Mother’s Day is within view. Friends are growing wiser. And I’m trying to be more creative in the gift giving department. In lieu of flowers, I’m in search of new thoughtful gifts for those I love. Make this an idea-dump, please. What gift have you received that’s wow’d you? You know, aside from the ring from the one. Something the equivalent in price to sending flowers. I could use the ideas.
There’s always the homemade gift, which takes planning, and time. But when neither are possible, what’s a friend to send? So far, here’s what I’ve got (shockingly, it’s all food-related):
The Lady M. Mille Crepes cake from New York. Homemade crepes layered with ethereally light cream and custard. It’s downright bawdy. Ship it across the country, or pay a delivery fee to get it to your New York gal pals. Sign the note with love, and instructions on how to properly drink a spot of tea while devouring at least one slice of this treasure. The rest may be eaten at will, standing, straight from the fridge.
Sour Cream Apple Walnut Ridiculousness
If you want to go the more fa la la la la route, my personal favorite, no fail, holy raves if I even let you taste it, is the Sour Cream Apple Walnut pie from The Little Pie Company. Mercy. Just look at it. The apples are crisp, yet thin, a bit of tart, a lick of sweet, crunch, butter, walnut farm holy good God goodness.
Pretty Please With Berries On Top
By way of LA, I say Sweet Lady Jane’s Triple Berry Cake. Hell to the yes. It just makes strawberry shortcake look bad, plain simple.
Homemade Cookies, Without Your Homemade Mess
In Austin and Dallas, you can never ever go wrong sending along Tiff’s Treats, cookies baked warm, made from scratch as soon as you place your order.
AT LEAST MEAT YOU CAN EAT
Go on, I’ve done it before. Send a meat sundae. Moist brisket, creamed corn, green chile mac n’ cheese. This Rudy’s meat is a good man gift. Beats the silk out of a tie.
SOUTHERN BELLE BAKED GOODS
Years ago, I sent a Nonnie Waller’s cake, with flowers, complete with decorative fabric box to my mama. I’ve never tasted the cake, so cannot swear by it, but my mother still talks about it. And it sure looks purdy.
WINE PAIRINGS WITH A COOKBOOK!
I love love love this idea and can’t believe these types of gifts don’t exist across the board. How is there not a site with similar types of pairings? Buy a cheese cookbook that comes with a fondue pot and artisanal cheese club membership. Pasanella & Sons offers a cookbook of the month club, where you receive a new cookbook, with two bottles of wine each month. Score. That’s awesome. Just think of all you have to look forward to each month! I absolutely love this.
