The last "gift" anyone wants to give during the holiday season is an upset stomach, food poisoning or some other illness caused by improper food prep and packaging.
   Here's some common sense and easy tips to avoid that:
1. Don't buy or send canned goods that are in swollen cans. Simple as that. No exceptions

2. Make sure your food prep area is cleaned off with an anti-bacterial and food safe cleaning agent before you get to work making your gifts.

3. Don't use raw eggs in uncooked foods that will be given to young children or the elderly. Admittedly, there is some debate about this and plenty of people still use uncooked eggs. Some doctors feel that those with healthy immune systems will be fine; others say to play it safe.

4. Moist products are less fragile than dry, crisp cookies. On the other hand, if you are shipping overseas or to someone in the army or navy, keep in mind that homemade foods without preservatives may mold quickly. Time your shipments.

5. Consider making some foods to give to those who live nearby while buying from a reputable mail order house or seller on Ebay for other items. That way, you won't break your budget and you'll still be playing it safe.

6. If you send or receive food that has to be kept refrigerated, use dry ice and inspect any items you receive to make sure the box isn't at an unsafe temp from having been left outside or in a heated area all day. Do NOT HESITATE to call a company and complain. A reputable one will provide customer satisfaction. If not, don't use them again.

7. You might double check and make sure your recipient WILL be home when your gift is due to arrive. Depending on how willing you are to let them know about the surprise, you might tell them to be around or suggest that something is on the way.

Happy feasting!