Among this year’s top-notch foodie gifts: A digital day counter, Naumes Fruit Gifts and black garlic.

Buying a holiday gift for the favorite foodie in your life is never an easy task. By definition, foodies are food snobs — they have particular tastes (i.e. believing a certain popular coffeehouse chain is the spawn of the devil) and idiosyncrasies (i.e. believing the only true martini is made with gin).

I should know, since I own up to those above examples. And I would hate to shop for someone like myself.

But that got me thinking:

What if there was a gift guide devoted to, well, stuff I like.

Granted, my preferences may not be everyone’s, but they are reflective of much of the food (and wine)-obsessed population.

So here goes my “Stuff I Like” foodie guide: a collection of 25 items — at all prices — that I’ve sampled, used or read about in recent months. I’ve tried to keep variety of mind, but I’ve also been painfully honest in making my picks. If I don’t like something, it’s not here.

Hopefully, some of my ideas for the perfect gift match up with those of your favorite foodie. And keep on reading the Food & Accent section every Wednesday in December — I plan to include a few more picks each week in my Table Talk column.

Happy shopping!

1. Marcus Samuelsson’s ‘New American Table’ cookbook

Why I like it: With his diverse cultural background, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised and New York-based chef Marcus Samuelsson probably understands the melting pot that is American cuisine like few other cooking pros. And that’s what makes this highly personal new cookbook (Wiley), which details Samuelsson’s journey through his adopted country, such a winner. Included are more than 300 recipes — for dishes ranging from breakfast burritos to salmon flatbread to a berry cobbler.

Info: $40; available at numerous booksellers.

2. Chesapeake Bay’s Perfect Crab Cakes

Why I like them: There’s no particular secret to what makes a good Maryland-style crab cake — it should be all about the crab (meaning little to no filler). That’s what you’ll find in these beauties from the Maryland-based Chesapeake Bay catalog: The cakes are made from hand-picked jumbo lump crab with just a hint of binders and seasoning. And looking beyond crab, the catalog offers a variety of goodies from Chesapeake Bay and other places. Lemon cheesecake squares, anyone?

Info: Crab cake assortments start at $59.95 (plus shipping) for six 4-ounce cakes. Available through the catalog by phone (800-282-CRAB) or online (cbcrabcakes.com)

3. Balsamico Suite’s balsamic vinegar
Why I like it: This is balsamic vinegar as dessert topping — seriously. A distinctly thick vinegar that’s made from Lambrusco grapes (the same kind that go into some of Italy’s most beloved wines) and aged for several years, it takes on an intense sweet-meets-sour flavor and pairs well with everything from ice cream to Italian cheese to fresh fruit. Oh, if you insist, I suppose you could also use it with a salad.

Info: Very hard to find, but the Dean & Deluca catalog (800-221-7714, deandeluca.com) carries it for $35 (plus shipping). And as long as you’re looking through the catalog, consider some of its other fine items, from select olive oils (a perfect gift pairing with the vinegar) to bakery goods to wines.

4 JAKKS Pacific’s Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery

Why I like it: Sure, the EASY-BAKE Oven remains plenty popular, but toymaker JAKKS Pacific has taken the concept to the next level. Its Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery lets a child (or a parent, for that matter) play Ace of Cakes at home — literally. This mini cake design studio was created in consultation with Duff Goldman of the Food Network’s popular cake-creating show. Admittedly, it yields fairly small cakes (hence, the EASY-BAKE comparison) and your initial results may not look all that pretty (or at least my 11-year-old daughter’s didn’t). But when it comes to designing cool cakes, practice makes perfect. Just ask Duff.

Info: $34.99; available at numerous retailers.

5. Laura Frankel’s ‘Jewish Slow Cooker Recipes’ cookbook

Why I like it: By its very nature, classic Jewish cooking is slow cooking: Think a brisket simmering for hours. Laura Frankel’s new cookbook (Wiley) takes that idea and expands upon it in many ways, featuring recipes for dishes both tried-and-true (i.e. garlicky pot roast) and bold and contemporary (i.e. Senegalese peanut soup).

Info: $24.95; available at numerous booksellers

6. JazzyBird Coffee

Why I like it: I admit there’s not that much to making a cup of espresso at home — God knows, I have the machines (yes, I used the plural) to do it. But somehow, it’s never part of my morning routine. That’s what I love about JazzyBird — it’s espresso simplified. The Louisiana-based company, which sells by mail but hopes to eventually place its product at South Florida gourmet markets, creates frozen espresso shots. Just peel open an espresso “capsule,” place the frozen java in a cup and heat it in the microwave — you’ve got first-rate espresso in about 30 seconds (and all it takes to make your favorite coffee drinks — think latte — is the addition of milk and/or syrups). Again, you don’t need JazzyBird, but if you’re a java junkie, you’ll definitely want it.

Info: A case of 96 shots, shipped with dry ice, is $43.20 (plus shipping). Available through the company by phone (225-642-0000) or online (jazzybirdcoffee.com)

7. Naumes Fruit Gifts
Why I like it: Lots of companies ship quality fruit by mail. But Oregon-based Naumes does it with a distinct humanitarian difference. For every gift purchased, the company will match it — “pound for pound,” they say — with a donation of fresh fruit to a food bank. Choose from a variety of pear gift sets — with red, Comice and Bosc pears.

Info: A box of pears runs $29.95 to $32.95 (shipping included). Available through the company by phone (877-740-PEAR) or online (naumesfruitgifts.com)

8. Nueske’s breakfast baskets

Why I like them: I’ve always been a sucker for breakfast baskets, even if I never quite get around to making the pancakes or waffles with the mix they inevitably include. But I’m especially high on Wisconsin-based Nueske’s baskets for one reason — they come with Nueske’s excellent smoked meats, such as the boneless ham, Canadian bacon and applewood-smoked bacon.

Info: The Weekend Breakfast Combo basket, with the aforementioned meats, plus Wisconsin honey, pancake/waffle mix, maple-pecan granola and coffee runs $74.95 (plus shipping); other baskets are offered as well. Available through the catalog by phone (800-392-2266) or online (nueske.com).

9. Black garlic

Why I like it: I love garlic in any form — raw (yes, raw) or baked, on top of bread or in a sauce. But black garlic? That’s what a special and uniquely delicious garlic, sold through select retailers, is called. It’s essentially garlic as dried fruit: Through a special curing process, regular garlic turns blacks and takes on a decidedly sweet taste — sorta like spreadable garlic candy. It’s great on toast, but it can be used in all sorts of inventive ways in recipes. This would make a great stocking stuffer.

Info: Available through a few different online sources. Try the Cooking Enthusiast (800-792-6650, cookingenthusiast.com) — a quality catalog that carries all sorts of gourmet tools and accessories, from salt blocks to specialty steak knives. A five-bulb package runs $12.99 if you buy four packages or more (plus shipping). If you want 1-3 packages it’s $14.99.

10. Bien Fait Specialty Cakes’ bourbon fruitcake

Why I like it: The problem with so many commercial fruitcakes is they taste like a weird marriage of jujube candies and dough — meaning they’re way too sweet and sticky. But a small number of boutique bakers are starting to produce first-rate cakes that have a certain culinary refinement to them. Bien Fait, a Vermont baker whose name translates from the French as “well made” or “well done,” is one such example — its all-natural, preservative-free bourbon cake is thick and sweet but in a more elegant way. Check out its line of tea cakes as well, from apple cider to cranberry almond.

Info: Bourbon fruitcake is $15, other cakes run $13 to $15. Available through the company by phone (888-584-2253) or online (bienfaitspecialtycakes.com).

11. DaysAgo’s digital day counters

Why I like it: How often have you found yourself opening the fridge and asking, “When did I open that jar of spaghetti sauce?” It’s with that question in mind that DaysAgo was created. The gizmos affix easily to any jar and track the hours and days starting from whenever you set them. In a word, brilliant! (And another great stocking stuffer.)

Info: $8 for a two-pack; available at select retailers online and in stores or through the company via mail (shipping charges apply) by phone (800-401-4906) or online (howmanydaysago.com).

12. ‘The Silver Spoon for Children’ cookbook

Why I like it: What if you took one of the most popular Italian cookbooks of all time and created an easy-to-use version for kids? That’s the premise behind The Silver Spoon for Children (Phaidon Press), which offers 40-plus recipes, spread across such categories as Pasta and Pizza, Main Courses and Desserts and Baking. The genius of the cookbook is its lively, thoughtful use of photographs and drawings to walk kids (8 and older) through the process of making a dish. Heck, adults could probably make great use of this book, too.

Info: $19.95; available at numerous booksellers

13. Foods Across America catalog

Why I like it: As tempted as I am to single out a great gift item or two from this catalog — the Chicago-style hot-dog kit ($69.95), the fruit crumb pies from a beloved Michigan bakery ($69.95 for a pair) — I simply can’t do it. That’s because, A) the items that appeal to a particular recipient will likely depend on where they’re originally from (and how homesick they are) and B) I just want them all. Seriously, everything this catalog offers appeals to my obsession with regional American specialties. Almost every state and region is represented, from Rhode Island (a Johnny cake mix) to Seattle (a salmon grilling kit). If I was forced to choose, I’d opt for one of the multi-regional “bundles” — say, the root beer bundle ($34.95) with tasty varieties from New York to St. Louis.

Info: Above prices do not include shipping; items available through the catalog by phone (800-621-4224) or online (foodsacrossamerica.com)

14. Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey

Why I like it: Compared to their Scottish cousins, Irish whiskeys rarely get their due. But if you know someone who likes a spirit with a smooth, easy-on-the-palate taste, they may be the way to go. The Tullamore brand dates all the way back to the 19th century. Today, they offer their whiskey in several varieties and bottlings, including a gift-minded one in a ceramic crock.

Info: The ceramic crock bottling, with the Tullamore original blend, is $32.99; available at numerous liquor sellers.

15. Laphroaig whiskey

Why I like it: Because as much I enjoy Irish whiskey, my passion is for single-malt Scotches — the smokier the better. Which is why I’ve always had a thing for Laphroaig, one of the most intense Scotches you’ll ever find. At first sip, it tastes like charcoal blended with water. At second sip, a certain complexity reveals itself. At third sip, you’re a Laphroaig drinker for life. The Laphroaig line starts with the 10 year old ($45.99), but moves all the way up to the 25 year old ($499.99) — the latter tempers that smokiness with an incredible gentility. If you’ve got to buy a gift for a serious Scotch fanatic with expensive tastes, it’s the way to go.

Info: Available at numerous liquor sellers, though the 25 can be harder to find.

16. Willie Bird Organic Free-Range Turkey

Why I like it: You know how turkey sometimes tastes like, well, nothing. That’s not the case with these California-bred birds, which make an excellent gift for the person who might be cooking your holiday feast. (Talk about a subtle hint!) Aside from the fact they’re free of all those nasty things — antibiotics, pesticides — you don’t want to eat, they’re also turkeys that tastes like, well turkey.

Info: Though you can buy the birds direct from the farm (877-494-5592, williebird.com), you may find it easier going through Williams-Sonoma, one of the most reliable names in gourmet goods. Birds are $89.95-$139.95 (depending on weight) and are available through the catalog by phone (877-812-6235) or online (williams-sonoma.com).

17. ‘Morton’s The Cookbook: 100 Steakhouse Recipes for Every Kitchen’

Why I like it: Who says you can’t get the steakhouse experience at home? This book walks you throw all the classics, from a great Bloody Mary to a five-onion soup to steak Florentine. Along the way, there are stories from a few well-known Morton’s customers — Larry King, LeRoy Nieman and even Palm Beach-based author James Patterson.

Info: $32.50; available at numerous booksellers or at Morton’s restaurants.

18. Martini & Rossi Martini Merry Minis

Why I like them: I admit that this gift isn’t about the bubbly itself, but the packaging: I love these cute little bottles, available in four-packs in two different varieties — prosecco and sparkling rose. My advice: Break down the packages and use the individual bottles as stocking stuffers.

Info: $14.99; available at numerous wine sellers.

19. New York First’s coffee-to-go cup

Why I like it: Know a homesick New Yorker? Here’s a gift that will make them feel as if they’re back in the Big Apple. It’s the classic New York coffee-to-go cup with the Greek iconography (they are typically used in Greek coffee shops, after all). As the saying on the cup goes, “We are happy to serve you.” (Oh, and if you think your recipient might be extra homesick, New York First also sells a tremendous array of New York gourmet goodies, from Papaya King franks to Guss’ pickles.)

Info: $36 for 100 cups (plus shipping); available through the catalog by phone (800-581-7599) or online (newyorkfirst.com). The company also sells a variety of merchandise, from ceramic cups to cufflinks, with the coffee cup’s design.

20. Jamie Oliver’s ‘Jamie’s Food Revolution’

Why I like it: Jamie Oliver wants to change the way we eat. The celeb chef has gone noble on us, forgetting about milking his 15 minutes of fame and instead promoting sound ideas about nutrition, cooking at home and saving money on shopping for food. One of the results is this splendid and resourceful book, published by Hyperion, that would make a great gift for beginner cooks. Recipes don’t stint on flavor — try a spicy vindaloo curry if you’re daring enough. But they’re also designed with home cooks, as opposed to restaurant chefs, in mind.

Info: $35; available at numerous booksellers.

21. Harry & David’s gift sets

Why I like them: Never mind that Harry & David sells some of the best pears on the planet. I’ve also come to love the popular catalog for its gift sets — think lots of goodies (the company’s chocolates beat Godiva any day of the week) in very creative packaging. Among my current favorites: the Gingerman Tower ($39.95), Christmas Classic Tower of Treats ($49.95) and the Holiday Joy Collection ($29.95)

Info: Above prices do not include shipping; items available through the catalog by phone (877-322-1200) and online (harryanddavid.com). Some gifts sets are also offered at Harry & David’s store at the Town Center mall in Boca Raton (6000 Glades Road, 561-391-3040).

22. Fiorella’s Jack Stact Barbecue’s ribs

Why I like them: BBQ aficionados are known to drive to the far reaches of the planet for a plate of perfectly smoked ribs. So why not just send one a gift of a rack (or two) by mail? Granted, I was skeptical if this legendary 52-year-old Kansas City purveyor could truly deliver the goods: Wouldn’t the ribs, which are pre-cooked, then frozen for shipping, lose something in transition. But they came back to life in the oven with little fuss and tasted amazingly smoky and tender. I wish I could find ribs this good in South Florida.

Info: Prices vary depending on quantity and packaging. The Kansas City Favorite combo comes with spare ribs, pork burnt ends, sides (cheesy corn bake and beans), sauce and rub; it runs $114.95 (plus shipping). Available through the company by phone (877-419-7427) or online (jackstackbbq.com).

23. Norman Love Confections’ BLACK Sipping Chocolate

Why I like it: If chocolate is bliss, then hot (or “sipping”) chocolate is pure liquid bliss. I can’t think of a more satisfying way to get my daily dose of cocoa. Florida-based confectioner Norman Love (what a perfect name!) has outdone himself with his new line of BLACK hot chocolates — five in all, varying by strength and the cocoa’s country of origin. They have a deep, rich and complex flavor — more like wine than a steaming mug of cocoa.

To put marshmallows atop this hot chocolate would be tantamount to a crime.

Info: $19.95 for each box; available through the company by phone (866-515-2121) or online (normanloveconfections.com).

24. Calphalon’s Removable Plate Grill

Why I like it: Face it: The George Foreman grill may do the job, but it’s not going to make a design statement in someone’s kitchen. That’s why this new appliance from the venerable Calphalon brand is such a great gift item. It’s a sleek, stainless-steel wonder that can make everything from paninis to a seared steak without the need for butter or oil. Moreover, it’s designed to be stored either flat or on its side, giving you an important extra option when it’s time to put it away.

Info: $149; available at numerous retailers

25. Sur La Table’s Gingerhaus

Why I like it: Gingerbread houses are fun to make, provided you keep the walls in place. This version has special panels designed to “create a structural framework,” thus removing the construction concerns. Plus, it uses the good stuff — King Arthur Flour’s gingerbread cookie mix.

Info: $34.95; available at the company’s Palm Beach Gardens store (11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave. at Downtown at the Gardens, 561-799-3761) or though its catalog by phone (800-243-0852) or online (surlatable.com)