Popular Gift Baskets » Gift Baskets for Special Occasions

Deliver Some Comfort with a Sympathy Gift Basket

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:04:03 +0000

It is rough to see a friend, relative or associate go though grief and pain. No matter the cause of the situation, if you want to boost someone’s spirits, one way to do so is with a sympathy gift basket that is customized for your recipient. Giving a sympathy gift basket can convey your thoughts and lend some comfort to someone who is going through a difficult time.

Sympathy Gift Baskets Designed for Comfort.

Comfort is often synonymous with “comfort food.” When it comes to comfort food, a gift basket can deliver! Many sympathy gift baskets include comfort foods like chicken soup, chocolate or cookies. There’s a “Chicken Soup” theme that’s packaged commercially and comes complete with plenty of treats, together with a copy of one of the best selling “Chicken Soup” books. Another popular choice follows the Thomas Kinkade theme, and includes inspirational words from this well known artist and writer. A thoughtful addition to a sympathy gift basket might be a set of blank notes that the recipient can use to respond to others who have offered comfort in a difficult time.

Some Indulgences or Gifts Intended to Pamper.

Another way to life someone’s spirits is to give a sympathy gift basket that is full of pampering types of treats and indulgences. Examples include spa items like aromatherapy and bath oils. Gourmet snacks and drinks are certainly an indulgence that someone will enjoy.

Sympathy gift baskets are available as premade gifts in a variety of themes and price ranges. Of course, you can always create your own gift that might be more personal.

Boost someone’s spirits. Gift baskets make it easy. When a friend is experiencing a personal crisis, there is no greater comfort than knowing that someone is thinking of him or her.

A Birthday Gift Basket Can Solve the ‘What to Buy’ Dilemma

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:23:51 +0000

When it comes to the difficult task of buying a birthday gift for a relative or friend who seems to have it all, a gift basket does the trick. Birthday gift baskets are also an excellent choice when it comes to gifting co-workers or others who you don’t know too well. You can use some creativity to include a number of treats that will please.

Surefire Winners.

Regardless of whether or not you know someone well, one gift will always be a hit: Food. Sometimes wines or coffees are taboo due to their religious beliefs or health concerns, but you can’t go wrong in choosing cheeses, biscuits, jams, fruits and candies. Even if your recipient can’t eat one of the items, there will be something else in the basket that he or she can enjoy.

Birthday Gift Basket Ideas for the Boss, Co-Worker or Someone You Don’t Know Well.

Generic items can be fun. You can also include practical items that the recipient will use for years to come. Consider:

Various office supplies;
Miscellaneous kitchen supplies;
Toys and games; or
Joke books or humorous calendars.

Ideas for Birthday Gift Baskets for People You Know Fairly Well.

If you know someone a bit better, you can make a more personalized birthday gift basket that’s themed with things they enjoy. For instance:

For sports fans, add some team memorabilia or sporting goods;
For the outdoor enthusiast, perhaps a water canteen, compass, pedometer or camping gear would make a unique gift basket;
A woman might enjoy lotions and bath salts.

Most people love receiving birthday gift baskets because they are fun and can include useful items.

Creating a Get Well Gift Basket for a Cancer Patient

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:54:57 +0000

It’s one thing to have a loved one ill. It’s quite another if he or she has been diagnosed with cancer or a terminal illness. In this article, we’ll take a look at get well gift baskets for cancer patients.

A cancer diagnosis can be very scary for all involved. Giving the patient a get well gift basket could actually brighten up his or her day. Designing your own get well gift basket to give is a very personal gift and you can add a number of items to it that will please a patient who is having difficulty keeping food down or experiencing other side effects.

Filling a Get Well Gift Basket for a Cancer Patient

Trying to decide what items to put into the get well gift basket can be easy. When someone is dealing with cancer, chances are that he or she is going through chemotherapy so a premade basket filled with foods might not be appealing. However, there are some durable objects you can give that will be thoughtful and useful. Here are some ideas:

Add some books or magazines. Your loved one will appreciate having something to read while sitting through treatment.
If your loved one is losing hair, include a couple of hats. Baseball caps and knit beanies are both popular choices.
A throw blanket and a small pillow can be placed in the basket.
An iPod or personal radio might brighten your loved one’s day, and will come in handy during treatment.
How about an electronic game? These can fill your patient’s time with some fun.
Create your own “coupon book” such as a “free” house cleaning, a trip to the grocery store, or other things that you’re willing to do to help out.

Cancer is a difficult situation for everyone involved. But for the patient, your get well gift basket can certainly brighten the day.

Show Your Appreciation with a Thank You Gift Basket

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:18:18 +0000

When someone does something nice for you, sometimes sending a “thank you card” seems too trite. Sending someone a gift basket to say “thanks” will brighten someone’s day and show your appreciation. The thank you gift basket does not have to be expensive; it is merely a token to express your sincere gratitude that sets you apart from the crowd.

Your First Step in Creating a Thank You Gift Basket.

There are many different types of thank you gift baskets, ranging from premade gifts to do-it-yourself options. Typically, the most special “thanks” is to create your own and deliver it yourself. There are some services online in which you can specify the theme and contents that you want, and a professional will package and ship your unique gift.

How to Create Your Own Thank You Gift Basket.

The first thing you want to do is to get an empty basket by visiting a local craft store or department store. Once you have found the exact basket you were looking for, find a piece of fabric or a cloth napkin that fits the basket and provides the right backdrop for what you’ll be including in the basket. It is a good idea to use a favorite color of the recipient, if you know what that might be. If you’re going to be adding something like a bottle of wine, make sure that the basket is strong enough to carry the weight.

The fun part is to fill the basket with goodies that you choose. Fruits like oranges, apples, bananas and grapes make a nice looking and practical gift basket. Including a variety of cheeses, specialty chocolates, truffles, and gourmet cookies always create a pleasing thank you gift basket. Jellies, specialty biscuits or crackers, gourmet coffees or herbal teas are a nice gift that you can mix and match in your basket. The sky’s the limit: You can include just about anything that you can imagine – or that will fit – in your thank you gift basket, such as perfumes (if you know a favorite), candles, wine, cigars, knick-knacks and other things that you personally know your recipient will enjoy.

It’s the Thought That Counts.

When it comes down to it, no matter how large or unique your thank you gift basket is, the fact that you’ve taken time to say “thanks” will make an impression. Nowadays, few people have the time to say “thank you” beyond a note. Sending a basket will make an impression … and show that you care.

Congratulate Them With a House Warming Gift Basket

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:38:49 +0000

When someone you know buys a house, you want to congratulate them! However, it can be hard to decide what type of gift to purchase because you might not know his, her or their decorating tastes and what they may already have. For example, you definitely want to stay away from house decorations such as wall hangings, lamps and welcome mats in case your taste does not match with theirs. Giving the new homeowners a house warming gift basket is the “safest” route to take.

Selecting the Right House Warming Gift Basket

What is so liberating about choosing a housewarming gift basket over other types of gifts is that the basket can include whatever you want it to include, and you’re not hampered by decorating tastes. You can get premade or custom-made gift baskets from online retailers or your local brick-and-mortar gift shop. Based on what you know about the new homeowner, you can also create your own housewarming gift basket by filling it with things the recipient will definitely like.

Of course, you can include items for the new home in the basket; however, house warming gift baskets do not have to be themed around the new home. Here are a number of ideas for your housewarming gift basket:

Key In On Special Interests. For example, the husband loves golf, and you know that he will have a den in the new house. So, include in the gift basket a professional picture of his favorite golf course. The wife loves arts and crafts, and as such will have her own sewing room in the new house, so get a personalized sign for her door and include that in the housewarming gift basket.
Food Is Always Welcome! A nice gourmet gift basket filled with snacks, wines and treats will always come in handy.
Toss In a Gift Certificate. Housewarming gift baskets don’t have to just be about getting things for the new home. For example, if you know that the couple has a favorite restaurant, get them a gift certificate there. Or, if they are new to the neighborhood and the area, get them a guide book of all the nearby attractions, and a gift certificate to a nearby restaurant that you think they would like.
Fun Things. Perhaps the couple is the kind that likes to stay in and plans to do so a lot as they get used to their new home. In this case, make a housewarming gift basket that includes such things as DVDs, music (to set the mood) and perhaps a matching set of his and hers pajamas!

What to Avoid When Assembling a Baby Gift Basket

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:31:39 +0000

When it comes to assembling a gift basket for a newborn baby or growing infant, there are some general rules of thumb to follow. Some items can be harmful to the baby.

Things to Avoid Adding to Your Baby Gift Basket

Although you mean well, there are some items that are not such a good idea to add to a baby gift basket. Here are some things you should avoid including:

Be careful about putting toys in your baby gift basket, especially if they have small parts that can be a choking hazard. If you add toys, make sure that you’ve checked the label to see the recommended age for the product.

Food and formulas are not a good idea since the parents may have their own preferences as to what they want to feed their newborn.

Soaps, lotions, shampoos or ointments might trigger allergies. Babies often have skin sensitivities.

The Good Stuff

Standard items that you know the new parents will be able to use are always good to add to a baby gift basket. Here are some ideas:

Diapers and wipes are an excellent addition to any new baby gift basket. They will be used and appreciated — guaranteed!

Pacifiers are always a good safe bet for your gift basket.

A nice gift is a two-way monitor so mom and dad don’t need to worry about the baby when they are trying to get things done.

Baby gift baskets are a wonderful idea and will be appreciated! Just make sure that you consider the new baby’s health and well being.

Surprise Them With a Wonderfully Unique New Baby Gift Basket

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:09:17 +0000

Why settle for the same old thing when, coupled with a bit of creativity, you can surprise your friends with a unique new baby gift basket? For the expecting mom and pop, you can have a lot of fun putting something together that they will love.

Use a Non-Traditional Basket for Your New Baby Gift

Rather than the typical woven basket, consider something that can be utilized, like a baby bath tub.

Choosing the Color Scheme

The first thing you are going to want to do is choose a color scheme for the gift basket you will be designing.

For baby girls – Popular colors include pink, red or purple.

For baby boys – Traditional colors include blue or green.

Not known – Go with a neutral color, such as yellow or orange. Green is appropriate, also.

What to Put in the New Baby Gift Basket

If you are using a baby tub such as mentioned above, you can fill it with all sorts of treats! A traditional basket will also work well, and you can stock it up with gifts that the parents-to-be will appreciate.

“The basics” will always come in handy for parents of a new born baby. Diapers, pacifiers, bottles and wipes fall in this category and are an excellent addition to a new born baby basket.

If you’re going with the baby wash tub theme, how about adding a baby tower and wash cloth, some baby shampoo, lotion, and baby powder? A rubber dicky would be a perfect topper for your newborn baby gift basket.

Baby clothes are always a good gift idea, but since the new baby will be growing, add different sizes, such as the newborn size, 3-6 months size and a 6-9 months size. Add a cute hat.

These are just a few ideas for a new baby gift basket. Shop around for the little things and you’ll be able to create a truly unique and appreciated gift. There are also premade new baby gift baskets on the market.

Baby Shower Gift Basket Ideas

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:53:17 +0000

It finally happened. A coworker is pregnant and the gals at the office are going to throw a party. Since you don’t know the mother-to-be very well and may have no idea what the sex of the baby will be, it can be a challenge to decide on a unique gift that will be useful and appreciated. Here are some baby shower gift basket ideas that should fit the ticket!

Why Choose a Gift Basket for a Baby Shower?

Chances are, the other ladies at the party will choose decorative gifts that might look nice in the baby’s nursery. Or they might choose blankets or toys.

When it comes to decorative items, unless you know the parents’ tastes and the color scheme they have chosen, the gift might not actually be used.

This is why a gift basket is a wonderful idea for your baby shower gift. Your gift basket can look fun and creative; yet, it can contain practical items that the expecting mother can use and that will help the new parents save a bit of money.

Practical Ideas for Your Baby Shower Gift Basket.

The best thing to do is to jot down the first things that come to mind when it comes to baby care. If you have raised an infant, you’ll know right off the top of your head what would be useful. But if you don’t know too much about taking care of babies, here are some ideas and tips:

A set of baby bottles …
Diapers (make sure you get just one package … there might not be enough room in your gift basket for other items if you buy more than one pack!)
Theme idea #1 – Baby care items such as baby powder, baby shampoo and diaper rash cream.
Theme idea #2 – Soothing the baby with items like blankets, pajamas and a CD with gentle music.

Colors to Choose When Putting Together Baby Shower Gift Baskets.

Naturally, if you know the gender, you will make blue color schemes for boys and pink ones for girls. However, if the gender of the baby is not yet known, you might want to consider decorating your baby shower gift basket in yellow, as it is for either gender.

Premade Baby Shower Gift Basket Ideas.

If you cannot spare a lot of time to hand pick items for the baby shower gift or are not in a creative mood, there are some beautiful arrangements that are already made and available at local baby boutiques or stores. There are hundreds of online baby shower gift basket selections online that should give you plenty of ideas about what to purchase. It’s not unusual to discover that the online vendors offer better prices than some of the brick and mortar boutiques. When purchasing online, make sure that the vendor has contact information on its website and a clearly stated policy statement. That way, you know that you are purchasing from a trusted source.

Some places give you the option of choosing what you want to include in your baby shower gift basket. Once your selection is made, they will have it professionally wrapped. With the proper planning, you are sure to get a gift basket that the mother will like!

How to Select a Great Wedding Anniversary Gift Basket

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:21:42 +0000

You know a married couple that is going to be having an anniversary soon, and you would like to get them a different kind of present. The couple may be special to you, so you want to be sure that you get them something that they both like. If you want to get a unique gift, consider giving a wedding anniversary gift basket.

Shopping for Wedding Anniversary Gift Baskets … or Making Them Yourself

You can visit any specialty gift shop and purchase a ready-made anniversary gift basket. There are also a variety of reputable online gift basket vendors who offer a great selection of merchandise, and they can ship your gift directly to the happy couple.

If you have a creative bent, it can be fun to make a custom wedding anniversary gift basket yourself. To do this, all you need is some free time and an idea of what the couple likes.

Creating the Focal Point. If you are close to the couple, go through your photo collection and select some pictures that you took of the couple and put them in a special anniversary photo album. This should be the focal point of the gift basket and placed right in the middle.

Adding a Few Favorite Things. Next, think about what the two of them like to do together for fun. Here are a couple ideas:

For the Wine Lover … If the couple enjoys wine, include a bottle of their favorite wine, along with two crystal glasses. If this is too expensive, you can buy something less expensive along the same idea. You can personalize your gift even further by including their initials on each glass.

For the Movie Goer … Nowadays, there are many stores, both in shopping malls and online, that sell gift certificates to local movie theaters. Your local theater may also have gift certificate available. Include those in the anniversary gift basket, along with the couple’s favorite snacks. If your favorite couple prefers snuggling up at home, include a couple of DVDs for both him and her.

Adding Some Sentimental Value. Adding a sentimental keepsake or two in the wedding anniversary gift basket adds a memorable touch. Fro instance, you can include a special card that says just how you feel and include that with all of the gifts.

Decorations are the Final Touch. There are many ways to decorate the wedding anniversary gift basket once you are finished finding the gifts. Go to a local craft store and buy some netting in which to wrap the basket. Next, tie the netting together with some colorful ribbon.

You could also tie it together with a bow that comes with special adhesive. With the proper planning, you are sure to put together an anniversary gift basket that the couple will find truly memorable!

Personalize Your Best Wishes – Wedding Gift Basket Ideas

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:16:12 +0000

Weddings are monumental life events, and you want to gift the lucky couple with something that they will enjoy and remember. If you don’t want to be one of a dozen people giving the newlyweds a toaster oven, consider giving them a wedding gift basket.

The beauty of gift baskets is that they can be unique. It is unlikely that someone else will be giving the exact same basket, especially if you assemble your own.

There are many options for a wedding gift basket, and they all depend upon the taste and preferences of the couple and the your budget. There are ready-made gift baskets available online and from your local retailers that range from fun to practical (see our sample selection below or visit our product reviews ). For the truly unique gift, construct your own personalized wedding gift basket. We are sharing a few ideas below.

Practical Wedding Gift Basket Ideas

Some couples may start out with a lot of love but few practical domestic items. In this case, a practical wedding gift basket might be just the ticket to help them start out on the right foot. A practical wedding gift basket does not have to be boring and non-creative.

Have you ever thought of a laundry basket as a gift basket? An inexpensive wedding gift basked idea that will surely be memorable and helpful is to fill a laundry basket with cleaning supplies, including a colorful duster and some aromatic room spray.

Another practical but fun wedding gift basket idea is to fill a picnic basket with outdoor dining supplies and some citronella candles. If the young couple enjoys a rustic atmosphere, add a gift certificate for a rental cabin, or for nature lovers, buy them a year-long pass from the National Park Service so they can enjoy hikes or other memorable tours.

A decorative kitchen basket brimming filled with spices and seasonings with give a new couple a good head start on stocking the pantry. You can add some prepackaged food items or special coupon from the couple’s local grocer.

Some Fun Wedding Gift Basket Ideas to Satisfy the Couple’s Indulgences

When it comes to romance, wine and cheese, or roses and flowers usually come to mind. But if these ideas seem too cliché, you can opt for a wedding gift basket filled with a gourmet dinner for two. Italian dishes lend themselves well to this theme, since you can include pasta and sauce, flavored breadsticks and some fancy olive oil (see our product review section for gourmet food gift baskets). Another unique idea for an indulgent wedding gift basket would be items for a leisurely breakfast in bed, such as coffee, pancake mix and Vermont maple syrup. Finish this ensemble off with a lovely breakfast tray and matching mugs for the special couple.

There are also wedding gift baskets filled with treats like champagne, spa products, rich chocolates and gourmet nuts. No matter what the tastes of your special couple, you can find a way to pamper their first few weeks together.

Wedding gift baskets are a great way to give a personalized gift to that new couple on your list. With a little bit of creativity, your basket will offer a selection of wonderful gifts that will last long after the special day.