What Are Gift Baskets?
By Larry Flynn

Where Did the Basket Originate?

Since the beginning of mankind, man has woven grasses, straw, twigs and branches to create baskets. Early uses for the basket were to store dry goods and to transport food and materials. In biblical times, larger baskets were used for transporting people and goods on the water. Always a useful, sturdy container, it was a tool of man for tens of thousands of years.

The First American Gift Baskets

When the Mayflower landed on the shores of America, the European settlers were greeted with the first gift baskets. Dried fish and meats, corn, beans and other vegetables were presented to the settlers, by the American Indians, to welcome their arrival. In the 1700 and 1800’s, individuals created baskets full of fruits, foods and candies for Christmas, Easter and other holidays. Today’s gift baskets are crafted to the individual recipients tastes for holidays, special occasions or “just because” gift giving. Fruits, foods and candies now share space in gift baskets with “useable” items for the baby, the bath, the kitchen or for play. The baskets or boxes themselves are designed to be creatively used as well by the recipient once they’ve enjoyed the contents of the gift basket.

What to consider when buying a gift basket?

Baby Gift Baskets

These popular gift baskets provide the new parents clothing, towels, blankets, soap and shampoo for the new baby. The new arrival can expect to receive rattles, books and other baby items for them to play with.

Fruit Baskets

Always a great gift, these baskets are loaded with delicious apples, pears, other seasonal fruits and nuts. They are perfect for any occasion, and as people look to provide a healthy gift, these baskets are becoming more popular.

Gourmet Gift Baskets

The “old reliable” in gift baskets for years, these gifts traditionally have been filled with gourmet chocolates and nuts. More recently, these baskets are customized with gourmet coffee, tea and chocolate drinks; Italian foods stocked for entire dinner; sauces and rubs for the barbeque.

Corporate Gift Baskets

This gift basket category is becoming more popular with each passing year. Businesses send them to their clients to say “thank you” or to say “happy holidays”. Many companies present them to their employees in recognition of a job well done, for anniversaries, for the arrival of new baby or for a holiday gift.

Birthday Gift Baskets

Here you will have a wide selection to choose from. In gift baskets for children, you will find a variety containing candy, toys, books and gift certificates. For the women, spa items, chocolates, candies, gardening items and her favorite beverage to relax with can be found. For the man, in addition to traditional candy and nuts, sports, cigar, cooking and barbeque gift baskets are crafted to meet his personal tastes and interests. Gift baskets provide numerous and unique ways to say “Happy Birthday”.

Condolences Gift Baskets

When heartfelt sympathy is due, consider sending to the home of family or friends a condolences gift basket. Are you looking to send a whole meal? Or snacks and treats? Send them a gift to convey your sympathy and let them know that they are in your thoughts.

Gift Baskets for Her

You want to spoil her “just because of who she is”. Look for a gift that she would truly enjoy. Aromatherapy, a spa gift, a mug of her favorite coffee or tea or gourmet chocolates are unique and “just for her”. Reusable items such as candle holders, bath sponges, or a coffee mug make the gift a lasting memory.

Gift baskets For Him

What are your man’s interests? A gift basket comes in many varieties. Does he barbeque or enjoy being a gourmet chef? A sports themed basket for football, baseball golf or fishing is appropriate. Or does he like to share a gourmet chocolate or food on a quiet evening? Treat his tastes with a gift especially for him.

Get Well Gift Baskets

Sometimes flowers or balloons just won’t do. A soup meal, a game book, snacks or a mug of hot tea fits the bill. A gift basket sends your get well wishes in a unique way. For hospital deliveries, make sure your recipient is still a “guest”.

Luxurious Spa Gift Baskets

Pamper that someone special with a spa at home. Bath gels, body lotions, loofahs, creams and even a gourmet snack or chocolate are a great idea. These gift baskets turn your home into their private spa retreat.

Sports Gift Baskets

Baseball, football, golf or fishing? What is their interest? Memorabilia, books, a tee or a creel are items that special someone will enjoy. Candy and/or snacks should be included with this gift. A gift with their interest in mind!

Wedding Gift Baskets

If you’re looking for a unique wedding gift consider the gift basket. A time capsule or a picture frame to remember their special day. Commemorative champagne glasses and a gourmet treat will express your wishes. These are great gifts for family and friends alike.

Kids Gift Baskets

What do your kids like? Probably a sampling of gifts is the answer. Books and popcorn. Snacks and candy. Certificates and toys. “Can you make them happy? Yes you can!” Look for stuff they enjoy and that you feel good giving.

Housewarming Gift Baskets

Consider this gift if your relative or friend moves into their new home. If you are a real estate agent and you want to express your thanks to your client, think a gift basket as a unique housewarming gift. A meal, gourmet food or a unique, reusable basket says “Congratulations” to the new home owner.

Holiday Gift Baskets

Whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or any other traditional holiday, give a gift that sends your wishes with the spirit, flavors and colors of the holiday. Personalize the gift with items that reflect the individual’s interests and tastes to insure their enjoyment and to tell that that you really care.

Larry Flynn owns Ardent Partners Inc., a professional internet marketing firm in Mesquite, NV. The firms first website, http://www.GreatGiftBasket.com, offers a wide selection of unique, handmade gift baskets for all occasion's and ages. With the changing demographics in today's society, the gift basket is ideally suited to the internet and can be delivered anywhere in the United States.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Flynn

You’ve been invited to the bridal shower – what fun! You already have a wonderful wedding gift, but you aren’t sure about bridal shower gift ideas. The first rule of thumb is that a bridal shower gift is generally a bit more personal; that is, it focuses on the bride rather than the couple. So think in terms of her likes and dislikes as well as the theme of the party.

Many times you can get your best bridal shower gift ideas simply by reading the invitation closely. Will they be “showering” her with gifts for her honeymoon trip? Then think about where she’s going and what she’s like. If they’re skiing in Colorado, you have a head start. Think about a luxurious cashmere scarf, snuggly slippers, or perhaps a wonderful bottle of schnapps and two crystal glasses for in front of the lodge’s fire in the evenings!

Is it a kitchen shower? Think about her favorite types of food and go from there. If she likes baking, a basket of the little necessities is nice – extracts and flavored oils, measuring spoons, muffin tins, and a pastry brush for instance.

Anything personal is always nice, since in the coming weeks the bride will be rushing about like mad. Giving a gift of relaxation is a sure-fire hit. A pedicure and manicure gift certificate, a massage or day at the spa are all wonderful gestures.

Is the bride practical? Put together a great little “everything basket” to keep by her phone or on her desk that has all those things you can never find when you need them: A few nice pens, clear nail polish, postage stamps, a small bottle of her favorite perfume, a nail file, a change purse with a few bills and some change, a notepad, a small screwdriver, tape, and anything else you usually need at a moment’s notice and can’t find! Tuck in some decadent chocolates for emergency fuel and you’re set!

Melanie Doetsch is editor at eBridalShowers.com where you will find further advice and bridal shower ideas. Have fun with our helpful tips, wedding articles, and much more.

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Gift baskets are ideal for any number of occasions throughout the year. In fact, when searching online for gift baskets, you will find an endless assortment of gift baskets available. Further, online manufacturers and distributors make shopping for gift baskets both easy and affordable!

Gift baskets are perfect gifts for any occasion and many gift baskets are specifically created for major holidays thoroughout the year. For example, you can purchase gift baskets for Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and Hanukkah! Additionally, some gift baskets are themed for special events such as the Super Bowl, anniversaries, birthdays, births, cocktail parties, and expressions of sympathy, expressions of gratitude, housewarmings, and weddings!

Gift baskets normally incorporate a number of items in their contents that are theme oriented. For example, you can purchase gift baskets that contain foods like fruit, cheeses, crackers, breakfast foods, Italian foods, gourmet foods, or even containing cooking supplies. What’s more, other gift basket themes focus on beverages like ciders, teas, coffees, and a variety of hot chocolates. Conversely, you can purchase gift baskets that have no food in them at all; instead such gift baskets contain items that any individual can enjoy including games, art supplies, and bath supplies.

You might also want to consider purchasing unique gift baskets. Such gift baskets often include items that normal gift baskets do not incorporate like tools, gardening equipment, golf equipment, seeds, flowers, dishes, plates, mugs, and knick-knacks. Also, when purchasing gift baskets for children, you can find a number of gift baskets with toys, special candies, popular fad items, clothing, and specialized crafts specifically created for children.

Gift baskets are usually affordably priced. For instance, you can find a number of gift baskets that cost upwards of $100.00; yet, you can also find an assortment of gift baskets that are priced $50.00 and below. Of course, the size and style of the gift basket usually determines the price of the gift baskets and when you are shopping for gift baskets online, you will need to take into consideration any additionally shipping costs you may incur when placing your order.

Webmasters and Ezine Publishers - While all of these articles are Copyright 2005, please feel free to take them and use them on your website as long as you leave them intact. Additionally you must put the About The Author resource box at the end of each article with an active link to my site.

About The Author – Andy McDowell is the owner of Unique Gift Basket Ideas, the free Resource for Unique Gift Basket Ideas, Articles and Tips.

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When you're struggling for a great gift idea - whether for a birthday, anniversary, Christmas or just because - gift baskets are almost always a sure bet. Sooner or later in life, everyone needs to buy a gift. But not everyone can come up with unique, cool, or even practical gift ideas. So when you're not sure what kind of gift to buy, gift baskets are a safe and sensible choice. The beauty of gift baskets is their universal appeal. Gift baskets can be given to men, women and children. In fact, they could well be the closest thing to the perfect gift, because they can be completely designed to suit the giver, recipient, occasion, time, and place.

When it comes to gift basket giving, keeping it traditional is often better. Your goal is to give gifts that someone wants or needs, right? Now imagine giving someone a whole basket full of gifts that they have no use for. Not only is this embarrassing for you - if and when you do find out - but it's extremely disappointing for the recipient.

So fuss and specialty aside, here's some traditional gift basket ideas that are sure to be hits:

Gourmet Gift Basket: The gourmet basket is the poster child of the gift basket industry. A gourmet gift basket typically includes chocolates, cookies, cheese, crackers, hard candies, nut mixes, and snacks - all presented in a beautiful wicker or reed basket. They come in various sizes, usually small to jumbo, and can range in price from thirty dollars to several hundred.

Fruit Basket: Who wouldn't want to receive a handsome wicker basket overflowing with luscious fruits such as Tangelos, Bartlett and Star Crimson pears, Fuji and Royal Gala apples, Bing cherries and more? Fruit excites the palate and warms the heart. And you can send a smorgasbord of premium fruit for under a hundred dollars.

Candle Basket: It's hard to go wrong with candles. The soothing glow and refreshing aroma of a lit candle has cast a spell. In fact, according to USA Today, consumers spent more than $8.4 million dollars last year on candles and home fragrances. That's a lot of wax! Mesmerizing, candles are indeed one of life's little luxuries and a top gift basket pick. One note of caution: gift basket retailers like to pair up candles with spa products and home decor. So, if you're looking for a candle-only basket, try visiting a candle speciality shop, and creating your own candle gift basket from scratch.

If you're struggling to find the perfect gift or just plain lost for time, a traditional gift basket is the ideal solution. They are the perfect way to say, "Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Thanks or Just Because."

Find additional links, resources and updates for this article online at: http://www.homegiftshopper.com/giftideas/1747/playing-it-safe-with-gift-baskets/

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. All Rights Reserved. This article is brought to you courtesy of The Home Gift Shopper - A wonderful online source for gifts and gift ideas.

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If you've been invited to an engagement party or know a couple who was recently engaged, it's nice to bring or send a gift of congratulations and good cheer. You might want to investigate and find out if they are registered at any of their favorite stores. If not, here's a collection of traditional and some not so traditional engagement gift ideas:

Picnic Gift Basket: Send them a romantic gift basket featuring everything they need for an intimate lunch in the park or by the sea. Order one online or make your own. Take an ordinary lined picnic basket and fill it with gourmet treats guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Opt for summer sausage, ham, an assortment of crackers and cheeses, a bottle of sparkling apple cider or their favorite wine, truffles, peanuts, cookies, bread sticks, cheesecake and dinner mints. Don't forget to include a nice picnic blanket and place settings! Voila!

Personalized Photo Album: Rehearsal dinner, walking down the aisle, the first kiss as man and wife... There are so many special moments. It's their wedding day! Help them hold their memories close with a beautiful personalized photo album.

Martini Set: Made famous by Sinatra, a martini set for two will certainly appeal to the romantic, fun loving couple. A set usually includes two martini glasses (preferably crystal!) and a steel martini shaker. Stylish and sophisticated, a martini set makes a great engagement gift.

Horseshoe: A horseshoe has always been a symbol of good luck (as long as the tines are pointed up to hold the luck in) and makes a wonderful engagement gift! They are often hung on the foyer near the front door or on a garage for luck and protection. Look for solid metal, brass, gold and silver plated horseshoes rated for the weather.

Monogrammed Towel Set: It's never too early to give them a gift that features their soon to be initials. Usually, it's the initial of the groom's first name, a larger of his last name, followed by the initial of the bride's first name (i.e. John Smith and Betty Williams would become JSB!). But you're welcome to monogram whatever you want! These towels make a nice engagement gift for any couple.

Card Filled with Lottery Tickets: Say congratulations and have a little fun with the couple with the gift of gambling. Fill an ordinary money holder with a variety of scratch off or easy pick lottery tickets. Imagine if they won! What a honeymoon that would be!

An engagement is an amazing event and one worthy of a grand celebration. Love is in the air! This is a perfect opportunity for you to send along a gift and your best wishes to the happy couple for a bright and joyous future. They'll appreciate the sentiment and your shared enthusiasm during this very special time in their lives.

Find updates and additional resources for this article online at: http://www.homegiftshopper.com/giftideas/1939/engagement-gift-ideas/

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Need more great gift ideas for a variety of people and occasions? Visit The Home Gift Shopper at http://www.homegiftshopper.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

The holidays are upon us and it’s time to consider what to get for family, friends, business associates, and customers. With a wide variety of gift baskets available today, you can find a gift basket that suits the interest and likes of almost anyone. With the majority of gift baskets being sold online today, it provides the shopper with the convenience of avoiding traffic and malls or worrying about sizes or colors.

Today’s holiday gift baskets come in woven baskets, boxes or tins and are filled with the spirit, flavors and colors of the season. All of today’s baskets are designed to be reused as centerpieces, card holders, planters or for storing snacks and treats. Look for themes, colors or functions of the gift basket when personalizing your holiday gift. A quality basket can be used for future holidays to come.

And what about the items contained in the gift basket? The holiday selection and variety will meet the tastes of anyone. Seasonal treats include candies, cookies, fruits, nuts, food snacks and drinks which overflow the gift basket. Basket sizes allow you to provide delicious treats for one or an entire gang. Take the time to select a gift basket that will be enjoyed by the recipient; fruit for the health conscious, candy for the sweet tooth, gourmet foods for the finer palette or a tower full of “everything” for those who can’t make up their minds.

If you are looking for something more personal, visit categories other than the Holiday section on the website for your special holiday gift. You can find Baby Gift Baskets filled with clothes, stuffed animals, shampoos and lotions; Gift Baskets for Kids that contain toys, books, games and gift certificates; Gourmet Gift Baskets filled with caviar or salmon, flavorful cheeses and crackers or Spa Gift Baskets filled with bath oils, body lotions and candles, to name just a few.

So sit behind your keyboard or open the catalog, grab a favorite beverage and search for your great gift basket during this holiday season. No traffic, no lines, no gift wrapping, just high quality gifts at affordable prices. Happy Holidays!

Larry Flynn owns Ardent Partners Inc., a professional internet marketing firm in Mesquite, NV. The firm's first website, 1 Great Gift Basket, offers a wide selection of unique, handmade gift baskets for all occasion's and ages. With the changing demographics in today's society, the gift basket is ideally suited to the internet and can be delivered anywhere in the United States.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

• Birthday Gift Ideas For Her:

Celebrate her special holiday by getting her an extravagant basket filled with gourmet chocolates and chocolate confections. Give her a gift that every woman desires, sheer serene relaxation. A basket filled with luxurious spa products will definitely show her you care on her special day, her birthday.

• Birthday Gift Ideas For Him:

Have an enthusiastic golfer with a birthday coming up? Well what’s better to give him than a gift made especially to indulge him in premium treats; perfect for calming his golfing appetite. Plan to surprise him on his birthday this year. Take him out to a special place and have a picnic or intimate celebration. Bring a basket filled with captivating mouth-watering treats certain to stir up a great conversation and memorable birthday celebration.

• To Celebrate A New Born Baby:

Welcome new parents with a friendly basket lavished in premium quality baby-bathing products. Your new friends will be prepared to keep up with their new born in style. New mothers will definitely need some tools for relaxation after every day of caring for her baby, therefore a gift of aromatic spa products will without a doubt replenish her senses and body.

• Anniversary:

Present a couple celebrating their special day with a basket covered in gourmet foods for the two to enjoy over a romantic evening. One example would be a sophisticated dark chocolate theme basket, perfect for any couple to create a sweet ending to their anniversary. A great gift for a woman on her anniversary would be a gift filled with romantic candles and aromatic bath and shower products. The perfect way to show her you appreciate her love.