| Courtney Smith has been interested in Cheese, Meats & Seafood for 6 years.
I originally became interested when her step mother suggested that I try sushi when I did and I wound up loving it, this inspiring my passion for seafood and caviar, especially when it comes to sushi and other Japanese food.
Some important things to keep in mind when shopping for someone interested in seafood are their geographical location, location is SO important. It effects the freshness of the fish and the type of seafood that is available to you. It's also good to know because then you'll have an idea of what they've been exposed to and perhaps what restaurants you could get them gift cards to since you can take the time to research the authenticity of a given seafood restaurant.
Some good things to keep in mind when shopping for gifts for someone interested in seafood is the personality the person has. If they person is quirky and outgoing, perhaps something very cartoon-y and off the wall Asian products would suit them. If the person is more down to earth and realistic something more classic with muted colors is appropriate especially if the products you are purchasing is for home decor. Also you should keep in mind the way they decorate their home if you are getting them something that will be stored in the home.
When shopping for someone who is a beginner in Seafood, sushi & caviar some important things to keep in mind are what they know about sushi and how adventurous they are when it comes to seafood. Some products I'd recommend are fun informational books about seafood maybe some books on ways to prepare fish or how to roll your own sushi. Perhaps the gift recipient would like DVDs of Iron chef - he does weird things with sushi that always end up fantastic. Try to steer clear of super exotic things for a beginner.
Some important things to keep in mind for an intermediate seafood and sushi lover are trying to find a place/restaurant or something related to sushi and seafood but off the typical things and places you would give or go to.
I started eating Korean dishes to expand my tastes when I was an intermediate - I started with jellyfish tentacles. You work your way up to more exotic flavors. I'm a HUGE fan of calamari. The Plaza in Kansas City has the best calamari I've ever had in my life. If your intermediate seafood lover is going to get into the seafood culture, Japanese boy band pop stars are the opener to get into the culture. I know it sounds weird but they have cooking shows and it's what really got me into the seafood culture.
When it comes to the shopping for an advanced enthusiast you can buy just about anything for them at this point. Keep in mind their tastes if you're getting something decorative for them. If they're into cooking more French or Mediterranean fish rather than Asian be considerate of their tastes.
Fanatics LOVE obscure ANYTHING so look for unique things. Go for the less popular but fun cutesy stuff. Perhaps a book or interactive DVD on rolling your own sushi, or even a kit so they can roll their own. Maybe they'd like a sushi boat or their own chopstick set. I have my own chopsticks and I love them they're so unique, one has a red dragon and the other has black flowers on it. I like having my own chopsticks for when I eat seafood I don't feel like I'm killing trees every time. They were the most unique gift I ever received related to my passion for seafood. People who are into sushi enjoy their food on every level; visual, smell, taste, and texture.
Just remember that fish are seasonal. Sometimes it even depends on the time of month. In spring there are lighter fishes and light texture food. A new trend in japan right now is that all of major boy bands have cooking and food tasting shows. You can buy the shows on DVD (not subtitled) and watching it whether you understand it or not is highly entertaining.
Some unusual potential gift like product items I have seen in offices or homes of enthusiast's in this category are Asian bobble heads and Boy band DVDs - they focus on LOT LOT LOT on fish!
Good luck and happy gift hunting!!!
| 
