1. Biscotti of the Month Club:
For your special friends only, give them the gift of oven love! Present the first month’s installment in a large glass cookie jar and include a card letting them know that they can expect a different-flavored batch of your home-baked biscotti each month for a year.

Next: Candied Nuts

2. Candied Nuts:
I’ve never met the person who was able to resist these. Combine 2 cups of nutmeats (almonds, pecans, or a combination) with 1/4 cup corn syrup, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 heaping tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon melted butter; stir well to coat. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, spray paper with nonstick vegetable oil spray, and spread nuts in an even layer over paper. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes; check for doneness. Nuts are done when lightly golden brown and the sugar appears almost dry. Cool completely on cookie sheet then store in an airtight container at room temperature. Makes about 2 cups.

Next: Bamboo Fiber Kitchen Towels

3. Bamboo Fiber Kitchen Towels:
While you shouldn't actually part with the towels from your kitchen, including a few nice kitchen towels with your culinary gift is an elegant addition. Naturally antimicrobial and super absorbent, kitchen towels made with a blend of bamboo and cotton fibers stay fresher between launderings and absorb more liquid than standard cotton towels. Machine washable.

Next: Homemade Mochaccino Mix

4. Homemade Mochaccino Mix:
Present this welcome gift in a 12-ounce canning jar with label you can print on your computer or hand-decorate. To make 2 (12-ounce) gift jars, whisk together the following in a large mixing bowl: 3/4 cup instant coffee granules (can use decaffeinated), 1 cup powdered nondairy creamer, 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk, 1 cup powdered chocolate milk or hot chocolate mix, 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Spoon into jars, seal tightly, and label. Add instructions for serving: “Add 6 ounces of hot water to 3 tablespoons of mix in a heat-proof mug; stir until mix is dissolved.”

Next: Exotic Salt

5. Exotic Salt:
From Chardonnay smoked salt to snowy flakes of Maldon sea salt, exotic salts are all the rage with foodies this year. Let your special someone experiment with these fascinating flavor enhancers by giving him or her a sampler featuring a selection of exotic salts. Buy the salts in bulk at your local gourmet grocer or ethnic market, then portion them out in simple tins. Tie each with a ribbon and you've got a gift that's always in good taste.