Gift Baskets

• There is an endless array of gift-basket items.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Personalize the classic gift basket. You can buy inexpensive empty baskets at craft or dollar stores to fill with your own selection of cheeses, crackers or sausages. Shop at specialty stores to find unusual foods the recipients wouldn't ordinarily buy for themselves, like bacon and tomato jelly, pepper jelly, Bavarian mustard or lemon curd. Put a layer of crumbled or shredded tissue paper in the bottom of the basket. Place the gift items in the basket, and add more tissue to keep the items upright and in place. Place the basket on a piece of cellophane large enough to wrap the basket. Bring the edges of the cellophane up and gather at the top. Tie with a ribbon.
  
  

Homemade Spice Blends

• Make and bottle your own spice blends.Blue Jean Images/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Make your own spice blends that can be used all year, like adobo seasoning, apple pie spice or spicy Caribbean seasoning. Websites like BespokeSpices.com and Budget101.com have a wealth of seasoning recipes if you don't already have a favorite of your own. (See links in Resources.) Make the desired amount of your chosen spice mix or mixes. Pick out attractive spice bottles and fill with your homemade spice mix. Design and print your own labels to affix to the bottles, or simply use a gift tag to label the spices and tie to the jar with a ribbon.
  
  

Coffees and Teas

• Coffee- and tea-lovers are easy to make gifts for.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  For coffee- or tea-loving family and friends, give coffee or tea inside oversized mugs or tea cups. Pick out gourmet coffee or tea, or whatever type you know they enjoy. You can buy large amounts of coffee beans and teas in the bulk section of health-food stores. Pack in decorative cellophane bags, twist the tops and tie with a ribbon. Place the filled bags inside the oversized mugs or tea cups, and wrap with a piece of cellophane, tissue paper or gift wrap. Tie with a ribbon. Tie a scoop to the outside of the wrapped coffee mug and a tea infuser to the outside of the tea cup with another piece of ribbon.
  
  

Homemade Fudge and Caramel Sauces

• Hot fudge makes a luscious gift.Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  Make large batches of homemade hot fudge or caramel sauce to give as gifts. Epicurious.com and FoodNetwork.com are good places to start when looking for recipes. (See links in Resources.) Store in attractive jars with tight-fitting lids. Design and print your own labels, or simply label the jars with gift tags. Tie a ribbon around the jar, or wrap in cellophane or wrapping paper. Use a ribbon to tie a small bag of candied nuts or an ice-cream scoop to the package.
  
  

Packaging Is Everything

• When giving home-baked goods as gifts, remember that the packaging can be an element of the gift. Give mini loaves of sweet or savory breads in individual ceramic bread pans the recipient can use again and again. Give cookies in decorative, reusable tins or even cookie jars.
  
  

Local Fare

• If you are sending foods to friends and family out of town, you can buy food or snacks only available in your area. Check your Chamber of Commerce for a list of food that is made locally or is unique to your area.
  
  

Traveling With Food Gifts

• Traveling by plane with your gifts of food poses special considerations, as many foods cannot be brought through airport checkpoints, and if allowed, they must be unwrapped so they can be inspected by security officers. If in doubt, put your food gifts in your checked baggage or ship ahead of time.