Throw away the fruitcake and candy canes! For years, the idea of giving or receiving food has had people in shock and horror. But there’s no need to turn up your nose at the idea! Giving perishable gifts at Christmas is a common holiday tradition that both the giver and the receiver can enjoy. And sending fruit baskets, cakes, or pastries has always been a part of the holiday season. Although the perishable gift idea has been largely scoffed at, there are several gifts that people still love to receive from this semi-taboo category. Give this list a try and don’t be surprised by the amount of compliments you receive. There is an exception to every rule, and with such delicious gifts you will be happy to break the rules.
- gourmet coffee – Ditch your grocery store branding and head to the specialty stores to make this gift a hit. You may even need to travel a bit further than your local Starbucks, but don’t lose your mind! Gourmet coffee accessories and sets are highly prized in today’s caffeine driven world. The aromatic flavor of freshly ground coffee beans invigorates the spirit and enlivens the mind with a gentle boost. Some studies even suggest that a little coffee a day helps wake up the brain enough to help prevent age-associated memory disorders. What could not be loved? Try creating your own gift set with flavor-infused coffee, agave syrup, and a “Not A Paper Cup” style reusable ceramic coffee mug.
- specialty tea – Tea has gained a huge revitalization movement in recent years. Specialized tea shops can now be found in many shopping malls, with a variety of accessories, from strainers to tea sets for one. No longer the first choice for the English, a special basket of tea is now a coveted gift for the holidays. When making your tea selections, be sure to combine different varieties of tea (white, green, black, or red). Great accessories include infusers, tea-specific travel mugs, and honey-dipped spoons.
- chocolates – Truffles, fudge and decorated treats! Chocolates that thrill your eyes as much as your taste buds are the perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth at the holidays. A delicious variety and a beautiful box are all you need. Not everyone has time to bake, and very few have the knack for making cookies and candies look like little professional masterpieces. Go to your local chocolatier and indulge in treats in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. With the right box or ribbon-wrapped package, this gift is a coveted choice!
- Came – Aged to perfection, a good bottle of wine brings together an entire meal, as well as the people who share it. With a bottle of wine as a gift, you will never be left empty-handed. The best part is that you don’t have to open and share the bottle right away, but you can if you want! Go the extra mile and include a few accessories with your bottle to make the gift a complete package. Consider aerators, wine glass charms, decorated stoppers and easy-open corkscrews as accents for the perfect glass of wine.
- Cookies – You certainly made an amazing array of cookies for the holiday season. Spare your waistline the trouble of expanding and offer some of your treats as gifts to neighbors and co-workers. They make the perfect thoughtful gift without adding any extra effort to your plate. This is the ideal gift to share with acquaintances, rather than close friends. A decorated plate wrapped with colorful plastic wrap and ribbon can be garnished with a sample of the delicious cookies your family baked this year.