Ever heard the expression “calories don’t count on your birthday?” Well, that is most certainly true, so what better way to indulge in this delicious saying by giving your friends and family the gift of food. While making a nice homemade dessert is always an option, I think it is even better to get your recipient something more exotic. (Although, if you are feeling ambitious, Buzzfeed has a recommendation of the 38 Best DIY Food Gifts that would be fun to try). How you may ask? Let me explain

#1: Baked by Melissa cupcakes

Baked by Melissa makes bite sized cupcakes in every flavor imaginable including chocolate chip pancake and peanut butter and jelly. Each cupcake is about the size of a quarter and is absolutely delicious! Baked by Melissa stores are in various locations across New York City, and are available for pickup at all the locations. Don’t live in the Big Apple? No problem! Baked by Melissa delivers nationwide. There are a variety of packages to get. Whether it is the cupcakes dipped in chocolate or the monthly specials, you really cannot go wrong! Because they are so small it means that you can try a bunch of different flavors. They are very fun and festive for any occasion.

#2: Momofuku Milk Bar

While this is something I have never personally had before, I have heard great things about this bakery. Momofuku is located in New York City and Toronto, but once again, they deliver nationwide and internationally. Something I have heard of from there that is very appropriate, especially for a birthday gift, are the cake truffles. GlennwoodNYC.com notes that, “Best of all at Momofuku restaurant may be the Birthday Cake Truffle, a sugary sweet party for your mouth, the rainbow cake crumble incredibly moist and doughy, the “funfetti” sprinkles adding energy and crunch, the whole thing gift wrapped in a thin layer of vanilla-ish glaze.” There are two other flavors to choose from, as well. The truffles are just a very unique type of food gift that can still incorporate a birthday theme.

#3 Treat House Rice Krispies

Tired of birthday cake? How about gourmet rice krispies instead! This is a perfect gift to give someone because it is different. Treat House has a bunch of different options to choose from that all have their own charm, like a hot cocoa rice krispie treat or a bubble gum one. They also have the option to make custom orders. Here you can put pictures on the treats or even create the whole design of it. It is definitely a way to get personal with your food gift!

#5 Edible Arrangements

Probably one of the most classic gifts to give, but it’s classic for a reason! Edible arrangements is a fruit basket, but there are a few variations of it. There’s the classic fruit arrangement that has all different types of fruits in flower cutouts. If you wanted to add a little kick to your gift you could get the chocolate dipped arrangements. They even have ones specifically for birthdays that have milk chocolate cupcakes in the arrangement.

#6 Food subscriptions

For the ultimate foodie, you can buy them a subscription to a food club. If you have a  friend who love cheese or wine or cookies this may be the way to go! Fox News describes it as “The gift that keeps on giving,” and has given 9 different options for this. My suggestion from their list is from Cravory’s Cookie Club of the month. This will give them 3 months or 6 month subscription and they will get yummy new cookies every month! Could it get any better? My only caution with food subscriptions is that they are definitely more pricey than the food gifts listed above.

Food is always a fun way to show someone you care. It can act to enhance a gift, and can is not only fun, but it is tasty! This gift can be sent directly to the person’s house, and that way they can get it on their actual birthday. It is a good way to let people know that you are thinking of them (and their stomachs) on their special day!