Dress-up cookie cutters from Williams- Sonoma contain high heel, hat and handbag shapes, among others, and the decorating kit takes the hassle out of a la carte cookie decoration buying. Give to a mother-daughter pair for a Mommy and me bonding activity sure to be remembered. Williams-Sonoma, The Village of Cross Keys and Towson Town Center, 410.847.9021.

Winner of the Outstanding Product Award at the NAFST Fancy Food Show, these delectable heat and serve hors d’oeuvres by New England-based Good Wives taste like they came from the finest caterer. With dozens of varieties from which to choose, keep plenty on hand and take the stress out of entertaining. Graul’s Market, Ruxton and Mays Chapel, 410.823.6077.

Candy apples make the perfect specialty gift for the holidays. For a sure winner, try the best selling toffee apple, featured on The Food Network. Or see the kids’ eyes widen when you present them with the Kids’ Candy Apple, a concoction of licorice, gummy worms and Skittles, all adhered to a granny smith with creamy caramel and white chocolate ganache. Yum. Lisa Anne’s Decadent Gifts, 410.752.4111.

Bavarian born Albert Kirchmayr trained in Europe, and his candy making recipes are the finest from across the pond. We love the Santa for its holiday spirit, but the dark chocolate covered hazelnuts and chocolate covered strawberries can induce a chocolate bender. A. Kirchmayr Chocolatier, 410.561.7705.

The Maryland Gift Basket Tin from Executive Sweet includes Chesapeake Crab chips, Blue Crab salsa, Crab House nuts and more. Perfect for the new to town or for one who won’t be home for Christmas. Executive Sweet, 410.377.6790.

Made from an old family recipe, Mouth Party Caramels are mouthing wateringly delicious. Baltimore local BG Purcell put her wooden spoon into action after loved ones were diagnosed with cancer. As a result, she donates a percentage of profits to cancer research. But contact her now. Availability for the 2006 holiday season is limited. Mouth Party, 443.465.7401.

Ina Garten’s extraordinary reputation for cookbooks and cooking shows extends to her new line of foods. Although expensive ($11.99 for the cookie mix), they are worth every penny when you want gourmet taste, but need food fast. Also available: coconut cupcakes, sour cream coffeecake, brownies and more. Eddie’s of Roland Park, 410.377.4080 and Graul’s Market, 410.823.6077.