Snack Gift Baskets

Speaking as an inveterate snacker, there is nothing I'd like more than to receive a basket full of my favorite goodies. Wouldn't you like that too? Wouldn't everybody? Snacks basically fall into three categories, sweet, salty and starchy, so do a little investigative work and find out what your recipient prefers.

Snacks for Morning, Noon and Night

True snackaholics like myself snack all day long. I like starches for my midmorning break, so a basket of bagels or not-too-sweet muffins would be ideal. Add some individual packets of cream cheese and small jars of jams and jellies. Of course, I wouldn't turn my nose up at Danish pastries or doughnuts, either.

Sweets are perfect for that mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Here's where the sweeter muffins, cookies, cupcakes, brownies and pastries of all kinds are most welcome. Those with a serious sweet tooth might like jars of hard candies or a box of chocolates, and people who insist on being healthy at snack time would appreciate some fruit along with the sugar and carbs.

Night time is the right time for salty and savory snacks. Cashews, almonds and nuts of all sorts appeal to most people, as do savory crackers and cheeses. Atkins dieters and other protein lovers might like packages of jerky, salamis, pepperoni slices and other meat snacks. Popcorn can be sweet, salty or both, and potato and corn chips now come in an amazing variety of flavors.