I do this every holiday. I have the best intentions of getting all my shopping done early (this year I set December 1st as the goal), yet no matter how hard I try, I always end up in a last-minute crunch. Inevitably, there are one or two people on my list who I save until the bitter end – either because they are difficult to buy for or because I’ve just plain run out of ideas! If you’re like me, here are some ideas that may help you finish your list with a day or two to spare. In this post (my last in a series of three on foodie-inspired gifts), I found a variety of luxurious gift items – for men and women – that can be ordered online or be purchased at local merchants. So, let’s get shopping!
For the Sweet Tooth: Hotel Chocolat - I am in LOVE with Hotel Chocolat. The British company recently opened a store here in Boston (their only US location so far) and I can’t get enough. For anyone who likes chocolate and has a sense of culinary adventure, their bars, slabs, truffles, cocoa and other confections provide an endless supply of surprises – mixing white, dark, and milk chocolate with exotic spices, fruits, nuts, cookies and crisps. Try Liquid Chocolate with Aztec Chili for an amazing cup of hot cocoa . . . or Pink Champagne Truffles for something sophisticated. Better yet, go for the Truffle Tree – a huge chocolate tree studded with almonds, Florentines, caramelized crispies, cranberries and Gianduja truffles – a truly unforgettable gift. Prices from $15-$75.
For the Gadget Guru: ThermoWorks & Kuhn Rikon - Everyone loves getting great tools for the kitchen – things that make cooking easier and more fun. Try ThermoWorks for a fantastic thermometer that reads temperatures in just 3 seconds. $96. Or Kuhn Rikon for the most amazing non-stick knives – from paring to bread knives that won’t rip or tear loaves. $10-$20. Then there’s the new Bodum “Bistro” toaster. Made of stainless steel with a heat-resistant rubber finish and a handy defrost button, these retro-funky toasters come in a variety of very cool colors (magenta, lime green, brown, black, etc.) – so they look as good as they work! $80.
For the Entertainer: La Tienda Paella Sets - Paella is the classic Spanish crowd-pleaser – a one-pan wonder featuring rice, saffron, seafood, sausage and chicken that’s perfect for a party or large gathering . . . just the kind of dish the entertainer on your list would probably love to learn how to make. And La Tienda is the perfect place to get everything you need – they have a ton of great Spanish food items including a “Deluxe Paella Kit” with stainless steel paella pan, rice, spices and cookbook! $149 for paella set.
For the Fashionista: Yarborough’s China Jewelry - Do you know a foodie who’s also a fashion junky? Then check out Yarborough’s Chipped China line of jewelry – including necklaces, rings and cuff links for men. The pieces are made from broken porcelain dishes and are set in sterling silver – very unique, very cool. Prices range from $150 - $300.
For the Globe Trotter: Food & Wine Tours - For the ultimate gift, why not send your foodie friend or relative on a cooking or tasting tour? GastroNormad Food & Wine Tours offer some great options and so do Seven Seas Travel. Or, if warmer climates are more appealing how about buying a ticket to the Cayman Islands for “Uncorked at Blue” or “Cayman Cookouts.” Both were created by world renowned chef Eric Ripert (of Le Bernardin restaurant in NYC) and feature amazing food and demonstrations.
- Sharen Santoski, www.SignalRockCommunications.com
Click here for more of Sharen's posts.
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!
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