It doesn't matter if you're getting or sending a big "Thank you," food gift baskets are topping the food choice gift list for 2012 as the ideal way of bringing a delighted smile to everyone's face. The fun thing about them is that one basket goes a long way. One could even get a party started with a food gift basket which is why it's becoming such a popular gift choice.

However, if you really want to make an impact as a gift giver, you would do well to pick fantastic, hard-to-get, gourmet items. Pick a country or a certain type of cuisine and center the items in the basket on this theme. You could do this for corporate events, birthdays, give-aways, for weddings or anniversaries, graduation gifts to your classmates, or treating your church members and neighbors on your birthday.

With gourmet food items, your gift doesn't have to be a huge basket. These are considered choice, luxury items and so even just a couple of specialty jams or selected cheeses are enough to impress even the most critical of all your relatives, friends, acquaintances, business associates, and clients.

There are different ways of approaching how you pick these gourmet items. You can get items that would make great party food. In short, the food gift baskets will have something for everyone! It's a great way to get everyone into the swing of things. For group food gift baskets, try putting in some Italian or Swiss chocolates, wonderful crispy nuts, salted and unsalted, a bottle of wine or gourmet cocoa, a few packs of cookies, tea, coffee, chips, or even a few small specialty cakes. Toss in some quirky items that would help get the party going like party favors, balloons, or party poppers and you've the perfect group food gift baskets ready to be passed around.

For an eye-popping gift, why not go all the way with cheeses, wines, choice cold cuts, pate, dried fruit, candy, mint chocolate, and sauces like mustard. If the people you plan on gifting with the food gift baskets are jet-setters or high profile clients or friends, then tease them with your knowledge of what's in and what's out in the world of international culinary delights. It will change the way they see you and could send new income opportunities your way.

In addition, keep in mind that it isn't enough that you've got great gourmet stuff in the basket. You need to dress the food gift baskets with beautiful, twirly ribbons, crispy clean clear or colored wrapping, and just the right touch of a discrete card (not a calling card!) that doesn't brag or make a big deal out of what's inside the food gift baskets. If you are going to go high fashion with your food gift baskets, don't ruin it by using garish wrapping and announcing the contents even before the baskets are unwrapped.

Finally, don't try too hard to please. Stick with a budget and if you are a little lost, get some help. Many of the places that sell gift baskets will put something wonderful together for you, and if you order online, they will deliver it as well!