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Chicago Loves Panini

Going panini and beyond in the Windy City - and loving it!

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Giveaways

CLOSED Nielsen-Massey & McCrea’s holiday gift review and giveaway: It’s the perfect foodie present!

shared by MickyN | 199 Comments

Update: This giveaway is closed.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always very excited to receive gourmet gifts. Nothing makes me happier than a bottle of grapeseed oil, or a jar of fine pesto, or some tahini with an intriguing story, or a candy bar which reminds me of my beloved England, or… You get the idea 😉 I see such gifts as a window of opportunity: they’re my chance to experiment, to get out of the routine, to finally be myself in the midst of a crazy, busy world. As someone who appreciates gourmet gift-giving, I’m always on the lookout for high quality presents to share with foodie friends. Sometimes however, finding the perfect food-centered gift can be difficult. Equally important, what should I give to a foodie who (almost) has it all?

Thankfully, I found a way to solve my gift-giving dilemmas recently, when I was contacted by Nielsen-Massey to review the gift basket they had designed in partnership with McCrea’s Candies. As someone who had collaborated with Nielsen-Massey in the past, I was interested to review the latest Nielsen-Massey holiday gift suggestions, especially since they involved a partnership with a caramel-making company. Vanilla sugar and sea salt caramels in the same box? Count me in!

The basket I received featured one bottle of Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Coffee Extract, one jar of their Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar, and two boxes of McCrea’s caramels: Classic Vanilla and Black Lava Sea Salt.

The presentation was elegant and the assortment of products made perfect sense to me. This basket had been designed to include flavors that worked well together and to stand out from the crowd.

Every one of these products could make up a delightful foodie gift on its own. The Nielsen-Massey coffee extract has a wide variety of uses, ranging from baked goods and cocoa to soups, gravies, tomato sauces and salsas. Meanwhile, the vanilla sugar can be used in cookies and cakes, sprinkled in beverages or on top of pancakes, fresh fruit or cookies.

I used 1 tbsp of coffee extract in my usual cheesecake recipe, which I topped up with vanilla sugar to enhance the texture and presentation. The coffee extract added rich, freshly brewed flavor and an unexpected espresso twist to my tried-and-tested vanilla flavored cheesecake, while the vanilla sugar provided a crunchy finishing touch my family thoroughly enjoyed.

I believe the purest of flavors can show off an artisan’s skills the best. Being such a purist at heart, McCrea’s top-selling vanilla caramels were my obvious favorite. The caramels had been infused with Nielsen-Massey vanilla extract to create an aromatic symphony of flavors, which burst in my mouth with fresh notes of decadent sweetness. Meanwhile, the black lava sea salt caramels surprised me with their mini-pockets of coarse-grained Hawaiian sea salt – a nice salty crunch which counterbalanced the overall sweetness of the candies. This is McCrea’s signature caramel, and what a joy it is!

I enjoyed sampling this Nielsen-Massey and McCrea’s gift basket and I appreciated the craftsmanship and attention to detail displayed flavor- and presentation-wise. These high quality products are likely to impress the most demanding food connoisseurs because the flavors are authentic and the products epitomize a persuasive mix of tradition and innovation. Give these away to your foodie friends during the holiday season, and they’ll love you forever 🙂

Nielsen-Massey and McCrea’s are offering Chicago Loves Panini readers the chance to win one gift box similar to the one I received, to make this holiday sweet, decadent and truly memorable.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post and answer the following question: What gifts do you usually give to your foodie friends? 

Giveaway open to US residents only. One entry per person. Deadline for entries is 6PM central time on December 27th, 2017. One winner will be chosen on or around December 28th, 2017 by using a random number generator and will have 72 hours to respond to the winner notification email. I reserve the right to pick an alternative winner if the original winner does not contact me 72 hours after receipt of winner notification email.

Good luck!

*Disclaimer: While I received a complimentary gift box to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed here are my own.

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Comments

  1. Denise Johnson says

    December 15, 2017 at 6:13 pm

    I gift them different spices, sauces, and seasoning packages.

    Reply
  2. kelly tupick says

    December 15, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    I like to gift them some sort of subscription box similar to this or make my own gift basket with an assortment of items. I may gift then a skillet or wok as well.

    Reply
  3. Ann Fantom says

    December 15, 2017 at 8:43 pm

    I gift my friends homemade cookies, brownies and chocolates etc.

    Reply
  4. Kathy Davis says

    December 15, 2017 at 9:29 pm

    I would give them a gift card to our local meat market.

    Reply
  5. Sandy Klocinski says

    December 15, 2017 at 10:43 pm

    I love giving chocolate for gifts because it has a long shelf life and it’s a classy way to show all types of friends and family that you love them.

    Reply
  6. Debbie says

    December 15, 2017 at 10:45 pm

    Different cheeses and crackers.

    Reply
  7. Margaret Smith says

    December 16, 2017 at 12:24 am

    I like making gift baskets of some foods that I know they would like. Candy, cookies, cheese, crackers, meat, wine, etc. I also add in home baked items.

    Reply
  8. Marina says

    December 16, 2017 at 4:52 am

    food! or some kitchen paraphernalia…

    Reply
  9. angie says

    December 16, 2017 at 4:56 am

    I give a variety of nuts and spices.

    Reply
  10. Jessica D says

    December 16, 2017 at 5:55 am

    I give them gift certificates to our favorite resturants.

    Reply
  11. kathy Persons says

    December 16, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    I give homemade baked goods in a basket with some kitchen gadgets, new towels andpotholders

    Reply
  12. Cynthia C says

    December 16, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    For my family, I usually give a nice piece of kitchen equipment. For friends, I give home made food items like cookies and candy.

    Reply
  13. Tracy Pryor says

    December 16, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    I give them different kinds of cheeses and meats.

    Reply
  14. Michelle Garrity says

    December 16, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    I make an amazing homemade BBQ sauce that I give.

    Reply
  15. Linda Lansford says

    December 16, 2017 at 6:13 pm

    I give them chocolate

    Reply
  16. Aaron says

    December 16, 2017 at 9:08 pm

    I give my foodie friends homemade cookies!

    Reply
  17. Kenneth Helmick says

    December 16, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    Hot sauce baskets

    Reply
  18. Mary Beth Elderton says

    December 17, 2017 at 12:07 am

    I usually give baked goods as small gifts, but my only real “foodie friend” is my daughter-in-law. I almost always give her something for her kitchen. This year I will be adding a cool set of Wusthof Burger Knives.

    Reply
  19. vera wilson says

    December 17, 2017 at 12:11 am

    One really likes my pound cake, so make that special for her. Nephew loved my homemade chocolate pie so be sure he gets one of those.

    Reply
  20. nosogirl says

    December 17, 2017 at 12:27 am

    I give my foodie friends chocolates from a local chocolate maker – they are the best!

    Reply
  21. Brandy Graham says

    December 17, 2017 at 5:00 am

    I usually give 2 of my bff’s a gift card to Starbucks. They look forward to that gift every year considering they go to Starbucks every morning.

    Reply
  22. Julie Terry says

    December 17, 2017 at 7:03 am

    I give my foodie friends seasonings, spices, new cookbooks.

    Reply
  23. Nicole Martin says

    December 17, 2017 at 1:08 pm

    I would give them a grocery gift card.

    Reply
  24. CHar says

    December 17, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    I love to give cookies, thank you so much for the offer.

    Reply
  25. tammy kubitz says

    December 17, 2017 at 2:16 pm

    I give my foodie friends pizelles. this year I am giving them garlic seasoning from TheBlondeItalian.com

    Reply
  26. Cindy Peterson says

    December 17, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    I like to give my foodies interesting spices or salts.

    Reply
  27. Lindsey says

    December 17, 2017 at 3:04 pm

    Spice blends are my favorite thing to give!

    Reply
  28. Surinder gurm says

    December 17, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    Chocolate with unique flavour like chai

    Reply
  29. Heather D says

    December 17, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    I give special spices and sauces. Sometimes wines.

    Reply
  30. Kelly D says

    December 17, 2017 at 5:25 pm

    I give a bottle of wine.

    Reply
  31. Tracy Davis says

    December 17, 2017 at 6:07 pm

    I usually give wine and cheese gift baskets.

    Reply
  32. Kim O says

    December 17, 2017 at 7:09 pm

    i give them fruit boxes from Harry and david.

    Reply
  33. Larry Gober says

    December 17, 2017 at 7:12 pm

    My favorite gift to friends who love food are packages I created especially for them, can include spices, local cornmeal, coffees, local craft beers, and especially focusing on locally produced products.

    Reply
  34. Deborah N. says

    December 17, 2017 at 7:19 pm

    I try to give different things each year. For example one year I gave aprons, another year I have homemade vanilla and nice dish towels. I usually give my husband a new cookbook.

    Reply
  35. Phil H. says

    December 17, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    I give my foodie friends autographed cookbooks for Christmas.

    Reply
  36. kathy eyre says

    December 17, 2017 at 8:14 pm

    It usually has something to do with spices, but I’ve been known to do a 6 pack of unique beer!!

    Reply
  37. Kim Avery says

    December 17, 2017 at 9:51 pm

    I try to find them unique spices or make a blend of my own for them and maybe a cookbook they had been talking about.

    Reply
  38. Donna DePaolo says

    December 17, 2017 at 10:51 pm

    As an event coordinator, I get to attend a variety of food events in my local area and sample the latest “hot” items. I give my foodie friends a sampling of what I’ve found to be the latest “hot” food as their Christmas present. Your giveaway basket would be a hit!

    Reply
  39. Kayte CookWatts says

    December 17, 2017 at 11:50 pm

    I usually give local coffee or hot sauce. Sometimes local whiskey too.

    Reply
  40. Elizabeth says

    December 18, 2017 at 1:35 am

    I like to give out wild rice because it is a local food here in the midwest.

    Reply
  41. Katie Rose says

    December 18, 2017 at 1:36 am

    Either something I’ve baked, spice mixes, or helpful little gadgets for the kitchen.

    Reply
  42. Shelly P says

    December 18, 2017 at 1:49 am

    I give them expensive chocolate or gift cards so they can purchase what they like.

    Reply
  43. Alison says

    December 18, 2017 at 2:06 am

    Unique kitchen tools and appliances

    Reply
  44. Kimberly G says

    December 18, 2017 at 2:15 am

    I give them chocolates and cheeses.

    Reply
  45. Allyson Tice says

    December 18, 2017 at 4:36 am

    I usually give a basket with homemade cookies and breads!

    Reply
  46. stephanie says

    December 18, 2017 at 5:17 am

    i love giving flavored syrups! maybe because it helps me convince them to make me special coffee drinks! ;D

    Reply
  47. alice minx says

    December 18, 2017 at 5:17 am

    I gift unusual spices or bakeware

    Reply
  48. Glendy C says

    December 18, 2017 at 5:22 am

    Usually chocolates or other sweets gourmet gift baskets

    Reply
  49. Cassandra says

    December 18, 2017 at 1:18 pm

    I usually give them baked goods, chocolates, or and Italian foods themed basket.

    Reply
  50. GENA BENNETT says

    December 18, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    CRAFTED COCKTAIL MASON JARS, CURED MEATS AND CHEESE, SPICES, UNIQUE COFFEE AND TEA BLENDS, SAUCES, PASTAS AND TAPENADES!

    Reply
  51. beth says

    December 18, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    I usually give them gift cards to Sur La Table.

    Reply
  52. Serena Powell says

    December 18, 2017 at 5:57 pm

    I usually try to get them some quality kitchen ware or local made food items.

    Reply
  53. Antoinette M says

    December 18, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    I give them gift cards to their favorite store.

    Reply
  54. paige chandler says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    I give a really good bottle of olive oil

    Reply
  55. Meghan says

    December 18, 2017 at 9:41 pm

    Truffle oil!

    Reply
  56. Suzanne says

    December 19, 2017 at 2:13 am

    Harry and David pears.

    Reply
  57. Allison says

    December 19, 2017 at 7:25 am

    Gift cards to local restaurants

    Reply
  58. jenny says

    December 19, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    Chocolate, spices, gift cards or gadgets!

    Reply
  59. Monique Rizzo says

    December 19, 2017 at 4:05 pm

    I usually give them interesting specialty spices

    Reply
  60. Ashley C says

    December 19, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    I like to give them gourmet or specialty food items

    Reply
  61. Deb says

    December 19, 2017 at 11:09 pm

    We have a local company that makes various jams and I give those a lot.

    Reply
  62. LIBERTY says

    December 20, 2017 at 1:48 am

    I’m giving bars of chocolate and dark chocolate this year.

    Reply
  63. Chloe Fordree says

    December 20, 2017 at 2:11 am

    Cookbooks!

    Reply
  64. Fredrick Pauly says

    December 20, 2017 at 2:47 pm

    It depends on what type of food they like.

    Reply
  65. Lorena Keech says

    December 20, 2017 at 10:42 pm

    We usually exchange homemade candies and flavored nuts. I would never presume to pick spices or flavoring for a true “foodie.” Even if I love them, I know everyone has their own faves.

    Reply
  66. Albert L Peruzzo says

    December 21, 2017 at 8:11 am

    Frango Mints.

    Reply
  67. Sarah Mathias says

    December 21, 2017 at 3:17 pm

    I usually give a food gift basket or a gift card to a restaurant they like.

    Reply
  68. Donna Clifford says

    December 21, 2017 at 10:14 pm

    Cookbooks, really good bakery items, or sometimes I bake things myself.

    Reply
  69. Susan Christy says

    December 22, 2017 at 2:18 am

    I give them fudge. It’s my favorite thing to make during the holidays and their favorite thing to eat.

    Reply
  70. Leela says

    December 22, 2017 at 9:38 pm

    An assortment of homemade Christmas cookies and cheesecake.

    Reply
  71. susan smoaks says

    December 23, 2017 at 1:15 am

    i love to gift kits to cook or bake with to my foodie friends.

    Reply
  72. Becca says

    December 23, 2017 at 2:24 am

    I love giving my foodie friends chocolates from my favorite chocolate shop in Santa Barbara.

    Reply
  73. Rhonda says

    December 23, 2017 at 6:59 am

    I like to make a new dish and give that with a cooking utensil and the recipe to my foodie friends.

    Reply
  74. Michelle Fuller says

    December 23, 2017 at 7:11 pm

    I buy the person a spice collection from whichever region of the world.

    Reply
  75. Lauren Abbott says

    December 23, 2017 at 7:18 pm

    Usually, for my foodie friend, I give them gift cards to small, local places I want them to try, that way I can share my favorite foods with them easily.

    Reply
  76. Holli Joren says

    December 23, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    I make desserts/cookies for them.

    Reply
  77. Rebecca W says

    December 23, 2017 at 9:52 pm

    I like to bake homemade cinnamon rolls or cookies to give as gifts. Everyone loves receiving them!

    Reply
  78. Gina Freire says

    December 23, 2017 at 10:28 pm

    Chips and soda is what my friends get from me.

    Reply
  79. courtney says

    December 23, 2017 at 11:57 pm

    I do chocolates usually from a local shop. Yum!

    Reply
  80. Breanne says

    December 24, 2017 at 3:50 am

    I give them chocolates.

    Reply
  81. Angie Ford says

    December 24, 2017 at 6:17 am

    I always send my foodie friends an assortment of candy,cookies ,and fudge.

    Reply
  82. BusyWorkingMama says

    December 24, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    I like to give a gift set to a local olive oil store.

    Reply
  83. holly says

    December 24, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    We do chocolate covered macaroons.

    Reply
  84. Robin says

    December 24, 2017 at 5:11 pm

    I usually give out my homemade cookies.

    Reply
  85. Erica B. says

    December 24, 2017 at 5:41 pm

    Restaurant gift cards.

    Reply
  86. Missy says

    December 24, 2017 at 8:15 pm

    I give my foodie friends fancy vinegar and olive oil sets.

    Reply
  87. Lisa Voyce says

    December 25, 2017 at 1:29 am

    Gift cards to their fav restaurants.

    Reply
  88. Sarah Cool says

    December 25, 2017 at 5:24 am

    I usually make gift baskets with all their favorite items to eat or snack on

    Reply
  89. Kim Miller says

    December 25, 2017 at 7:10 am

    homemade candies

    Reply
  90. Jennifer Reed says

    December 25, 2017 at 7:13 am

    For my foodie friends I usually give a great bottle of olive oil or vinegar. They always seem to appreciate it and use it.

    Reply
  91. angie w says

    December 25, 2017 at 5:05 pm

    I gift my friends homemade things like decorated cookies or cupcakes

    Reply
  92. Melissa Shirley says

    December 25, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    I usually try to find a unique footprint of gift basket with unique seasonings or sauces

    Reply
  93. Jeffrey says

    December 25, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    I usually get my foodie friends baking ingredients, like high quality chocolate, extracts, butter, oil, etc. For those that don’t like to cook or bake, like my parents, I make them something they love. My dad’s a sucker for the classics, just like me. We both go for chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream, chocolate chip cookies and fudgy brownies! My mom on the other hand loves vanilla cake with coconut frosting.

    Reply
  94. Jodi Hassel says

    December 25, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    Gift certificates to the newest restaurants

    Reply
  95. Hesper Fry says

    December 26, 2017 at 3:43 am

    I like to give a gift basket with interesting and good food items!

    Reply
  96. Amber Williamsen says

    December 26, 2017 at 5:42 am

    I like to give them unique foods from around the world. The food subscription boxes are awesome also!

    Reply
  97. Jake B says

    December 26, 2017 at 7:09 am

    I’ve been known to give them homemade cookies or take them to a nice restaurant of their choice to experience new foods.

    Reply
  98. Yvie says

    December 26, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    We give an assortment of things….this year it was homemade bread and yeast rolls to accompany dinners. Changed up the recipe from here just a bit : https://gypsyroadschool.blogspot.com/2015/03/king-arthur-knights-of-bread-table.html

    Reply
  99. Danielle Magee says

    December 26, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    I usually give homemade goodies and wine to my foodie friends.

    Reply
  100. Cheryl VanBrunt says

    December 26, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    I usually give them a gift card to a restaurant I know they like.

    Reply
  101. DeeAnn S says

    December 26, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    I like to give homemade jellies and jams, breads, cookies, and candies.

    Reply
  102. Shannon Baas says

    December 26, 2017 at 6:31 pm

    Gift certificates.

    Reply
  103. Brenda Robinson says

    December 26, 2017 at 7:30 pm

    I try to find a gift card to their favorite store

    Reply
  104. Lisa says

    December 26, 2017 at 7:57 pm

    I usually give them gift baskets with some of their favorite food items or brands, and then also include a gift card to a restaurant or coffee shop.

    Reply
  105. Susan Climan says

    December 26, 2017 at 8:33 pm

    Good chocolate and wine!

    Reply
  106. Meredith Brooks says

    December 26, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    Usually I give cookbooks or kitchen gadgets. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
  107. Karen Gonyea says

    December 26, 2017 at 9:37 pm

    I love to gift the ingredients to a new recipe and include the recipe card.

    Reply
  108. Vicki Andrew says

    December 26, 2017 at 10:13 pm

    cheese and crackers or chocolates

    Reply
  109. Mary Gardner says

    December 26, 2017 at 10:46 pm

    I usually give my friends home made baked goods such as shortbread or gingerbread.

    Reply
  110. Jan says

    December 26, 2017 at 11:26 pm

    I travel a lot, so I like to pick up local ingredients and condiments. Mexican vanilla is always a hit, as well as jerk seasoning from Jamaica.

    Reply
  111. Rose Santuci-Sofranko says

    December 26, 2017 at 11:27 pm

    Honestly, I only give gifts to my husband and a sibling…and neither of them are “foodies”….but they do like snacks as gifts!

    Reply
  112. Trisha McKee says

    December 27, 2017 at 12:29 am

    I love giving kitchen tools, such as unique cutting boards or timers.

    Reply
  113. Kim myers says

    December 27, 2017 at 12:57 am

    I like to give wine. You can’t go wrong with that.

    Reply
  114. Laurie Emerson says

    December 27, 2017 at 1:46 am

    I give them cookbooks, foods they have never tried before and gift cards to food sites so they can try ones they might like.

    Reply
  115. kathy pease says

    December 27, 2017 at 1:54 am

    I usually bake all kinds of sweets for gift baskets

    Reply
  116. Ed says

    December 27, 2017 at 1:55 am

    Turtle Brownies!

    Reply
  117. Joni Chadwell says

    December 27, 2017 at 1:57 am

    I love to give lots of homemade cookies and my “special” Chex Mix”

    Reply
  118. shawna says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:16 am

    Usually gadgets or baskets with spices and sauces.

    Reply
  119. Suzanne says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:16 am

    I love giving See’s candy to my foodie friends.

    Reply
  120. Erin M says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:20 am

    I give restaurant gift certificates.

    Reply
  121. Michelle H. says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:33 am

    It varies. Lately, I have been giving them homemade candy along with other things I know they like.

    Reply
  122. Vikki Billings says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:28 am

    I like to give cook books to my foodie friends!

    Reply
  123. Susan Chester says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:31 am

    I love to make and give an assortment of home-made cookies!

    Reply
  124. Juanita May says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:32 am

    Cookbooks or gift baskets with good quality olive oil, wine and cheeses.

    Reply
  125. Jerry Marquardt says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:41 am

    I like to give away an assortment of candies, cookies and cheese baskets on the holidays and for birthdays year round.

    Reply
  126. Carla Pullum says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:52 am

    Candles is the main request from all my friends as gifts!

    Reply
  127. Eileen Boyce says

    December 27, 2017 at 4:04 am

    I give cookies, chocolate, nuts and spices.

    Reply
  128. Rachel says

    December 27, 2017 at 4:19 am

    I give them gift cards to their favorite restaurant

    Reply
  129. Scott D says

    December 27, 2017 at 4:28 am

    I am asked to make my Beer Cheese.

    Reply
  130. Sand says

    December 27, 2017 at 4:38 am

    I bake cookies, but not your ordinary cookies. I make madelines, pizzelles and other less known cookies.

    Reply
  131. Janice Gabriel says

    December 27, 2017 at 4:41 am

    I give my foodie friends gifts ranging from homemade cookies to Hungarian or barbeque seasonings to gourmet coffees or teas or accessories.

    Reply
  132. Jane McGregor says

    December 27, 2017 at 4:58 am

    Yogurt covered pretzels!

    Reply
  133. Jessica Whitehouse says

    December 27, 2017 at 5:11 am

    I give restaurant gift cards or gift baskets with fruit, chocolate, snacks, and specialty foods.

    Reply
  134. Janice B says

    December 27, 2017 at 5:11 am

    We bake lots of different cookies. I like to make up trays with a variety of cookies for my friends.

    Reply
  135. Roxann says

    December 27, 2017 at 5:15 am

    I give them homemade goodies and the recipes to go with them.

    Reply
  136. Britty says

    December 27, 2017 at 5:47 am

    giftcards to their favorite restaurants

    Reply
  137. kim says

    December 27, 2017 at 5:55 am

    spice collections, cook books, new apron and oven mit set, thick bamboo cutting board, chefs knife

    Reply
  138. Janine Hwang says

    December 27, 2017 at 6:34 am

    I’d give serving platters!

    Reply
  139. yana ryjova says

    December 27, 2017 at 6:44 am

    nice olive oil sets make great gifts.

    Reply
  140. Julie R says

    December 27, 2017 at 7:07 am

    Kitchenware from crate and barrell

    Reply
  141. Sarah L says

    December 27, 2017 at 8:57 am

    I like to give herbs and spices from my local spice shop.
    Thanks for the contest.

    Reply
  142. kerry p says

    December 27, 2017 at 11:01 am

    i usually know my foodie’s friend’s favorite products, so i make my own gift basket of their favorites. it could be anything… candy, spices, cheese, etc.

    Reply
  143. Melinda A says

    December 27, 2017 at 1:54 pm

    I usually just get them a gift card so they can get whatever gizmo they are needing or wanting.

    Reply
  144. Rachel V says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    I give a cookbook, kitchen gadget, or a dessert.

    Reply
  145. Elena says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    I like to give chocolate and spices

    Reply
  146. Taryn T says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    It is always a little intimidating to give foods to foodie friends. I do make a mean fudge that seems to be well liked, though. I also like to mix salty and sweet treats.

    Reply
  147. Brandy Williams says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:27 pm

    This year I made gift baskets for everyone with their favorite treats. My brother got a beef jerky and candy theme basket. My kids got movie snack themed baskets.

    Reply
  148. Karrie says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:29 pm

    I make food baskets..some with baking supplies..some with candy

    Reply
  149. Joy L says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:39 pm

    Gift cards to a restaurant are always nice.

    Reply
  150. Kat Emerick says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    I like to give a nice cookie cookbook and some spices that they may use.

    Reply
  151. Anne Perry says

    December 27, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    I like to make gift baskets. Farmer’s market finds like macadamia nuts, organic dragon fruit & persimmons.

    Reply
  152. Darlene Owen says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:11 pm

    I usually give them a gift card to a nice restaurant they like to go to.

    Reply
  153. Katie Bellamy says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    Gift cards! They can go and get what they want! 🙂

    Reply
  154. Mary Jacobowitz says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    I give them gift cards to Amazon or Barnes & Noble to buy new cook books.

    Reply
  155. Philip Lawrence says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    I usua
    lly give my foodie friends things that I have baked myself.

    Reply
  156. Jaclyn James says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    I always give my foodie friends an assorted gift basked of the best cool culinary items I can find!

    Reply
  157. Sharon Schoepe says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    Gift cards. You can never go wrong with gift cards.

    Reply
  158. Tammy Woodall says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:47 pm

    I like to give my foodie friends Mason Jars ingredients for meals, Pecan Treats, and Chocolate goodies.

    Reply
  159. latanya says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    Reindeer food- trail mix with chocolate, raisins, and other things mixed up together

    Reply
  160. Debbie B says

    December 27, 2017 at 4:34 pm

    i fix up a basket with unique spices and rubs for cooking

    Reply
  161. gala says

    December 27, 2017 at 4:40 pm

    I gift them different spices and teas

    Reply
  162. Elizabeth Ray says

    December 27, 2017 at 4:55 pm

    I usually gift homemade fudge. (No complaints yet!)

    Reply
  163. amy guillaume linderman says

    December 27, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    love to give soup mixes in a jar! and a nice hearty bread mix

    Reply
  164. Danalee says

    December 27, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    I give them chocolates.

    Reply
  165. Brooke R. says

    December 27, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    I like to give gift cards to a new restaurant or a fun baking kit full of new flavors.

    Reply
  166. Vicki D. says

    December 27, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    Usually, I make a plate of homemade goodies. I will either make a bread, some cookies, or some candies. Everyone loves it!

    Reply
  167. LeAnn Harbert says

    December 27, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    I give a gift card to a new restaurant they haven’t tried.

    Reply
  168. Brandi Dawn says

    December 27, 2017 at 7:22 pm

    I like to gift random oddities that I find at Farmers Markets. World Market also has fun finds to gift!

    Reply
  169. Jeremy McLaughlin says

    December 27, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    Gift cards to restaurants.

    Reply
  170. Janet Boyanton says

    December 27, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    Usually I give them an assortment of spices.

    Reply
  171. Lissa Crane says

    December 27, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    I always love to make my own baskets of unique foods that I find when I travel.

    Reply
  172. Abigail Gibson says

    December 27, 2017 at 7:49 pm

    I will give a gift card to their favorite restaurant.

    Reply
  173. Casey Everidge says

    December 27, 2017 at 7:56 pm

    I usually give them different food related gift cards!

    Reply
  174. monique s says

    December 27, 2017 at 8:11 pm

    I give them fun new spices and seasonings or cooking accessories

    Reply
  175. Amber Hensley says

    December 27, 2017 at 8:14 pm

    I usually give them a cook book or gift card to their favorite restaurant!!! 🙂 Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  176. Helen says

    December 27, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    I like to give them different spices and sauces and any cute serving dishes I can find.

    Reply
  177. connie danielson says

    December 27, 2017 at 8:20 pm

    I give them cheese and crackers and then some assorted chocolates!

    Reply
  178. Dericka Buckles says

    December 27, 2017 at 8:35 pm

    I like to give gourmet cheese and meat baskets.

    Reply
  179. Stacy D. says

    December 27, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    I normally give them gift cards to wherever they go the most!

    Reply
  180. Andrea P. says

    December 27, 2017 at 8:45 pm

    I usually give my foodie friends Spices, biscotti or cookies!

    Reply
  181. Sharon Rooney says

    December 27, 2017 at 8:55 pm

    It depends on who they are. I sometimes give wine and cheese or cookies and candy.

    Reply
  182. Yvonne Delgado says

    December 27, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    I usually give them dry fruit, good quality chocolates, and some quality popcorn in a few flavors.

    Reply
  183. Breanna Davies says

    December 27, 2017 at 9:59 pm

    I try to give them gift cards to their favorite places to eat or favorite local stores to buy products to cook with.

    Reply
  184. Angelica Dimeo says

    December 27, 2017 at 10:02 pm

    I try to give gift cards to different food places

    Reply
  185. Kelsey vinson says

    December 27, 2017 at 10:11 pm

    Gift sets. My dad got a hot sauce set. Or the brewery gift sets, cheese sets, etc

    Reply
  186. Julie Waldron says

    December 27, 2017 at 10:18 pm

    We give them gift cards to local restaurants.

    Reply
  187. Laurie Nykaza says

    December 27, 2017 at 10:18 pm

    I check first for food allergies to the party I am gifting too because my son has Celiacs disease and i do hate when people gift me items that he cant eat. I give fruits and items I know the person will love chocolates ,cakes etc.

    Reply
  188. Julie says

    December 27, 2017 at 10:27 pm

    I just gave my foodie friend a basket loaded with spices, fresh herbs and lots of hot sauce..

    Reply
  189. Donna L says

    December 27, 2017 at 10:30 pm

    I like to give cookies.

    Reply
  190. Jo Ricker says

    December 27, 2017 at 10:32 pm

    I usually give gift kits to my foodie friends. Coffee kits, tea kits, sauce kits, spice kits. Depending on what they like or what flavors they enjoy.

    Reply
  191. Shelly Leatham says

    December 27, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    We usually make gift baskets with spices, wine, kitchen gadgets, homemade food items and a gift card!

    Reply
  192. Audrey Stewart says

    December 27, 2017 at 10:39 pm

    We are a family of pie bakers. We always give then an apple pie. We have a tree.

    Reply
  193. Jessica L Pumo says

    December 27, 2017 at 10:55 pm

    Smoked and seasoned salts are a favorite. We’ve also been known to give fresh citrus from our trees and homemade ricotta.

    Reply
  194. Brittany says

    December 27, 2017 at 11:14 pm

    I like to give them hard to find candies.

    Reply
  195. Richard Brandt says

    December 27, 2017 at 11:26 pm

    We usually give coffees from local roasters.

    Reply
  196. Shauna says

    December 27, 2017 at 11:36 pm

    I like to give my foodie friends something homemade like a pie or cookies! If there is no time for that, than I would give them chocolates from a local place. Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  197. Peggy Rydzewski says

    December 27, 2017 at 11:38 pm

    Usually some local BBQ sauces

    Reply
  198. Ken Ohl says

    December 27, 2017 at 11:52 pm

    I usually go with a Hickory Farms Gift Box

    Reply
  199. Jennifer Scheldberg says

    December 27, 2017 at 11:54 pm

    I like to give dessert or drink mixes.

    Reply

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