However, food baskets do make delightful and often healthful gifts. They can include rich and chocolate-laden treats, mounds of fresh fruits from local grocers arranged in a Christmas tree shape, or unique creations customized to the tastes and diet of the recipient.
Cookbooks make a useful addition to baskets, too.
Here are a few ideas from Judy Higgen of Helen's Health Foods. People like them but often won't buy it for themselves. Her store carries pastas in shapes and colors not often seen in regular grocery stores. Gourmet rice blends also are well received and can include varieties such as brown, short and long grain, wehani, and black japonica. There are all kinds of reasons for giving nonalcoholic beverages as gifts or serving it at the holiday table, according to Higgen.