It's official, people of all ages love to receive gourmet foods as a gift. For any occasion, for birthdays, for anniversaries, for Christmas, for Mother's Day, for Father's Day, it doesn't matter. Gourmet foods are one of the few gifts that you can count on to please the recipient. Everyone who receives a gourmet food gift basket or package feels special. Here is a guide to the most popular types of gourmet food gifts and what type of gift recipient they are perfect for:

Cheeses

Cheese is a great gift for the true "foodie", or anyone who also enjoys wine. Gourmet cheeses are available from all over the world, but the very best specialty cheeses tend to come from France, Italy, England, Spain, Ireland and, of course, the United States. Whether you get someone a true cheddar from England or a wedge of genuine Brie from France, you are getting someone a very special gift that will surely be savored.

Gourmet Cheesecake

Cakes are nice, cheese is nice, but put these two things together and you have cheesecake! Cheesecake is a wonderful and special gift that's especially nice to bring along to a party or dinner as a hostess gift. Many types of cheesecake are available, from decadently rich chocolate truffle cheesecake to cheesecakes swirled with candies, cookies, fruit and even biscotti.

Baked Goods

Cookies, cakes, pastry, pies, coffee cakes, anything that is baked, people love! If you have someone on your gift giving list who loves cookies, then get them a cookie bouquet. There are also luxurious specialty cakes available online to buy. Some of the most popular cakes online are coffee cakes. Coffee cakes are especially wonderful gifts to give to a couple or a large family. There's nothing better than a breakfast of coffee and a wedge of coffee cake on Christmas morning.

Chocolates

Who doesn't love to receive chocolates as a gift? Just about everyone LOVES chocolate, and there is a wide array of chocolates available online. From truffles topped with edible gold leaf and gold dust to silky smooth fudge to boxes of chocolates that are filled with exotic creams, nuts and fillings. Nothing pleases quite like chocolate.

Drinks

Drinks are a surprisingly popular gift idea. From fine wines to flavored coffee to organic teas to rarely produced sodas, drinks are a thoughtful gift. Give a fine wine to go with some good imported cheese or give someone a case of their favorite soda that they haven't been able to get for 20 years. Teas are also a nice gift for anyone who enjoys a healthier lifestyle or who simply enjoys a nice calming drink. There are many teas available, including lovely gift boxed varieties, fine imported teas from Japan and China, as well as organic teas, herbal teas and many flavored varieties of tea.

Fruits & Nuts

Fruit as a gift has been around a long time, from the old pioneer days when people could not afford expensive gifts, they picked the bounty from their own orchard and gave that instead. Fruit is a fantastic gift for older people, anyone who enjoys healthier treats, as well as folks who can't get certain types of fruit in their area. In addition, dried fruits and nuts are a great traditional gift for just about anyone who enjoys healthy snacks. Nuts are super healthy and are also a nice gift for anyone who enjoys baking.

Whether you choose a decadent and luxurious gourmet food gift or a more healthful treat, a gourmet food gift is one that won't fail to please.