(ARA) – One of the most challenging tasks that comes with the holidays is finding gifts for the hard-to-buy-for people on your list. Everyone knows at least one person who has tastes so specific and so particular that it can be a nerve-wracking experience looking for something that you hope they’ll love. To avoid that stress, you just need to remember one thing: Appeal to their taste buds.
Giving the gift of gourmet foods and beverages is something that even the most finicky gift recipient will appreciate. It might seem like you’d need to spend a fortune, but there are plenty of ways to buy high-quality gifts without breaking your budget. By looking online, you can often find gourmet food gifts at reasonable prices. There’s another great dimension to giving food gifts, as well – you can rely on them year round. There’s no limit to season or occasion, so they work well whether you’re giving them as corporate incentives, birthday gifts or holiday presents.
* Microbrews at home – Does one of your friends have top-notch taste in beers? If he appreciates brews the way most people appreciate wines, noting their subtle nuances and complex differences, the perfect gift idea might be a home brewing kit. Because it allows you to create the exact blend you want – or play around to experiment with new flavors – it’s ideal for the brainy beer lover.
* Steaks and fine meats – Having a great steak or a lobster is just about the ultimate in dining luxury. By giving the gift of top-quality steaks or meats from a supplier like Omaha Steaks, you’re providing your gift recipient with the main ingredient for an indulgent dinner that can be enjoyed at home. Whether you’re gifting steaks to a grill master or lobster to a shellfish aficionado, they’ll be able to prepare it precisely to their liking, and even experiment with tastes they might not be able to find in a restaurant.
* Spice it up – If there’s one universal characteristic of food fanatics’ kitchens, it’s a well-stocked spice, herb and seasoning supply. If your gift list includes someone who’s always in the kitchen, studiously creating complex dishes from every corner of the globe, present them with a variety of top quality spices and unusual seasonings. Make sure that what you’re buying is fresh – companies like Penzey’s spices are a good resource, but you can also check local specialty markets for more exotic ingredients.
* Wine and dine – Every meal needs the perfect pairing. For expert home chefs, their wine cabinet should match the quality of the meals that they love to prepare. The gift of a wine club membership will help them keep a nicely varied stock of fine wines that they can use throughout the seasons and with a wide array of foods. They’ll be able to toast you whenever they open up a new bottle.
Taking the guessing game out of gift giving is something everyone would like to do. If you want to expedite your shopping and give gifts that are sure to get rave reviews, skip the sweaters, ditch the ties and pick out gourmet gifts that everyone will be able to savor.
