Covid has presented a challenge as the holidays approach. This year, seems the best gift to give to your loved ones is safety... The silver lining is it's a way to make new traditions, or celebrate the old ones in new ways.
Make your presence known by sending any of these gifts. TIP: Do get your orders in early, as supply chains and delivery methods aren't the same as past years. But in the end, it doesn't matter if they arrive on time, because the presence of you will be enjoyed for days.
A nod to my Dad with this one: Every year he would get a ham from Clifty Farms for the Thanksgiving weekend and a smoked turkey around Christmas. We put it out with lots of little appetizers on our coffee table before opening Christmas gifts and the best thing was picking on food all day long. The taste is worth every penny, and the bones or ham scraps make a great soup after - so this gift from you will be long lasting! You can also send hams or meat combos. You can find a 9 lb. Smoked Turkey from Logan Farms on Goodbelly for $85 (look for the Cajun flavor too). Or Google around, Smithfield makes good quality things too.
These large, incredible pies by Lush Yummies Pies are to live for! They have a select few fabulous flavors (Lemon and Peach, Apple Buttah, Lemon Buttah pies and Peach Buttah cobbler... and can throw in half a dozen German Chocolate cookies to send them dessert after dinner and the cookies for a late night movie or to have with coffee in the morning! They ship nation wide! Starts at $35... TIP: but right now, get 20% off with the code OPRAH.
While we're talking Pies, for those who are gluten-free, and certified Kosher, Maine Pies are the best - you'd never know they didn't have gluten. They come in many different flavors, but Maine pies with Maine blueberries are something special. And their Apple Cranberry Nut is great for the season. Totally sold out right now on their website, but through Amazon, you can likely order their pies at the Whole Foods in the recipient's zip code (or call their area store to ask for delivery). And keep checking their website as they may be back in stock soon.
These always make my TOP Gift list each year: overnight rise and bake Croissants, from Williams Sonoma. They start at $34for a hefty box of frozen croissants- full size or minis, all one flavor or a mix of chocolate, plain and almond (which are AMAZING). You pull however many you want out overnight and they rise so you can bake them in the morning. in about 12 minutes, it's like you got them straight from France and the house smells HEAVENLY. Scroll through this page for choices galore - including giving artesian breads, Cinnamon rolls, assorted splendid cookies, chicken pot pies, vanilla custard and chocolate pastries, Kougin Amann and more!
How about sending something gorgeous like this Smoked Salmon through Williams Sonoma. $49 for 16 oz (serves 6-8 ppl). What a beautiful presentation it will make - before it gets gobbled up!
Or Send the BEST bagels straight from New York City... H&H. Send a dozen for $49, choosing from ELEVEN flavors. They can freeze whatever they don't gobble up... they reheat or toast beautifully. Buy these through Goldbelly - a fab service that supports smaller businesses and delivers nationwide.
Flowers are always a really lovely thing to receive. And they can be a presence in the living room, bedroom or at the table for a week or more, sot hey think of you every time they see or smell them! Teleflora makes two versions of this seasonal themed bouquet, one like the photo is on sale for $52 and a taller with less flowers for $38. Look around as they have arrangements with Candles in the middle, pine cones etc. One will be just perfect for your needs. TIP: Right now, if you sign up for their mailing list, they'll give you 20% off.
Harry and David really do have an outstanding, simple, people pleasing gift of their Pears and Cheese. not sure how they do it, but they are absolutely delicious and ripen to perfection. They have a million choices but I have given and received the pictured Apple, Pear and Cheese box for $49 and it was memorable for being so seemingly basic. You can do bigger boxes or add wine for a little bit more. And the best part is, it suits almost every taste. Click around and send what appeals.
Through Harry and David, you can also send all kinds of dishes, as if you made and brought them over yourself. Apple Sausage Walnut Stuffing, Black Truffle and Almond Green Beans, Brown Sugar Sweet Potato, Lasagna, Cauliflower Risotto, Acorn Squash with Maple Glaze, stuffed Pork Loin, Lobster Mac and cheese, Beef Enchiladas and more - along with mouthwatering main-dish meats and appetizers of all kinds, starting at $39.99!
AND - this is great... you can Create your Own by choosing 2 sides for $99. This is also great way to send a little of home to your college or older kids who can't make it back... just pick some of their favorites and it'll almost be as if you cooked for them.
TIP: Use the code EARLY to save if it's delivered by December 18th. Today is the last day for increasing discounts depending on how much you order.
I hope all these suggestions are almost as good as ringing their doorbell with your elbows!
Pair it with a FaceTime or Skype, Zoom or Google Hangout to have dessert and coffee together or a cocktail around the fire, or breakfast in PJ's like you would if you were staying over.
We need to do what we can do this year and find new ways to be grateful and show our love no matter what!
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