What are Shalach Manos, Mishloach Manot, Shlach Monos, or Purim Baskets?
It is the mitzvah on Purim of sending a gift consisting of at least two items of food to another person. To fulfill this obligation, one must give food that can be consumed without further preparation, such as, baked goods, fruits, candy, wine, or other beverages. It is best that a third party deliver these gifts. The phrase Mishloach Manot used in the Megillah implies that this mitzvah should be performed through an agent. (Mishloach means sending.
