Written by Rosemary Mantini | 17 December 2010

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Many of us, whether we choose to admit it or not, are still frantically shopping for gifts in those few days before Christmas. Sometimes, we've just been too busy at work to take time out to visit the malls. Or perhaps we've just been waiting patiently for inspiration to whisper in our ears. After all the time, effort and money put into choosing and buying gifts, we all really want the gifts we pick to be perfect. And sometimes, it really is easy. Some people conveniently have collections. Pick up a little something that adds to it, and they will be thrilled with your gift. Then there are those people who have very clear interests, like gardening or cars or quilting. Easy, right? Of course! But, choosing gifts for people who don't seem to fall into any of those categories doesn't have to be nerve-racking.

Here's the secret: when you don't know what to buy for someone, think about the one thing all of us have in common -- we all eat. That's where you'll find your gift-giving dilemmas solved. Answer a few questions to narrow down the scope of possibilities, and you'll find yourself with the makings of a great gift in no time. For instance, how well can the gift-recipient cook? Does he prefer to take his dinner from freezer to microwave? Does she enjoy wine, beer, spirits? Alex Belson, Director of Marketing at Tenuta dell'Ornellaia winery suggested that grappa is a perfect gift for every wine lover, especially when you don't know that person's specific tastes.

With that advice in mind, here are a few more thoughtful gift suggestions.

Chocolate and Wine Gift Packs

Of course, everyone has heard of matching wine with cheese. The number of wine and cheese parties you've probably attended in the last couple of weeks has no doubt convinced you of the enormous potential of that particular food and wine pairing. But, a lesser known pairing is that of chocolate and wine.

Brix (called so because the chocolate is sold in brick format which are then fractured on a cutting board like cheese) is made from Ghanian chocolate and comes in Extra Dark, Medium Dark and Milk Chocolate. Each one has been specifically blended to pair with certain wines. The chocolate bricks can be purchased individually or in gift packs containing a small cutting board and knife. You can also buy them in individually-wrapped bite-sized pieces.

Extra Dark (70%) Very high cocoa content. Pairs well with Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Zinfandel and Syrah. Also try it with this: Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne DOCG 2005, Piedmont ($150)

Medium Dark (60%) High cocoa enhances fruit-forward wines. Pairs with Merlot, Sangiovese and Tempranillo. Goes especially well with McWilliams Hanwood Estate Shiraz 2007, South Eastern Australia ($17.29)

Milk Chocolate The addition of milk gives the chocolate a creamy smoothness that compliments Pinot Noir, Port or Riesling. Try it, too, with Stratus Red Icewine 2008, Niagara ($40)