You may have that certain person in your life that is difficult to shop for, but that you want to give something special. Or you may be invited to a dinner party and want to take a hostess gift. What do you give when you can’t think of anything that sounds right? You might consider gourmet gift baskets to suit their taste.

Choose Unusual Ingredients

The fun of receiving a gourmet food basket is finding things inside that you may not always have around but would enjoy trying. Such ingredients as smoked salmon, specialized mustards and exotic teas star in these baskets. Quality Camembert, Brie and wine–flavored cheese spreads, or caviar, Greek olives and smoked almonds may hit the spot. Imported candies and cocoa can bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Match the Container to the Recipient

Gourmet baskets may be arranged in refined stitched leather boxes, rustic wooden crates, or even velvet-trimmed containers. You might also find them in lovely woven baskets and elegant scroll-topped metal tins. You can really order them in as fancy or casual a container as suits the occasion. A galvanized tin pail filled with smoked meats and cheeses is someone who likes entertaining outdoors in the summer.

For Special Occasions or Everyday

Finding a unique gift for a special birthday is easy when you choose a basket full of gourmet treats, but sending one to someone for no other reason than to show them you care can be a memorable experience for them. For a wedding gift, choose a silver container with a classic sheer charcoal and silver harlequin design. If it is a housewarming, you might select a rustic wooden box tied in a big red bow to resemble a ribbon cutting. The sky is the limit.

So the next time you feel stuck and uninspired, consider a gift basket full of gourmet goodies. It’s sure to be a hit!