Santa's Favorite Gift-of-the-Month Clubs

In spite of recent economic downturns, every year some would-be Santa's Helpers can well afford to buy gifts which they may not have time to shop for, wrap and mail. Whoever still has a job is probably working extra hours and may be fighting for a chance just to put up and trim the tree much less launching packages to far-away places. If you can afford something special for someone special this year but would rather leave the wrapping and mailing to someone else, there are gourmet food companies out there who would love to help you. The delights don't have to stop with the holidays either - Mom, Dad, or other beloved people on your gift list would love to be enrolled in a Gift of the Month Club. Listed below are some of the best:

Cheryl and Co. is probably the gold standard for fancy cookies and they provide four Cookie of the Month options which are on sale currently for: $69.99 (Three Month), $109.99 (Five Month), $149.99 (Seven-Month), and $249.99 (Twelve Month). Expensive yes, but even one Cheryl's cookie is an unforgettable experience. Each plan begins with a dozen assorted cookies for December followed in due course by another dozen each month in these successive flavors: Oatmeal Raisin, Frosted Hearts, Frosted Mint Chocolate, Frosted Easter Egg Cookies, Macadamia Chip, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip, Frosted Lemon Burst, Frosted Caramel Pecan Chocolate, Frosted Pumpkins and Snickerdoodles. For details, phone 800-443-8124 or visit www.CherylandCo.com.

Gourmet Center has gathered together an assortment of airplane snacks - those popular individually packaged cookies offered to travelers on planes with coffee or tea. Either the "Biscoff" or "Cookie Assortment" club plans come in different options ranging in price from $184 to $445 a year and starting off with a December flourish featuring a large, clear plastic cookie jar filled with snacks and destined to be refilled at intervals depending on your plan selection. For more details, phone 800-422-2924 or visit www.biscoff.com.

Harry & David, purveyors of fine fruits, cheeses and treats and originators of the Gift Club concept, offers a "No payments until April 2010" deal for orders over $99 plus free shipping on all club plans. H&D offer a "Light" Fruit of the Month Club (for smaller households) for $79.95 (Three Month), $154.95 (Six Month), $224.95 (Nine Month) and $284.95 (Twelve Month). The "Regular" Fruit of the Month Club doubles up on what the "Light" delivers and costs $104.95 (Three Month), $204.95 (Six Month), $299.95 (Nine Month), and $379.95 (Twelve Month Club). Lucky recipients receive famous Royal Riviera Pears in December, followed by Cushman's Honeybells (January), Golden Pineapple (February), Royal Grapefruit (March), Royal Navel Oranges (April), Sunrise Papayas (May), Honey Mangoes (June), Bing Cherries (July), Oregold Peaches (August), Exotic Nectarines (September), Royal Riviera Pears (October) and Honeycrisp Apples (November). For more details, phone 800-547-3033 or visit www.HarryandDavid.com.

Meat of the Month Club. Here is something a little different, definitely upscale and guaranteed to please your favorite carnivores. Meat of the Month Clubs come in a variety of plans including: Seafood, Sausage, Exotic Meat (or) Burgers, Lobster, Kobe Beef, Chicken, USDA Prime Beef, Meat & Seafood, Filet Mignon, Porterhouse, and New York Steak, Kosher, Halal, and Organic Meats, and Steak & Wine. Also available are Beer (or) Cheesecake of the Month Clubs. Prices are astronomical but shipping is free - a rarity for refrigerated or frozen foods. For more details, visit www.Meatofthemonthclub.com or phone 866-543-2616 where it has been promised that a "live human is waiting to help you."

Wolferman's is famous for English muffins and other great morning delights. Anyone would be delighted to be enrolled in one of their Breakfast Clubs - Three Month ($79.95), Six Month ($134.95) or Twelve Month ($249.95). Things kick off in December with the Wolferman's Signature Gift Tower followed by a delivery each month of Makings for French Toast (January), Classic Cinnamon Rolls (February), Makings for Eggs Benedict (March), Nutty Sticky Buns (April), Mini Bundt Cakes & Coffee (May), Triple Treat Muffin Sampler (June), Tea Breads & Tea (July), Coffee Cakes & Coffee (August), Sweet Muffins & Topping (September), Buttermilk Pancake Breakfast (October) and Kringle Sampler (November). Wolferman's offers a "No Payments until March 2010" deal on orders over $99. For more information, phone 1-800-999-0169 or visit www.Wolfermans.com.

In a perfect world, those of us who have been good should have a right to expect a gift enrollment for treats of the month. The reality is that a lot of people may not be able to afford or be so inclined as to buy gifts like this for even their best friends this year. Nevertheless, there may be someone in your life special enough to deserve this. Such a gift that keeps on giving might just be worth the money after all (and I bet most people would be just as thrilled with the Three-Month plans.)

Sources:

Catalogues
Websites mentioned above