Cheese, please. Whether it’s a locally made Gouda or a triple cream from France, the recipient will be most pleased. We always include a box of cheese paper, which really does help keep the Stilton or Jarlsberg fresh. Formaticum makes several types. Check your local grocer or go to the company’s website. formaticum.com

You never can have too many cutting boards, and this one is a beauty. Crafted by Chris James of Summerfields Woodshop, it arrives with use and care instructions. This walnut version also includes a little something extra if you look carefully. $99, The Table Market + Culinary Studio

Cole & Mason salt and pepper mills do the job and look great on the counter, too. Throw in peppercorns and good salt for a complete gift. $79.95 for the set, Williams Sonoma

Santa Barbara Designs’ cardboard box cheekily hints at the contents. What you get is a pizza stone with stainless handles and a recipe for homemade cauliflower crust on the underside of the box lid. $32, Neiman Marcus

Japanese towels are for those obsessed with beautiful textiles that also work hard. These are soft and absorbent and come in two types of cotton. They’re available in several colors. $29 each, Simple Things Furniture

For those who say they want “nothing,” food is always the answer. Killer Pecans are a holiday staple, and we like the spicy kick they give cheese boards, salads and more; find recipes on the website. The nuts are grown in Texas orchards, and the company makes its own spice blends. Domain XCIV in Fort Worth carries a couple sizes. At Eatzi’s, we found a chocolate version that is the result of a collaboration with Dallas’ Dude, Sweet Chocolate. Prices start at $8. killerpecans.com

When in doubt, give someone a box of dark chocolate bark. Grapevine chocolatier Dr. Sue offers nut mixes such as cherry pecan or fruit combos such as ginger fig. And the box comes nicely wrapped with a pretty bow. $35.99 for a 1-pound assortment, Dr. Sue’s

Gift cards don’t mean you’re too lazy to shop; they mean you’re smart enough to let the recipient choose what they want. We treat friends to cards from our local butcher, so they can indulge in a tomahawk or tenderloin whenever they’re ready. (As a special touch, we wrap a box containing the card in the shop’s special butcher paper.) In Fort Worth, The Meat Board and Burgundy Pasture Beef are our go-to spots.

While a favorite bottle of cab always is appreciated, we like surprising our adventurous friends with something a little different. Hit up The Holly in Fort Worth to see what natural wines are all about. Don’t expect big Burgundies or heavily oaked chards, but it’s a fun place to experiment thanks to wine flights and tastings (ask them about their Scar of the Sea wines). Or check out Tricks of the Trade for interesting tequilas and mezcals. It also stocks a good selection of mini bottles and gift boxes, such as this combo pack of three gins ($23.99) that includes a rye version from St. George Spirits in California. We picked out a couple tequilas, too, including this Don Fulano blanco (it retails for about 62 bucks) after learning a lot about the family business and how they make their spirit. While bar peanuts are good with a beer, we could eat marcona almonds all day long. Give the gift of snack deliciousness to someone you love, along with a bottle of wine (or really good beer). The nuts are a bit pricey but worth every penny. Find them at grocers and liquor stores.