I just returned from our annual National Fisheries Institute winter staff retreat, which involved two days and one night of reflecting on 2009 and planning for 2010 in the Bryce Mountain area of Virginia. Since a few people work remotely like me, we took advantage of the whole staff being together in one spot and bundled our holiday celebration into the retreat too witha delicious family style meal and Yankee swap gift exchange. Being that we’re the trade association for seafood, of course seafood was featured in the holiday meal via three crowd-pleasing hors d’oeuvres – Russian caviar on rye, bacon-wrapped scallops, and smoked salmon with smoked almonds spread.

Seafood also made its way into the gift exchange, inspiring me to create a fish-themed gift guide.

1. “My Two-Year-Old Eats Octopus” – I’ve read a lot of food and nutrition books in my day, and this one is outstanding. It offers, in a humorous and understanding way, tips about how to instill a curious appetite for delicious, nourishing food in your kids. For a “taste” of author and mom Nancy Piho’s ideas, click here, here or here. I’ve already given two of these books as gifts this season…

2. Tuna press – If you have a foodie kid thanks to the aforementioned book, then he will love this little gadget in his stocking. Any canned seafood can be easily drained without having to fuss with sharp edges.

3. Rainbow trout ornament – I really enjoy the cheese ornaments from Sur La Table, but this rainbow trout has healthier fats.

4. Grill and broil spice set – If you’re lucky enough to live by a Penzey’s, you might agree with me that simply perusing the store is super pleasurable. Buying and using their high quality spices is just gravy.

5. La Mer dinnerware pieces – The beautiful serving pieces are the perfect platters for your seafood twice a week. And free shipping!