Fun topic! What kind of gift... and do you have a rough price range? Artisanal vinegar or Vitamix?

LOL - anywhere between 50 and 150-175?

if your foodie likes to cook, you might think about making your own basket with infused olive oils, vinegars, and spices. This is our very good local shop. Elevated Olive

That was one of my first thoughts also-- i am not sure i can call myself a foodie but i am definitely a food geek who loves vinegars and spices. I have a few other ideas -- but i need to stop back in a bit.

Yes, by foodie I mean likes good food and also enjoys preparing food.

No on artisanal oils only because she has sent me that in the past, also no on honey.

I'd love to send exotic fruit or baby veggies, but it involves a lot of trust because it has to be what is in season

They’d never forget this :D

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/shiitake-mushroom-log-kit/?catalogId=79&sku=210252&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Outdoor%20%3E%20DIY%20%26%20Homemade%20Kits&region_id=680400&cm_ite=210252&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2d-FyIKT8wIVxWtvBB2WXw59EAQYBCABEgJAF_D_BwE

i have ordered (for myself and as gifts) from igourmet and find their quality & packaging exceptional. Specifically, I've ordered the French Brunch in a Cooler, duck leg confit, a flatbread kit, a risotto kit, cheese collections, etc. A few of the other items I've ordered don't seem to be still available but I wouldn't hesitate to order just about anything that looks appealing from there.

Thx, Igourmet looks nice but nothing really in point for healthful eating, alas.

realizing 'french brunch' doesn't sound as though it fits the 'healthy' criteria, but I suppose it depends on their definition. They have lots of good pantry ingredients too. And if you know they are a bean fan, Rancho Gordo has a cult-like following, but is often sold out of their gift boxes.

I sent baby & specialty vegetables as a gift once-- and only once because I got an odd vibe from the recipient. I suspected that they weren't in great shape but never confirmed.

My ideas aren't food.. but food/drink related..

I have been enamored with this infusion vessel.. it can be used to make your own infused oils, vinegars, teas, alcohols, etc. I have seen them at many places but grabbed this screen shot from Frontgate ($129)

My sister received this insulating wine/champagne bottle as a gift-- I have given other vinglace items as gifts but this one is the best! You insert a bottle of wine or champagne and it keeps it cool. It comes in a variety of colors and metallic finishes.. just under $100. Great for tailgates, poolside, or just at the dining table.

This Sophia Coppella is a low cost sparkling wine-- I don't drink sparkling wine but everyone in my family loves it. It isnt so special a price but it's very pretty for a gift (and again, a fan fav in my circles).

A quality Wok with goodies inside? Maybe a wok brush or spider strainer or wok spatula or a recipe book on homemade stir fry sauces. Or, condiments such as oyster sauce, hoisien, a good dark soy, mushroom extract or chili oil.

You just gave me some stocking stuffer ideas for my son. He uses a wok a lot but doesnt have the extras.

Everybody has their own idea what healthy is, but I would like a basket of organic, American grown nuts and seeds.

Rancho Gordo is a very good idea! She does not drink much if at all, and is truly serious and knowledgeable about healthful eating. Beans are genuinely healthy and I know she likes beans for protein, makes a lot of soups, etc.

I like to include Jacques Pepin’s little memory book in food gifts. Pages have illustrations by Pepin with room to record your menu, guest list, or whatever you want to record the occasion.

We just ate the coolest thing at a restaurant in Santa Fe. It was a roasted beet/burrata appetizer and on the side of the plate there was what looked like a mound of ground pepper. The waiter told us they called it "dirt". Finely ground and roasted coffee, pepitas, and brown sugar which we sprinkled over the plate. So yummy and unusual.

So, perhaps a nice spice grinder and a combination of a few interesting whole spices?

Are you (or your friends) a fan of Cook’s Illustrated recipes? I have bought several of their cookbooks, on Amz either for gifts or for myself. Some of my faves are the Mediterranean, Vegetable, salads, Gut Health, Keto, cooking for two, chicken. And then there is their Perfect Pie, Perfect Cookie, etc. series. Many come in soft cover so you could start with a couple of those and add interesting add-ons such as spices, kitchen tools, coasters.

How about being ultra trendy and sending a charcuterie board? Seems like every community has someone who makes amazing boards and has hung a shingle.

(ETA: My word, my comment sounded snarky! TBH, I would LOVE to receive a well-thought out Charcuterie board)

How about some really good cheese?

I think beans are a great idea but last i looked on rancho gordo, they had very limited stock. Hopefully they have more to offer. (ETA there are definitely more options now-- my previous visit must have been at a bad timei)

Healthy eating + Foodie means a need for flavor from sources other than fats-- I could imagine a very nice gift basket with beans with any fun combination of herbs/herb plants, specialty spices, and vinegars. Beans love vinegars. Maybe tuck in some of your favorite lentil/bean recipes on a pretty cards?

I would love it if someone sent me a bunch of Rancho Gordo beans. Cranberry beans!!!

ETA: They keep well, nothing you have to use up right away or figure out if it freezes. Beans are patient.

This is what I would like to receive in that price range:

Cattani Aceto Balsamic Tradizionale di Modena

I like to eat this on fruit, and I only use a few drops at a time.

Here's the almost same product, at a slightly lower price, but it might not have free shipping.

I got an Aerogarden last year that kept me in fresh herbs all winter. I was very happy.

I also love the preserved lemons I get from Milk Street

I was going to reinforce the Rancho Gordo recommendation, but see that you've ordered the sampler, Mtn. I've cooked with 3 of the varieties in the sampler--they are so delicious. Your friend will very much enjoy the gift.

What a perfect selection! I'm sure your friend will be excited to try them all.

I would love to receive the bean sampler-- and the pozole box (although it is sold out)! And an aerogarden!

<sending a letter to santa!>

I have been on an Alison Roman kick the past week or so.. this is the video recommended for me tonight!

spoiler alert: "I think beans make a cool gift"

Alison Roman makes Brothy Beans | Home Movies with Alison Roman - YouTube

That is a great solution. I’m sure your friend will love it.

Some day I long for an occasion where I can gift someone a wooden platter packed with dried fruit. While looking for a pear shaped bowls I ran across some. It wasn't what I was looking for, but I thought, "Cool gift!"

I used to like dried fruit, but now I think of it as unhealthy because all the water is gone and only sugar is left. So I do eat less of it. But sometimes only a raisin will do in something!

Yes it is the candy of the fruit world. I actually eat stewed dried fruit as a pancake topping and sweetener for cereal and yogurt. I realized long ago that I can't sit and eat a whole bunch of it. A couple of pieces as a treat.