Not sure what to give that person who has everything? You can never go wrong with tasty treats.
Better yet, dermatological research is increasingly focused on how we can nourish our skin from the inside out. Chocolate, salmon, and tea are among the most skin-friendly foods, and they also happen to make lovely gifts:
Chocolate
Believe it or not, dark chocolate is an effective antioxidant - meaning that it helps prevent skin aging and inflammation. Be sure to mention that while your pals are unwrapping these luxurious treats:
- Vosges Haut-Chocolat ($37 for 18 pieces, $74 for 36 pieces): These exotic chocolates are infused with spices from around the world - how decadent!
- La Maison du Chocolat crafts true chocolate luxury. I love the Coffret Maison, a gorgeous assortment of dark chocolates (beginning at $47).
- Dean and Deluca Devil's Food Cake ($55): This cake could not be more moist and delicious. Why not bring one to your next holiday party?
- Williams-Sonoma Chocolate Fondue Gift Set: At $29, it's an affordable way to give the gift of chocolate and the fun of fondue!
Salmon
Because of its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps hydrate your skin and bolster its defenses against irritation and inflammation. It might not be the first thing you think of when you're making your gift list, but gourmet smoked salmon is a delicious treat that's sure to set you apart from the gift-giving crowd:
- Williams-Sonoma Wild Smoked Salmon Collection ($149): This trio includes Alaskan salmon, Scottish salmon, and Baltic salmon.
- Petrossian Whole Smoked Salmon ($108) is the North Atlantic variety.
- The Selection of Three Salmons from Dean & Deluca ($60) includes a dill-cured gravlax, a black-pepper cured salmon, and an expertly smoked Scottish salmon.
Tea
Green tea is one of the best-researched and most effective antioxidants out there. Black tea and caffeine in all its forms are also getting more attention for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties. You can't go wrong with these crowd-pleasing gifts:
- Adagio's Gourmet Green Tea Set: For just $19, you'll get a teapot and four tea samples.
- Pink Grapefruit Green Tea ($10.50): Not only is this a yummy gift, The Republic of Tea will also donate 75 cents from the sale of each tin to Susan G. Komen For The Cure.
- Dean and Deluca Tea of the Month Programs ($48 for 3 months; $96 for 6 months; $144 for 9 months): In more ways than one, this is a gift that keeps on giving!