Whether you're heading out of town for the holidays or anticipate playing host yourself this year and looking for thoughtful gifts, consider sharing a piece of the Pacific Northwest. I'm a big fan of consumables because, unlike a nice print or random tchotchke, there's no question where to put them. As luck would have it, the Northwest is abundant with gustatory treasures. In the list below, I've also included a couple of non-consumable gifts that make the grade because they are practical and generally cool and won't be relegated to garage-sale purgatory. "Why, thank you for the lovely slug trivet. I'll just put it in the back of the closet and save it for a special occasion."
Fran's gray and smoked salt caramels, $24 for 16, FransChocolates.com or Fran's Chocolates stores
Sounds odd, tastes great! These award winners are the best-tasting salt caramels around. The gray salt caramels are made with dark chocolate and topped with gray salt harvested off the coast of Brittany. The smoked salt caramels are topped with smoked salt, which perfectly compliments the milk chocolate. These unusual treats are sure to be a hit.
Clear Creek Loganberry Liqueur  $22.99, TheWineCountry.com or local liquor store
Logan-who? A lot of people have never even heard of a loganberry. The loganberry is a West Coast native hybrid of raspberry and dewberry or blackberry. This sweet liqueur tastes yummy on its own or over vanilla ice cream. Clear Creek distillery is based at the foot of Mt. Hood in Oregon.
Limited edition Uwajimaya shopping bag, $4.99, Seattle Uwajimaya Store
This dragon won't stay hidden for long. Uwajimaya has been a Northwest mainstay since 1928. This handy shopping bag has a colorful dragon design that will be a stylish grocery carrier in any city.
Space Needle ornament  $21.95, Store.SpaceNeedle.com
Make space on the needles for this beautiful ornament. The Space Needle is Seattle's most recognizable landmark. These blown glass ornaments were designed at Seattle's own Global Village Glass Studio.
Market Spice Tea $6.99, MadeInWashington.com or Market Spice in Pike Place Market
There's even a neat picture of Pike Place Market on the box. The unique clove, cinnamon, and orange flavorings make this Seattle original a favorite cozy treat.
Cedar planks for grilling  $14.95 for 6, Cooking.com
Who woodn't like salmon cooked on a slab? This Native American method for cooking salmon can be easily replicated on grills at home. Any backyard BBQ-er will appreciate the added flavor to grilled salmon.
Maurer's Marinade, $5.95, MaurersFoods.net or Ivars.net
Here's a secret sauce that's worthy. This is a tasty marinade that can be used on fish, poultry, pork, meat, or veggies. You'll often find friendly Ron Maurer himself behind the booth at the local street fair.
