Gift Giving Goodies
By Cynthia Saunder Quinones
December, 2009
As you finish up your holiday shopping this week and next (or maybe you are like me, beginning), there is one particular type of gift I think you should keep in mind: food.
Some might argue that the gift certificate route doesn’t require enough thought. Sure, restaurant gift certificates are one size fits all, but they are a far cry from impersonal. Like snowflakes, no two restaurants are the same. The one you choose for your parents/siblings/friends is sure to say something about your relationship. Perhaps it is a place you frequent together, or the home of a special memory, like a wedding or anniversary. Or, maybe your choice will reflect your awareness of their interests—a place you know your gift recipient has been wanting to try.
And, if you can’t narrow it down to one restaurant (believe me, I understand), why not go for the sampler approach? Pick a category, such as coffee shops for the coffee lover (i.e. brewhaha or Stockbridge Coffee), 
or a region, say, if you are giving to someone who works in downtown Pittsfield (try Bagels, Too, and Mary’s Carrot Cake), and get a few gift certificates to keep them exploring and trying new places. This becomes a treasure hunt that can provide months of treats after the holidays.
Then again, why be so formal as to give the actual gift certificate? A night out is an opportunity for catching up with old friends—perfect for one of these winter nights, and even better when you have planned for it together. For example, this year my two best friends and I have agreed that rather than swap tangible presents, we are going to go out some night to Jae’s Inn in North Adams and treat ourselves to one of their glorious sushi boats.
Another thing to remember about giving in the food category: it’s practical. We all need to eat, and budgets are tight at this time of year. Why not make it more fun? Why not make it extraordinary? A Guido’s Fruit Basket, for example, would make a great gift for just about anyone: 
a family, a student, a senior. If you want to think more long term, consider paying for someone’s Equity Share in the Berkshire Co-op Market. This will lead them to discounts and exciting owner opportunities all year round.
You could also do what I do; when I head south to visit family, I almost always bring a box of chocolates from Chocolate Springs. It’s classy and festive, and it’s the one thing I know everyone will like.
So, while the holiday shopping hustle and bustle may have your head spinning, don’t forget that Berkshire restaurants and markets can help you give the gift of a good experience.
Cynthia Saunders Quinones is a freelance writer and the Director of Education for the Barrington Stage Company. A North Adams native and current resident, she is excited to live within walking distance of her favorite restaurants, yoga studio, and movie theatre. She can be contacted at cynthia.saunders@gmail.com.