Sure, food gift baskets can be ubiquitous this time of year. Wicker baskets stuffed with filler, overflowing with cellophane wrapped cheeses, fruit and crackers. They look impressive and there's something for everyone. But they can often be expensive. And often not really personable.

Then I recently had a conversation with my coworker, Heidi, about her gift baskets she has put together in the past. I was envious of those who were lucky to get one of her baskets! Get inspired and start cooking and packaging! Links to my favorite recipes and products below. If you're short on time, store-bought is okay too! They will be the hit at your next yankee swap. Guaranteed.

Homemade meatballs and sauce

Parmesan cheese

Cheese grater

Wooden spoon

HYGGE BASKET

Homemade Baileys

Homemade Marshmallows

Hot Cocoa Mix

Mugs

Homemade cookies

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION BASKET

Good Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Good vinegar (balsamic usually comes in fancy bottles)

Salt & Pepper Shaker

WINTER WARMER BASKET

Homemade eggnog

Bottle of brandy

Glassware

Homemade soft pretzels

HOSTESS TRAY

Cheese selection

Homemade apple butter

Crackers

Wine glasses

Bottle of wine

It's that time of year again -- you're scouring the web for last-minute gift ideas that don't feel like a last-minute gift. And maybe this year more than ever, you're looking to give gifts that are meaningful. Gifts that will have an impact beyond Christmas morning. Look no further! I've curated some gift ideas for anyone on your list that is a) impossible to shop for, b) has everything he/she could possibly want and c) cares about giving back as much as you do.

1. Cookie of the Month Club - Give the cookie-lover a three-, six- or 12-month subscription of delicious cookies. Best part? 100% proceeds fund pediatric cancer research. It's this truly the gift that keeps giving.

2. Box of Chocolates - This is no ordinary box of chocolates. Gather Chocolates are hand-crafted, small-batch gourmet chocolates. A portion of each sale is donated to the Pollinator Partnership to protect and preserve pollinators.

3. Red Wine Gift Box - A sophisticated party in a box: bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, plus crackers, fig spread, dipping spice, salami and cheese. Every box helps fund ABA therapy for a child with autism.

4. A Goat - Yes, a goat! You can gift a goat to a rural community with Oxfam. A goat is a gift of sustainability: fertilizer and food for families. Or choose from other animal, water, education and green gifts.

5. Narwhal Tee - Fun, inspiring, sophisticated tees by Brave New World Designs will light up any closet. Plus 20% of profits will be directed to different charities. This awesome narwhal tee helps the Ocean Conservancy. Or give a gift certificate and let your giftee pick their own spirit animal.

6. ChopChop Magazine Subscription - Know a kid who likes to cook? Get them a subscription to the award-winning kids cooking magazine. Plus with every subscription, you'll help get ChopChop to families that need it most. (full disclosure - I work for ChopChop. But love giving subscriptions to everyone on my list!)

7. Tickets to a Culinary Event - Have a Top Chef super fan on your list? Why not get them tickets to a Share our Strength culinary event? Not only do these events feature mouth-watering food from top chefs, but proceeds help fight childhood hunger.

Happy Giving!

I don't know about you, but I'm finding it particularly difficult to get into the holiday spirit this year. It could be due to the fact there is no snow on the ground, just sad, bare trees and dead grass everywhere. It could be I'm behind with my Christmas shopping (like, still making a list). But there's still time! Christmas is 10 days away. So if you're like me still looking for gift ideas, I've put together the mother of all lists of practical holiday gift ideas for the food-obsessed on your list. And no, it does not include anything from the Williams-Sonoma catalog. But do yourself a favor and read "The 2014 Hater's Guide to the Williams-Sonoma Catalog". FUNNY. Though, who couldn't use a set of Lampkins?

(photo credit: Cool Mom Picks)

For teachers, friends, neighbors, or public servants in your community, check out Mom Cool Picks "14 Easy Homemade Food Gifts To Make Besides Cake and Cookie". Two words: Homemade Nutella. 

(photo credit: The Kitchn)

For the newbie home cook just starting out, The Kitchn's "10 Essential Kitchen Tools to Gift Now and Use Forever" includes the stuff home cooks will remember you every time they use it - which will be often. 

(photo credit: Eat the Love)

For the cookbook collector, check out Eat the Love's "Holiday Cookbooks 2014 Roundups" He's divided his massive roundup into three parts, so you'll be sure to find something for everyone. 

(photo credit: Thinksource)

For the healthy snacker, POPSUGAR has their list of favorite Monthly Subscription Boxes. These make great last-minute gifts plus they are the gifts that keep on giving! 

(photo credit: Ryan Daush)

For yourself: yes, you should treat yourself! I love this list from the editors of Food52 of products they hope to get get this year. Some beautiful and fun things to brighten up your kitchen.