Foodie gift ideas for her

You know what it’s like: Christmas, birthdays and Valentine's Day almost sneak up on you, and then you end up panic buying a last-minute gift for the lady in your life, from the local petrol station. Enough is enough fellas - iLoveMyGrub.com has made some suitably considered selections that you can order now and forget about until you receive that delighted, loved-up thank-you kiss.

**1. Chococo’s Lovers Gift Set (£25.50 plus postage), 
from ****The Purbeck Chocolate Company**

Yes, it’s chocolate. But wait, it’s not just any chocolate. It’s British (from Swanage in Dorset), it’s fresh and handmade, and like all good-quality chocolate, it’s good for you (and your love life!). This selection box of chocolates includes vanilla truffles, praline hearts, passion fruits, champagne truffles, raspberry truffles and ‘kisses’ of delicious dulce de leche caramel. You can choose from either a milk or dark chocolate heart and all will be wrapped up beautifully and delivered to the door of your beloved. Make sure you order by the 8th February for Valentine's pressies. Lucky her!

**2. Ruinart ****Champagne**** Gift Box (£69), from Fenwicks**

Another staple of the gourmet gift selection is of course, bubbles. This Ruinart gift box however, is anything but predictable. The book-style box opens to reveal a bottle of Ruinart Rosé and two beautifully embellished champagne flutes designed by India Mahdavi. There's more though, as even the traditional paper ribbon packaging within the box is inscribed with French love poetry. She’ll be so impressed she won’t notice your GCSE French pronunciation. The champagne itself is “reminiscent of freshly-picked cherries and red berries” on the nose and “well balanced and deliciously full-bodied on the palate.” 
 

**3. A very special Pink Lady apple (£3 each), from Harrods.**

A small but thoughtful gift that will mean more than just a Happy Valentine’s Day to the children of Great Ormond Street Hospital. All profits from the sale of these Pink Lady apples and apple hampers go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity annual ‘Kiss it better’ campaign. The campaign raises money for research into the causes and treatment of childhood cancer. This tasty and sweet variety of apple, originally grown in Perth, Australia, has been lovingly grown in the orchards of Southern France, affixed with a little heart to create a romantic stamp on its skin.

**4. Cornishware ‘Love cup’ (£30 plus delivery), from ****www.tggreen.co.uk**** **

Perfectly matched for breakfast in bed and a classy addition to any mug hook, this pair of mugs will last far longer than a bunch of roses. The Cornishware stripe has been a stalwart in British kitchens since the 1920’s. It is said that the brand owes its name to an employee that said the colour of the stripe reminded them of the skies over Cornwall. The red Valentine’s version won’t evoke visions of a clear sky but it will put you in your beloved’s good books. The cups come come gift-wrapped and stuffed with chocolates and can be ordered up until the 10th February at the latest to guarantee delivery for Valentine’s Day. The best bit about this gift is that you get one too!

**5. Hummingbird Bakery ****America**** style cupcakes (from £1.75ea plus delivery), 
from ****The Hummingbird Bakery**

This bakery started life on Portobello Road in 2004, with it’s rich and delicious selection of American-style cupcakes. The Hummingbird Bakery is largely responsible for the cupcake craze that has swept the UK and is reaching the same giddy heights of acclaim as New York's Magnolia Bakery (frequented by the characters in the TV series Sex and the City). As you may have guessed the bakery has created a Valentine's cupcake (pictured) but the iconic ‘red velvet’ cupcake may well also win her heart. Soft red vanilla sponge with dash of cocoa and cream cheese frosting. Divine! The Hummingbird Bakery only delivers within the London area. For prices check their website: http://hummingbirdbakery.com. 
 

**6. Heart-shaped Le Creuset cerise stoneware baking dish (£15 plus delivery), 
from ****www.hartsofstur.com**

A gift for the baker in your life. Le Creuset stoneware is synonymous with quality and this affectionate pie dish will win hearts over for sure. Even more so if you have a go at making a hot apple or blackberry pie to present in it! With any luck she’ll make one for you in return and you can go on eating pie happily every after. 

**7. Betty Blythe “I’d Love You For Breakfast” hamper (£45 plus delivery), from ****Betty Blythe**

Surprise her with a breakfast basket of treats from the-shop-around-the-corner, Betty Blythe. Whether you fancy a continental or the full English, a Betty Blythe hamper will do the trick. From their pantry to your door, they will deliver freshly-squeezed orange juice, tea and coffee, preserves, the morning's freshly baked croissants and bread, free range eggs, bacon and smoked salmon. They’ll even include the little things that you know you will have forgotten such a newspaper, butter and milk if you ask them nicely. Orders can be delivered within the London area to Zone 4. 
 

**8. Visit a farmer’s market near you for a local feast. Find the closest at ****www.farmersmarkets.net**

It might seem slightly unorthodox, but taking your favourite food-lover on an all expenses paid trip to your local farmers market is good for you, your partner and local food producers. There are over 800 farmers markets in the UK, many held on Sundays, that sell the freshest cheeses, breads, fruit and veg, sweet treats, fish and meat that money can by. Get her to choose whatever she fancies and cook up a homemade feast to share as a romantic supper. 

 

**Written by:** Anne Giacomantonio