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The best gift ideas don't always have to be expensive items like electronics or jewelry. Some of the best gift ideas are gifts that, if they are good, won't last very long at all! Here are some excellent gourmet gift ideas that are sure to please even the most choosy people on your gift giving list.

Boxed Chocolates - Whether from the high end chocolatiers or from the chocolate shop in your local mall, chocolates are always a thoughtful, special occasion gift for any adult. After all, who doesn't love chocolate? You can even find boxed chocolates available in many types, including organic and sugar free.

Gourmet Popcorn - There are so many flavors of gourmet popcorn available, from caramel to cheese flavor, to popcorn drizzled with chocolate and embedded with fancy nuts, popcorn is a food that pleases everyone.

Gourmet Apples - Usually using large, juicy and exquisitely fresh Granny Smith apples, gourmet apples can be found encased in milk, dark, white or flavored chocolate, caramel, roasted nuts and candies with beautiful bows and colored wrapping. Just 1 gourmet apple can serve 4-6 people, so it makes a great gift for a family or someone who entertains for the holidays.

Gourmet Pretzels - These fresh, usually salted pretzels are drenched in chocolate and decorated with sprinkles, nuts, candies and often, more chocolate drizzling. Gourmet pretzels make a terrific gift for someone who likes regular pretzels but also craves something different. The salt from the pretzels makes for a nice contrast in flavor to the rich and sweet chocolate coating. You can find gourmet pretzels in rods or traditional pretzel shapes.

Fine Cheese - Cheeses are a more practical gift since cheese can be stored away for use later on in the year. Cheese is a great gift for people who enjoy fine wine and like to picnic. Don't forget to give them a cheese slicer too!

Wine & Beer - Good wine is a surefire gift for any host, hostess or wine connoisseur. However, choosing good wine can be difficult, as more expensive doesn't always mean more quality. Make sure to go to a local store that specializes in wines and that has an expert available so you can ask questions about picking a good wine. There are also many good online stores that specialize in wine.

Fruit - Fruit is a wonderful holiday gift for people in areas where Winter is in full force and the supply of different fresh fruits is limited. Fruit is also a good gift for the health conscious.

Dried Fruits & Nuts - Dried fruits and nuts are a more traditional gift idea. A great gift for the health conscious and for people who don't like fatty foods or candy.

Cheesecake - Cheesecake and other cakes haven't been as popular for gift giving until recently. With the explosion of e-commerce, freshly made specialty cakes, cheesecakes and pastries are widely available and can be mailed virtually anywhere. Cheesecake is another wonderful gift for the hostess or for someone who just loves cheesecake. Available in many different flavors, with fruit swirled in, cookie and crumb crusts or just plain and creamy like original New York cheesecake, cheesecake is a gift that won't last long in any house.

Coffee & Tea - Whether you have a caffeine fiend on your list or just someone who enjoys the taste of coffee or tea, there is a wide variety of gourmet coffee and tea available to give as gifts. There are hundreds of different flavors of teas, fruity, herbal, green, medicinal and more. While coffee flavors can come from exotic countries and be flavored with just about anything, including chocolate, nuts, spices and vanilla. Coffee is also a practical gift since it's so popular and many people drink it every single morning.

Gift Baskets - Pre-made gourmet food gift baskets are always an option, especially when pressed for time. You can find gift baskets filled with wine and cheese, with chocolates, coffees and teas, candies or any or all of the above.

Whether you choose luxuriously rich chocolate, fine imported cheese or a handmade sweet treat, whoever is given a gourmet food gift is sure to appreciate it.