ALONG COMES MARY

With the holidays here, I bet a lot of you are thinking about great gifts to give. Since this year looks different from past ones, I know I’m looking to go a bit “all-out” for loved ones I won’t get to see in-person. Lucky for me, this means Melissa’s Produce is once again to my rescue.

Since the summertime, I’ve enjoyed several “Quarantine Kitchen” excursions with the beloved produce company. Based right here in Los Angeles, I’ve learned so much about exotic fruits thanks to Melissa’s. Ideal for experimenting and getting out of your “comfort zone,” I was thrilled when two of their best selling gift baskets showed up at my door.

Although some may think of Melissa’s as a “distribution center” ideal for businesses, think again. Their seasonal sets are beautiful, and they certainly have pulled out all of the stops for their collection this Winter. Read on to learn more about the Giving Hope and Citrus Crate baskets. Perfect for the fruit, wine, and even animal lovers on your list!

Melissa’s Produce Giving Hope Basket

A beautiful presentation with exotic, tropical fruits and a bottle of wine. I instantly knew this was for me. The ripe fruits that stole the show in my Giving Hope basket were Asian pears, blood oranges, kiwis, kumquats, pomegranates, specialty bananas, strawberry papayas, and mangoes. To complete the treats? I received an elegant bottle of a 2010 Yao Ming Cabernet Sauvignon.

While there are endless recipe ideas, the best part of the basket is the giving aspect. Those who purchase the Giving Hope basket will receive a bottle of One Hope sparkling wine. One Hope will donate half of their proceeds to pet adoption charities. This is what drew me to this gorgeous basket!

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Although the high-end Cab (with a score of 91 out of 100) is being saved for a special occasion, the red wine and fruits inspired me. The oranges and tart flavors are perfect to create a holiday red sangria. Am I right? The basket comes beautifully wrapped complete with a tied bow. The Giving Hope basket is a true winner all around.

The Citrus Crate

Whether you’re looking for a moderately priced gift, or know someone crazy for citrus, you’ll find it with Melissa’s Citrus Crate. Since I’m always in search of ways to keep my immune system boosted, especially right now, I’ve been sipping hot water with a slice of lemon. I also love blood oranges and grapefruits for a pick-me-up in the AM. The Citrus Crate features all of these goodies and more like kumquats and limes. Versatile and delicious, recipe ideas could include cocktails or even baking.

Priced at under forty dollars, we’ve loved using the wood crate for storing kitchen necessities on our countertop. Melissa’s gift sets truly can keep on giving even after you’ve enjoyed the contents.

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Consider a Melissa’s Produce Gift Basket this Holiday Season

Check out Melissa’s website and find deals on many items, including the gifts I received. Also known for their array of signature Clean Snax, several are being offered at a discounted price through December 13th. Best part? Melissa’s can ship directly to your family and friends. I don’t know about you, but the thought of saving a trip to any mailing center sounds very tempting right about now!

Make sure to check out my Instagram Holiday Gift Guides Highlights for my initial reactions when I received these goodies.

What will you send from Melissa’s Produce this holiday season? xo

(*Disclosure: Special thank you to Melissa’s Produce for my beautiful gift baskets. All opinions are my own.)