Black Friday has become a weekend sporting event followed by Cyber Monday which will probably last all week, but there is more to life than the short-term deals. Let’s look at the big picture and make the master list. For the next several weeks, I’ll visit the food, beverage, and life gift guide: My own personal attempt at finding the right presents to address some of the big conundrums of the year.

With all the hamburger anxiety and food recalls associated with the burger, it’s time to consider adding an attachment to the food processor or the mixer that will take the worry out of food preparation and bring back a secure feeling to a popular food. Grinding chuck roasts, for example, for hamburger is not that difficult if you have the right piece of equipment. Then you can again enjoy a burger without fear of what filler has been added to the basics. You are in charge of safety.

Green teas have been popular for years for all their antioxidant benefits and their soothing refreshment. Overall tea sales continue to impact the beverage category both in hot and cold selections. Why not enjoy tea service with your own leaves gently seeped in the cup with a tea infuser? Lots of design choices from the classic at the Museum of Modern Art to the more moderately priced variation. Great present; fun gadget.

Look for coupons to help a little with the purchase price. Sur la Table has numerous coupon offers and major kitchen shops such as Williams-Sonoma offer regular specials to entice you during these upcoming weeks. Don’t forget Amazon!

Don’t worry if the Internet posed its holiday difficulties, and you feared the crowds at the stores, you have time.

More to come.