Leave Them Begging for More This Holiday: Give the Gift of Food

When it comes to finding that perfect gift, most holiday shopping guides are anything but perfect. Most ideas are either too expensive, don't reach a broad enough audience or are just difficult to locate. Well, there couldn't be anything easier or more appealing to a broad spectrum of people than food.

Oldies But Goodies:

Why not send a blast from the past? Everyone is sure to love retro candies from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's that aren't manufactured anymore. www.groovycandies.com is a great place for collectible candies that bring back all sorts of memories. Just click on "gift collections" and all your old favorites like candy cigarettes and swizzle sticks are available with the click of a mouse. Prices range from $4 for a grab bag to $20 for one decade and $50 for all three decades.

If you already have a specific retro candy in mind you can find it in a bulk at http://candy-crate.stores.yahoo.net/ but you'd really need to know the receiver's likes and dislikes.

Local Favorites:

There's nothing better than reminding someone of home. Food is the perfect way to enhance someone's love of their hometown. Also, some cities are just known for having the best in the country so why not go with what's top notch?

Washington, PA -
The best chocolate covered toffee, known throughout Pennsylvania. Half Pound to five pound tins available from $11 to $70.
http://www.thetoffeehouse.com/

Cincinnatti, OH -
The best chocolates and ice cream around. Graeter's has a special process they've passed down through generations to create the perfect ice cream which can be shipped anywhere. Chocolate lovers will be hooked. Six pints of ice cream $60, 12 pints $110. Candy prices available online September-May.
http://www.graeters.com/new_store.cfm

Anyone who's visited Cincinnati has had Skyline Chili. It's known for a special secret ingredient which makes it so addictive. No one knows the recipe, but the key ingredient is said to be chocolate. Kits range from $30-$100 depending on how much you love your chili!
http://www.skylinechili.com/

New York, NY -
Several famous movies were filmed there but Serendipty3 is infamous for their frozen hot chocolate. You can purchase packets or even a gift box. For the complete experience a gift certificate for the tourist is a must. $25 will get you the packets or gift box.
http://www.serendipity3.com/main.htm

Las Vegas, NV -
For melt in your mouth chocolate and seasonal favorites like chocolate dipped caramel apples Ethel M is a mainstay. Gift boxes average $20-$40.
http://www.ethelm.com/

More of a Meat and Potatoes Kind of Guy:

Some people just want one night where they don't have to cook and they don't have to wait in line at a restaurant. Why not a gourmet, romantic dinner for two at home without all the cooking?

Omaha Steaks -
You can order an appetizer, entrée, side dish, dessert or complete meal. They typically have discounts on gift items.
http://www.omahasteaks.com

Delightful Deliveries -
From complete meals to candy or baked goods, they have it all at a reasonable price. You can get an entire meal of filet mignon and sides for two for $40.
http://www.delightfuldeliveries.com/

Gourmet Food Store -
Hard to find cuts of meat, fish and cheese from around the world for the savviest of eaters.
http://www.gourmetfoodstore.com/

Let's Get Personal:

If you're looking for something more personalized there are a few options. But personalizing means you either know the receiver well or you're going to let them pick their present.

Create Your Own Ice Cream Flavor -
If it sounds like a dream come true go ahead. They'll make anything! It's $40 for a half gallon and $70 for a gallon.
http://www.ecreamery.com/

Reinhold's will also go the distance making your flavor. Three half gallons are of your designer flavor is only $45.
http://www.customicecreamcreations.com/

Design Your Own Gift Basket -
You can also design your own gift basket. Just select a theme and price range. Being the designer isn't cheap baskets range from $50-$150.
http://www.designityourselfgiftbaskets.com/

Send Them Out for a Night on the Town:
Sometimes everyone just needs a night out on someone else. You can either visit the restaurant in person or check a few of these resources:

Just type in a zipcode or state and gift certificates for restaurants in their area are available. You can even make them a reservation.
http://www.restaurant.com/

Click on restaurants and multiple possibilities appear.
http://www.giftcertificates.com/

In the end, you can't go wrong with food. It's something all people need and most people want or crave. It's also something that can suit your best friend or the guy in the next cubicle over.