Basket Case

The gift of last resort for many people is increasingly the food gift basket. It’s easy, it’s packed with stuff, and it can usually be shipped across the country. Gourmet Gear--the people who make the chile-pepper-adorned chef’s pants you see in restaurants all over the Southland--produces baskets for just about every kind of retail shop, from tiny boutiques to chain grocery stores. You can, however, go directly to the source and have Gourmet Gear custom-make gift baskets or choose one of the company’s nine theme baskets, which include barbecue foods, wine products and a candy- and cookie-filled “Holiday Cheer” basket.

Food baskets and boxes are $25 to $200. Pictured “Masters of the Grill” baskets and boxes are $35 to $200. For more information, call (800) 682-4635 or fax (310) 301-4115.

Holiday Stars

Cookies for Hanukkah are easy with this set of six cookie cutters in the shape of the Star of David and other symbols of the holiday. And to light the Hanukkah table, we like this rustic iron menorah for its elegant shape.

Menorah, $85 (hand-dipped candles sold separately), and six-piece cookie cutter set, $4, at the Skirball Cultural Center gift shop, Los Angeles.