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Merry Christmas! Now It's Time to Treat Yourself!

YumSugar — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 06:01:31 -0800

Merry Christmas everyone!

If you've opened up all of your gifts and emptied out your stocking, but felt there was still something missing, then check out our entire 2007 gift guide. Trade in those fluffy puppy slippers for something a little more chic and sleek. From engraved bottles to fancy olive oil, you'll find great ideas for those gift cards you received.

For the rest of our guides,

YumSugar Gift Guide: Eleventh-Hour Ideas

YumSugar — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:01:31 -0800

If you've forgotten a few folks on your list, don't fear there's still time. You can always rely on gift cards, but there are still a few things that might be a little more suitable. The whatever-of-the-month club is always a great idea. From bacon to wine, it seems like there's a club for every kind of food out there. My personal favorite is the new Pie-Tini of the Month Club from the folks at The Grateful Palate. Each month members will receive a handmade pie, along with an original cocktail recipe inspired by the pie, and an exclusive Rossini Pie Server (a pie server with a cocktail strainer on the other end). It's so kitsch it's fantastic. However you'll have to act fast, the club is limited to 75 members only.

If pies and cocktails aren't their thing, there are plenty of other last minute options. Wrap a copy of their favorite food magazine and present them with a subscription. Or opt for something that will arrive in their email inbox. For more ideas, scroll through below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Handy to Have Gift Cards

YumSugar — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 01:31:31 -0800

If you don't have the time — or energy — to come up with the perfect gift for those last few folks on your list, then go ahead and get them a gift card. It may seem like a cop-out gift, but it's easy on you and they'll be guaranteed to get something they want. For a food-oriented person you can get them a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant or grocery store. You might also consider their favorite kitchen gadget place. Sur La Table gift cards actually come in several different themes. If they're a baker, get one with a rolling pin on it; if they're a cook get them one with copper pots.

If you're pressed for time, don't forget, a lot of major grocery stores carry many different gift card options ranging from major restaurant chains to online vendors. Grab a few when you're picking up your last minute ingredients. This way you'll have some on hand in case an unexpected guest stops by — just be sure it's somewhere you'd like too!

For a few gift card ideas, scroll through below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Wacky White Elephant

partysugar — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:54:13 -0800

A White Elephant is a type of gift exchange in which each guest is asked to bring an anonymous wrapped gift. Usually, there is a maximum amount of money that can be spent, and oftentimes the gifts are unpractical and eccentric. If you are attending a White Elephant party bring fun shaped ice cube trays. A set of Emeril's spices are hysterical and could provoke conversation about the future of Food Network. However, my favorite gift is this chicken kitchen timer. It's ten percent bizarre and 90 percent practical. I definitely wouldn't buy it for myself, but it would be fun to get at a White Elephant gift exchange.

For more wacky White Elephant gifts, browse below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Newlyweds

partysugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:01:31 -0800

When Christmas shopping for the couple who was recently married, stay away from items that may have been wedding gifts. Instead, opt for fun and useful accessories for their kitchen. A simple serving tray is always welcome, as is a stylish tablecloth and napkin set. Or give them a cooking-for-two cookbook. They will be able to make delicious meals together for many days to come!

For more suggestions on what to give newlyweds, scroll below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Love Thy Neighbor

YumSugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 07:57:11 -0800

Every year, my mom gives a big box of cookies to all of her friends, neighbors and clients. I know because I spend the better half of a weekend curling ribbons for all of the packages. This year I'm helping her branch out of her comfort zone and have come up with a few fun ideas for her neighbors. She can present them with a cute set of holiday spatulas or she can update her tradition with a box of French-Style Macaroons. Either gift will definitely be well received. If you're looking for something for your neighbors, scroll through the list below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Who's the Boss?

partysugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:13:31 -0800

If you decide to get your boss a gift these holidays, stay away from a generic gift basket. They'll be receiving tons of gift baskets from PR agencies and other businesses. Instead of the obvious, choose universal gifts that work well for almost anyone. Sushi plates are out of the ordinary and not usually included in an everyday China set.

Wine is a great go-to gift idea. I suggest giving a bottle of California's Ridge because it's my boss's favorite wine!

A classic cookbook, like Julia Child's The Way To Cook, is another option. The book is Child's most creative and comprehensive, making it a gift to be enjoyed by any food lover.

For more ideas, browse below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Jars of Joy

YumSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:18:31 -0800

When I was a wee little kid, I remember our neighbors bringing us jars full of flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients as a Christmas present. They were wrapped with beautiful bows and ribbons, but I didn't understand how a jar full of dry ingredients equaled an awesome Christmas gift. Then, a few days later when my dad turned that jar into a batch of fantastic cookies I figured it out. They gave us the ingredients and the recipes needed to make something tasty.

If you were hoping to handout holiday cookies this year, but didn't quite get around to it, why don't you do the next best thing and give them the ingredients they'll need to make their own? It doesn't have to be cookies either, you could do pancake mix, soup mixes, cakes, or hot chocolate. To help you figure out where to begin I've rounded up some recipes, as well as tips on how to prepare them. To get inspired,

YumSugar Gift Guide: Remember Your Co-Workers

YumSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:28:31 -0800

Finding the perfect gift for a co-worker can sometimes be a tricky task. You hang out with them for more hours than you do your own family, but for the most part it's still an office relationship. Selecting a gift for the ones you know well will be easy, but the ones you're not as familiar with might be a bit more difficult. To help you out, I've selected a few gifts that will be just perfect. For the person who's always in charge of lunch, get them this useful Takeout Menu Organizer. Or, share a laugh by giving them a chocolate voodoo doll and watch them take revenge on the boss! For more food relevant co-worker gift ideas, scroll through the list below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Stuff Their Stockings With Treats

YumSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:18:31 -0800

Growing up, one of the best parts of Christmas morning was emptying the Christmas stocking. It was a great warm up for the stack of presents under the tree. In fact, I'd go as far as to call it an amuse-bouche. ~~My dad~~ Santa was really great about adding fun little items, and my mom would fill the rest of the space with fruit. This year, I think I'll pay her back by adding this cute orange-shaped kitchen timer to hers. If you don't think fruit is a cute stocking stuffer addition, then stock up on Dark Chocolate Covered Cacoa Nibs from sweetriot. These little tins are filled with delicious chocolate bites, and are available in four flavors. Plus at $4 at tin — or $3.33 if you buy a case — they're expensive enough to feel indulgent, but not so expensive that it's unreasonable.

If you're looking for something funnier, LesserEvil has a lump of coal made from cocoa kettle corn that is sure to be a hit at the holidays. For more stocking-stuffer ideas, scroll through the list below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Homemade Goodies

partysugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:18:30 -0800

Over the past couple of weeks, we've bombarded you with tons of outstanding gift ideas. From cupcakes to wine, we've got you covered. But what about gifts that highlight your prowess in the kitchen? Beautifully-packaged homemade goods — cookies, candies, jams, spice mixes, crackers, etc. — make excellent gifts.

Give baked goods to teachers, babysitters, hair stylists, or anyone who helps make your life easier. Package in clear baggies, festive boxes, or decorative tins tied with gorgeous ribbon. To help you get started, I've searched the Internet and complied a list of fabulous recipes that will make delectable gifts. To check it out all you have to do is

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Bartending Boy

partysugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:01:39 -0800

My friend Antonio is the best bartender I know. He's always looking for the latest, greatest addition to his home bar. Both Antonio, and your bartending boy, are sure to love any of these gifts.

Sleek coasters, a foil cutter, and a bar travel set are all fun and functional. A personalized bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue is a splurge well worth the price.

For more gift ideas for the bartender in your life, browse below.

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YumSugar Gift Guide: Serious About Seafood

partysugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:01:35 -0800

If you know someone who is serious about seafood — as in they eat it all the time — why not give them a fabulous fish related gift? Fresh crab and oysters are delicious this time of year. Smoked salmon is always welcome and won't break the bank.

Tools that help them cook and enjoy shellfish are excellent options as well. I love these porcelain butter warmers. They would be perfect for my grandpa who always dips his fresh cracked crab in warm butter! Not to mention the little lobsters are adorable!

For more ideas, browse below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Formidable Food Snobs

YumSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 07:18:31 -0800

If you're worried about what to get those food know-it-alls on your shopping list, then fear no more. if the foodie in your life is constantly spouting off information, then test their knowledge by getting them the Food Lover's Trivia Game. If they don't yet know everything, then get them a copy of the Food Snob's Dictionary. This way they'll be able to wow and impress everyone with food facts and terminology. If you'd rather get them something edible, try these conserves from June Taylor. Or, go crazy and splurge completely by treating them to entire Serrano Ham, complete with stand! For more choices, scroll through below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Bonkers for Brewski

YumSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 06:27:19 -0800

If you've got a brewski buddy or homebrewer on your holiday list, give them a gift that will allow them to revel in their love for beer. If they're not yet making their own brew, get them a Mr. Beer Micro-Brewery Kit. If they're already a master brewer, get them a beer tasting kit. It comes with 13 different kind of hops for them to discover and identify. If your beer lover is still in the early stages of their beer love, get them a set of engaging pint glasses.

For more great gift ideas, scroll through the options below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Grill Master

partysugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:13:19 -0800

This Christmas season, give the grill master in your life a barbecue-related gift. He probably already has a grill, but what about a bbq pit? Or a portable grill? Or a grill pan for grilling indoors?

If he has every type of grill imaginable, give him the accessories that go with it. I'm planning on getting this lighted barbecue-thermometer fork for my bbq king. It's a digital thermometer that shows the temperature of probed meat or fish in just three seconds. A built-in flashlight makes it easy to read in the dark.

For more great grilling gifts, scroll through below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Haute Hostess

partysugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 10:03:19 -0800

I like to consider myself a hostess with the mostess. Entertaining is what I do; it's what I live for. So naturally, putting together a gift guide for the ultimate hostess was incredibly easy. I simply looked for fabulous gifts I would love to receive!

Give the party queens and kings in your life a gift that they can show off while entertaining.

A pretty pot holder, sleek cocktail shaker, or stylish tray are all wonderful options. Or give them a great conversation starter like these introductory cocktail napkins. They break the ice and totally eliminate small talk. For more ideas, scroll below!

YumSugar Gift Guide: Cuckoo for Cupcakes

YumSugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 06:57:13 -0800

Even though we believe that macaroons are the new cupcakes, we're realistic enough to know that the cupcake isn't going anywhere. Simply put there are just too many cupcake fiends out there to make the trend go away. Besides, cupcakes are still adorable and the trend is still going strong. Translation: even if you don't realize it, you've probably got a cupcake fiend on your holiday list. So surprise them with a set of laser cut cupcake wrappers (more than 20 designs to choose from) or an Onieda 24 Cupcake Carrier. Looking for something unique? Try these adorable cupcake dessert plates from Rosanna. Want more ideas? Scroll through below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Beloved Foodie Gardeners

YumSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:18:31 -0800

If your pal is an avid entertainer or foodie with a green thumb, then finding them a gift that combines their love for fine foods with their love of gardening is a must. Luckily there's a plethora of gifts for your to choose from. You could get them this adorable Watering Can Creamer and Sugar Set ($15) that will put their outdoor love on their indoor table. If they're a beginner gardener try a Chia Herb Garden ($19.95) and if they're a little more advanced, why not splurge on Seeds of Change's Seasonal Garden Kit ($72). There are few more ideas, check them out below!

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Fiendish Chocoholics

YumSugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:15:39 -0800

If you tell me that there's not a single chocoholic on your holiday shopping list, I'm going to have to call you a liar. Everyone knows at least one — they may be a closet fiend, but they're on your list — and luckily, they're easy to shop for. You could rush out and buy them a box of generic sweets, but why stop there? Why not put a little thought behind your gift? No time? Well, no worries, I've rounded up a bunch of gifts that would be perfect for the chocoholic in your life. You could test their knowledge with Chocolate Smarts, a set of 60 cards with facts, tips, and chocolate techniques. Or, if you'd rather satiate their sweet tooth, surprise them with Hotel Chocolat's Cool Yule Goody Bag or a set of Theo's 3400 Phinney Bars. Looking for more? Scroll through for several other chocoholic gift options.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Wow the Wine Snobs

partysugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:13:38 -0800

Everyone knows someone who is totally wacko about wine. They refuse to drink two buck chuck and know the difference between Barossas and Barolos. Wondering what to get in-the-know winos for the holidays? Don't give them wine — it'll be too difficult to pick something out for them — but instead give them a wine tool or accessory.

Wine coasters make excellent stocking stuffers and will protect the snob's counter surfaces from Sangiovese stains. To really impress, indulge her with a professional wine essences kit. Learning the subtle aroma of each wine will elevate her snobbery to the next level!

Browse below for more ideas.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Bring a Little Dinner Party Cheer

YumSugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:18:31 -0800

If you're the eater in a dinner-party relationship — the person who comes over to chow down — then you may want to thank your entertainer by adding them to your holiday list. You could opt for a nice bottle of wine, but since that is so obvious, why not get them something a little more unique? There are quite a few things for the dinner party enthusiast, you can surprise them with this clever baguette tray and knife ($3 — it is a bit specialized, but is still a load of fun — or splurge and get them a new set of placemats. These Chinoiserie ones from DwellTable ($8 are a bit pricey, but absolutely charming. Scroll through the list for more dinner-party gift ideas.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Bananas for Brunch

partysugar — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 03:18:44 -0800

While it's hard for me to decide which meal is my favorite, I always prefer brunch to breakfast. Brunch is breakfast's glamorous cousin where bubbly mimosas are lazily sipped and potatoes are luxuriously dipped in ketchup. If you know someone who loves brunch as much as I do, give them a brunch related gift!

It can be simple like Bloody Mary mix or technical like an egg poacher. I personally am lusting for an electronic juicer. Can you imagine a world where every morning begins with fresh squeezed orange juice? For more heavenly ideas browse the selections below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Veggies on the Brain

YumSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 07:18:31 -0800

Unless you are a vegetarian — or are downright savvy — cooking for one can sometimes be a daunting task. You have to remember to read all the ingredients, as even the tiniest bits are no-no. However, unlike cooking up vegetarian food, cooking up vegetarian foodie gifts is actually a snap. There are tons of great books out there, and lots of interesting finds. Mark Bittman, aka The Minimalist, has just released a vegetarian version of his classic tome How to Cook Everything. His recipes are straightforward and practical and his tone is wonderful.

If your vegetarian is more of an eater than a cooker, hunt down this Please Don't Eat Me, I Love You shirt. It's available in ten different colors and will look great on anyone.

For other great vegetarian gift ideas, including a soy milk maker, scroll through below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Bro Who Loves Cheese

partysugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:03:18 -0800

I hold a dear place in my heart for the foodie who loves cheese. My older brother is one of those fromage fools who instantly knows his Parmesan from his pecorino. To help him become the master of mold, I plan on getting one of the following gifts. These chalk boards are perfect for displaying different kinds of cheeses! They add height to a tablescape and the dark slate accents the creamy colors of cheese. For more — from a cheese saw to a six-month cheese club subscription — browse below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Books for Cooks

YumSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 08:13:39 -0800

My sister is a big reader — she always seems to have her nose shoved into a book — that is starting to develop a larger interest in cooking. That's why this year I'm thinking about getting her one of the many wonderful cookbooks and memoirs that have recently hit the shelves. If you've got a reader in your family — or someone who just loves cookbooks — take note, there are some great gifts to be found. One of my top choices is Cooking by James Peterson; it is an impressive tome with over 1500 color photos and is a fantastic reference for any cook. However, if your bookworm is more book and less cook, you may want to try The Amateur Gourmet, a charming book that's difficult to put down. Scroll through for more gift ideas, including one for a Deluxe Cookbook Holder.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Crazy for Coffee

YumSugar — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 08:19:18 -0800

Whether it's an aunt or an uncle, seems like everyone has a coffee addict on their holiday shopping list. My coffee addict doesn't actually need any other gadgets — although the Bravi Home Coffee Bean Roaster would probably be well received — so I'm opting for a monthly coffee subscription from Blue Bottle Coffee Co. If your coffee addict has enough java to last a lifetime, treat him or her to a book like I Love Coffee! that will help hone their barista skills. Scroll through for more coffee gift ideas.

YumSugar Gift Guide: What to Give Gramps

partysugar — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:03:33 -0800

My grandfather is so unbelievably cool — think Austin Powers meets Frank Sinatra — that gift shopping for him is incredibly fun. He already owns everything from a fancy wine cooler to a digital meat thermometer, so I have to get super creative when looking for gifts. I suggest you do the same when searching for the perfect gift for gramps. Customized matches with his name or initials and gourmet, comfort food like lobster pot pie are two wonderful options. Or ask everyone in the family to donate money to buy a case of Champagne. This is a gift that he can enjoy with grams (or his lady friends!) and the entire fam when they come to dinner. For more ideas scroll below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Goodies For Granny

YumSugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:31:18 -0800

If your list contains a grandma who loves spending time in the kitchen — which is a pretty clichéd visual, so I'm going to guess that it does — then you may want to consider some of these gift ideas. For starters, you could get a few pics of your little ones — or of you! — and create a personalized, custom apron. Alternatively, you could present her with this custom embosser and a set of recipe cards. Now when you ask her for the secret family recipes, she'll be able to emboss them with a Recipe From . . . seal. Or you could treat her to a box of wine-filled truffles; after all everyone loves a naughty treat! Scroll through the list for a few of our other options.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Cool Stuff for Dad

partysugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:01:11 -0800

I am super lucky to have a wonderful relationship with my dad. He enjoys cooking and loves to try new things making it easy to find gifts for him. If it's a little harder for you to shop for your dad, I've put together a list of gifts that any dad will love. To appeal to his adventurous side, stuff his stocking with gourmet proscuitto jerky. Make him feel like a top chef with his own set of expensive knives and wooden carrying case. When all else fails, bring him the top-shelf version of his favorite bottle of liquor. For a couple more ideas, scroll through the gifts below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Memorable Gifts for Mom

YumSugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 06:27:33 -0800

I don't know about your mom, but mine is impossibly difficult to shop for. She buys what she wants when she wants it, making crossing her off my Christmas list a difficult task. However I've been brainstorming and have come up with a few great ideas for my mom and yours. If you're looking to wow your mom, start off by stuffing her stocking with these adorable Gloveable gloves and Chuao tasting chocolates, then really wow her with a raclette party grill. For a few other ideas, scroll through below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Teens Who Cook

partysugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:01:11 -0800

When I was a teenager, I thought I was so cool when I cooked. I wasn't much of a chef, but I enjoyed any type of gift that encouraged me to expand my culinary knowledge. So if you know teens who love to cook, this holiday season give them a foodie gift that will enhance their skills and increase their affection towards food.

An herb garden is a fun idea for the teen who is obsessed with Alton Brown's Good Eats. Individual pizza plates will encourage the Italian teen to experiment with pizza dough. Splurge on a garnishing set for the foodie teen and watch as she gets fancy with lemon twists and butter curls. Scroll below for more ideas.

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Lil Foodies

YumSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:35:33 -0800

The other day we presented you with some great gift ideas for the parents on your list, now it's time for their kids! If you've got a good eater or a budding chef to buy for, one of these gift ideas will definitely satiate their appetite! For the wee ones, there's a set of I heart food bibs — in take out, tacos, and sushi — and for the older ones there's Jennifer Low's Kids Kitchen: 100 Yummy No-Knives, Heat-Safe Recipes That Children Can Really Make. There's also aprons for girls and boys, and play restaurants and kitchens to inspire them. Scroll through for all of our gift ideas and leave your ideas in the comments below!

YumSugar Gift Guide: New Parents/Parents-To-Be

YumSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 08:18:33 -0800

As you may know, the Sugar Network recently welcomed lilsugar to the team. To show them how excited we are for their arrival, we've decided to kick off the YumSugar gift guides with gifts for new parents or parents-to-be. You can stuff their stockings with Morning Sickness Preggie Pops for her and Sugar Daddy Lollipops for him; or you could surprise them with babyfood cookbooks or portable food mills. If you've got one of them on your holiday shopping list, then check out some of our ideas below.

Get Your Gift On! YumSugar Gift Guides Start Next Week

YumSugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 13:43:25 -0800

This year, I've vowed to have my holiday shopping done well ahead of the main event. Usually I'm that poor sap running around on Christmas Eve muttering horrible things under her breath because somehow someone was left off of my initial list. However this year, that's not going to happen; this year we've put together some amazing gift guides and we've got something for everyone. Whether you're shopping for your close family members, or your wine snob neighbor, we'll have some great choices for you.

Here are some of the categories we've got up our sleeves: Hostess, Baker, Cheese Lover, Vegetarian, Gardener, Cupcake Fiend, Cookbook Collector, Beer Aficionado, Griller, Brunch Lover and many many more. They'll start up next week, but here are a few gift ideas to give you a taste of what's to come.

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