In a large bowl, mix the quick oats, salt, coconut, chopped nuts and dates. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the canola oil, water, vanilla, and sugar. Whip together until well blended.

Stir the liquid into the dry ingredients until well mixed. With your hands squeeze the granola to form some clumps.

Put the granola on a non-greased cookie sheet. Do not pile the granola all on one tray but put just enough to cover the tray about an inch thick.

Bake at 275 degrees for 2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes or so, until the granola is light brown in color and crunchy. There should be no moisture in the granola when finished.

When it is done take the granola out of the oven and cool. Stir in cranberries.

Place completely cooled granola in a bag, cover with wrapping paper and add a nice ribbon. Your gift is now ready!