Review of Four Web Sites with Unique and Decadent Items

With spring, comes a season of almost constant gift-giving occasions: Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, teacher appreciation, housewarmings, new babies, the list goes on. Flowers and chocolates are always appreciated, but for gifts that feel more unique or special, the Internet has a world of ordering potential.

Zingerman's Delicatessen

The Ann Arbor, MI delicatessen Zingerman's has a top-notch mail order catalogue at www.zingermans.com with something to tickle everyone's taste buds. For sweet lovers, try the decadent Caramel Dulce de Leche Buenos Aires Brownies, the melt-in-your-mouth Sourcream Coffeecake, or a range of chocolate bars. Its bread is out of this world: caraway rye bread made the old fashioned Jewish way, farm bread, and sweet loaves like cinnamon raisin are among the best. The deli also offers a range of mustards, honey, oil and vinegar. Enough people agree that it recently earned Food Network's top award for deliveries. In addition to individual purchases, Zingerman's offers decadent club memberships of coffee, bread, olive oil, cheese, or a special combination. Since the initial presentation sets the gift's tone, orders arrive in attractive colorful boxes or fancy crates.

Harry and David

Harry and David is the traditional go-to mail order gift (www.harryanddavid.com). Luscious pears and fruits can be given independently or as part of a fruit of the month club. The gift towers and boxes provide myriad treats from cookies to fruit to candies. The Moose Munch is a sure-thing gift for anyone with a sweet tooth and is available in milk or dark chocolate, and assorted or completely chocolate-covered. The relishes and salsas are delicious gifts that spruce up any gift basket. Harry and David even carries coffees, teas, and drink mixes to round out your presents.

Spoon Sisters