"Mishloach Manot” is the Hebrew term meaning “delivery portions,” and is also often called “shalach manos.” To fulfill the commandment of Mishloach Manot, one must specifically give only food and/or drink—not CDs or clothes.¹ The food and drink must be ready to eat or drink with no further preparation required (sorry, Starbucks), and must include at least two different food items, since the verse’s word “portions” is in the plural.

BUT...you may certainly give clothing as part of another Purim commandment—giving charitable gifts to the poor. On Purim we must give two needy people each a gift of money, food, or clothing, as you suggest. Now, about the CDs...the purpose of this Purim requirement is to actually help a needy person. While we all enjoy music in our lives, providing a poor person with his basic needs indicates donating a more practical gift.

By the way, though we are required to give Mishloach Manot to only one person, someone who gives to more people is called “praiseworthy,” and this is a traditional opportunity for expressing our gratitude and friendship towards others. Nevertheless, it is better to spend money on giving Purim charity than on elaborate Mishloach Manot.²