The Best Edible Gifts

Gifts of food never go to waste.

Since we all need to eat, food is often a well-received and appreciated gift. Whether it's a special occasion or no occasion at all, tasty food is a good choice. From homemade to store bought items, there are a number of possibilities for just about everyone on your list.

Candy

For those who love candy, chocolate is often a welcome gift. An assortment of chocolate covered nuts, mints, creams and dried fruits come prepackaged at numerous stores and websites. Candy bouquets or gift baskets are also good options to give. You can create your own with a vase or basket, packaged candy, wooden skewers and tape. Tape each package of candy to a skewer and arrange it in the vase as you would a floral arrangement. If you would prefer, websites such as Candy Blast can create one for you and ship it anywhere in the United States.

Fruit

Fruit makes a nice edible gift, especially during the winter months. Decorative baskets filled with an assortment of fruit can be created or purchased at many retailers. Fruit clubs are also available, which will give the recipient a box of fruit each month for a specific amount of time. Cutting pineapple, strawberries, grapes and melons with cookie cutters, knives and melon ballers and arranging them on wooden skewers is a fun way to give fresh fruit bouquets. Fill the bottom of a vase with clay or floral foam and push the skewers in it to arrange the bouquet. Tie a colorful ribbon around the vase for a nice added touch.

Jams and Jellies

Jams, jellies and preserves are tasty, edible treats to give as gifts. From the usual favorites of grape and strawberry to more exotic yuzu fruit marmalade or jalapeno jelly, there are many options. Create an entire package by pairing them with crackers, toasts, muffins or pancake and waffle mixes.

Cheese

Holidays, office gatherings, dinner parties, anniversaries and adult birthdays are all good reasons to give a variety of cheeses along with crackers, sausage and perhaps a bottle of wine. Many local supermarkets offer a variety of cheeses, however, creameries and websites offer a larger selection including more uncommon flavors like haloumi-style cheese, which is made with mint leaves or chocolate stout cheddar that is a combination of cheese and beer.

Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a dessert enjoyed by many and therefore makes a good option when choosing an edible gift. Give a plain cheesecake along with a variety of toppings or a chocolate, lemon, pecan turtle or pumpkin cheesecake. Sample platters are also available, which will give the person receiving the gift a chance to try several flavors.

Popcorn

For the person who loves popcorn, a large container of popcorn can be the best edible gift to receive. Popcorn flavors often include caramel, cheese, cinnamon and butter. Companies such as The Popcorn Factory offer colorful tins for just about any occasion or event.

References

• Candy Blast: Candy Bouquets, Chocolate Gifts & Movie Gift Baskets
• Plan The Perfect Baby Shower: How to Make an Edible Fruit Bouquet
• Hillbilly Housewife: Giving Your Home Canning As Gifts -- Jalapeno Jelly Recipe
• Street Directory: When to Give Wine and Cheese Gift Baskets
• My Cheese: Haloumi-Style Cheese
• Street Directory: Cheesecake a Most Wonderful Dessert