TREE HUGGER Adopt an olive tree for a year. You get the oil, some olives, soap, and the opportunity to go and visit your tree in Le Marche, Italy. About €100 buys all this, and a certificate. www.nudo-italia.com.
TASTY SET Can you tell one balsamic vinegar from another? A Balsamic tasting set from the famous Vecchia Dispensa Company in Modena costs €18.50, for which you get four mini-bottles (0.9ml each) which have been matured in small barrels and are eight, 10, 20 and 40 years old. I'd be a happy bunny if someone gave me a box of Michel et Augustin chocolate biscuits as a stocking filler (€2.50 for eight tiny bites). Both from Terroirs, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, www.terroirs.ie.
PIE TIME No time to make your own mince pies? Luxury Mini Mince Pies are 12 bite-size treats presented in their own little box with a bow on top, costing €8.35. From Harvest Kitchen, Naas, Co Kildare. You can also buy Harvest Kitchen hampers online at www.harvestkitchen.ie.
BAKE-IN Why not give junior chefs a children's baking set? You get a mini-baking tin, rolling pin, biscuit cutter, wooden spoon and spatula in the kits, which cost from €16.85 upwards. From Kitchen Complements, Chatham Street, Dublin 2, 01-6770734.
SLOW IS GOOD Membership of the Slow Food Organisation might be worth considering as an alternative Christmas present. Membership includes four issues of the Slow Magazine, as well as discounts on all Slow Food events, reduced price publications and merchandise. Youth membership is €30; individual €50 and couples €75. www.slowfoodireland.com.
GRATEFULLY RECEIVED Reinventing the wheel is never easy, or so I am told, but a microplane is to graters what a Rolls-Royce is to cars. Simply the best, and costing from €10.85 for a nutmeg grater. From Kitchen Complements, as before.
SPICE IT UP Spiced beef is a welcome addition to tables already groaning with turkey and ham. Superquinn has a 30-year-old recipe they swear by, €8.19 per kg.
SAY CHEESE Membership of Sheridans Cheesemongers Cheese Club costs €35 per month and gives the recipient a selection of cheeses in peak condition sent to their home or office on the first Wednesday of every month. Tasting notes are included, as well as some accompaniments. Order on 01-6793143, or see www.sheridanscheesemongers.com.