FeelingWow! Magazine

Almost everyone is familiar with gift baskets; maybe you’ve even been the lucky recipient of one. They’re great for Christmas, birthdays, corporate gifting, or any other gift giving occasion you can think of. What’s the first thing people usually think of when they think gift baskets? Wine, cheese, chocolate, fruit, smoked meats… Gourmet gift baskets have become a kind of “go to” gift, but what if you could mix it up a little? These gifts don’t have to be about food – try a themed basket instead! Check out some of these ideas, and I’m sure you’ll come up with even more of your own.

Ever have a loved one or co-worker that’s sick or injured, maybe stuck in bed, or (heaven forbid!) in the hospital? How about a Get Well gift basket? Try some puzzle books or their favorite entertainment CDs or DVDs. Or how about a great novel so that they can escape from their aches and pains? Tuck in some magazines on their favorite activities so they’re ready to get back in the swing of things when they’re better. If your “patient” is female, maybe some nice hand lotions and manicure supplies so they can take care of their nails while they otherwise might not be feeling very pretty!

To create a “thank you” gift basket, you can relate the contents to the incident or occasion for which you are thanking the recipient. For example, if you are thanking a friend for inviting you to a barbecue, tuck in a bottle of specialty barbecue sauce or a barbecue-themed notebook for them to keep track of their favorite recipes. Alternatively, most people will appreciate some chocolates or a homemade item from your kitchen. Again, tailor the contents to the tastes of the recipient. Be sure to include a thank you note and, perhaps, some pictures of the event if appropriate.

A sympathy gift can be one of the hardest gifts to buy. Creating a gift basket that incorporates the tastes of the recipient can be particularly helpful in this situation. Think about what you know about the person. What makes her happy? What does she do to de-stress? What activities, scents, flavors and images does she find comforting. General types of items to include might be scented candles, bath salts, or a small plant. Homemade comfort foods can be particularly comforting to those in mourning. Again, a personalized letter or memories or a photo collage may be most appreciated.

Another great situation for gift baskets are birthdays. If it is a milestone birthday such as 18, 21, or 40, you can create a theme around that age. This would include providing an alcoholic beverage for a 21 year old or some playful over-the-hill items for an individual turning 40. For everyone else, birthday items are easy to come across and could include cookies, cupcakes, and balloons. A small stuffed animal is also a cute addition to a birthday gift basket and will be most appreciated by younger children, although anyone will appreciate them who is young at heart.

When you’re helping someone celebrate their new home, they’ll love a Housewarming gift basket. A planter box filled with garden tools and gloves along with some flower seeds, a mixing bowl filled with kitchen tools and a nice cookbook, or a wicker basket with some pretty soaps and hand towels are just a few ideas. Don’t forget their pet! A dog bowl stuffed with toys and treats will help Fido feel at home in his new digs!

Creating a gift basket isn’t incredibly difficult but it does require some thought. Make sure to consider the occasion before putting together or ordering your basket. Plenty of options are available aside from a regular gourmet basket. Although it takes a bit more work, sending a special gift basket will ensure that your efforts are appreciated and let people know that you are thinking of them during whatever occasion they are experiencing. In the end, your closest friends and family think that you deserve the best, so shouldn’t you think the same of them?