Smoked salmon gift baskets are an especially elegant way to wow your friends and family. Classy and upscale, salmon has become a staple of many a Christmas morning breakfast. By the time you've bought everything you'll need to complement your salmon though, money can start to be an issue, not to mention the extra trip to the grocery store you would have to make.

But who wouldn't want a brunch of smoked salmon? Now imagine that you have bagels to go with it, of all different kinds, and that they're slathered in cream cheese and covered in capers. Now that would be an amazing breakfast!

I know that this sounds good, but it does leave the question of how to pull it all off. With a smoked salmon gift basket, of course. It's a must have Christmas gift, better than cookies or popcorn. And there are many different options for customization. Salmon, of course, is the staple, but there are many other pieces to the basket for you to choose, tailored to the likes and dislikes of anyone.

Even as the center of the basket, you have a choice in your salmon. Are you interested in Alaskan smoked salmon, thought by many to be superior in taste and appearance? Perhaps you've got friends who have hopped on the organic bandwagon, in which case natural smoked salmon, the non-farmed option, would be best for you. If you're in the mood, you can always include a bit of both, so everyone can decide which to try.

And then there is the choice of bagel. Do you like a wheat or white bagel? How about whole grain? You can chose the bagel that best matches the salmon that you've chosen, and your personal tastes. And the choices don't end there.

How about the cream cheese, which is essential to an excellent smoked salmon gift basket. If your friends are health concious, go with low fat. If not, classic, regular cream cheese is a great option. And if you're feeling the need for some added flair, whipped and flavored cream cheese is a tasty treat. Capers also add an unexpected kick to your salmon.

When it comes time to choose your holiday gift basket this year, don't forget smoked salmon. A smoked salmon gift basket, with all the products it can include, will be an exciting and unexpected surprise for your friends and family, and a tasty treat for everyone!