Cran…the giant A store.

Oops, the crazy bird scene here will occur on Jan 1.

I think the smaller size is convenient for small gifts or for shipping.. but the ones on the A are VERY small 5 x 3 bags.. for $3 more you get 2lb of bird seed from Gardeners supply.

Just wanted to share because I am looking at smaller ones also (to ship)

Thanks to Mtn. sharing some subscription gift ideas last year, I ordered a monthly oyster delivery for DH. Real Oyster Cult. This turned out to be one of the best gifts I have given him. He got a shucking knife and mesh gloves with the first order. He enjoys shucking the oysters and mixing up various sauces. And the oysters have been fabulous. For those of us who live in New England the membership includes free overnight shipping. I'm renewing the subscription for this Christmas, and ordering a nice oyster serving plate.

Royce nama champagne chocolates - first had them in Las Vegas years ago and I always buy online a couple times a year. Literally melt in your mouth delicious! A friend and I always order together to save on shipping.

https://roycechocolate.com/collections/nama/products/nama-chocolate-champagne

Thanks, Sueb i just ordered 2 to take to a neighborhood get together,

Thanks, Funky, they do seem pretty small, but in this case i just want something small otherwise it might be an overkill. Love reading all the wonderful suggestions.

Thanks, @OllieJane.. I am always looking for champagne items -- my mom has decided that at her age she can have champagne whenever she wants! LOL

I learned about Sugarfina champagne gummy bears here years ago.. I dont order them anymore because I overdid it for awhile lol. I have purchased the Moscow Mule, the Rose all day and the coffee latte flavors also. I always got them from Sugarfina (they have very nice shipping packages) but you can find them in alla the Dept stores these days.

Mom also loved a champagne cheese I got in the spring-- but I can't seem to find it anymore.

ETA .. i don't drink champagne but this was recommended to one of my family members a few years ago and now this is ALL any of them drink (other than special occasions where a splurge is justified). Coppella's Sofia Blanc de Blanc. The packaging is so pretty I wish I DID drink it.. i think it is under $30... mom buys it by the case.

I’ll take this opportunity to promote Toffee! A friend’s business that started small and then became one of Oprah’s Favorite Things a few years ago. Life changing for them, and its excellent toffee.

https://toffeetogo.com

Funky, can you post a link to the bird seed? The only one I see is at gardeners.com and it says it’s not available.

Don't forget about Penzey's spices....they are so wonderful. Really pack a punch.

https://www.penzeys.com/

While visiting DD, we ambled into Sweet Maressa's in Kingston, NY to try their macarons, which were to die for. It turns out they ship nationwide. Their website is charming, and their items are delicious. https://sweetmaresas.com/

The Crooked Kitchen in Kingston specializes in macarons and also ships nationwide.

https://thecrookedkitchen.com/

I love the packaging on these spices:

https://www.diasporaco.com/products/build-your-pack?sscid=b1k6_fe3ja&variant=39606216523947

Yes, I am a fan of Savannah Bee.

My one DD adores these caramels.

https://bigpicturefarm.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAsdKbBhDHARIsANJ6-jcp_sy9cgkh4YJ5whMmyp8GGmR2_DGK4P1QxqCw0JRhaXBxTZCNyNsaApt-EALw_wcB

Hi @Sueb20.. sorry for the delay. You have theright link... I submitted an order for 4 more after posting this morning and I must have wiped them out :(

I'll let you know if I find another source.

And now going to checkout the new suggestions!

I love these caramels. https://www.shotwellcandy.com I think they may have been an Oprah favorite, too. I cannot have them in the house. I have no control!

Subiaco Abbey Peanut Brittle https://www.countrymonks.biz/abbey-brittle/ Arkansas friends sent this to DH every year. He so looked forward to it! Our friends also sent the hot sauce.

Dalmore Port Wood Reserve Whiskey (scotch) https://www.thedalmore.com/us/our-collections/the-principal-collection/port-wood-reserve/ My step-son took me to a whiskey pairing dinner last winter. This was one of the whiskeys. It was delicious. It is not necessary to order from the distillery. It seems to be carried in most liquor stores that carry a wide range of products.

For tea drinkers out there, this is a local, family-owned operation near me. Their teas are delicious and most are available loose or in bags. Front Porch Special, Healing Honeysuckle and Golden Hour Tonic are favorites.

Piper and Leaf

Another favorite tea source for me is Vadahm teas. I particularly love the Turmeric Ashwaganda and Turmeric Moringa. I believe this was an Oprah favorite a few years ago.

Thanks for starting this thread, Funky. I love giving this type of gift.

Outside, Piper and Leaf looks great!

We love Liberty Orchard’s Aplets and Cotlets. We usually eat the peach or apple flavors, but received a variety box recently and the blueberry was wonderful!

I really like ordering from this company San Juan Island Sea Salt https://sanjuanislandseasalt.com. The owners are young entrepreneurs and offer high quality products. I have enjoyed the rubs, jams, and caramels. Someone on the forum recommended them several years ago.

I generally make orange scented chocolate almond bark for gifts - it's super easy and so good, and I don't know anyone who doesn't like chocolate.

And calling BS on Jinx having little imagination 😄

Okay @carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10 - we need a recipe for that orange scented chocolate almond bark !

Another one for the folks who enjoy honey is mango honey. A friend mentioned she missed it since moving. I wasn't able to get her previous farmer's market source, but I found this one from Hawaii. It is actually mango blossom honey, not honey infused with mango. It's a light honey with a subtle touch of mango and it is now one of my favorites. They also have a Christmas honey I am curious about but have not tried.

XO Marshmallows are a fun gift, and they have an advent calendar that lets you chose 24 different flavors, some unique to the calendar. Sending that one as a repeat for FDIL (a marshmallow expert who says these and one other are the best of the best from NYC to LA) and her sister.

Funky, I've had the champagne bears and the Copella's Sofia - repeat purchases on both.

I make most of the food gifts I give, so that's about all I can think of to order.

If you want to make something, cranberry cordial is also good -- and very easy. Vine de Orange or Vin de Pamplemousse are both good -- a little more work, but not too much. Candied or flavored nuts or candied citrus peels are also pretty easy. On another forum, there was a marinara sauce that was extremely popular and people made batches of it to gift a jar with pasta and other things to make a dinner basket.

I just ordered the xo marshmallow advent calendar for my husband’s november bday. a good way for a marshmallow loving heathen to learn to celebrate advent?

Sadly, last year when i tried to cosmopolitainize his taste in maraschino cherries from the ghastly red stuff to luxardo he wasnt impressed.

similarly i hoped he’d enjoy higher end, greater nutrition ramen noodles from vite ramen he preferred the cheap stuff. i guess theres a trend here that i am denying.

I can't mention Coppela's Sofia without mentioning the Vinglace portable wine and champagne chiller. I think this is such a great looking gift .. perfect for wine in the garden/porch or for a BYOB restaurant. They come in a lot of colors and are now sold at a lot of stores ... one note, it is a little heavy for my 80 yo mother who has a lot of joint issues and general pain... but all four of her kids can handle it easily and keep her glass full enough.

@lascatx I just saw mango honey the other day-- don't remember where but maybe Flamingo Estates? It sounds lovely. Also glad you too enjoy the Sofia .. as I said, I don't drink champagne but my family loves it and everyone always has a few .. or more than a few available when needed.

@OllieJane I was going to order the Champagne chocolates but whoa! $30 shipping is more than the price of the chocolates! Is there anything else you recommend from Royce? I do need a very good white chocolate gift for a BIL so I may get those.. have you had any of the wafer candies? Tiramisu sounded interesting.

One of my favorite things to use when grilling meat -- especially pork -- is Fleur de Sel with Herbs de Provence. I will be getting a few of these for a few family members .. my experience is with a different brand but this looks very similar. Food52 also has a small gift set with 4 different blends that looks really interesting too! I will check out the San Juan island company also before I order.

Le Chateau d'Estoublon Fleur de Sel de Camargue Herbes de Provence – Olive Oil Lovers

And this one is a gift for myself .. I've been looking for a Salt Cellar and decided this one is prettier than anything I could find. I can use the salt then reuse the container. It even comes with the little spoon!

SALT: SAL DE IBIZA FLEUR DE SEL IN A CERAMIC JAR WITH A SPOON (debragga.com)

Funky, I KNOW! It's ridiculous! That's why at Christmastime, my friend and I order together. I have never tried this, but I wonder if you called them, you might get a better deal?

It does say free shipping over $69 - but I get it, it's crazy. I'm sorry!

@mdln, DSIL is a bourbon aficionado. What makes it ”fusion”? Is it infused with other flavors?

It's a blend. There are several in the series.
https://www.bardstownbourbon.com/brands/

I got these microgreen kits for myself and gave as a gift and I love them. Mine have been easy to grow and are nice to throw on salads or meals. If you know someone trying to eat better -

https://www.hamama.com/pages/gift-hamama

Cool, legomom. Which greens do you grow? Does the cilantro taste at all like cilantro?

ohhh @legomom23 i would love one a microgreen kit! Unfortunately, i don't think any of my family/friend recipients would use them... but I just received an unexpected bonus at work ... maybe I'll treat myself to some tools for healthier living!

@OllieJane yeah-- I would be happy to buy more but I don't eat chocolate nor do my sisters or my aunt. Mom will take a month to go through the champagne chocolates. I'll need to think of who else may appreciate them. Maybe I'll give one to my stylist + her normal Christmas tip. There are no/few reviews on the site so i hesitate to just go rogue selecting items.

Oh and thank you @OutsidePlaying my Piper & Lead order shipped! I got two you recommended -- the Healing Honesuckle and the Front Porch Special... all for me though I may still purchase some for gifts. I like the bundle of 20 sachets in the jar as a gift for my ex-SIL along with a book.

Legomom, thanks for the hint. I know four people on my list who would love a microgreen kit. One has a kitty so I'll have to research which seeds would work for her.

I've only done the kit a few months, so far I've done the salad starter and the broccoli greens, and one other I don't remember. I forget to go in and change up my subscription. Both were good and easy to grow. I usually add to salad, so the dressing covers the taste somewhat, but I just tasted my broccoli and it was pretty yummy! Tasted like a sharp broccoli - almost a little spicy.

These gifts aren't consumable but they are gorgeous and unusual. Also, they are a little pricey. The lady who does this jewelry is a hoot, I've met her at her store in St. Simons.

Doesn't everyone need alligator toe bone drop earrings? Or, a sea kelp votive?

https://www.gogojewelry.com/

https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/a-conversation-with-georgia-artist-gogo-fergu/

These are always a hit:

These are more expensive, but have prettier packaging for gifting:

Looking through the GoGo Jewelry IG account, I ran across this little gem. DD assures me she does not want one for Christmas.

Here's my recipe - I don't temper the chocolate, just melt over very low heat. I store in the fridge, but it's not always necessary.

Orange Scented Chocolate Almond Bark

1 pound chocolate (I use 42% semi sweet)

Approx. 1 tsp. finely grated orange peel or a few drops of orange essential oil

2 cups roasted almonds*, very coarsely chopped - reserve a tsp. or 2 very finely chopped nuts for dusting

Approx. 3/4 tsp. flaked sea salt


Directions:

Line a large cooky sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water, heat the chocolate, stirring until it is mostly melted; do not let the bowl touch the water. Add the orange peel &/or oil and stir until the chocolate is completely melted & smooth. Do not overheat.

Stir the prepared nuts into the chocolate, mixing well, and turn out onto the lined baking sheet, spreading in a 1/2-inch-thick layer. Sprinkle with the reserved finely chopped nuts & then the sea salt, crushing the salt flakes as you sprinkle them on. Refrigerate the pan with the bark on it for about 20-30 minutes, until hardened. Remove the bark from the parchment paper, break into pieces and store in the fridge or serve at once.


* other nuts may be used instead of almonds

To Roast Nuts:

Preheat oven to 350F

Spread whole nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet or pan.

Bake for 5 minutes, then stir and bake for another 5 minutes. Check for color. If nuts are still not done, stir & bake an additional 1-2 minutes at a time until golden brown. Check often, since nuts can burn quickly!

To remove skins, place slightly cooled nuts in a clean, dry towel, gather the towel around the nuts & rub vigorously. Skins should come off, but if they don’t, it’s OK.

Cool & chop as desired.

These are so pretty! I have two favorite olive oils already ... and the sister who would most appreciate the designs doesn't eat/use olive oil (I know, right?!). I thought I would share here ..

Nobleza Del Sur From Dusk Til Dawn Organic Duo – Olive Oil Lovers

Last year, after having a certain microgreen and DH loving it and wanting to get more only to find out it wasn't available near us, I gave him a microgreen set last year. It's still waiting for him to start anything. He likes to garden, wants to eat them, but indoor planting seems to be a hurdle. Maybe I should rewrap them this year. LOL

bb, I said she was a hoot. I was hoping someone would notice some of the unusual bones she chooses for her jewelry :)

Thanks so much for starting this thread!! And @jojoco, I just ordered the movie night popcorn kit for my DS and DIL. I've also ordered from Harry & David, and Wolfermans, for various family members.

Phew! i’ve been shopping thanks @jojoco for the popcorn suggestion i just ordered 3. @legomon23 I love using microgreens and love having them grow in the house so I did order 2 kits, btw they are 30% off with HOLIDAY30 code thank you. i ordered 2 of the bird seed bags and have received them already and was very happy with the size and quality so i ordered 2 more they’re perfect for my neighbors and the Cickadee is our state bird ! @Sueb20 i actually wonder if the 2 pound size might be too big .. i think the little bag is very nice

The mention of mules on Annie's mocktail thread reminded me of this treat.. Figenza Fig Vodka. Many of my holiday alcohol gifts are discovered while having cocktails in the midst of Christmas shopping. This was a perfect example.. we had delicious Mediterranean Mules and then purchased a number of bottles for ourselves and gifts. It's such a beautiful bottle-- perfect for gift giving ..

and while looking for an image to share.. I discovered these little gems. This is the first I have seen them outside Top Chef lol.. so I have not tried them but I surely will!

Balsamic Fig Pearls ..

and they also come in other flavors like raspberry vinegar, lemon and plain balsamic.

Funky, I love balsamic pearls.

Does anyone have any suggestions of good gifts for someone who likes truffle? This is for DD2. She has truffle oil. I am thinking of either a snack food or something easy to cook with (like a pasta sauce?) .I don't just want to get stuff at TJ, but OTOH I'd prefer something someone here has tried?

Mtn, they just look so fun and special!

I need something truffle also. No experience but. Milk Street has Truffle pearls .. and Di Bruno Brothers (Phila) has a wide range of truffle products.. honey, nuts, chips, crackers, pasta kits, ravioli..

I am thinking I may get this for niece as she is also getting pasta bowls. There's only one review so dragging my feet a little. It's not very expensive so no great risk.. but maybe not all that special or truffley.

This may be more giftworthy than a grocery store plastic container lol.

Truffle Mac & Cheese Gift Box | Gourmet Gift Basket | Di Bruno

OMG, the pearls! PERFECT. Thank you!

and it fits in a stocking!

What a treasure trove of ideas!!! So glad for all the recommendations, I've gotten great ideas for some on my list.

I have this from World Market on my mind as a possible book club gift idea-along with a Jane Austen or Dickens title. One of the members is British, and since we do the game where people can 'grab' gifts they like from someone I'm sure either she or somebody else would like it.

But it might be fun for any anglophile and the price seems reasonable.

Yep - another Happy Soul post.