Finding the right gift can be overwhelming. I know how tough it can be to search out that perfect present, so I've selected "foodie" gifts to help you narrow down your choices. You'll find a little of everything for those food and beverage loving friends of yours. What they all have in common is that they make life Seriously Simple.

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For the entertainer: Beatriz Ball makes fine handmade metal tabletop products from small bowls to large platters to pitchers, done in modern designs. The cost depends upon the item. To surf the possibilities, go to www.beatrizball.com.

For your gourmet-loving friends: Give a gift box of gourmet foods from a different country that arrives bi-monthly. Beautifully wrapped with goodies such as palmiers, chocolate truffles and olive oil grace the special edition Holiday Box from Try the World. www.trytheworld.com

For the mixologist: A boxed set of shrubs. What's a shrub? It's an old-fashioned vinegar-and-fruit-based flavoring that is used as part of a beverage. You can use it with just sparkling water or in your favorite cocktail. Everything old is new again! www.innajam.com

For the serious cook: Give a gift card for a six-month membership to Rouxbe, a subscription online video program. With tons of recipes and techniques, the videos are top-quality and help make people better cooks. www.rouxbe.com

Gifts for the kitchen

Perfect for the baker on your list, the Anolon Advanced Nonstick Bakeware 5-Piece Set includes two 9-inch round cake pans, a 9-by-9-inch square cake pan, a 14-by-16-inch cookie sheet and an 11-by-14-inch cooling rack. The heavy-gauge carbon-steel construction resists warping and helps ensure even browning. Its nonstick surface helps baked goods easily release from their pans. Available at Amazon.com.

An updated immersion blender, the Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender with Potato Masher (model no. CSB-100) allows cooks to whisk egg whites, whip cream, chop nuts, shred cheese and even mash potatoes. Available at Amazon.com.

The Cuisinart Waffle Maker creates gorgeous waffles. Its "chimney" creates a little extra waffle bit (as described in the directions) but this is easily removed. The measuring cup makes it easy to create the perfect shape. No cooking spray required; the waffles popped out easily. Available at Amazon.com or Bed Bath & Beyond.

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