Need a last-minute gift? Here are some ideas

Christmas and Hanukkah are just around the corner, and many of us are scrambling to get everything ready.

Christmas Eve is Tuesday, Dec.

24, and the first of eight nights of Hanukkah is the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 25.

This holiday overlap only happens about once every 15 years and won’t occur again until 2035.

Here are some last minute, food-related gift ideas for you. Have fun!

Aprons — Visit a craft store and buy a plain apron and fabric paint to create a one-of-a-kind apron. This is particularly a delight to do with children, and these aprons will become precious treasures.

Bagels — Surprise someone with a dozen bagels and cream cheese from Main Street Bagels, 559 Main St. Have the store double bag them so they can be frozen for later. Yum!

Beverages — Buy wine, beer or spirits from a Grand Valley producer. There are also non-alcoholic ciders and other options to choose from. We are lucky to have a wide variety of wonderful beverages made right here.

Candy – Swing by the amazing Enstrom Candies, 701 Colorado Ave., to pick up toffee or other delicious treats. I like to keep a box of toffee in my freezer, so I’m prepared for unexpected, last minute gift situations.

Charity

— Donate money in someone’s honor to a food-related nonprofit.

Examples are Meals on Wheels, Community Food Bank, Catholic Outreach and others. You also can volunteer time to help a nonprofit as a way of giving back during this season of generosity.

Cookbooks — Give the chef (or aspiring chef!) in your life the gift of a cookbook. Stop by one of our bookstores and explore all the different, beautiful options.

Gift Cards — A gift card to a local restaurant is always appreciated. You can purchase them online or in person depending on the restaurant. I always enjoy getting gift cards to my favorite restaurants.

Herbs & Spices — Grand Junction’s Willow Creek Herbs and Teas, 411 Main St., is the place to go to pick up any number of dried herbs, spices, chocolates and more. They have a variety of options for everyone.

Olive Oil — Bella Balsamic and The Pressed Olive, 555 Main St., features high-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars that the food lovers in your life will be thrilled to receive. Stay for a bit and enjoy learning and doing a tasting. Pairing a fantastic olive oil with a scrumptious loaf of ciabatta bread from Main Street Bagels is absolutely delicious.

Pottery — We have several wonderful art galleries that sell pottery, including the Working Artists Gallery, 520 Main St., and The Blue Pig Gallery, 101 W. Third St., in Palisade. The Art Center, 1803 N. Seventh St., also has a gift shop that is fun to visit. Supporting an artist while buying a beautiful mug, bowl or serving platter is a great thing!

Soup — Make a large batch of soup and package it in individual containers.

This and other homemade freezable meals make a helpful gift for new parents, people with health concerns and those needing a little extra comfort.

Steaks — Quality Meat Co., 340 North Ave., has pre-packaged gift boxes with several cuts of steaks.

These are sure to be a hit, and you also can pick up some seafood and spice rubs for yourself while you are there.

Have fun exploring the many options out there!

Some places will even gift wrap items for you.

Take a deep breath, enjoy and truly savor this special time of year. Thanks for continuing to shop at our local stores and restaurants. It helps keep our communities vibrant and thriving.

Wishing you all a very beautiful holiday season!

Email Christine Gallagher at allthingsfoodchristine@gmail.com.

Find a lovely ceramic piece made by a local artist at Working Artists Gallery, 520 Main St., and at other area galleries.

SPECIAL TO THE SENTINEL

Toffee and other treats can be found at Enstrom Candies, 701 Colorado Ave., for the person on your holiday gift list with a sweet tooth.

SPECIAL TO THE SENTINEL

Get a gift to give while also doing a tasting at Bella Balsamic and The Pressed Olive, 555 Main St.

SPECIAL TO THE SENTINEL

ALLAGHER