A Foodie’s “Holiday Bargain” Gift Guide

You know how people say “It’s the thought that counts” when it comes to gift-giving?  While I agree with this in theory, let’s be honest: it’s a lot more fun to get a thoughtful gift that’s cool verses one that’s just ho-hum!  So how do you find great gifts – when time and money is limited?  It’s easy if you think like a spirited foodie. Most people I know love to eat and/or drink, so if you focus on “foodie-inspired” gifts, you’re sure to find something that works for even the pickiest person on your list.

In fact, there are so many great options out there that I can’t fit them all into one post. So, I’m going to share some of the best ideas in three parts . . . first, starting with gifts on a budget (because great presents don’t have to cost a fortune) . . . then healthy & organic options (which are anything but boring)  . . . and lastly, purely decadent presents (rich in price, calories or both!).  So, let the shopping begin . . .

Truffles, Truffles Everywhere! - Any foodie would love to get a basket full of truffles under the tree, but the  real ones could bankrupt your Christmas account.  Enter truffle “blends” – truffles added to staples like salt, paste and honey – that let you add luxury to everyday meals for a fraction of the cost, making great gift for any food lover. - Casina Rossa Truffle & Salt ($25) – ground black truffles mixed with sea salt that you can sprinkle on steak, eggs or potatoes!  - Urbani Black Truffle Paste ($40) – paste provide a concentrated burst of truffle flavor when whisked into sauces, vinaigrettes or butter.  - Lunardi Truffle Honey ($19.50) – this sweet and earthy combo makes a great spread for toasts or cheeses. 

A Little Bit of Julia - There’s no question: Julia Child is hot.  In fact, even five years after her death, she’s more popular than many of today’s chefs – thanks in large part to this summer’s hit movie “Julie & Julia.”  So why not give the gift of Julia’s culinary inspiration to the folks on your list with a copy of one of her books, cookbooks or videos – all available at www.amazon.com.

- Mastering the Art of French Cooking ($19) or Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom: Essential Techniques and Recipes from a Lifetime of Cooking ($10) – these books will keep giving for years to come with great recipes and tips!  Julie & Julia – get the DVD of this summer’s hit movie to keep your friends and family laughing (and eating) all year long!  Or how about Appetite for Life ($12) – this biography provides a truly enjoyable look at the real Julia Child  . . . from her childhood roots to her rise as one of America’s most influential cooks.

Raise a Glass (or two) - I know wine doesn’t seem terribly original, but it’s usually appreciated – especially when it’s new, different or just plain good!  And the wonderful thing is wine (red, white or sparkling) doesn’t have to be expensive to be great – check out these options or ask your local wine store for suggestions:

Sparkling ($15-$19) – instead of Champagne, give the gift of sparkling wine -- either Italian Prosecco or Spanish Cava!  These are both fantastic party wines – great for toasting in Christmas or New Year’s Eve – or equally as good for a cozy night at home.  Try NV Adami Garbel Prosecco or Marques de Gelida Brut Reserve Rose Cava. White ($12-$14) – for a sure thing, try Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.  Give Acrobat Pinot Gris to folks who like a light, sweeter white and give Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc to those who like a crisp, clean, yet smooth wine. Red ($13-$20) – Pinot Noirs are a great gift as they’re a lighter, very drinkable red with a lot of character – perfect if you’re not sure exactly what your gift recipient likes.  Heron Pinot Noir and Seven Terraces Pinot Noir are both great, affordable choices! 

Let Them Eat Cake - Sprinkles Cupcake mix ($14) – The original Sprinkles cupcakes (originating in LA) cost $3.25 a piece, but the mix let’s you make them for about $1.25 each!  Whether you give the mix or make the cupcakes and give the finished product, folks are sure to gobble them up!  Eli’s Original Favorites Cheesecake Sampler ($40) – Eli’s is famous for making some of the best cheesecake in the country and while their website offers a wide variety of amazing options (check out the cheesecake pops or the candy cheesecake sampler!), the best value comes from the 16 slice Original Favorites sampler.  Coming out at just $2.50 a slice, this sampler provides a great value as well as a fantastic gift!  Rose’s Heavenly Cakes ($21) – What’s the old saying?  “Give a man a cake, he eats for a day, but teach a man to bake and he eats for a lifetime” (well, something like that!) . . .  and there’s no better way to help a novice become a great baker then with a cookbook by Rose Levy Beranbaum. Beranbaum is the queen of cake baking and Rose’s Heavenly Cakes is a beautiful, yet easy to understand primer in cake baking.

- Sharen Santoski, www.SignalRockCommunications.com
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Sharen Santonski, foodie extraordinaire, and a former member of the Spirited Woman Blogger Team will be guest blogging for Spirited Woman on her favorite subject "food." Growing up in an Italian/Polish/American home, Sharen cultivated her love of food at a very early age. She is an amateur aficionado of cooking, dining, entertaining and exploring. Bon Appetit!