Holiday shopping season is upon us once again, and I love to share gift ideas for the food lovers in your life. As always, these are just some ideas about personal favorites – no one has asked me to promote any products.  To get a good look at all this year fun finds, follow me on Pinterest.

Of course, I think Pimento Cheese The Cookbook: 50 Recipes from Snacks to Main Dishes Inspired by the Classic Southern Favorite is the best gift you could give or receive. (Ok, I am a little biased).

There are a host of wonderful cookbooks new this season. For the canner or preserver in your life, Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s Practical Pantry is an absolute bible and a must – have. Southern cooks will love The Southern Living Community Cookbook, a compendium of recipes from community cookbooks and resources. The Southern Pantry Cookbook makes it possible to whip up your favorite Southern dishes from a well-stocked pantry. The Savor the South series features lovely little books from amazing writers on classic Southern ingredients like Okra, Sweet Potatoes, Catfish, Celebrations and Pickles and Preserves.

Savannah’s own Byrd’s Cookie Company packages their delicious cookies in wonderful ways. I like these colorful mod tins, but shop around for many options. Chef Vivian Howard has put together some wonderful gift collections and suggestions for Southern Season stores that would be a real bonanza for any Southern food lover. Philip Ashley Designer Chocolates are delicious little works of art anyone would love to recieve. Beautifully packaged and absolutely delicious, Memphis chef Felicia Willet’s Flo’s Homemade Goodness gift box of Tomato Jam, Pepper Jelly, Chow Chow and Bread and Butter Pickles is a treasure trove of Southern preserves (each available individually too). Atlanta’s jewel-box of a shop, Preserving Place also offers some fine Southern preserves – I particularly like the apple butter. Batch offers monthly subscription boxes of local made goods from Memphis, Nashville, Charleston and Austin and is the gift that keeps on giving.

This set of snazzy casserole carriers will liven up any party or potluck, and the two different sizes are handy. Sleek and practical, A Bag Named Sue will carry all your party supplies or cookbooks in style. Alabama Chanin is one of the great Southern makers, and these cocktail napkins are a perfect gift. West Virginia-made Blenko Glass water pitchers are classically stylish and imminently practical. You know and love Tennessee’s own Lodge cast iron, I’m now coveting this carbon steel skillet. And carry your water (or wine) with a touch of whimsy in this coated canvas water bottle. And these fresh, farmers market inspired Produce candles make a lovely hostess gift or kitchen happy.  The baker on your list is sure to love this personalized rolling pin.

But maybe the best gift of all is giving on behalf of someone you love to someone in need. There are so many great organizations to give to that will create special cards you can wrap up for your recipient or have it sent directly to them. Women for Women International is an amazing organization that works to raise women and girls out of poverty around the world.  They have a whole selection of gift donations.

And as food banks are under more strain than ever, Give-A-Meal through Feeding America to a family in need in honor of a family you love.  And remember your local food bank with monetary donations or canned goods.

For some more ideas about my favorite fun kitchen finds, book and movies – check out The Spoon’s Store, powered by Amazon. Just click on the box on the right hand side of the page.