The holiday season is in full swing. And if you’re like me, you’re running out of time to find the perfect gifts for your friends and loved ones.
Nobody wants to wait until the last minute to do their holiday shopping. For one thing, it’s utter pandemonium at most stores. Secondly, the best items are usually sold out. Lastly, nothing’s worse than being forced to admit defeat and handing out gift cards in lieu of actual gifts.
The bottom line is many people need all the help they can get when it comes to gift ideas. With this in mind, we figured some useful suggestions are in store. Let’s take a look at six types of food and beverage gifts to give friends and loved ones this holiday season:
Hot Cocoa
Not everyone enjoys coffee. Some people prefer tea, while others skip brewed drinks altogether. But almost everybody loves a mug of hot cocoa now and then. Whether they want whipped cream or marshmallows on top is their preference, but it all starts with a container of gourmet hot chocolate mix in their cupboard. With so many different varieties to choose from, there’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect hot cocoa for that special someone on your list.
Fresh-Baked Cookies
The holiday season is synonymous with tasty treats we ordinarily avoid in order to protect our waistlines. Few rank as popular as freshly baked cookies. If you’re unsure what to get someone for the holidays, consider baking them a batch of cookies. Whether it’s a single type of cookie or a variety of them, we’re willing to bet they’ll be gobbled up in no time.
Wine
A nice bottle of wine remains a classic holiday gift idea. With this in mind, we suggest stocking up on popular varieties in order to hand them out as gifts this holiday season. When it comes to red wine, you can’t go wrong with cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir. For friends and loved ones who prefer white wines, safe bets include chardonnay, pinot grigio, and sauvignon blanc. Of course, you can always ask them what their favorite wines are, but where’s the fun in that?
Spirits
While wine is a perennially suitable holiday gift, other spirits are gaining ground in terms of popularity. The same goes for cocktail mixes. For instance, daiquiri popsicles and frozen margarita kits are a big hit among millennials. Not everyone on your shopping list drinks, but those who do are sure to enjoy some holiday spirit this time of year. Besides, what better way to spread good cheer than with good drinks?
Gourmet Coffee
For many people, colder weather means increased difficulty waking up in the mornings. They need a good reason to get out of bed. While getting to work on time is a strong incentive, we all know a great cup of freshly brewed coffee helps bridge the gap between waking up and clocking in. With this in mind, consider giving the gift of gourmet coffee to someone this holiday season. The invigorating aroma, fresh flavor, and jolt of energy will go a long way in getting them through the coldest time of year.
Meat and Cheese
You can’t go wrong with sending a meat and cheese gift basket to friends and family this holiday season (unless they’re vegan or vegetarian.) With this in mind, we suggest finding a high-quality brand specializing in meat and cheese gift baskets. The best ones come with crackers, nuts, spreads, and chocolates. However, even a simple assortment of summer sausage and cheddar cheese is sure to be a winning option for most people on your list this holiday season.
Are you sweating bullets trying to think of the perfect gifts for everyone on your list? If so, take a deep breath and remember the easiest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. With this in mind, consider giving your friends and family the gift of good food, good drink, and good cheer. With so many options to choose from, we’re confident that each recipient will be thrilled with what you get them.
Alex Farina is a freelance writer from Ohio. He enjoys writing about design, fashion, nature, and technology.
