It’s true that you can’t go wrong with edible gifts for the holidays, but it’s also true that fruit baskets and fruit cakes are as exciting for recipients are that new tie for the dad and blender for the wife. Fortunately, you don’t have to think hard or go far to find more creative edible gifts locally — you’ll find locally made luscious chocolate, gourmet cheeses and all sorts of edibles in between without leaving Kitsap County.

Chocolate and sweets, of course, are the tried-and-true gift for all ages and moods and you’ll find a chocolate store in every part of the peninsula, all ready with something special in December. On Bainbridge Island, Bon Bon Confections (www.bonboncandies.com) owner Lisa Dunlap has you covered for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers — and gift cards if the multiple choices she offers are just too many to think of. Chocolate Santas, eggnog-flavored candy canes, Pink Peony truffles wrapped with white satin bows, bulk candy in Christmas colors, vintage-designs chocolates are just some of the goodies you’ll find, but Dunlap can also use any of her products to create a festive-looking presentation. She also sells fudge dozens of mouthwatering flavors, and will pack it into beautiful boxes at no charge.

Asked why chocolate and sweets make a good gift, she says, “It’s a sweet indulgence and … just knowing how fresh it is and being able to pick your own makes it a fun gift — plus people like to support a local business.”

While you’re on Bainbridge Island, check out My Kids Cookies — they offer decorating parties, so you can customize your cookie gifts (www.mykidscookies.com).

Candy Bouquets in Port Orchard (www.twosisterscandybouquets.com) offers a unique way for sweet presentations. Sisters Deborah Horn and Sharon Webbers create “delicious and beautiful bouquets” out of chocolate and hard candy, with silk flowers and gift items mixed in — and they even have a sugar-free version. They offer more than 100 designs, ranging from $5 all the way up to about $200, and also do custom orders for individuals and companies. The designs are available in several holiday colors including Hanukah themes.

“With the economy and such, people are looking for affordable gifts that look elegant and taste delicious,” Horn says. “We have holiday mugs with hard candy and chocolate bars that are inexpensive, great gifts for hairdressers, teachers, babysitters (etc).”

Kitsap-based Popcorn Chef (www.popcornchef.com) offers a great local alternative to the chain store-bought popcorn tins. Gourmet popcorn flavors range from Dark Chocolate Coconut to Spicy Southwesternv—vand two-gallon and larger tins are available too. Owner Doña Keating says Baked Caramel, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Truffles and White Chocolate Crunch (with or without almonds and cranberries) are the most popular Christmas flavors. Orders can be placed online. Local delivery as well as shipping is available, and she encourages customers to order by Dec. 11 to ensure timely delivery.

“Everyone loves popcorn, though ours is not the everyday treat. Instead, it’s swanky, deliciously tempting, addicting, gourmet and includes organic ingredients,” Keating says. “You can even come up with your own ideas and we’ll create it. It isn’t uncommon for customers to devour theirs in one sitting… We’ve seen it happen!”

Poulsbo-based Northwest Gourmet (www.shopnwgourmet.com) just opened a retail location in September, in the same facility as Crimson Cove Smoked Specialties, and offers several varieties of smoked salmon mousse. The product uses a base of cream cheese and Crimson Cove smoked salmon, and the flavors vary from Smoked Blue Cheese and Herb to Roasted Garlic, Wasabi or Cajun. Owner Patty Selvidge says the product is freezable, so you can store it until it’s time to gift it. She is also putting together holiday sets in gift bags.

“It’s very Northwest and very good,” she says. “I’ve gotten tremendous response.” The mousse is also sold at CJ’s Evergreen General Store and the newly open Fresh Local, both in Bremerton.

Crimson Cove Smoked Specialties’ (www.crimsoncove.com) main products are the smoked salmon and smoke cheeses. Owners Mark and Jody DeSalvo use wild-caught Sockeye salmon from Bristol Bay, Alaska, and among the gift options are sets in wooden salmon-stenciled boxes Mark makes himself. “It’s great for under the tree, for dads who have everything or grandparents,” Jody says. The smoked cheese varieties include gouda, blue, sharp cheddar and even goat cheeses, and are made in the smoker with alder and applewood, with no artificial brines.

The couple have been supplying to restaurants for a few years and selling retail for about two. During the holidays, additional options include gift boxes filled with the smoked specialties and local products such as Poulsbo-made Salsa Del Norte, chocolates from Boehm’s in Poulsbo or Amy’s Decadent Chocolates in Bremerton, Two Snooty Chefs spices and gourmet crackers made in Kent. “We have three sizes of wood boxes we can ship, and this year people can choose their own items to personalize the box,” DeSalvo says.

For other yummy ideas, try Honey Baked Hams in Silverdale, Hickory Farms at the mall, or see what one of the many local bakers and chocolatiers are whipping up for the holidays — and while you’re shopping for those special people in your life, go ahead, treat yourself too; after all, food is not only the way to a man’s stomach, it’s the sure-fire way to get the whole family into jolly good mood.