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 This week we're gonna focus on gifts over $50, but under $200. While gift prices have no set rules, this price point is generally reserved for parents, in-laws, close friends, and spouses. In other words, it's for the people who are closest to you that you don't mind spending a little more on. This price range has lots of possibilities and you'll see by the wide variety of gifts below...
If you're looking for a foodie gift that's a bit cheaper check out last week's gift guide: Foodie Gifts on the cheap (under $25). For the Tech Savvy Foodie - The Nintendo DS. Video games apparently aren't just for tweens and teens anymore. My own mother seems to be having a mid-life crisis that has her not wanting a young boyfriend or convertible, but technology. First it was the iPhone and now she has informed us kids that the Nintendo DS is the gift of choice. Boost your cooking skills with Personal Trainer:Cooking, or test out recipes from Chef Jamie Oliver in one his virtual kitchens in What's Cooking? with Jamie Oliver. But I would have to say the one game that even makes me sit up and take notice is Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine, what foodie hasn't daydreamed about being at Kitchen Stadium? And now you can! The Nintendo DS retails for about $130 dollars and the games range in price from about $29.99 to $49.99. Membership has its privileges - There are a lot of Foodie groups and organizations out there, but two that continue to reign supreme are the James Beard Foundation for the New Yorkers in your life and Copia for those that live in close proximity to the California Wine Country (Napa & Sonoma). Treat someone to an annual membership which will give them entry into many exclusive Foodie events. 31 Flavors not enough - Dying to know what Bacon flavored gelato tastes like, have a pregnant sister whose been mixing pistachios and brownies in with her chocolate ice cream. Well for $50 a half gallon you can go to ecreamery and design your own custom gelato and ice cream. Customize the ice cream of your dreams or try on of their innovative combinations like "Asian Red Bean" or "Happy Hour" (Stout flavored ice cream with pretzels). Not just another Gift Card - Give a little extra with that Gift Card this year. Try a Vivabox. The Vivabox is literally a gift box with two gifts in one, a small trinket that they can enjoy right away and a gift card for the main event. The Gourmet to Your Door Viva Box contains two elegant dinner napkins encased in silver plated napkin rings alongside a gift card redeemable for a three course dinner for two to be delivered to your door from a fine dining establishment in your area. A true Gourmet meal right in the comfort of your own home. Cookware - Tired of watching your mother use that same saucepan over and over? You know, the one she's had for like 30 years now. Although I have to admit some of the vintage stuff is great, most of it has seen better days. Kitchen Essentials from Calphalon has a great 10 piece set for $200. Our favorite Domestic Goddess, Martha Stewart, also has a comparable line that is even less expensive at Macys. I personally am a big fan of stainless steel lined Copper cookware which can be really pricey, so I usually get one new piece a year from my Mom or Husband to add to my collection which is also a great idea for the more expensive stuff. Yet another wine gift - Having just hosted a wine tasting party for a friend of mine I wish I had this at the time. Red Envelope has a great wine tasting party kit. Place wine bottles into numbered wine bags. After tasting each wine, guests take a guess. Even if no one correctly identifies the wine, engaging conversation is guaranteed. $70 Personalized Recipe Cards & Embosser - So you've taught your Mom how to use Project Foodie as a way to keep track of all those great recipes she finds in the magazines, but what about those family recipes, the ones that are like family heirlooms? Doesn't she deserve to have something nicer than that old plastic recipe card box from the local discount store. This beautiful wooden recipe box with personalized cards and embosser makes you want to turn every recipe into a family recipe. Monogrammed Items - To me there is just something so completely, retro, chic, and incredibly preppy about monogrammed gift items and I love it. Treat your brother and his new wife to a set of monogrammed high balls, a stylish martini pitcher, or an ice bucket. Have a good friend who entertains a lot? Monogram cocktail napkins are always nice and not just for weddings anymore. Williams-Sonoma and Neiman-Marcus have a fabulous selection to choose from. Holiday Dinnerware - This can be a real tough choice because everyone's taste is different, but who doesn't like a festive set of appetizer or dessert plates with a Holiday inspired pattern? It's one of those things that unless the recipient is a regular entertainer they probably haven't gotten around to purchasing for themselves. My favorite patterns are the classic Spode Christmas Tree, Lenox Holiday Nouveau, and the Boho Holiday collection from Rosanna, Inc. CSA Share - I think I like this gift idea best of all. Foodie Pam recently blogged about her reluctance in participating in a CSA , but she is now reaping the benefits of her investment and enjoying every minute of it. This is a perfect gift for that friend or sibling who is trying to provide their family with meals using fresh and local ingredients. CSA's are popping up all over the country so find one in the designated area and buy someone a share. I live in New Jersey, and the CSA I participate in runs from April to October, but most farms are taking orders for the upcoming spring right now. To find a local CSA in your area check out Local Harvest.
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