal in a colorful, distinctive box with a dinner music CD. The “Design Your Own Meal” lets you customize the gourmet meal. My parents and in-laws loved this gift.
• Gourmet muffins from My Favorite Muffin. During the Christmas season, I sent a large assortment of mini-muffins to my wife’s office.
• Cookies and treats from Cheryl&Co. The “new baby” collection is ideal to celebrate a new addition to the family.