We’ve all been there. A special occasion comes along and we need to buy someone a gift. The problem is deciding what to get, right? Let’s face it. Some of us have a hard time picking out something WE want, let alone something someone else is going to want. Well, here’s a food experience that I had about four years ago that might lead you down the right road.

It was my in-laws wedding anniversary. My wife and I had been trying to figure out what we should do for them, but were having no luck. “Should we maybe do a party?” I asked. “Maybe get them an overnight at a hotel somewhere?” “What about a washer?” We were pretty all over the place with our ideas. After a couple of hours, we finally came up with our brilliant idea: We would make them a three-course dinner.

Mind you, I have NO idea how we finally came around to this idea. We went ahead with it, though, and the final result was brilliant.

The menu was superb, if I do say so myself. My wife handled the appetizer, while I took care of the entree and dessert. The first course served was prosciutto wrapped figs with herbed goat cheese. The main entree, a pan sauteed filet mignon with caramel-brandy mushroom sauce. (No joke. I rocked it out on that one. :)) And finally, for dessert, a molten chocolate cake with raspberry drizzle and Tahitian vanilla-bean ice cream. It was a bangin’ meal.

Now, granted… parents will lovingly eat just about anything made for them by their children. We could have busted out crackers and tuna helper, and they’d have raved. I get it. But, we did my in-laws proud with that meal. My mother-in-law cried, one of those rare times when making a woman cry is a good thing. To this day, four years later, my mother-in-law still brings up that night as one of the best anniversaries of their lives.

It took a little effort on our part to plan, buy the groceries, prep, and cook the meal. In all, I think we spent $40 on the groceries, the bulk going towards the proteins. But, I struggle to think of how it could have worked out any better. I personally remember that night fondly, working in the kitchen with my wife. It really was almost like a dance, now that I think back on it. We never once stepped on each others toes. My in-laws remember  that night every time their anniversary comes around, and not just because it was a good meal. They remember it because their family, who they love more than anything, made them a lovely dinner.

So the next time you stop to think about what to get for someone you love, why not think about making them a meal. I promise it will be a night they’ll never forget.

Have you had a similar experience? Why not share it in the comments? Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter and on Facebook!