Ever the “clutter-buster,” my gift-giving preferences always leans to consumables. I like giving things that can be used up fairly quickly. Food gifts meet this requirement so well.

When we think of food gifts, though, we’re usually focused on baked goods. After all, what would Christmas, Hannukah, and New Year’s be without our traditional cookies, cakes, pies, breads, and so on?

And like you, I give my share of baked goods. But I’ve discovered something even nicer and a whole lot simpler in terms of food gifts. It’s the giving of fruit. This is an especially attractive idea when time’s running out; here’s a gift with meaning, that anyone would appreciate, and that’s easy on your pocketbook as well.

Now I know giving fruit baskets isn’t a novel idea. But the added touch that contributes more meaning to the gift is incorporating symbolism. Many fruits are known for their inspiring symbolism. So you could write a note referring to the symbolism of the fruit you’re giving, include it with the fruit and tuck it all into a basket. Voila—a lovely, consumable gift that even lifts and encourages!

And speaking of baskets, you’ll find them in all sizes, shapes, and colors at your local thrift store for next to nothing. Line them with pretty paper napkins before you add your fruit and you’re in business.

Here are some specific fruits and their symbolisms:

The pomegranate represents fruitfulness, knowledge, learning, and wisdom. My note might say “This beautiful fruit brings YOU to mind. The pomegranate symbolizes wisdom, and your wisdom always inspires us!” Can you see what a pretty gift a small basket with 3 or 4 pomegranates would make?

Dates symbolize virtue and resistance to evil (they don’t spoil and they’re resistant to bugs; hence, they keep well). This basket could include a note that could say “Dates are a symbol of virtue and strength. Thank you for your virtue and strength. You bless our life!” And then I’d tuck that note, a container of Medjool dates, and some cream cheese into a little basket. (Dates stuffed with cream cheese are DIVINE!)

Grapes are a symbol of prosperity. Your card or note could read “Grapes are a symbol of prosperity. We give these along with our best wishes for a happy and prosperous coming year!”

And similar to grapes in meaning, oranges symbolize good fortune and fertility. I might give some to an avid gardener with a note that would read “Since oranges symbolize good fortune and fertility, we share these, hoping they bring you a gardening success this coming year like you’ve never known before!”

Mangos are another fruit that symbolizes good fortune. You might include one with your oranges, or just give a few separately.

Apples symbolize peace, wisdom, knowledge, and love. With this fruit I think I’d choose the symbolism of love and my note would read “Knowing that the apple symbolizes love, we
thought of you. Thank you for loving us!”

Then there’s the fig. It’s the symbol of femininity. I have a friend that is so elegant and feminine that a small basket of fresh figs makes the perfect gift for her. A little note saying so finishes it off.

Bananas are linked to wisdom. In years past, our children have given baskets of bananas to their teachers with notes that said “Bananas symbolize wisdom. I’m so glad to have a teacher that’s not just nice, but wise too!” (It goes without saying, however, that my kids had to really feel this way about their teacher.)

Fruit in abundance symbolizes prosperity, health and joyful life. So a basket with a variety of any assortment of fruit would be nice as well. Add in a note that says “Fruit is the age-old symbol of prosperity, health, and joyful life. With this basket we add our wish that this will be just what you experience this coming year!”

Finally, I’ll close with a departure from fruit. It’s one of my favorite consumable gifts: Yeast. Also known as a leavener, or lifter. I’ve given blocks of SAF Instant Yeast to special friends who’ve made important differences in my life. My note always includes the Alfred Austin quote “And gracious charity remains to leaven lowly lives.” My note explains “Your gracious charity has lifted my life just as yeast lifts certain ingredients to make a beautiful loaf of bread!”