Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Tips – Baby Gift Baskets
December 21st, 2007
Personalized Baby Gift Baskets |
| Personalized baby gift baskets are a memorable way to cherish the newborn. Your gift basket can include one or more items with the baby’s name and date of birth to make a lasting keepsake. Popular items to personalize include blankets, teddy bears, bathrobes, bibs and hats. You may be able to find a local seamstress to embroider your gift for you, or order one online. Add some other baby gifts to your personalized basket to welcome baby and celebrate the birth. |
Baby Bathtub Gift Basket |
| When newborns are small, it’s easiest to wash them in a special baby bath tub. So why not use one of these tubs as the container to make a unique and practical baby gift basket? Inside the tub you can put lots baby necessities, like shampoo, baby powder, diapers and brush and comb set. Another nice gift to include is a hooded terry bath towel to keep the newborn dry and warm. Add a few more baby items to fill the tub and your basket is complete. |
Baby Book Gift Baskets |
| Book-themed baby gift baskets are a great way to encourage a lifetime of reading for the newborn. Books are a great way to interact with babies, and they’ll love seeing all the bright shapes and listening to the sound of your voice as you read them stories. You can make a memorable baby book gift basket yourself with a little shopping and some creative flair. Start with a blue or pink wicker basket, and then visit a local baby store to find some fun baby books. You could also include a helpful instructional or reference book if your recipients are first time parents. Add a stuffed animal and some baby toys to fill out your basket, and your gift is ready to give. |
Bath Playtime Gift Basket |
| Some babies don’t like being washed, but you can try and make this regular chore more fun by giving the new parents a bath time gift basket. The key for one of these gifts is to make sure everything inside can get wet, since most babies love to splash! A plastic bath tote would make a neat start to your gift basket, then line the bottom with baby washcloths, and fill it up with toys for the tub. Bath crayons let baby draw and allow for easy cleanup. You could also include vinyl bath books and some floating plastic toys. Of course, no bath time gift would be complete without a yellow rubber ducky! |
Diaper Bag Gift Basket |
| A new baby is a time to celebrate and also a time of much work and stress. That’s why baby gift baskets that are fun and practical are often the most appreciated by the new mom. For a unique idea, try buying a nice diaper bag and stuffing it full of gifts for the proud parents and their new bundle of joy. For the fun side, try using pacifiers, rattles, chocolate cigars, and plush toys. For the practical side, you can include diapers, a lullaby music CD, bottles, and a soft fleece blanket. Be sure to check with a relative on the baby’s sleeping patterns and try and drop by with your diaper bag gift basket while baby is awake. |
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Tips – Women Gift Baskets
December 21st, 2007
Spa Gift Baskets |
| Spas now offer all kinds of different treatments to help one relax and look beautiful. Facials, pedicures, waxing and massages are just a few of the ways to indulge the sense. You can make spa gift baskets yourself to give to your friends or wife for a special treat. Find a nice ceramic container and place a few spa products inside so she can get some pampering at home. Consider adding a gel eye mask, manicure set, a loofah and some bath salts to your gift. For a real surprise, arrange for a local masseuse to come to her house to give her a massage right in her home. Spa Finder is a great resource for finding a local establishment if you are not familiar with the area where she lives. Alternatively, a gift certificate for a message at a local spa in her area is certain to be a relaxing hit! |
Scented Gift Baskets |
| Did you know that smell is the most important sense for triggering memories? The pleasing smells of flowers are often associated with fond memories, and the scented lotions and gels of bath gift baskets can trigger your brain to relax and help you escape to a calmer and more peaceful place. Lavender, gardenia and rose are popular fragrances that have pleasing aromas. The variety of bath products has expanded recently, so in addition to traditional products like lotion and shampoo, you can also buy body spray, bath beads, and scented soap. |
Scrap Book Gift Baskets |
| Scrap booking has become a very popular hobby for women, with the advent of companies like Creative Memories. If you know someone who likes scrap booking, they are sure to appreciate the artistic style of a scrap book gift basket using some new supplies for their craft. A re-usable tote would make a great container, and inside you could put specialty scissors like a scallop-cut design, photo mounting squares, paper, and archive safe paper and pens. If you have a memorable photo of the two of you together, you could use the new supplies to create a fancy matte and include the framed photo in your gift basket. |
Pamper Gift Baskets |
| Bath gift baskets make great gifts for any woman who needs to unwind and relax. You can make one yourself for your spouse, girlfriend, mother, or other important woman in your life. Visit a local bath store to find lotion, gel, bubble bath, and body spray that she might like. Try to pick out a group of products that all feature the same or coordinating scents. Some popular scents include coconut and green apple, as well as more traditional scents like sweet pea and vanilla. Finish your gift with matching bow and personalized card. |
Lingerie Gift Baskets |
| Lingerie gift baskets can be a perfect idea for a bachelorette party or a wedding shower amongst close friends. She’ll love trying on all the different pieces and look forward to wearing them on her honeymoon. Use a floral patterned lidded box, and arrange the pieces inside. You can include camisoles, teddys, garters and some more adventurous pieces, too. Wrap each piece in colored tissue paper and consider personalizing the box with her name on the outside. For a unique twist, keep the box shut with a small padlock. |
Gardening Gift Baskets |
| If you can hand deliver your gift, try this for a truly unique and memorable gardening gift basket. Start with a ceramic flower pot, or buy a new terra cotta pot and paint it yourself. Fill your flower pot with potting soil and “plant” her gifts right in the dirt on top. Pack the soil tight so your gifts will stand up, and insert seed packets, some small tools, and a few snacks. Finish off your flower pot with some garden decorations, like a little “Welcome to My Garden” sign. She can re-use the pot to plant the seeds, and leave the garden decoration right in the pot as a reminder of your thoughtfulness. |
Gift Basket for Women |
| Creating gift baskets for women is easy. The most popular themes are bath/spa, gardening and gourmet food gifts, but you can use whatever theme works best for her likes and dislikes. Other themes could be created around her favorite animals (dogs, cats, horses, etc.), or her hobbies (knitting, tennis, family tree research, scrapbooking etc.). You can mix in themed items with food she enjoys, and make sure you wrap it nicely and put a big bow on top. You’ll get extra credit if you make it yourself, so think about what she loves and get creative! |
Gardening Gift Baskets |
| Gardening gift baskets make a unique gift for anyone who enjoys spending time growing plants. A popular way to hold the items in your basket is with a canvas gardening tote. These totes typically have several different sized pockets and are perfect for holding various tools needed while working in the yard. If you can’t find a tote or don’t want to use one, you could also use a wooden planter box or a wicker basket. Fill your basket with garden-themed items like nice gardening gloves, garden decorations, plant reference books, and a nail brush to clean up. Top your gift basket with a floral ribbon bow and your gardening gift basket is ready for giving and growing! |
Book Gift Baskets |
| If she loves to read, why not encourage her to take a break with a book gift basket? You can fill your basket up with anything and everything that fit her interests. You can use a helpful reference book on plants for the gardener, or an autobiography of one of her heroes, or a spy thriller by her favorite author. You can also try your local bookstore or Amazon.com to get great recommendations on other books in her favorite genre. And don’t be afraid to throw in a romance book for a guilty pleasure! Book gift baskets can be completed with a few snacks and some coffee or tea to keep them awake finishing those last few chapters. |
Crafting Gift Baskets |
| Here’s a neat idea for creating a unique present for those that enjoy crafts: crafting gift baskets. Start with a clear plastic tub with a top, so she can store her crafts and easily see what inside. Fill the tub with supplies from her favorite crafts store, or buy her something new to try. Some ideas for items include paints, stamps, construction paper, custom cut scissors and a hot glue gun. Or, include a crafting book and supplies for making one of the projects in the book. Close the tub and tie it off with raffia ribbon for a truly crafty gift basket presentation. |
Bath Gift Baskets |
| Few things are quite as relaxing as trip to the spa. Treat the special woman in your life to a special spa delight by making her a bath gift basket. Start with a wire or plastic caddy that can handle getting wet, and line the bottom with a soft washcloth or towel. Then fill it up with bath and spa products in her favorite scents, or try an exotic new scent from your favorite bath store! You can find all sorts of fragrances at your local bath store, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your container and budget. And don’t forget to add a few treats for her to eat while relaxing. Chocolate is always popular, but you could also use bottled water and some fresh fruit for a healthier alternative. Either way your bath gift basket is certain to be an over-indulgent delight! |
Yoga or Pilates Gift Basket |
| Exercise is a perfect way to relax and stay fit, and yoga and Pilates are two activities that many women enjoy. A great way to introduce a friend or older relative to these sports is by giving them an exercise gift basket. Start with a nice gym bag, and inside place a yoga mat, reusable water bottle, exercise bands, and some yoga and Pilates DVDs. If you know their size, you can include some yoga pants or an exercise outfit too. Bring your gift to their house, and offer to exercise with them the first couple of times so they become comfortable with the techniques and you can also offer some words of encouragement. What better way to get in shape than with someone you care about! |
Tips – Wedding Gift Baskets
December 21st, 2007
Wedding Night Gift Basket |
| If you’re a little mischievous, consider giving your friends an adult-themed wedding night gift basket. Choose a red or white wicker basket, and fill it with couple.s only treats for them to enjoy while on their wedding night or honeymoon. You can include some lingerie, chocolate body paint, and adult board or card games. Wrap your gift in plain brown paper and put a “Do not open until Married” sign on the outside pique their curiosity. It’s guaranteed to be the most talked about gift on the reception present table! |
Wedding Shower Gift Basket |
| Wedding showers are a great time for the women in the bride’s life to celebrate together and pass on some collective words of wisdom. It’s also a great time to give a wedding shower gift basket. Shower baskets are often filled with practical items like a hand mixer, towels, and kitchen utensils. Shower gift baskets are also a popular way to give her a book for the new chapter in her life. Make sure to include a book that has tips for living as a married couple. |
Engagement Gift Baskets |
| Sometimes people like to give gifts when a close relative or friend gets engaged, particularly if there has been an extended dating period. Engagement gift baskets are a nice way to show your support for their decision and help them celebrate this step in their relationship. Since it is a celebration, your gift basket should include lots of festive items, like congratulations balloons, colorful streamers, champagne, and sweet treats. Tie a big bow around your gift and include a personal card for the happy couple. |
Wedding Memories Photo Gift Basket |
| A wedding day is normally the most photographed day in ones life. From the professional photographer to all the eager friends and relatives happily snapping pictures, the happy couple will probably have more pictures than they know what to do with. You can make a special photo wedding gift basket to help them remember some of the more candid moments. Your gift basket could include some different themed wedding frames to hold pictures from different stages of the event, from the rehearsal dinner to the time before the ceremony, to their first kiss as husband and wife, to the reception. You can also add a nice photo album and archive safe pens so they can write their thoughts about each picture while it is still fresh in their minds. |
Champagne Gift Baskets |
| Salute the newlyweds with a special celebratory champagne gift basket. To make your gif basket, start with a nice ice bucket, and fill in the bottom with shiny silver shred. Inside the bucket, add a nice bottle of champagne or sparkling wine and two toasting glasses and wine charms. You should also include some snacks to complement the bubbly, like chocolate covered strawberries, cheese, crackers, nuts, and truffles. Place your wedding card inside, and wrap the whole basket in clear cellophane and top with a white organza ribbon to make an impressive presentation. |
Tips – Thank You Gift Baskets
December 21st, 2007
Vacation Home Thank You Gift Basket |
| If you’re fortunate enough to know someone who lets you use their vacation home, a big thank you is in order. You can make a thank you gift basket to show your appreciation for their tremendous generosity. Buy a nice cooler, and fill it with some of their favorite drinks and also some supplies for their vacation home that they can enjoy the next time they are there. You can include beer or soda, a nice bocce ball set, Frisbee, kit, water toys, or whatever is appropriate based on the location of their vacation home. If you know they will be using the home soon, you can leave it there with a big bow on top so they’ll be sure to open your grand surprise right away! |
Thank You Doctors or Nurses Gift Baskets |
| Being seriously ill can be a very scary time one may feel quite vulnerable. Some medical professionals were born with great bedside manners that help keeps us calm and offers us hope during a very traumatic time. If you feel particularly indebted to your doctor or nurse during a recent operation or illness, sending them a small thank you gift basket is a nice way to let them know how much their compassion meant to you. A fruit basket would make a nice, healthy way to say thanks, or a if you’re more ambitious you could use an old style doctor’s bag and fill it with gourmet snacks for them enjoy. Make sure you sign the card with your first and last name so they will know who the thank you gift basket is from. |
Thank You Cookie Gift Baskets |
| Good food makes a memorable way to say thank you, and fresh-baked cookies are one option to do just that. You can make thank you cookie gift baskets to express gratitude to a neighbor, your mail carrier, or friend who helped you. If you are a good baker, make a fresh batch of their favorite variety. If you’re not sure what their favorite variety of cookies is, go with a popular flavor like chocolate chip, peanut butter or oatmeal raisin. Individually seal each cookie in colored plastic wrap after they’ve cooled and then arrange them in an appropriate sized wicker basket. You want your cookies to almost overflow the basket for the best effect. Deliver your thank you cookie basket in person and they’ll really appreciate your efforts! |
Teacher Appreciation Gift Basket |
| Some teachers go above and beyond the call of duty and form a special bond with our children. If your child is lucky enough to have a teacher that has really made a difference in their life, a teacher appreciation gift basket is a nice way to say “thank you.” Ask you child if he/she knows about their teacher’s hobbies, or think back to any parent/teacher conferences for clues. If a particular theme does not come to mind, try this idea. Buy a teacher themed coffee mug, and fill it with gourmet coffee, a chocolate bar, some snacks, and a red pen (the teacher’s favorite color for making all those corrections!). Add a small thank you balloon and hand write a note thanking them for helping your child in school. Have your child deliver your gift themselves after class. |
Tips – Snack Gift Baskets
December 21st, 2007
Pizza Gift Baskets |
| Do you need a fun and unique way to introduce children to the joys of cooking? Why not start them off by having them make one of their favorite foods? Making pizza will get the kids involved in the process, and they’ll get to eat the results too! To make a pizza gift basket, start with a fabric grocery bag. Inside the bag you can put dough mix, sauce, lots of mozzarella cheese, a pizza cutter, and some of their favorite toppings like pepperoni or sausage. You could also include small aprons for each of the kids to wear while working in your pizzeria. Pizza gift baskets are also a fun activity for kids visiting with grandparents or other relatives. Just remember to keep your bag in the refrigerator until it is time to get started! |
Potato Chip Lovers Gift Basket |
| Potato chips have been the most popular snack food in the U.S. for a long time. Sliced thin and fried or baked, the humble spud has gotten a makeover of late with many new flavors and processing techniques. For a decidedly indulgent treat, you can make a potato chip snack gift basket. A gourmet grocery store is a good place to find some exotic flavors, like jalapeno cheddar, cr�me fraiche & chive, or salt & vinegar. You can mix in some baked or fat free varieties to make your gift a little healthier. Buy some snack sized potato chip bags, and arrange them in a wicker basket with the larger bags in the back. You can optionally add in some canned or dried chip dip to round out your gift. Potato chip gift baskets are great gifts for college kids or someone who loves this crunchy snack food. |
Low Carb Snack Basket |
| If you know someone who is on the Atkins diet, you can still make them a food gift basket that they can eat. With the increase in popularity of low carbohydrate lifestyles, a much wider variety of products is readily available to meet these special needs. For your low carb snack basket, find a nice wicker container and fill it up with snacks they are allowed to have. Beef sausage and sharp cheddar cheese are always safe things to use, and you can also include sugar free jelly beans, water, peanuts and even pork rinds. Finish your basket off with some Atkins brand energy bars and you’ve created a low carb gift they will love! |
Junk Food Gift Baskets |
| Sometimes we need to indulge our cravings for both sweet and salty snacks. You can make a junk food gift basket for a friend that might need some cheering up, or just a little fortification for a big ongoing task. A unique container for this gift would be an empty cardboard box from a popular candy, like Snickers. Check with your local grocer to get one of these boxes. Cut the flaps off the box top and stuff the bottom with colored shred. Then fill the box with lots of snacks like potato chips, cracker jacks, jelly beans, candy bars, peanuts, Skittles, pretzels, cookies, and cheese & cracker packages. Junk food gift baskets are a neat treat to let them know you are thinking about their situation and their tummies! |
Tips – Regional Gift Baskets
December 21st, 2007
Virginia Gift Baskets |
| A recent tourism slogan for this diverse state was “Virginia is for Lovers” and your recipient will certainly find plenty of reasons to love a Virginia gift basket. If you know someone from the Old Dominion, or just want someone to sample the wide variety of gourmet foods made there, you can make them a gift basket filled with unique treats for their enjoyment. From the mountains, you can use famous Route 11 potato chips and delicious apple butter made right at the orchards. From the Piedmont region, you can include Nancy’s fudge, Williamsburg coffee, and of course, jumbo, super crunchy peanuts. Finish your .tour. off at the shore with some Chesapeake Bay inspired crab salsa. |
Spicy Southwestern Gift Baskets |
| Some like it hot, and fans of spicy food will love a spicy southwestern gift basket. Start with a terra cotta container and dress it up with Aztec patterned napkins lining the bottom. Inside, include a nice variety of gourmet food like dried peppers, hot sauce, tortilla chips, salsa, spicy cheese dip, and chili mix. All that spicy food is sure to make them thirsty, so consider including margarita mix or a few bottles of Corona. Southwestern gift baskets make great birthday presents for someone who enjoys their food with some kick! |
Taste of San Francisco Gift Basket |
| San Francisco is a unique city that remains a perennial favorite for tourists. If you know someone who loves the city, you can make them a unique San Francisco gift basket out of some of the region’s famous foods. Use a rustic wine country basket as the container. The first item to include should be sourdough bread. Next, add some sweets from two famous bay area companies – jelly beans from Jelly Belly®, and chocolate from Ghirardelli. You can also add some Ghirardelli coffee to drink, and/or a bottle of wine from nearby Napa valley. To round out the basket, mix in some crackers, giant California pistachios, and Monterey jack cheese. Use a postcard from San Francisco to write your gift message. |
North Carolina Gift Baskets |
| North Carolina goes from the wild blue waters of the Outer Banks to the gentle hills of the southern Appalachian Mountains. The food from the Tar Heel state is quite varied as well. If you live in the Carolinas, you can send your friends and relatives a little taste of all the great things this state has to offer. North Carolina gift baskets can feature tangy salt water taffy from the shore, and savory country ham and crunchy pecans from the farm. You can also throw in some classic breakfast treats like grits or buttermilk biscuit mix. Finish your North Carolina gift basket with a book or magazine about the state, and you might just get some visitors soon! |
Napa Valley Wine Gift Basket |
| The Napa valley region of California is renowned for its fine wine and beautiful countryside. If you visit the area, you can pick up a few extra items and make a Napa Valley wine gift basket when you get home. Wine gift baskets make great thank you gifts for someone that watched your house while you were gone, or even took care of your kids or pets. Use a sturdy, rustic wicker gift basket for the container. The centerpiece of your gift will be the wine itself, so pick one or two bottles that you enjoyed while touring or varieties that your recipient enjoys. To complement the wine, include some cheese, crackers, pistachios, almonds, fruit and chocolate. Finish your basket with some artificial grape wreath wrapped around the handle. |
New England Gift Baskets |
| New England is a special region with traditions and foods seen nowhere else. You can celebrate this unique area of the country by giving someone a New England gift basket. Choose your favorite foods from your time there, or use some of our suggestions to fill out your basket. Maine is famous for their blueberries, so blueberry jam or wild blueberry muffin mix would be a good selection. Don’t forget unbelievably sweet Vermont maple syrup, tapped right from the tree. From the shore, add some clam chowder and oyster crackers. Don’t forget dried cranberries or cranberry juice from the bogs of Massachusetts. |
Tips – Men Gift Baskets
December 21st, 2007
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. |
Tips – Kids Gift Baskets
December 21st, 2007
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
December 21st, 2007
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
December 21st, 2007
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! |