Italian Christmas Gift Baskets – the Perfect Food Gift

Appreciated by those who are Italian and those who are not!

Italians are probably the easiest cultural group to purchase any gift for, just think food. If you are not familiar with Italian culture you may find yourself at a loss for ideas. Do not worry however, because once you understand some common aspects about Italian culture, you will soon find yourself wishing everyone on your Christmas list was Italian.

Italian Culture
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “Italian”? Perhaps an image of a large family sitting around a dining room table with loads of pasta in pasta bowls? Or maybe you instantly see images of mobster legends such as Al Capone and his boys eating in a dark restaurant. Alternatively, you might think of the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany, the shorelines of Naples and Sicily, or maybe the massive Coliseum nestled in the heart of Rome. There is no one right impression, because there are multiple impressions which are all correct.

Italian culture can be summed up into 3 main categories: food, passion and family. Each of these is no more or no less important than another, and in no way is Italian culture limited to these 3 groups. Certainly there are more, however based on my own experiences within my own family and my travels, I can confidently narrow them down to these three which I will elaborate on in more detail.

Italian Food
If there is one Italian word most everyone in today’s society understands it is “Mangia!”. Mangia is the Italian word for “Eat”. Italian food runs deep within the veins of Italian culture. Any traveler to Italy who experiences the taste of truly authentic Italian food knows they have discovered pure heaven. Italians love to spend time in the kitchen eating and talking with friends and family. It is customary when visiting an Italian, that they will offer you some fresh espresso. They will not run down to a local coffee shop, because most Italian homes make their own espresso by using a simple stovetop espresso maker right in their own kitchen.

Italians take pride in their food. From the fresh fish caught off the shores of Naples to the fresh cheeses made in Tuscany, and don’t forget the Sicilian’s contribution of the now world famous cannoli. Give an Italian man a good Italian meal and you will have won his heart. Feed your kids and their friends the best Italian lasagna, and moms in the neighborhood will start asking for your recipe. Italian food makes people happy.

The Passionate Italian
Within every true blooded Italian, there is a voice… a very strong voice. It does not matter if it makes itself known once a year or every hour, it is there. Do not dismiss the stereotypes either, such as the Italian couple arguing loudly, flinging hands up in the air, staring each other down and then finding comfort in each others passionate love making embrace …it happens.

You can observe this passion in everything they do, from kissing their spouse in the morning to eating their linguini at night. When they say their food is beautiful, they say it with emotion! When they are upset, everyone will know about it. If they are pleased with something, everyone will hear about it. Italians know how to command a presence when they walk into a room. They know how to pick a person apart with a single “look”, and they certainly know how to say what they mean and mean what they say. From the little old grandmother peeling potatoes to the Italian baker, you are guaranteed to find it in one form or another. Yet, at the same time, Italians are some of the most sensitive and caring people you could ever find. Give Mr. Bigshot in the room a little baby infant to hold, and watch Mr. Bigshot transforms into Mr. Softy before your very own eyes. Whatever passion they have, albeit boisterous or internally, the Italian experiences them all with great zeal and tremendous respect.

The Italian Family
Like many cultures, Italians value family. The blood which is shared between family members is a bond that nearly nothing can break. This does not mean there is never any strife, fights, or other problems among loved one, but when it comes down to it, families will pull together when they need to. The Italian family is generous and hospitable, offering a chair and food to every guest who enters the house. They can sit around the kitchen table for hours just talking, eating and enjoying the time together… as family.

The Gift of Food
Perhaps now you can see the importance of food in Italian culture. Not only is it a part of their culture in and of itself, but can be found in every facet of Italian life. It is no surprise to know that Italians often give food as gifts. Italian themed gift baskets were the norm far before they became commercialized. Offering a basket of fruit was common back in the day between friends and family. Family and friends would often give gifts that helped the other person out with the necessities of life. This was especially common during times are recession and war. Today food still plays a vital role in Italian culture. It only makes sense to give gifts which are related to food.

We must not forget Italians are not the only ones who appreciate Italian gift baskets. In fact, anyone who respects Italian food and Italian culture would be impressed with such a gift. When choosing a gift basket, look for items suitable for the person you are buying the gift for. For example, if the person is allergic to milk, you may want to stay away from cheese gift baskets and opt for a pasta gift basket instead.