| Are you ready for Christmas? What about thanking | | | | that flow with the theme. Let's stick with the |
| that new customer, or client? Okay, I will stop trying | | | | photographer. For this person, choose a camera case, |
| to stress you out, as I am sure that you get the | | | | lenses for their camera, a flip style photo album, or if |
| point. You need a way to thank people but not blow | | | | you have money, a camera or lens that they have |
| the budget. Solution: Gift baskets! | | | | mentioned. |
| When you think gift baskets, what are they filled | | | | C. Then pick four smaller items. For a fisherman, this |
| with? My favorite baskets are filled with coffee, | | | | might include lures, a fly- fishing reel, multi-tool, pliers, |
| cookies and chocolate, topped with a perfect bow | | | | flashlight, a pen sized pole (available at Wal-Mart, |
| and just waiting to be unwrapped. But really, that is | | | | Joe's and other sporting goods stores), and a |
| only the beginning. There are hundreds of vendors | | | | waterproof zippered pouch. These are just a few |
| that fill gift baskets with everything from spa treats, | | | | suggestions. |
| to doggy items. Some vendors let you pick the items | | | | D. As a final touch include small snacks, trinkets or |
| that you want to put in them! So how do you pick | | | | edibles that tie your gift together. For a child, a few |
| the perfect gift basket for the people that you love? | | | | ideas would be fruit roll-ups, jewelry, die-cast cars, |
| Here are three easy to use ways. | | | | hair ties, fancy shoelaces, or their favorite candy (as |
| 1. Pick a gift basket that reflects what they care | | | | approved by their parents). |
| about. Are they into "green" living? Then choose a | | | | E. Use glue dots (available at Michaels or local craft |
| basket that feature Fair Trade and Organic items like | | | | stores) to secure all items together. Don't get |
| coffee, mugs and gifts from Nectar of Life Coffee | | | | out-of-control one or two per item is all that is |
| Company. Or perhaps they are a lover of fresh fruit, | | | | necessary. Put the big items in first. Then medium |
| wine, nuts, and vegetables. Then a basket from | | | | sized items, and the small items as filler around the |
| Harry and David would be a fantastic choice. | | | | bottom. Think pyramid as you are assembling the |
| Pre-Made gift baskets can range in price from $19.00- | | | | basket. |
| $200.00 +. The benefits of gift baskets are a huge | | | | F. Last, purchase a basket bag, or if you are |
| time- savings and you can have them shipped with a | | | | ambitious, a roll of basket wrap. Bring the corners to |
| custom card directly to that special someone. | | | | the top and secure with a small section of ribbon. |
| 2. A second option is to build a basket on your own. I | | | | G. For the crowning jewel, a bow at the top will |
| know it sounds daunting, but it can be very easy, | | | | create a gift that is both festive and elegant. |
| and you can enjoy a cost savings. The price range | | | | 3. Suppose you have a good idea of what you want, |
| for this option is about $20.00-$200.00 +. One | | | | and would like to incorporate things that you have |
| negative aspect is that you will have the shipping or | | | | purchased. If you just don't have time or inclination |
| delivery hassle to deal with. If you don't price around, | | | | to assemble the basket yourself, then check locally. |
| it could eat whatever cost savings from your | | | | Many times there are gift basket companies that can |
| merchandise. Should you choose to build your own | | | | both assemble and attach a bow to a basket that |
| gift basket here are some simple guidelines to get | | | | you have otherwise created. This option ranges in |
| you going. | | | | cost from $25.00- $100.00 depending on how much |
| A. You will need a theme-based basket or box (a | | | | work, and materials you use. |
| photographer, for instance would be able to use a | | | | Gift baskets can incorporate a number of ideas, and |
| photo box; a fisherman, a tackle box; a child could | | | | goods. They are very functional and enjoyable. All |
| use a fabric lined basket as a toy box, etc.) | | | | age ranges, and interests can be covered and |
| B. After establishing your base pick three "big" items | | | | encompassed in just one gift. |