Reminds me of elderly friends who send a huge, very ornate tin of German cookies and chocolates to us every Christmas. The box alone is quite beautiful, so when calling to thank them, I mentioned to the wife “…and the tin box is really nice!”
She answered, “Yes. And it makes a great casket for a cat.”
She meant that sincerely, and actually used one for her cat when it died, but now I have that stuck in my head and whenever the package arrives, I tell my SO “the kitty casket is here…”
Back to the OP.
I agree that edibles are the best route to go - practical and something the person can use. Most of the gifts I used to buy my parents would sit in the garage, unopened and unused until I too caught on that nibbles were the best way to go. Those huge cans of cashews and gourmet foods you find at Costco or Sam’s Club are perfect.