5 edible gifts for the holidays

It's a staple of the season because it makes a tasty hostess gift that pleases all ages. But why pay top dollar when Trader Joe's one-pound gift box of peppermint bark is priced at under $10?

Find a location nearby at www.traderjoes.com.

   - Dianna Marder
French olive oil. Italian olive oils get all the glory. But for an elegant, handsomely packaged (and more affordable) alternative, try this Provençale oil from A l'Olivier. It has a vivid golden-green hue, fresh, bright grassy and fruity aromas, with a buttery body that finishes light without the peppery cough of those brasher Tuscans. It's delicate yet distinctive, perfect for salads, grilled veggies, or fish. Aside from good looks, the dark drum packaging preserves freshness. ($24.99, for 750 ml drum, at all Di Bruno Bros. locations through the end of the year.)   - Craig LaBan
Charcuterie. If you're looking for an appetizing gift for the hosts of a holiday party, here are two to consider.

One is a delicate collection of cured meats and cheeses, at right, including Piave Vecchio (Italian cow's milk), Mahon (Spanish cow's milk), and Verde Capra (Italian semisoft blue goat cheese), Saucisson Petit Jesu (French simple seasoned large salami), and chorizo Pamplona (Spanish), plus a sprinkling of almonds, pine nuts, and figs, along with a cherry fig marmalade, truffle honey, house mustard, and a French baguette.

(Holiday platters to go, must be ordered 24 hours in advance, $12 per person, with a minimum order for 10 people. From Garces Trading Co., 1111 Locust St., 215-574-1099.)

Then, above, there's a heartier sampling of Italian meats including speck Alto Adige, prosciutto di Parma, sweet toscano salami, hot coppa, sweet soppressata, pickled tomatoes, roasted red peppers, Nonna Santulli's olive salad, ciliegene mozzarella, whole grain mustard and fig preserve, Italian bread and crackers.

(Cured Italian meats tray, $70, for 10 people, at Di Bruno's locations.)

   - Maureen Fitzgerald

Honey. Lots of local farmer's markets and public gardens sell honey from their own hives. This is a wildflower variety from Bartram's Garden (www.bartramsgarden.org), where it is available in the Garden Shop for $8.95. When the cold weather hits, it's a warm and welcome taste of summer from John Bartram's backyard.   - Virginia A. Smith