The Timeless Art of Italian Cuisine
by Anna Maria Volpi

Winner the Gourmand
Cookbook Award 2003

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I know that trying to find just the right gift for somebody can be like going to the dentist at times. Ok, maybe that's a little
bit dramatic. But when people ask me about what they should get someone for whatever the occasion, they are sometimes in a panic. This is what I tell them.

1. Be Original

If you can imagine, you can be "original" . It really isn't that hard.

You know how teachers are always getting those stereotypical apple and school related gifts? (You people know who you are.) Ok, enough. Teachers have feelings too. No, really. (I'm not a teacher but I have friends and family who are and this is what they tell me.) This is a prime example of "un-originality". (Can
you imagine getting 24 primarily identical gifts at Christmas time?) What's a teacher to do?

Want to win some brownie points? Get he or she something that they can use and enjoy.

Let me help to stir those creative juices.

a. Gift cards or certificates for - Pedicure, Manicure, Movie Theater, Ice Cream Shop, Movie Rental Store, Book Store, Gourmet Foods, Golf Course, Restaurant....

b. A great throw blanket

c. Tickets to a game

d. Awesome gourmet chocolate and foods

Are you starting to get the picture?

2. Homemade Is Good

When I say homemade, people usually think of food. But homemade can also relate to sewing, knitting, building, painting, crafting or whatever it is you make with your own two hands. I love to get stuff from people who put their time into a gift. If you have a talent for baking, cooking or making things, you really ought to give of yourself in that way to others. If you don't feel that you can make anything yourself, find someone who can. It's just as good.

3. Attention Getting Packaging

Try to find objects that can be used as containers for presenting your gifts. Turn them into gift baskets. Let me give you some examples:

a. Ceramics- Bowls, mugs, tea cup and saucer, plates, trays,planters...

b. Any kind of basket

c. Hats turned upside down

d. Boxes lined with decorative paper on the inside and out

After deciding on a container, fill it with some sort of tissue paper or shred. Organize the contents of your basket and use clear or colored gift basket wrap to seal it. Attach ribbon, a bow, maybe a card, flowers, greenery, or candy to it at the top. You could even attach an object that ties in to the theme of the gift.

You know what people really like? It's to know that someone cared enough about them to put some thought into their gift. So, I guess it really is the "thought" that counts.

About the author:
Rena D. Robertson is the founder of Rena's Recipes "Gourmet The Texas Way". She has been baking for 30 years and has developed quite a reputation for creating exceptional, mouth-watering recipes. She says that having a passion in life is important. Her passion is making people feel good. Her gourmet foods seem to do just that. You can find some of her creations at http://www.renasrecipes.com