A Creative Gift Idea: Popcorn and All Things Popcorn

Of course life is bizarre, the more bizarre it gets, the more interesting it is. The only way to approach it is to make yourself some popcorn and enjoy the show. (David Gerrold)

I'm serious. It really is Popcorn Poppin' Month again! The Popcorn Board encourages every American to "celebrate National Popcorn Poppin' Month with those you love." Have you run out of really creative ideas to celebrate the month? Too much of "been there, done that"? Sure, you could take the easy way out; and purchase another Popcorn Tin and just call it a day. But, where's the love - the energy - the spark of creativity in that?

It isn't too late to make a gift basket for that special someone in your life. Though, you don't necessarily need to use a basket. Use an empty popcorn tin, a bucket, a gift bag or a theater popcorn container. It would be best to choose the items you want to include and then pick the container.

So, let's get those ideas poppin'! Here's a short list of items that truly celebrate every kernel:

Microwave Popping Corn
Bag of popping corn
Jiffy popping corn
A popcorn popper
Popcorn Fork with built in salt shaker
Fancy Napkins (cloth or paper)
Popcorn salt or seasoning
Specialty Popcorn Oil
Popcorn bowl, cups, tub, box or bucket
Home made popcorn balls

Movie Tickets to local theatre
A Movie - "Field of Dreams", "Children of the Corn", "Corn", "Popcorn", etc.
A CD - Recording of Gershon Kingsley's "Popcorn Song"
Popcorn Song T-shirt
Software - Roxio Popcorn2
Gift Certificate for local Popcorn Shack, Carmel Corn Store, etc.

A Book:
"The Biggest Popcorn Party Ever in Center County" by Jane Hoober Peifer
"Corn - 140 recipes: roasted, creamed, simmered + more" by Olwen Woodier
"If You Take a Mouse to the Movies" by Laura Joffe Numeroff
"Popcorn" by Frank Asch
"Popcorn at the Palace" by Emily Arnold McCully
"What Makes Popcorn Pop?" by Dave Woodside
"The Popcorn Lover's Book" by Nao Hauser and Sue Spitler

Before you start shopping, it would be good to remember why America set aside an entire month to celebrate Popcorn. It isn't just because Americans consume more popcorn than the citizens of any other country.

The Popcorn Board provides some insight into the history of Popcorn in America. Did you know that early Native Americans threw kernels directly into the fire or into heated sand. Once popped, the corn was sifted and then pounded into a fine, powdery meal and later mixed with water for eating. This was especially handy when traveling, making it a true American "to go" meal.

Colonists mixed ground popcorn with milk and ate it as a breakfast food. Popcorn pudding-made from ground popcorn-was lauded by the likes of Ella Kellogg, Fannie Merritt Farmer and Mary Hamilton Talbott. And shortly after the end of World War II, a shortage of baking flours forced bread makers to substitute up to 25% of wheat flour with ground popped popcorn.

You have to agree with the Popcorn Board. "There's also a little bit of magic in every kernel of popcorn. Popcorn delights young and old alike as it dances and sings in a sizzling pan of oil or microwave oven. And the aroma! One whiff of this tantalizing treat triggers hunger pangs you didn't even know existed."

So you think its too late to get your act together for Popcorn Poppin' Month this year? No worries. Before you know it, January 19th will be here and you can have it ready for National Popcorn Day!