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Mmmm, pizza! Those of us raised in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles era probably have an extra special affinity for pizza. Personally, I even love to cook with anchovies.
Really, the best thing about making a pizza gift basket is how truly flexible it is as a gift! You can hugely vary price range, contents and occasions! Obviously, it would make a fantastic wedding gift idea, but it also works as a gift idea for men, a housewarming gift, a graduation gift, a gift for a 20-something, really a gift for anyone.
Given that I mostly write about wedding gifts and great ways to make registry gifts more creative, that is how I will start, but definitely feel free to modify however you see fit. And while you’re at it, check out this list of stuff to NOT put in a gift basket.
Step #1 – Check the Registry
This is your starting point, the list of things that they really do want to have. Ideally, they have something directly pizza related on there and you can build from there. Here are several things that you might be able to find:
- Pizza Stone
- Pizza Pan or Crisper
- Pizza Cutter
(my spouse refers to ours as a gigantic cigar cutter!)
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing Bowl
- Mixing Spoons
- Grater
- Wine Glasses
- Napkins and/or Tablecloth
- Tea Towel
- Trivet
- Oven Mitts
Note that there are likely very nice items selected, I don’t recommend substituting for cheaper versions of the same item (but definitely try to get better prices on the things they have selected!)
If you have a pizza pan or stone to work with, you can use that as the base and stack things on top, then wrap with cellophane. You could also pile things into a mixing bowl. Alternatively, pick up a gift bag, but make sure that it will be able to hold the weight of the items you purchase.
Step #2 – Hit the Grocery Store
After selecting a few of the items in that list off of the registry, you’ll want to take a stroll through your local grocery store or Italian specialty store. The sky is the limit for things that you add, but here are several suggestions.
- Pizza Yeast – Doesn’t require proofing, so makes dinner time a lot faster!
- Anchovies
- Olives
- Tomato Sauce/Pizza Sauce – crucial ingredient!
- Wine – always wine!
- Alfredo Sauce
- Corn Meal – to sprinkle on the pan or stone to avoid sticking
- Recipe for an alternative crust, such as cauliflower
- Olive Oil
- Dried Spices – red pepper flakes, Italian mix, oregano, basil, garlic
- Pizza Crust Mix
– you can even get gluten free
- Gift Card for Take Out Pizza – a date night and a joke to add in!
- Sundried Tomatoes
- Artichokes
- Pizza Cookbook
- Bar(s) of Chocolate for Dessert
- Shelf Stable Sausages
- Grocery Store Gift Certificate for fresh stuff like cheese
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure – seriously, do it.
- Candles and Matches
We have a pizza stone and absolutely love it. Having corn meal to sprinkle on the stone to avoid sticking is key!
Don’t forget that they may not get a chance to eat these things right away, so it is best to avoid adding ingredients that may go bad in the meantime. If you are giving the gift as a birthday present, then fresh foods may work just fine.
Step #3 – Wrap and Deliver
Try not to steal any of the delicious things you just bought, prior to giving it to your recipient(s). That would be mean.
What’s your favourite pizza ever? I love Underworld from Hell Pizza, or the BBQ Salmon Alfredo that my spouse makes.
