Edible holiday treats not only provide a way to say thank you, they provide a taste of heaven. Their mere presence is enough to tempt most people. Combine that with the elegance of a rich bourbon ball, hand dipped cookies, delicate truffles, or almond filled stolen, and you have a gift fit for any business acquaintance. Kitsap County has an abundance of businesses catering to those in search of fine, consumable gifts.

Poulsbo is widely known as the home of Sluys Poulsbo Bakery and Boehm’s Chocolates. Stopping in for their holiday goodies has become a holiday tradition for many Washingtonians. Sluys makes a fruit cake that will never become the office joke. They use only sweet fruits, and soak the loaf with brandied butter. Marion Sluys even has a marzipan topping made with a recipe he procured from a European colleague 40 years ago.

They make the loaves in many sizes, and can custom wrap small loaves with your business card. Cookies and pastries can also be boxed in any combination to fit any budget. Faithful to Poulsbo’s cultural heritage, they also make julekaka and stollen with true Scandinavian flair. Make sure you don’t give their rum and bourbon balls to younger associates; Mr. Sluys says you could almost get tipsy making them when you lean over to scrape the bowl.

Boehm’s handmade chocolates and truffles bring people back year after year. Their pre-filled containers range in size from a “truffle suitcase,” containing two truffles, up to three-pound boxes. Beautiful holiday tins come pre-filled or can be custom filled with any combination of chocolates, truffles, sugar-free chocolates, and other delicacies. Any item can be custom wrapped, and they make gift baskets. Due to the popularity of Boehm’s and Sluys, you’ll want to call in large custom orders.

Port Orchard can claim Morningside Bakery and The Candy Shoppe, right downtown. If you need to bring a special dessert to a holiday gathering, consider picking up Morningside’s bread pudding, or calling in an order of fresh donuts and pastries. If candy is your passion, take a stroll through The Candy Shoppe. The Charbonneau family produces their own fudge, and custom orders are welcome, they’ll even put your business card on the top of the box. In addition to their fudge, the store carries an incredible variety of chocolates from around the world, from whimsical to beautiful, sugar free to lactose free. Any of their treats can be custom packaged and wrapped at your request. If you don’t see it, ask.

Bremerton is the home of Goodies, on Pacific, and Village Bakery. Jackie Souza, of Goodies, has expanded her shop in the last year. Now she not only offers bulk candy, chocolates, and gourmet truffles big enough to share, she also offers homemade pastries. All of her “goodies” can be custom packaged for any situation. Consider individually wrapped truffles as the parting gift at your next holiday party.

Village bakery can provide you with freshly baked pies, cookies, and coffee cakes, all of which can be boxed. In addition, they make holiday cookie trays with a variety of elegant cookies, including some hand-dipped in chocolate. They also make a holiday loaf cake tray, with several different pound cakes sliced and ready for any office to share. One of their holiday specialties is a Norwegian almond butter coffee cake called smoakge, a definite winner.

Silverdale’s Kitsap Mall boasts Baskets Unique, a true friend to the busy businessperson during the holidays. The owner, Debbie Burton, believes, “Customer service is what it boils down to; customers are our business.” With custom gift baskets filled with any assortment of chocolates, snacks, wines, beer, and other gourmet products, Ms. Burton can help you take care of your business. If you’re really crunched for time, you can arrange to have Baskets Unique deliver or ship your selections. They are used to handling corporate orders, and can accommodate any gift budget with baskets ranging from $25 - $350 each. Make sure to stop in for a free sample of their goodies before making a final decision.

As the holidays rapidly approach, gift lists are being written. Lists are reviewed repeatedly to make sure no one is left out, and a few extra goodies are purchased just in case. The whole purpose is remembering each client, business associate, and employee; making each feel valued, appreciated. Susan Sutter of Boehm’s Chocolates sum it up well, “Our whole premise is remembering.”

(Editor’s Note: Lora-Jean Piper is a freelance journalist and English teacher from Port Orchard. She can be reached by email at journalist@lora-jean.com.).