There are very few people who will complain about food gifts. Although the holiday season is one of the most common times that food gifts are given, they can be given at any time of the year for any reason. You can bring them as a thank you gift for your host, you can give them to a client in appreciation for their business, and you can give food gifts to friends just to show them that you care about them. Here are some simple suggestions for food gifts that you can give in any situation:

1. Baked goods-who doesn't love the smell of a loaf of freshly baked bread, or a batch of "still warm" chocolate chip cookies or even an apple pie with fruit peeking out of the lattice top. If you love to bake, you can put together a gift very easily that anyone would love to receive. Put a serving utensil or even some drink mix in with the baked goods for a little added touch.

You can also give mixes for baked goods as food gifts. Get a pretty canning jar and layer the dry ingredients for your favorite cookie in it and cover the jar with fabric and a ribbon.

2. Seasonings, oils, and herbs-These are great food gifts for people who love to cook. Oils can be put in decorative flasks and bottles-if you choose bottles with no cracks and boil them to kill any bacteria. The lids and corks should also be sterilized. Flavor the oils with fresh herbs and other flavorings to give them an exotic flair. Give marinades, rubs and seasonings with a barbecue themed gift basket. Herbs can be given fresh, dried, or as plants.

3. Sweets-It is very simple to dip pretzels, cookies, fruit (fresh or dried), nuts, cake and other items in chocolate and give it as a gift. There are many other handmade candies that are appreciated as gifts as well.

Pack perishable food items in dried ice in a cooler to mail them. You should individually wrap candies and other baked goods to ensure freshness and quality.