Cooking Tools

• A set of quality stainless steel cookware is an appropriate gift for a family member who loves to try new dishes. Gourmet cooking utensils like lemon zesters, tongs and a large set of forks and spoons with gold or bronze accents are appropriate. Take some of the larger utensils, like the set of spatula or knives, to a local print shop to get your loved one's initials engraved on them. Complete the gift with a few gourmet cookbooks so the recipient can prepare dishes that may become new family favorites.
  
  

Desserts

• Sophisticated desserts like chocolate truffles or tiramisu are perfect holiday gifts for a friend with an upscale sweet tooth. Present the edible presents in a decorative holiday box or fancy dish with a satin bow. Gift a chocolate fondue set, complete with all the ingredients the recipient will need to create this sweet and creamy dessert, like chocolate chips, a small bottle of milk, marshmallow cream and almond extract, along with slices of fruit like fresh berries, peaches and bananas. Cheesecakes flavored with amaretto, brandy or fruit liqueurs are a tasty way to say "Merry Christmas" as well; a tin or box in red, green or gold makes for appealing presentation.
  
  

Savory Gifts

• While cookies and cakes are common holiday presents, savory gourmet Christmas gifts are just as thoughtful. Give away a bread basket of homemade loaves, along with cubes of gourmet cheeses like pecorino and camembert and mini bottles of pinot noir and merlot. Savory muffins flavored with fresh herbs and aged cheeses are delicious additions to the basket. Homemade jars of preserves featuring ingredients like onion, garlic and shallots to spread on the bread and muffins adds even more tastes to the basket. Add a holiday greeting card to the gift, wishing your family member a blessed and prosperous Christmas before presenting the assortment of savory treats.
  
  

Gourmet Popcorn

• Combine your best friend's favorite flavors and add them to popcorn as a gourmet holiday gift. Make homemade caramel with almond or hazelnut flavoring to top with popcorn. Or, create savory popcorn using sea salt, truffle salt, butter and olive oil. Purchase large tins in silver or bronze, or a tin in the shade she likes best. Fill the tin with popcorn and add a box of a smaller gift, like peanut brittle, to the gourmet present before tying the tin and box together with a wide satin bow and adding a small greeting card.