Almost everyone is familiar with gift baskets; maybe you've even been the lucky recipient of one. They're great for Christmas, birthdays, corporate gifting, or any other gift giving occasion you can think of. What's the first thing people usually think of when they think gift baskets? Wine, cheese, chocolate, fruit, smoked meats... Gourmet gift baskets have become a kind of "go to" gift, but what if you could mix it up a little? These gifts don't have to be about food - try a themed basket instead! Check out some of these ideas, and I'm sure you'll come up with even more of your own.
A get-well gift basket is the perfect solution for comforting up a sick friend. Homemade goodies may be especially appreciated by those confined to a hospital bed. A plate of chocolate chip cookies or brownies, some homemade chicken soup, or a family recipe can be particularly comforting. However, be sure to check on the recipient's dietary restrictions first. Don't worry if you can't cook. You can still include the recipient's favorite snack or a couple of envelopes of instant chicken soup tied with a ribbon and placed in a cheery mug. Tuck in a magazine, novel or puzzle book that matches the person's interest. For a gravely sick relative or friend, a special letter, poem, or picture collage is priceless.
For the person who has done you a favor, or just deserves some recognition, consider a Thank You gift basket. These gifts are by nature very personal. Is there an appropriate "thank you" gift, given the situation? If they helped you with your garden, maybe some homemade jellies or salsa made from the harvest? If they helped you perfect your backhand, how about a gift basket packed with wristbands, tennis balls, some passes to the nearest tennis club? You get the idea. Consider both what they helped you with, and what they enjoy. The unlimited possibilities really make this one fun and unexpected.
Sympathy gift baskets are another occasion where it is best to think carefully about what to include, but in this case your goal should not be to incorporate the person's favorite things, but to consider what would best help them get through a difficult time. The intent should be to provide something which consoles them in order to hopefully take their minds off their recent loss. In this case, comforting foods like chocolate, fruit, and cheeses are a great addition to any basket.
In happier times, you might want to get someone a Happy Birthday gift basket! Keep in mind that the "basket" doesn't have to be a basket at all! If they're outdoorsy and like to hike or camp, how about a "gift backpack" filled with energy bars and camping supplies? Give your favorite movie lover a popcorn bowl stocked with DVDs and movie tickets. The scrapbooker in your life would be thrilled with a plastic storage box filled with colorful papers, stickers and ribbon. If the birthday boy or girl has a hobby, their gift basket will be a breeze to fill. Just make sure you get a big enough container to hold all your great gift ideas!
Have an open house coming up this weekend? You can create a quick housewarming gift basket for the host and hostess. If they are new homeowners, a book on house repair may be particularly helpful. You could also include a ceramic bowl filled with pistachios, some seeds for their new garden, or an herb plant for the kitchen window sill. A specialty cheese with a cute spreading knife tied with a ribbon is also nice.
Creating a gift basket isn't incredibly difficult but it does require some thought. Make sure to consider the occasion before putting together or ordering your basket. Plenty of options are available aside from a regular gourmet basket. Although it takes a bit more work, sending a special gift basket will ensure that your efforts are appreciated and let people know that you are thinking of them during whatever occasion they are experiencing. In the end, your closest friends and family think that you deserve the best, so shouldn't you think the same of them?
Article Source: http://www.orbitaloc.com/
Birthday gift baskets are greats ways to share a special day with a special family member. A unique birthday basket can be designed with any recipient's special tastes or interests in mind.
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