It may not be the first thing that crosses your mind when you think of gift giving but an edible gift might be just the thing you need to cross the "hard to shop for" recipient off of your list. When you see the joy it brings them you will find that more and more of your gifts are edible.

Keep these things in mind as you decide on a gift: What does your intended recipient like? Could it be something alcoholic, something sweet, or a combination of things? If you buy something perishable, you will need cold storage available until you present the gift. Can you create your own gift or will you be buying it?

Edible gifts can be anything from wine baskets to chocolate covered strawberries, or maybe even both depending on who you are purchasing the gift for. A popular selection in the past, and an old standby, has been the fruit basket. Today, you can be more creative and do customize the gift basket for the person you are buying it for. Some popular styles today include the beer basket, the wine basket, the chocolate lover's basket and the salty food basket. There is something for every taste and price range.

If the person you're buying for is a book lover, perhaps a hand assembled gift basket with some fine cheese and biscuits, a bottle of white wine, a couple of wine glasses and a new hardcover best seller might be just what the doctor ordered.

Don't be shy about making your own edible gifts, either. Some of the best presents are the ones that show that you put time and effort into the gift. There are many simple gifts that can be made by hand. Jar mixes - dry ingredients layered in a Mason jar - are well received by many. A great variety of items including cookies, soups, and breads can all be given in the form of jar mixes. You can also easily make your own "instant oatmeal" mixes, and flavor them with interesting ingredients like cranberries, dried bananas, and even crystallized ginger. Make sure that you tie the mixes with beautiful ribbons and decorate them to look gorgeous and appropriate for the occasion.

If time is your, enemy due to a hectic work schedule or busy holiday season, choose a gift that can be purchased. One way to say you care throughout the year is to buy a gift like a "fruit of the month" club. Your friend or relative will receive beautifully wrapped and fabulously fresh fruit for three, six, nine, or twelve months of the year. They will continue to enjoy your gift for many months, and will likely think of you each time they receive a shipment.

This is your opportunity to be creative and put something of yourself into the something that you are giving to someone you care about. They will surely appreciate the uniqueness of your gift and all the thought and effort that went into preparing it. An edible gift is a classic for any occasion.