Gift Guide: 12 Mail Order Care Packages For The Tragically Homesick
There are plenty of people who aren't able to visit home this holiday season, but that doesn't mean they'll be any less nostalgic for holiday memories — especially when it comes to food. So if you want to score extra points this gift-giving season, surprise someone (or treat yourself) with one of these region-specific packages. They'll not only satisfy stomachs but sentimental hunger, too. We've rounded up gift ideas from around the world, with stops in the South, Spain, New England and the Midwest.
New York Nostalgia
A good bagel breakfast outside of the tri-state area is hard to find. Thankfully, the legendary Lower East Side food purveyors Russ and Daughters will ship a package for eight, overnight, anywhere in the U.S. Expect the booty to include hand-rolled bagels, scallion cream cheese, smoked fish, rugelach and more. Don't settle for anything less when gifting a New Yorker, because for us, bagels from any other state are worth bupkes. $118, russanddaughters.com
Island Creek Oysters
What's the next best thing to eating at a New England seafood shack? Having a hundred plump oysters, plucked straight from the icy waters of Duxbury Bay, delivered to the front door. There's nothing like an afternoon of oyster shucking in one's own kitchen to bring back memories of summer on the beach — no matter how far you might be from the Atlantic. $150, islandcreekoysters.com
Great Lakes Artisan Box
For the person craving a cold, Midwest Christmas, this box of goodies from Zingerman's is a solid pick. Wisconsin gouda and smoked bacon, Michigan berry jam and the deli's house made pecan raisin bread are just some of the items chosen to represent the best of the Great Lakes region. $110, zingermans.com
Bay Area Brunch Collection
Food lovers who grew up in the Bay Area will relish this set of sweet and savory scones, muffins and empanadas from Frog Hollow Farm. Also included are three jars of preserves and jams made with their renowned stone fruits. They'll keep indefinitely, but you'll probably run out before your next trip back to the Ferry Building. $135, froghollowfarm.com
Joe's Stone Crab Dinner
Any Floridian away from home would appreciate a culinary care package courtesy of this Miami institution. The restaurant's "Joe's Goes Classic" meal includes its famous crab claws, clam chowder, cole slaw, creamed spinach, and Key Lime pie for dessert. You also might want to stuff a stocking with claw crackers for good measure, because mallets are not included. Dinner for two, $226.95, joesstonecrab.com
Salt Lick Central Texas Special
Give the gift of a Hill Country meal, anywhere in the U.S., with this extravagant feast from the world-renowned Salt Lick Bar-B-Que. Their mail-order heat-and-eat package includes a 4-5 pound beef brisket, two racks of pork ribs, one turkey breast and three bottles of their original or spicy barbecue sauce. $139.95, saltlickbbq.com
Captain's Catch Pacific Northwest Gift Basket
SeaBear captures the flavors of the Pacific Northwest with this basket of treats straight from their smokehouse. The package includes smoked sockeye salmon, salmon and halibut chowders and salmon pate. A great pick for the former Seattleite, or anyone who celebrates the Feast of the Seven Fishes. $109.99, goldbely.com
Cajun Sausage And Gator Meat Sampler
Anyone whose Christmas involves a meal of alligator and Andouille might have trouble sourcing ingredients outside of Louisiana. Solve their dinner dilemma with this soup-to-nuts package of carnivore-friendly Cajun specialties. The cooler includes boudin balls, alligator fillets, and even a four-pound turducken. Just throw it all in the oven and laissez les bons temps rouler. $128.95, cajungrocer.com
Georgia Gift Basket
Have friends or family with Georgia on their minds this holiday season? Remind them of home with this gift basket, filled with eight products from the Peach State. Then be sure to join as they snack on butter-roasted pecans, peach cobbler, peach salsa, pecan and amaretto preserves and more! $76.95, southernfood.com
Tapas Gift Box
Make Spanish friends feel right at home with this tapas gift box, featuring eight traditional, non-perishable items. Included are jamon Serrano, cured chorizo, anchovy-stuffed olives, whole piquillo peppers and roasted almonds. Create an instant tapas party and re-create the magic of Barcelona from the comforts of your own home. $72, hotpaella.com
Cheeses From The Italian Countryside
What better to gift your Italian friends than a selection of cheeses imported from their homeland? The basket features five quality cheeses varying in texture and flavor, with an emphasis on those that pair well with wine. Also included are mini toasts, a cutting board and a cheese-serving knife. Buon Appetito! $59.99, igourmet.com
The Boston Common Gift Basket
There are some things that are undeniably Boston, and clam chowder most definitely tops the list! This "Chowdahead" arrangement is assembled with Massachusetts gourmet favorites, including clam chowder, kettle chips, salt water taffy and oyster crackers. The only thing missing is the attitude. $75, bostonbasketcases.com