Gifts for Foodies

Foodies can be so much fun to shop for! They usually love to try new things and are adventurous in the kitchen, so going off the beaten path of gift giving can result in a whole lot of delicious fun!

If you are looking for a tasty gift idea for a food lover in your life, check out some of these ideas. I found gift ideas for every budget and every taste bud. From crickets, which are a yummy and sustainable protein source, to imported olives, this list has something for everyone on it! 

Click thru the links of my partners, who were kind enough to send samples for inclusion, and order these foodie favorites!

Roasted Crickets are awesome in a gift basket, or just make an unforgettable holiday goodie to share with an adventurous eater in your life. Gym N Eat Crickets has so many flavors to choose from, and these really are good. I tossed my kids a bag and they ATE THEM ALL, and asked for more!  Get a 12 pack of assorted flavors for $36.

Give the gift of the juiciest poultry ever with the Topsy Turkey. This is a must have kitchen gadget for anyone who likes turkey and chicken at home because it allows for the perfect bird every time with internal basting! Get this for under $22.

Give the gift of the best snack assortment with this 24 pack retro tin from Herr's. It has a great assortment of chips in a collection of favorite flavors that will satisfy the snacker in your life. Order online for $24 this holiday season.  

What could be better than a bunch of little bags of chips for a foodie? Maybe only one thing; if they came in an adorable and awesome little chip delivery truck! This 42 count variety pack truck is perfect for gifting, and you can pick the chip mix too! Get this from Herr's online for $26. It will definitely deliver smiles this holiday season.

Give a foodie a portable snack that packs a protein filled punch with People's Choice Beef Jerky. This is a really great brand of jerky that has a lot of flavor and has a long history of making jerky that people crave! Order a mild jerky box for a meat lover in your life for $24.

Spices are always a good idea for foodies and this collection from The Spice Lab is perfect for gifting! It has 4 blends that complement so many dishes! For an added bonus add a bottle of  Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning to your online cart because you deserve a treat too! They also have drink mixers, sugars and more for all of your foodie gifting needs.

If your favorite foodie also likes wine, then they need a pair of these sassy socks from Lavley. They have a bunch of cute phrases printed on the socks for a gift that is useful and fun! Order online for about $10 a pair.

Give the gift of poetry, art and food references with these brilliant poems for the kitchen from  Good Grub Love. The Avocado Amor Poem is one of my favorite foodie gifts for 2020. Retailing at about $33 it is quirky and will be a classic in the kitchen, to never go out of style. 

Nunbelievable makes some of the most unbelievably good cookies. These are bif, fat, decadent cookies, that you can feel good about eating because when you buy one, you are sharing a cookie with someone in need. So cross off a gift on your list, and gift a foodie a feel good, saving the world one cookie at a time, cookie. Prices start around $18.

Foodies love pork rinds because they are low carb, which is essentially guilt free snacking! Southern Recipe Small Batch Pork Rinds are awesome and have so much flavor. From chili cheese, to classic salt, and hold your hats, apple cinnamon! Order a few a bags for a one of a kind low carb snack to share. 

McCrea's Caramels make for a sweet gift idea for any foodie! They have flavors like single malt scotch, which will be a hit with the guys on your list, and a nothing short of dreamy vanilla caramel too! Prices start at about $5 for pillow packs of gourmet caramels.

If you want to send something healthier, and elegant, the choice is clearly Laumiere gourmet fruits. With fine fruits like dates, apricots and figs, the super fruit collection will wow the foodie in your life with natural goodness. Order online starting at about $35 a square box.

Every foodie needs a great chefs knife. The Kuma Knife provides a perfect cut right out of the box. This knife retails at about $100 and will be a  gift that foodies use and love for years to come. It is a must have for the kitchen.

Steeped Coffee Bags make for an awesome gift idea. These handy bags are like a tea bag, but they make one impressive cup of coffee. Foodies will love to have these in the office, or in the pantry for a cup of coffee whenever they need one. Order specialty coffee in a single use bag for about $15.

If you are looking for a cracker that isn't just a cracker; grab an assortment of Brewer's Crackers. Made with upcycled spent grains, these are a delicious and unique cracker that will be a welcome addition to gift baskets and cheese platters alike. Order online for about $5 a bag.

Gift wellness with a great cup of tea this year. Tea can be enjoyed long after the holiday has passed and Steep & Sip has a great assortment that is sure to please. With such an assortment to browse, I know you will find a great tea for everyone on your list. Prices start at about $3.

Stuff a foodies stocking with healthy, all natural fruit snacks. Chum fruit bites are good and super healthy for on the go, guilt free snacking. They have several fruity flavors like Mango,Strawberry and Peach Bites. Get a 12 pack for about $10.

Give a favorite foodie a cookbook and you will be feeding their kitchen skills for life. This one, Wine Country Table is a great gift because it also explores all of the flavors of California wine country. Order this cookbook that celebrates sustainable harvest food for about $45.

Christmas and Cookies go together like any classic combination. Lucky for any foodie, cookies are as close as the nearest bag of Thinsters, and you won't need to bake them every time you have a craving for a holiday treat. Check out the seasonal flavors and get an extra bag to keep Santa happy this year.

On the go foodies will appreciate a practical gift like Bamboo flatware by Emerging Green. This is a long lasting, eco friendly way to eat on the go without adding plastic to a landfill.  Get a 12 pack for about $18. 

Simple Goodness Sisters Syrups are an awesome gift idea because these are perfect for cocktails or homemade sodas. Made with fresh from the garden ingredients, this is something any foodie will appreciate having in the kitchen. Order a few bottles for about $20 a bottle.

Maya's Cookies are the perfect gift for anyone! They are vegan, and totally gourmet. You will love the texture and the taste, even if you aren't vegan! Order these online for someone sweet, but get yourself a few too. You will thank me later! Prices start at about $24 and they have a lot of wonderful flavors!

This year, if you can't share your own home baked goodies with your loved ones, why not send them a coffee cake sampler from Dorothy Lane Market?  Made with local, fresh ingredients, these are simply the best in coffee cakes. They make for a great gift idea! Order 3 cakes for $57 online.

Send your love and a little sass to your favorite foodie with a 12" cookie cake from Eat Me Cookie Cakes. You give them the message and they will write it on a tasty cookie cake and ship it your foodies door. Prices start at about $30.

Foodies like to have a little fun too,and the Original Taco Cat will bring so much fun to the table! Get this cute taco holding cat for about $15 and make keep the mess at bay on Taco Tuesday!

Coca Cola lovers will delight in this one of a kind jelly, made with peppers and real Coca Cola syrup. Foodies will have fun trying Cola Pepper Jelly on a variety of foods. Order online starting at $20.

With the current state of the world, there will be less mingling, and more mailing of gifts than ever before.  If the pandemic is keeping you from your loved ones, send them a smile and an unforgettable cookie from Contessa the Bakery. It is hard to woo me with a cookie; my mom is a long time baker, and I have tried them all. But, these holiday cookies were something special. They are gorgeous for one, and they were really delicious and *almost* too pretty to eat! Order starting at $79 this holiday season.

Give a steak loving foodie some quality steak knives and forks with the Porterhouse Steak Set from Tramontina. This heavy duty set is made to last, is dish washer safe, and best of all costs under $30. Find it on Amazon, and at a variety of retailers like Walmart, Kohls and more.

Bring the flavor of Sicily to your favorite foodie with the Bono line of olive oil, marmalade, olives and more. This is a perfect gift for someone who would love to explore the flavors of Sicily, but is stuck at home this year. Order from Amazon or Vitacost.

Give a gift that is tasty and unique with Vegky Shiitake Mushroom Jerky. Available in several delectable flavors, this is a delightfully chewy way to get your protein at snack time. Get a 3 pack for about $20.

If you are shopping for a chocolate lover, these Lekkco chocolate spreads are the bomb. They are available in 4 flavors that are so good, and are for more than spreading on bread. Make hot cocoa with them, or make no bakes pop. Order online where a 4 pack of this Belgian goodness will cost $32.

Table Mountain Farm makes an incredible line of Goat Milk Caramels that will tickle the taste buds of any foodie. This caramel is made with simple ingredients to create a luscious, buttery caramel that is perfect for dipping or topping! Order online for $10 a delicious jar.

If your favorite foodie likes pretzels, then send them Eastern Standard Provisions Pretzels for a happy holiday! These are soft and wonderful bites of pretzel heaven that anyone will love to get, especially if you can't be together in person this year.  They have a good assortment of styles and prices start at about $13.

If you want to add a good gluten free goodie to a gift basket or holiday spread, all foodies are sure to dig these Fit Joy Pretzels. They have a lot of flavor without the gluten. Prices start at $4 a bag.

Tea is the ultimate winter beverage so why not gift a favorite foodie an assortment of tea from Rare Brew? They make some damn fine teas that will hit the spot all winter long. Find the perfect blend online.

Bring the bakery goodies home with this selection of bake at home goodies from Porto's Bakery. From sweet cheese rolls to chocolate chip cookies, there are so many tasty choices to order and bake at home for your holiday festivities!

This trio of seasonings from Heifer International makes a great gift for foodies because it will spice things up in the kitchen long after the holiday has ended. Featuring Parisian Pastry seasoning Garam Marsala and a delightful espresso seasoning, this has such an assortment of flavors that anyone will love. Order for about $22.

For a true foodie, there is no substitute for fine chocolates. Mariebelle of New York makes not only some of the most beautiful candies ever, but they are also quite scrumptious too, if you can bring yourself to snack on these little works of art. Check out the variety of sweets offered in the online shop.

Foodies are going to flip for this taste of decadence delivered to your door. San Diablo Take and Bake Churro Kits bring a goodie to the table that no one will forget! Featuring an assortment of fillings, this is one really fun kit for foodies this holiday season. Order online for about $32.

If you need a gift for someone who seriously loves cookies, then order them a 12 pack of Chip City Cookies. These are big, beautiful and perfect for snacking on. Pop one out of the box and slide it into the oven for a total treat. These are some of the biggest cookies to ever come out of an oven! A 12 pack will cost about $75 and is so worth it!

I hope these suggestions help you find some wonderful gifts for your foodie friends and family!

 

5 steps you should take to avoid a pest invasion this winter season

 

Why would pests target my property?

As temperatures start declining, and the weather gets colder many rodents, birds, and other pests will be looking for a place of refuge from the elements. Your property might be the ideal location for pests to stay for the winter. Pests would target your property because of the warm enclosure provided, the constant stream of food resources, and protection from predators. Obviously, this is not something you want to happen! If this does happen, then you need to find local exterminators, such as a specialist raccoon exterminator, who will be able to eradicate the pests before serious damage is caused. Some parts of the property are more susceptible to infestation than others, such as garages, basements, and attics. These are all locations that are secluded, often quieter, and darker than the rest of the property making them more attractive to pests.

The key pests to look out for this winter are bats, birds, rats, chipmunks, cockroaches, and spiders. You can learn about these different pests and more here.

Steps: 

1). Seal entry points

For a pest infestation to begin they need to access your property. By sealing possible entry points such as maintenance ducts, water pipes, roofs, and crawl spaces you prevent pests’ initial entry. Preventative sealing can be done with quick-drying cement, glue, or a restructuring of certain areas. Using screens to prevent bug entry is useful, though other pests may be able to take down those screens or gnaw through them. Screening windows and doors are a good measure, but regularly inspecting for damages is key to success with that method.

2). Pay special attention to the roof

Gaps in the shingles on the roof of a property provide easy access points for pests such as bats, birds, and rats to climb into your attic or vent system. This would be dangerous as those pests can often get trapped in the air duct or attic bringing them into your home. Inspecting possible entry points on the roof of the property, vents with large holes, missing or loose shillings, and spaces between the roof and wall is critical to identify risk areas. Bats want to nest in warm locations such as between the wall or attic and can commonly squeeze themselves to fit in-between the gaps between walls and roofs.  Closing holes on your property's roof is difficult and dangerous, so make sure your roof is in tip-top shape by hiring a professional to inspect it. These professionals also have the expertise of how to seal holes permanently and efficiently so you won’t have to.

3). Keeping clean inside

Pests, especially rodents, will be searching for a food source and any crumbs left on the kitchen counter will fill their need. Cleaning spaces that have crumbs or dried food such as the pantry regularly cuts off the pest from their food source forcing them elsewhere. Keeping dry food in safe containers such as a bread box, or glass jar instead of a traditional plastic bag or cardboard box better protects against rodent scavengers. Plastic and cardboard can be easily dismantled by a rodent’s sharp teeth, exposing their diseased saliva and droppings: contaminating unprotected food. Keeping all areas where food is consumed clean and making sure that there are no food products left out overnight or for extended periods of time is an essential step in keeping pests out of your house.  

 

4) Garage and attic organization

Keeping your garage/attic/basement organized and clutter-free allows you to better see possible pests and denies pests the cluttered, dark environment they prefer to live in. Keeping items aligned and vertically stacked denies rodents the dark hiding places they prefer for reproduction. For storage, plastic storage boxes are safer than cardboard boxes. Similar to cereal boxes, pests can chew through cardboard easily to access and destroy what you are storing. Rats, in particular, look for cluttered areas to occupy because they can better evade predators and exterminators. So, cleaning out that clutter is an important preventative measure. If you have items you no longer need and they cannot be sold or donated, you might want to look into the roll off dumpster hire costs, SC, or elsewhere closer to you, so you can see how much it will be to use a dumpster to help clear away all the unwanted items you have accumulated. 

5). Clean chimneys

Some pests can look for chimneys as an access point to some properties. These chimneys often lead directly to a bedroom or living room, so preventing pest entry from there is vital. Installing a simple mesh cap on the chimney to prevent entry is often the best solution. If unsuccessful at roof entry, bats and birds will attempt to enter through the chimney so preventing both is important. Along with cleaning common spaces, maintaining a clean chimney makes pest deduction easier. If any of these methods seem too taxing mentally or physically, consider calling a wildlife specialist. They’ll ensure that the job gets done.

     

15 Advent Calendars for Kids

When I was a kid, one of my favorite parts of the holidays was the little advent calendar my grandma always had for me. I only got to see her on weekends, so when I would get to her house, I would get to open several windows at once, for a few little treats!

Looking back on it, the calendar was as basic as it could get. The squares of chocolate were small. But, it was the fact that someone thought of me and picked up an advent that had a picture she knew I would love on it, and she kept it for me, on the odd days I came over.

Now I am a mom and I always have an advent for my kids. They love the little ceremony and surprise that awaits them. If you are like me, and maybe don't have the time to create an elaborate advent, check out these ideas from Amazon. This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase, I will earn a small advertising fee.

Paw Patrol Advent
Hatchimals Holiday Advent
Barbie Careers Advent Calendar
Mega Bloks TMNT Advent
Playmobil Advent
Play Doh Christmas Advent
Grinch Advent Calendar
Hot Wheels Advent
Crayola Christmas Countdown
Disney Tsum Tsum Advent
Lego City Advent
VTech Smart Animals Advent
Thomas and Friends Advent Calendar 
Funko Harry Potter Advent
Olaf's Adventure Christmas Countdown Calendar 

If you find a great advent calendar on Amazon, I hope you will leave me a comment so I can add it to my list!

Best Board Games to Gift

Board games make awesome gifts! They encourage family time, and any gift that pull kids away from a screen is going to be welcome by parents! I have rounded up some excellent options for gifting board games this year to help you find some new and exciting options for family game time.

Samples were provided for inclusion and photography.

Exit the Game Theft on the Mississippi is a really fun option for older kids. It involves solving riddles to discover who done it. Families will love this engaging game that is challenging and fun. Exit the Game is available in several themes, for about $15 a game.

Jabber Jaw is perfect for snow days, or anytime you need a good laugh with game play. This descriptive game is challenging and fun for kids of all ages. Order it for about $25.

Trailz is a really fun strategy game from Play Monster. This game is perfect for kids 7 and older. The players will out manuever one another to safely move their shrooms to the other side of the board with the help of some slugs. The game is unique and fun. Order it for $15.

Chicken War is a strategic guessing game that will have players 8 and older clucking for more. This fun game is engaging and entertaining. It guarantees one thing, if chickens went to war, hilarity would ensue. Order it for about $20 for a fun family game night!

Any fan of the classic film Back to the Future needs this Dice Through Time game! This is a great gift for tweens and teens. Chances are their parents are going to want to play too for  the nostalgia factor alone. In this game you will help Doc and Marty while time traveling. Order this game for about $40 for a fun winter gaming session.

PENSILLY is the super, silly drawing and guessing game! It takes creativity, teamwork and imagination to play! Grab your friends, select your cards and sketch out the clues.

Kids will find the What's Wrong With Grown Ups Game to be hilarious because, well, it is a hilarious game for the family! This game encourages creativity and curiosity in kids for a fun way to play together with cards. Order for about $25.

 

This is a really fun game for families because it is a race to make sense of nonsense. Laughter is sure to ensue. This would be a good game to have ready for New Years Eve! Order Incoherent Family Edition for about $25.

Grounded for Life is such a fun game! But, be warned, the answers you give just might get you grounded for life! This is great for kids of a variety of ages and is perfect for family game night! Order it for about $20.

I hope these board game ideas help you find one that you don't have already and will definitely bring a ton of fun to family game night!

While you are here, why not check out some of my favorite Christmas Crafts?

Gifts for People Who Love Coffee

 The holidays are near and that means it is time to start making a list and checking it twice to get a great gift for the coffee lovers in your life! I have been checking out some gift ideas and I found a few that I know you are going to want to check out.

Samples have been provided for inclusion. 

Tony's Coffee is an under the radar option in a world of chain coffee shops, so it feels like a delicious secret! You can get a variety of beans from the Roaster of the Year Award Winning Tony's Coffee for about $13 a bag.

There is something so special about Gaderian Coffee that you will want to share it with a coffee loving friend this holiday season. This Guatemalan blend is mouth watering! Get it in bags or pods, in a variety of roasts, for a great price of about $12 a bag. 

If you want to make a statement in terms of your gift to a a coffee lover, the EC100 Espresso Machine by Capresso speaks  volumes! This is one of the nicest espresso machines I have ever used. It is easy to operate, and no joke, it makes a better shot than my local Tim Horton's. Get this online or from fine retailers like Kohl's for under $130.

If your favorite coffee lover travels a lot, give them the gift of the best coffee possible no matter where they are, be it a desk, or hotel room, or even at home. The Pakt Coffee Kit is compact, easy to use and really makes a cup of coffee a treat. Get it for about $141 this holiday season.

Coffee always makes a nice gift, but with Rising Tides Coffee, the gift keeps on giving goodness. You can select one of three blends and your purchase will support your cause in a way that makes you feel good. Prices start at about $20 a bag.

Ciel makes a really lovely blend of coffee, that is a small batch with a wonderful aroma. Prices start at about $19 and is sure to delight your coffee loving friends and family this holiday season.

Give your favorite coffee drinker some specialty cold brew coffee and milk blended together to perfection. Cowffee is as convenient as it gets and really packs a lot of flavor! Order a 12 pack and share with some special friends and family this year!

La Promesa makes some wonderful coffee that is perfect for gifting this season. With a sweet, fruity flavor, this one one cup of coffee that will warm everyone up perfectly this winter. Order whole bean or fresh ground for about $21 a bag.

Any coffee drinker appreciates a good mug. To make an unforgettable impression why not gift a mug that is nothing short of art with the Alicia Boateng Collection Afro Glam Mug. This is seriously gorgeous! Order for $27. 

Gift the experience of a great cup of coffee from Nicaragua with the Santa Lucia Estate Coffee line. This coffee smells divine with a wonderful earthy finish that is made to savor. Order the sampler pictured above for about $30.

Explorer Cold Brew is perfect for gifting a coffee lover! These little bottles are perfect for an on the go pick me up. Simply add to water, add ice if desired and sip a really good cuppa cold brew. The bottles are adorable and can be used again if desired. Order a starter pack for about $20.

Maple Leaf Roasters offers an assortment of really good blends that make for a great gift this holiday season. We loved the Slapshot 2020 Holiday Blend with its sweet finish. Order online for about $14 a bag.

Bean and Bean Coffee Roasters have some really great beans that are roasted to perfection and ready to gift. They have a coffee and tumbler set that is perfect for any coffee lover to unwrap this holiday season. Order for $45.

I hope these suggestions help you to find a great gift for a coffee drinker on your shopping list.