Looking for a distinctive hostess gift or just the right product to surprise guests at your next party? Choosing a special food gift doesn't have to break the bank. We talked to some of the country's top food retailers, who were happy to share their favorite affordable picks with us. From imported Italian pastas to chocolate laced with bacon to a Sauvignon Blanc with a twist, these retailers know which items will give you the most bang for your buck. Many can be ordered directly from the retailers mentioned below, or the makers themselves.

Sam Mogannam, owner of Bi-Rite Market, San Francisco:

• Kika's Chocolate Covered Grahams ($6.99)
• Rustichella d' Abruzzo Pastas ($5.99 - $6.99)
• Rustic Bakery Vanilla Granola ($7.79)
• Vosges Haut-Chocolat Mo's Bacon Bar ($6.99)

Evelyn Ignatow, Hyde Park Gourmet, Cincinnati, OH:

• Favols Sweet Pepper Relish ($7.99)
• Gary Poppins Popcorn-all varieties ($5.99 - $6.99)
• The Gracious Gourmet Balsamic Four Onion Spread ($7.99)
• Carolina Sauce Co.-Olio & Spices Barbeque Fig Sauce ($7.99) (right)
• Terre di Puglia Taralli (Italian Pretzels) ($3.99)

Art Garcia, Monterey Gourmet, Bernardsville, NJ:

• Blue Crab Bay Crab House Nuts ($5.99)
• Blaze Balsamic Glaze ($7.99)
• Patsy's Tomato Basil Sauce ($7.99) (right)
• Shepherds of Cypress Halloumi Cheese ($6.99)
• Stonewall Kitchen Fig & Ginger Jam ($7.99)

Sue Bicksler Taub, Holbrook Cottage, Briarcliff Manor, NY:

• Dancing Deer Lemon Daisy Cookies ($6.50) (top left)
• Gracious Gourmet's Artichoke Parmesan Tapenade ($8.75)
• Robert Rothschild Honey Mustard Pretzel Dip (8-ounce/$8) (right)
• Tate's Chocolate Chip Cookies ($5)

Cristiano Andrade, Sea Grape Wine Shop, New York City:

• Red: Right now Portuguese reds are gaining in popularity and are undervalued. She recommends Palestra Douro for $8.99.

• White: Luigi Bosca La Linda Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina is aromatic and a good bet for $9.99.—Nicole Denis and Denise Shoukas