I've read that cooking with real vanilla (rather than synthetic - the kind most grocery stores sell) makes all the difference in the world.

An excellent gift idea for gourmet and occasional baker alike. I cam across this sheerly by accident but was thrilled by the concept. Most bottled vanillas are disapointing at best, and possibly questionable for content. This is by contrast, unquestionably the real deal.

From Isabellacatalog.com:

Three organic Madagascar vanilla beans come in a 5 oz. glass bottle, along with instructions to add either vodka, bourbon, light rum or brandy. After four weeks, you'll have the best vanilla you've ever tasted. Each time you use Everlasting Organic Vanilla, you replenish the bottle with alcohol, and you'll have a full bottle for years.

The bottle, beans and instructions come in a cellophane bag trimmed with raffia, making it already prepared for gift-giving.

It's a very economical $8.95. (via isabellacatalog.com)