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Archive for December, 2007
Tips - Men Gift Baskets
December 21st, 2007 | 
Author:
Gift Baskets for Men |
| Need help making gift baskets for men? Here are some unique ideas to help you get started on your project. First, decide on a theme based on his interests. Perhaps motorcycles or computers? Once you've picked a theme for your man gift basket, you'll need a container. Try and find something original that coordinates with your theme to hold the gifts inside. It could be anything from a toolbox for the handyman to a soft-sided cooler for the sports fanatic. Then just fill up your container with gifts matching your theme. The racing enthusiast might like some memorabilia from his sport. If he's your favorite Mr. Fixit, check your local hardware store for the latest tools and gadgets. Be creative and he's sure to appreciate your efforts! |
Golf Gift Baskets |
| Anyone who has played golf knows what a trying, yet addictive, game it can be. No matter what your score, you always feel like you can do better with a little more practice and concentration. Help the golfers in your life celebrate their passion with golf gift baskets. The sport is so popular that there is no shortage of golf-themed items for you to choose from. You can use anything from tees and practice balls to towels and ball markers for your gift. A new head cover from their favorite college team would look great on their driver. Finish off your golf gift basket with some snacks to give them energy on the course. Pretzels, cookies and bottled water are all great additions to your present. For an added treat, throw in some tokens for the local driving range or a gift certificate for a free round of golf. |
Fishing Gift Baskets |
| Whether they like deep sea fishing, fly fishing in a mountain stream, or casting a line in the local lake, there are plenty of unique ways to make a memorable fishing gift basket. For the container, try using a nice broad brimmed hat to keep the sun out of their eyes. Turn the hat upside down and fill the inside with some new lures, hooks, bobbers and weights. Fisherman love gadgets too, so check at the local sporting goods store to see what the latest inventions are. Snacks are always appreciated while angling, and some high energy treats like trail mix, dried fruit and almonds will come in handy. If it's not fishing season right now, chances are there is a boat show or other outdoor sporting event show going on in the local area. Tickets to the show would make a great addition to your fishing gift basket. |
Football Gift Baskets |
| If you know a man that loves the pigskin (and who doesn't), football gift baskets make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, the Super Bowl or even the season opener! Sporting goods stores have lots of themed apparel from every major professional and college team, from the Cowboys and Steelers to the Trojans and Gators. Any basket or container embossed with the team logo and colors can be used to hold the gifts inside. Fill it up with team paraphernalia, like hats, coffee mugs and a foam brick to throw at the TV when things aren't going well for the home team. Finish your football gift basket off with some snacks to eat while watching the big game, like tortilla chips and cheese dip. |
Baseball Gift Baskets |
| Baseball gift baskets can be a fun surprise present for any man. Start with a themed container, like a ceramic baseball or batting helmet, and fill it with memorabilia and items from his favorite team. Many baseball fans love to know all the statistics about the players and their favorite teams, so a book of baseball facts and trivia would make a great addition to your basket. For the serious fan, consider an autographed baseball from their favorite player or team, or even a rare playing card from an all-star's rookie season. Baseball caps are a perennial favorite, too. Finish off your baseball gift basket with a couple of tickets for an upcoming game and a bag of cracker jacks and peanuts in the shell for a true ballpark feel. |
Beer Gift Baskets |
| If you know a beer lover, why not make them a beer gift basket for their birthday, Father's Day, or other special occasion? Beer gift baskets are best when you can deliver the gift in person, since liquids can be fragile and heavy to ship. A metal tub makes a good container for this gift. Many liquor stores now offer variety packs or samplers from micro-breweries. Simply mix in a variety of seasonal and specialty edition brews, along with a bottle or two of their favorite brand. Your gift basket should also include a few snacks to eat with the beer, and maybe a couple of insulated bottle coolers. For an extra special effect, keep the whole gift cold until you give it to him, or dump some ice in the bottom of the tub just before presenting it. He'll love the surprise and the beer! |
Chef Gift Baskets |
| Some men enjoy cooking, so why not encourage them to develop their skills with a chef gift basket? Most men don't own an apron, so find a .manly. one for him to wear while messing up the kitchen with his latest culinary experiment. You can also include some new gadgets that he might not own yet, like a mandolin, instant read thermometer, and citrus zester. Add a new cookbook from a famous male chef, like Wolfgang Puck or Emeril Lagasse. For your container, you can use a traditional white chef's hat turned upside down or metal colander, and place all your gifts inside. To make a personalized chef's gift basket, have his name embroidered on the hat and/or apron. |
Barbeque Gift Basket |
| If your man is the "King of the Grill," why not acknowledge his expertise by making a barbeque gift basket? And the best part is that you can relax while he does the cooking! For the container, consider using a low profile sturdy wicker basket with handles. That way he can re-use the basket to hold all his barbecue equipment. Inside, fill it with some new marinades and spices. You can find an endless variety of specialty seasonings, sauces and rubs at gourmet food stores and online at places like Penzeys. You could also add some new grill tools and a grilling cookbook. For the ultimate in treats, pick up one of the new wireless thermometers, so he can monitor the temperature of his latest masterpiece from afar. |
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Tips - Kids Gift Baskets
Kids Candy Bouquet |
| Children love candy, so kid.s candy bouquets are sure to please. The first step is figuring out what kind of candy you want to use. They might love M&M's, Snickers, Skittles or some other candy. You can make a bouquet from a single variety if they really love only one kind, or you can use lots of different kinds for more variety. You might even try adding some candy bars from your childhood that they might not have tried before. Find a container that is the right size for your candy, and arrange your pieces in a nice bouquet. For the container, you can use anything from a ceramic teapot to a tin pail with a colorful design. If you are concerned about giving them too much sugar, you can use smaller sized pieces, and mix in some healthier snacks with the candy, like dried fruit, nuts or pretzels. |
Teenage Movie Basket |
| Watching movies is a popular pastime for teenagers. If you're a parent, you can make a movie gift basket for your teenager that they'll be sure to enjoy, and you'll have the piece of mind of knowing where they are for at least one night this weekend! You can use a popcorn tub, and inside place some microwave popcorn, twizzlers, a couple of bottles of soda, and their favorite DVD. Pick out a popular new release, or introduce your teenage to a classic from when you were younger, either way, your movie gift basket is sure to be a blockbuster! |
Kid Book Gift Baskets |
| Giving books as a gift is a great way to encourage reading for children. Kid book gift baskets can be arranged around a theme, like mystery or adventure, or you could also select several titles appropriate for their age group. If you are buying books for someone else's children, check with the parents to see where their interests lie. You should also consider some non-fiction books to round out the selection. A biography of a person they admire would be a great choice. If your child likes to read at night, consider a clip-on book light so they don't strain their eyes reading in the dark. Wrap the books up individually, or put them in a tote bag or backpack so they can carry the books. To finish your kid.s book gift basket, include a couple of coordinating bookmarks and maybe a few snacks to munch on while reading. |
Girls Gift Baskets |
| Many girls have an appreciation of art and design, which is why girls gift baskets make great presents for birthdays, get well, and other occasions. Sometimes the hardest part is getting her to take apart something so pretty. If you know her interests, you can design a gift just for her that she will really enjoy. If she likes shopping, fill up a purse with makeup and lip stick. You can vary the amount spent by buying different size purses and supplementing the gifts with a gift card to her favorite clothing store if necessary. You might also fill a shoulder bag with some books if she likes to read. For young girls, fill a colorful container with coloring books, crayons, chalk, stickers, and crafts. |
College Kids Gift Baskets |
| Anyone who has been to college knows it can be a very difficult time in any young adult.s life. For many kids it is the first time they have been away from home for any extended length of time. They may be publicly celebrating their independence, but privately a little homesick. A care package can be a great way to let them know you care about them without invading their newfound freedom. Homemade baked goods are a great item to put in your college kids gift basket. Cookies, quick breads and muffins will remind them you still care and provide some energy too. Microwave popcorn, fruit, nuts and pretzels also make great healthy snacks when they are up late studying for finals. |
Boys Gift Baskets |
| Kids love getting presents, and a boys gift basket can make a great present for a kid of any age. The key is finding an appropriate theme based on his interests. For example, for young boys you might use a big plastic dump truck, and fill up the back with things such as bubbles, sand toys, and puzzle books. An older boy might like a new backpack filled model cars, games, and sports equipment. If he loves football, buy a helmet from his favorite team and fill it up with candy and football trading cards. Other popular gifts for boys include video games and mp3 or iPod music players. |
Brain Teaser Gift Basket |
| If your child enjoys puzzles and brain teasers, why not encourage his cognitive development by assembling a kid.s gift basket full of brain teaser activities? First, find some puzzle books, like crosswords, sudoku, word finds, etc. Then add some real puzzles, like a Rubik's cube, interlocking rings, etc. You can tailor your puzzles to their interests, like word puzzles to build their vocabulary, or complex math problems for the future scientist. Jigsaw puzzles are always a good way exercise their brains too. Finish your gift with a few mechanical pencils, a good eraser, and some snacks to keep them fortified while trying to solve all the mysteries. |
Tips - Housewarming Baskets
Welcome to the Neighborhood Gift Basket |
| Buying a new home can be very stressful especially since people do not really get a chance to meet their prospective new neighbors before moving in. You can help ease the transition for your new neighbors by giving them a welcome to the neighborhood gift basket. Include your development phone book if you have one, or at least the names and phone numbers of the people on your block. Add a local magazine about the area, and menus from your favorite local restaurants. |
Vacation Home Housewarming Gift Basket |
| If your new neighbors are fortunate enough to buy a home in your neighborhood to use as a seasonal vacation home, you can welcome them to the neighborhood in style with a housewarming gift basket. Vacation homeowners are much less likely to know the area, so your gift can help make them feel welcome in their new community. You could start with some local favorite foods, like fresh seafood if you're near the ocean or fresh fruit if you.re near an orchard. You can also include a list of local business they might need, like the closest hospital, grocery stores, etc. The most helpful information you can include is a list of trusted local professional contractors, since they are unlikely to know where to find a good plumber, electrician, etc. They'll be delighted with your thoughtfulness! |
Handyman-themed Housewarming Gift Basket |
| Some people enjoy home improvements, and purposely buy a house in need of some repairs to they can remodel it themselves. If your friends buy a fixer-upper, you can make them a handyman-themed housewarming gift basket. Use a new disposable paint pail, and inside place common consumable home improvement supplies, like paint rollers, disposable drop cloths, painter's tape, spackle, wire nuts, and carpenter pencils. You could also include a fun new gadget, like a laser line level. Make sure to add a few snacks to give them energy while working on all their new home improvement projects. |
Retirement Home Housewarming Gift Basket |
| Making the transition from a traditional home to a retirement home is a major undertaking. The new home may be far away, and the new homeowners will almost be unfamiliar with "apartment style" living. When someone new moves into your wing, help them settle in with a retirement home housewarming gift basket. Think back to when you first moved in. What new things did you need that were not obvious, like the local bus schedule or some water exercise equipment to take advantage of the swimming pool? Have everyone in the hall pitch in and deliver your welcoming gift as a group. The new homeowners will be touched to see all their new friends and neighbors that care. |
Cookie Kit Gift Basket |
| Housewarming gifts don't have to be boring. Try this idea when you need something new - a cookie kit gift basket. Using a nice insulated baking sheet, simply stack on top of it all the supplies necessary to make some delicious homemade cookies. You can buy a cookie kit at most grocery stores. These kits come with all the dry ingredients pre-measured and separated into different compartments. Add a mixing bowl, spoon, spatula, oven mitt, and some cookie cutters and your gift is ready for giving. To top it off, wrap your stack tightly with ribbon to keep it from moving around. Cookie kit gift baskets are particularly fun for young homeowners that might not have a lot of kitchenware. |
Tips - Healthy Gift Baskets
Tropical Fruit Baskets |
| Even if you're nowhere near the equator, you can still celebrate the unique tastes of tropical produce grown in the region with a tropical fruit basket. Your basket can be filled with seasonally available fruits available at a local gourmet grocery store. Pineapples are a favorite for these baskets, as are bananas, oranges and grapefruits. But you can also experiment with some more exotic fruit, like mangoes, papayas, passion fruit, and guavas. Ask your grocer for help to make sure you pick out ripe pieces if you are unfamiliar with some of these varieties. Tropical fruit baskets can be a fun way to give someone a taste of a warmer climate, even in the middle of winter. |
Nut Gift Baskets |
| Recent studies have confirmed that nuts contain "good" fat and are an excellent part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Almonds and walnuts in particular have been singled out for their high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. So why not send a nut gift basket this year to all of your relatives for the holidays? A fun way to make a nut gift basket is to buy some an assortment of nuts (like almonds, peanuts and cashews) in different sized tins, and then stack the tins together to form a "tower." Hold you tower together with some matching ribbon and you've got a quick and impressive presentation for your gift! |
Organic Fruit Baskets |
| Most folks that prefer organic foods are also into healthier eating. Fresh organic produce is now widely available and organic fruit baskets make a fun treat for an anniversary, Christmas, or birthday. A wicker basket is always a tasteful container for these gifts, and you can fill them with any variety of fruits that are in season. The most popular organic fruit basket varieties are oranges, apples, and pears. If you are going to be delivering the gift yourself, you can also include some more perishable selections like strawberries, cherries and bananas. In either case, make sure your recipient gets your gift quickly to make sure the produce is still fresh for them to enjoy. |
Citrus Fruit Baskets |
| Citrus fruit baskets are a fun and colorful way to welcome someone to the neighborhood and are also perfect sent as a get well gift. Bright and sweet, citrus fruits are readily available year round. Their kitchen will be filled with the fresh, clean smell of these beloved fruits, and they'll be enjoyed for days. Fill your basket with oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, tangerines, minneolas, and tangelos. You could even add a cookbook featuring citrus recipes for some new unique ideas on how to use these versatile fruits in everyday cooking. |
Healthy Snack Gift Baskets |
| Healthy snack gift baskets can be a fun way to provide someone with a little extra energy without ruining their diet. Health foods can still taste good, and they'll appreciate the extra effort you spent finding something they can enjoy guilt free. Choose a reusable container like a wire caddy and fill it with natural wood shred. Fill your healthy snack gift basket with dried fruit, raisin and nut trail mix, sunflower seeds, soy nuts, baked veggie chips, bottled water, and some sugar free candy. Write a personal note card and your basket is ready to give! |
Tips - Gourmet Gift Baskets
Italian Gift Baskets |
| Italy is known for pasta, but their cuisine offers far more variety beyond the carb-filled wonder. Introduce someone to all the flavors of the region with an Italian gift basket. Start off your sampler with ingredients for bruschetta: crusty bread, roma tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil. Add a can of zuppa Toscana for a taste of Tuscany. Next, add some seafood inspired by the Mediterranean, like shrimp pate or anchovies. For the main course, you can include pasta a sauce, or even some flavored risotto and smoked meat. Finish your tour with espresso and tiramisu for dessert. Italian gift baskets can be a fun way to explore all the tastes the country has to offer. |
Pasta Gift Baskets |
| Italy is known for its great pastas. You can make a special gift to give to someone who enjoys all the great shapes and varieties of this favorite food. Pasta gift baskets should start with a themed container, like a colander or antique wicker hamper if you can find one. Fill up your gift with a variety of different shaped pastas like vermicelli, ziti, and manicotti. If your recipient likes to cook themselves, try some fresh produce like tomatoes, garlic, basil and mushrooms. You can also use ready-made sauces in jars like marinara, puttanesca, and pesto. Finish your pasta gift basket with a small bottle of olive oil and some breadsticks. |
Salsa Gift Baskets |
| Salsa now outsells ketchup in the U.S. as the favorite condiment. One of the reasons for salsa's popularity is the endless variety of flavors that make up this tasty concoction. From mild to hot, sweet to smoky, there are salsas for every taste. If you know someone who likes to try new things, why not make them a salsa gift basket with some new brands and flavors. Pick out some traditional favorites, but make sure to add some more exotic flavors too, like peach mango and chipotle. Add a few varieties of tortilla chips too, like black bean and blue corn. Salsa gift baskets make a great hostess or housewarming gift too. Finish the presentation off with a bright colored bow. |
Tea Gift Baskets |
| Tea makes a soothing and relaxing gift. Simply pair it up with some light snacks to make your own tea gift baskets. For a memorable design, use a ceramic tea pot, and fill the inside with tea-themed gifts for them to enjoy. Start with some single serve packages of favorites like Darjeeling, oolong, earl grey, and English breakfast tea. Then add a few light snacks for them to savor while enjoying their beverage, such as small tea cakes, shortbread cookies, and some hard candy. You can even include some honey to put in the tea and a few keepsake stir sticks. Just make sure to pack everything carefully so your tea gift basket doesn't break while in transit. |
Diabetic Gift Baskets |
| If you know some who has diabetes, you might normally shy away from sending them food. However, done right, diabetic gift baskets can be even more special. That's because your recipient will know and appreciate all the extra effort you had to go through to find special foods to use in your diabetic gift basket. You can fill your basket with sugar free snacks that are safe for them to eat, like popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, sugar free candy, crackers and cheese. Just be sure to check all the labels carefully and your diabetic recipient will sure love your gift! |
Gourmet Popcorn Tins |
| Popcorn is a favorite snack food, and you can give popcorn tins as a gift for just about any occasion. Making gourmet popcorn is a fun project and a great way to gets the kids involved. Make up a batch of fresh popcorn, and have the kids help you add some different flavors to your creation. You can mix your popcorn with simple syrup to make popcorn balls, and add colored candies or nuts for a little variety. Wrap each popcorn ball in colored plastic wrap and place them in a themed tin. Put a big bow on top and you have created a gourmet popcorn tin worth giving! |
Coffee Gift Baskets |
| You can make a coffee gift basket to give to anyone who enjoys this popular beverage. You could even make small coffee gift baskets for each of your friends and use them as party favors at an event hosted at your home, like a Pampered Chef or Tastefully Simple party. To make these popular gifts, find some decorative mugs, and fill them each with a single serve coffee packet, package of biscotti, and a chocolate covered spoon. Attach a matching bow and you have quick and relatively inexpensive gifts for your next event. |
Dessert Gift Baskets |
| If you want to completely overwhelm someone with over-the-top indulgence, consider giving them a dessert gift basket. For some, dessert is considered the main course! If you know someone that feels this way, this would be a fun surprise for them. You might want to use a Bundt pan for your container, and then fill it with lots of different desserts like fresh-baked peanut butter cookies, toffee chunk brownies, lemon pound cake, and chocolate covered strawberries. Including of these decadent treats in your dessert gift basket would make for a nice variety of flavors and colors. Just remember to fill the pan with enough pieces so they are sticking out the top. This gift is best given while fresh, so you should individually wrap each piece with plastic wrap. |
Chocolate Gift Baskets |
| If your friend thinks chocolate is its own food group, indulge her cravings with a gourmet chocolate gift basket. You'll want to start with a dark brown wicker basket, and use black or dark brown shred in the bottom. Then fill up the basket with a decadent display of her favorite chocolate treats. Some popular treats to include in chocolate gift baskets are truffles, fudge, white chocolate covered Oreos®, Godiva chocolates, brownies, malt balls, and gourmet candy bars. She'll be so happy with your gift that she might share some with you! |
Breakfast Gift Baskets |
| Breakfast gift baskets make unique gifts for any occasion. Use a wicker handle basket to tote some favorites like fluffy pancake mix, maple syrup, smoked bacon, muffin mix, granola, canned fruit, strawberry jam, orange juice and coffee or tea. Visit the local bakery to buy some fresh-baked treats to add to your breakfast gift basket. Items like bagels, croissants, and chocolate chip scones will make delicious additions. You could also add a breakfast cookbook and some dishes and silverware so your gift is ready to be enjoyed. |
Tips - Get Well Gift Baskets
Kids Get Well Gift Baskets |
| Being sick is bad enough as an adult, but it can be really difficult for a child. If you can't be there to help them recuperate in person, kids get well gift baskets are a great way to let them know you are thinking about them. Activity books are a great item to include in your gift. Word finds, crossword puzzles, brain teasers and similar titles will help them pass the time and keep their mind active while their body heals. A favorite DVD or new video game title is also a good idea if they're okay with mom and dad. For younger kids, consider adding a stuffed animal and/or a get well balloon. |
Gourmet Get Well Gift Baskets |
| Do you know someone who has a taste for the finer foods in life but is currently too sick to cook for themselves? Sending a gourmet get well gift basket would be a great way to lift their spirits and also provide them with some much needed nutrition. Gourmet foods like smoked salmon, chocolate truffles, and fine cheeses can make great snacks and also hold up well during shipping. A gourmet soup mix and savory breadsticks would also help speed up their recovery. Finish your gift with some fresh-roasted coffee or tea and they'll be sure to appreciate your efforts. |
Co-Worker Get Well Gift Baskets |
| If you have a sick co-worker, why not send something to their home from the whole group? If you make the gift basket yourself, you can include some of their favorite snacks from the vending machine. You could also use a company coffee mug and place coffee or tea packets inside. Another great way to cheer them up is to use a digital camera to take some pictures of the office and put them on a CD inside the gift. Take some pictures of their friends and a few while sitting at their desk so they'll feel like they're there with you. A get well card signed by everyone at the office is a great way to complete your get well gift basket. Instead of a card, you might also have everyone write a note on company letterhead and use the papers to fill in between the other gifts |
Get Well Book Gift Baskets |
| Reading books is an easy way to pass the time while recuperating. Get well book gift baskets are sure to be well received by any bookworm that is under the weather. Chicken Soup for the Soul are popular books for get well situations, but anything that captures their interest will do. The latest best sellers will keep them engrossed for hours, and you could also include some puzzle books like sudoku or crosswords to keep their attention. No get well basket would be complete without some food, so add some chocolate chip cookies, chicken soup and snacks to perk them up. |
Get Well Gift Baskets Delivery |
| Being ill is a difficult time for everybody. Not only are you not feeling well, but often you are home alone while recuperating. Get well gift baskets make a great way to cheer someone up and let them know you haven't forgotten about them. If the person lives nearby and is able to receive visitors, consider delivering the gift yourself. Not only will you get to see them open the gift in front of you, they'll no doubt welcome the company. You can make the gift yourself, or pick one up at a local store. If your recipient does not live nearby, try and find a local gift basket person in their area using a gift basket directory. If the person is still in the hospital, consider waiting until they back home. Hospitals can be a difficult place to deliver, and the patient's diet might prevent them enjoying your gift. |