Gift Ideas for the Gourmet

Wine. When it comes to gift ideas for the gourmet, wine is an obvious choice. You could pick up a bottle of wine at the local liquor store, and slap a bow on it for your gourmet. Or you could get the fancy idea to sign up your gourmet for a wine-of-the-month club. They'll be thanking you all year!

Cheese. Wine may be an obvious gift idea for the gourmet, but cheese is not. Oh, sure, you've seen those cleverly made up packages of cheddar and summer sausage that make an appearance very holiday season. But what about serious gourmet cheese that pleases the palate and gives recipients a new dining experience? Perhaps you've never heard of a Black Mesa Jalapeno Chevre or Strachitunt Valtaleggio, but you can find an assortment of these cheeses and countless others for very reasonable prices at Igourmet.com. They offer a selection of cheeses from all over the world and will ship your gourmet gift to anyone on your holiday list. Choose between wine-soaked cheeses from France or Paneer from India. You can send an assortment for the holidays that will impress and give great enjoyment to your gourmet and guests.

Caviar Server. Does someone on your list have an affinity for caviar? If so, a great gift idea for the gourmet on your list might be a caviar server with an accompanying glass bowl. It helps keep the caviar cool and fresh, and if you can find one in silver, it will add an elegant appearance for the buffet table to boot.

A Fondue Set. Fondue sets aren't just for the sixties. They're a great gift idea for the gourmet in any decade. Imagine the parties your gourmet will throw when he or she can melt chocolate for guests to dip strawberries into. You can give this gift for Christmas and see it on the table by New Years Day.

A Picnic Basket. Give a picnic basket, complete with elegant handles and a place to store a blanket. This is a gift idea for the gourmet that the entire family can enjoy.

Herb Plants. One gift idea for the gourmet involves a little gardening. Give a little tomato or basil plant, or something similar. If the gourmet on your holiday list has a green thumb, he or she can grow their own spices to cook with and cut down on trips to the grocery store. Plus, fresh herbs are always tastier and healthier.

Coffee. Does the gourmet in your life like to wake to the scent of rich coffee brewing? If so, gourmet coffee may be just the thing to start off Christmas morning. Sure, you could go with Starbucks, but if we're going to be creative with gift ideas for the gourmet, make the gift a bit more exotic. Maybe something Irish, maybe something from Greece. Bring the flavors of the world into your gourmet's kitchen.

Sweets. But when it comes to gift ideas for the gourmet, you can't go wrong with sweets. But this is where you can really find some unusual treats. How about triple chocolate truffle brownies? Maybe an old-fashioned chocolate panforte from Tuscany or a chestnut Polendina from the same region? No gourmet can turn their nose up at a panna cotta mix. Or how about a good Christmas pudding? Options abound and are sure to please your gourmet's sweet tooth this holiday season.

Chocolate. And while we're on the subject of sweets, don't forget to add chocolate to your list of gift ideas for the gourmet. An expensive bottle of wine can be worth more than your house. But the most expensive gourmet chocolate in the world won't set you back too far. Truffles might be the order of the day this holiday season, but don't rule out unusual chocolates like cordials and bourbon chocolates.