Last Minute Gift Ideas » wine gift baskets http://gift-center-online.com Cool Gifts | Gift Shopping | Gift Store Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:43:59 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 Birthday Gift Basket for your Favorite Friend http://gift-center-online.com/birthday-gift-basket-for-your-favorite-friend/ http://gift-center-online.com/birthday-gift-basket-for-your-favorite-friend/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:45:53 +0000 myarn If you are stumped when looking for the perfect gift for someone’s birthday, you may be trying to hard.  Have you ever tried giving a flowers gift basket? We all know someone who is hard to buy for, and when the time comes to find something for him or her, we begin to stress about finding the perfect gift such as personalized poker sets. When all else fails, you have an easy option you may not have considered. The birthday gift basket is becoming a more popular choice than traditional gifts for birthdays. A gourmet food gift basket can be a good idea if the person loves to eat or cooking.

A birthday gift basket is great because it can contain almost anything you can imagine. All you have to do is think of the things the receiver likes to do, and you can fill the basket accordingly like wine lovers would  love a wine gift basket. If they are a movie buff, get them tickets to the movies and include other movie related items. You can get them some DVDs, popcorn, bottle of wine, or box of their favorite chocolate snacks. If someone you know is always stressed out, you can get them a birthday gift basket with a soft robe, a good book, aromatherapy oils, and candles. 

Still not sure you know what to get? You can buy a ready-made birthday gift basket like a chocolate gift basket.  In my town, there is a business that specializes in make gift baskets for all sorts of occasions. You can go into the store and choose what you want in your basket, or you can have them make something up for you. Fruit gift baskets can be a lifesaver if you either don’t know what you want, or you don’t have a lot of time.

For children, filling a birthday gift basket is easy. Do they have a favorite show or character? If so, fill the basket with anything you can find with that character on it. You could also make a basket filled with small outdoor toys like bubbles, sidewalk chalk, greek groomsmen gifts, inflatable pool ball, and bug catcher. For girls, you can make a birthday gift basket with dress-up items. Look for a few dress-up outfits, some jewelry, and other accessories. For boys, consider a football or baseball, cars, trucks or action figures.

If you are searching for ideas for an adult, but you have a lower budget, you can still make a great birthday gift basket for them. Try going to the mall and look for corporate gift basket.  If they love coffee, enclose a pound of gourmet coffee or diy wedding invitations with a few new mugs and a good book. The chocolate lover will love to get a basket full of chocolate goodies. For the golfer, a box of new balls, some tees, and perhaps a gift certificate to the driving range might do the trick. No matter what you decide, you can bet your birthday gift basket will be a hit.

Online, you can get ideas even like spa gift baskets.  This can be a personalized birthday gift that would let a person know how much you care.

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/birthday-gift-basket-for-your-favorite-friend/feed/ 0 Cloth Diaper Cakes and Baby Shower Gifts http://gift-center-online.com/cloth-diaper-cakes-and-baby-shower-gifts/ http://gift-center-online.com/cloth-diaper-cakes-and-baby-shower-gifts/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:44:04 +0000 myarn Can you not figure out what to give for that upcoming baby shower? Be unique and give a different gift at your next baby shower? We here at Classy Bee Gifts have the answer. Just think about the stir that you will create when you walk in with that unique baby gift – a diaper cake! It is not what you think. These one of a kind creation look like a cake with stuffed animal attached. In actuality, these cloth diaper cakes and baby bouquets area artfully decorated diapers.

Diaper cakes and baby bouquets are just a few of the unique baby gifts from Classy Baby Gifts. You’ll be the star of the baby shower with one of a kind, cloth diaper cakes, baby gift baskets and baby shower gifts you’ll be the hit at your next baby shower. They even have Organic baby gifts for the envoirmently friendly consumer.

Chances are that you have never considered cloth diaper cakes as the ultimate in baby shower gifts. It is unlikely that you have ever gone shopping or maybe even head about diaper cakes for the mother-to-be. What do you think about when you hear the words “Baby Bouques”?” If you are honest with yourself, you visualize plants with tons of babies blowing back and forth in the wind.

Now, all of these things are available to you from Classy Baby Gifts – and much more. Diaper cakes are exactly what they sound like. These unique cloth diaper cakes are a creation made from diapers made to look like a cake. Not only are they as pretty as the baby bouquets, they will come in handy as the little one begins to grow.

 

The people at Classy Baby Gifts did not stop here. They also have a big selection of other unique gifts. Help do your part by giving a green organic baby gift from classy bee green gift selections. There is no better place to find those unique baby gifts for those unique babies.

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/cloth-diaper-cakes-and-baby-shower-gifts/feed/ 0 Gift Baskets for Every Occasion http://gift-center-online.com/gift-baskets-for-every-occasion/ http://gift-center-online.com/gift-baskets-for-every-occasion/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:46:00 +0000 myarn Every holiday, birthday, anniversary, or other special event seems to include a gift basket of some kind.  Gift baskets are the most universal gift for just about any event you can think of.  They are even great gifts for new homeowners, corporate celebrations, sports celebrations, and themed parties.  However, finding the right gift basket, perfectly themed basket, or an inexpensive basket is the hard part about these typically easy gifts.  However, with the amount of online gift basket websites a person is sure to find just what they need, whether they are attempting a DIY gift basket (Do It Yourself), an all occassion gift basket, business and corporate gift baskets, or an unusual gift basket.

With most gift basket websites you can search for a gift basket by occasion, theme, or recipient. Many sites will also offer gift ideas in case you are stumped.  With such resources available it is easy for any person to find a great gift basket in just minutes. The prices of gift baskets range greatly, depending on the size and the number and quality of items inside, you can look to spend from $30 – $150 or more.  The other concern for many online shoppers is shipping.  There are many sites that offer free shipping on most of their gift baskets.  Although baskets that need specialty shipping, such as foods that need to be kept cool, tend to be exempt from free shipping.

With the wide variety of types, sizes, and themed baskets you are sure to find just what you need for your recipient.  Find the perfect bachelorette basket, holiday cookie or food basket, pet lover gift basket, gift baskets for kids, whatever your heart desires.  For those that would much rather make your own gift basket you still have the option of finding and buying what you need online.  There are websites that allow you to create your own gift basket.  Most simply start off with a theme or desired recipient, then add the items you would like in the basket, place your order, and they will make it and send it off.  With the DIY gift basket websites you can have all the luxuries of creating your own gift basket without having to shop numerous stores or attempt to arrange the items in a presentable fashion.

Buying gift baskets online is a nice time saver if you are bogged down with other items on your “to do list” or if you simply forgot about a birthday or anniversary till the last minute.  Online shopping also offers you the availability to search hundreds of gift baskets to find just the right one, purchase it, and simply wait for your recipient to receive it without extra hassles or worries.

So if you have a movie lover, golf lover, expecting mother, engaged friend, birthday guy or gal, look for the quick and simple online gift baskets as your number one option.  Just take and look and I am sure you will fall in love with the idea of an online gift basket for just about every occasion you can think of.

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/gift-baskets-for-every-occasion/feed/ 0 Give a Wine Basket and Make it Personal http://gift-center-online.com/give-a-wine-basket-and-make-it-personal/ http://gift-center-online.com/give-a-wine-basket-and-make-it-personal/#comments Sun, 08 May 2011 21:44:20 +0000 myarn It’s not always easy coming up with ideas for gifts. Regardless of whether it’s someone in your family, a good friend or a colleague, it can stretch your creativity. Maybe you’ve considered giving a gift basket. Sometimes, though, you think that it’s just not meaningful enough. Perhaps, however, you should reconsider. Giving a wine gift basket, for example, can be just the right thing, and it’s not that hard to make it personal either.

The recipient of your gift might be a wine connoisseur, or a complete beginner. Either way, wine baskets will be appreciated by anyone who likes a nice glass of wine. This is especially true if you make an effort to personalize the basket.

You can individualize your wine basket in so many ways that will make it truly special. First of all, you need to choose a variety or two of wine that will be appreciated. You can choose to include a single bottle of wine along with some other accessories. Or perhaps you’d prefer to arrange several bottles in an elegant display.

Even if you don’t know what wines to choose, you usually can’t go wrong with a few basics. Merlot, Chardonnay and blush are enjoyed by most wine lovers.

If you see a wine on sale, you might decide to get it just because it looks like a good deal. However, that isn’t always the best idea. If the wine store is offering samples, try it before you buy it. Otherwise, just go with a wine that you know is of good quality and will be appreciated.

When you’re creating a basket on your own, there are lots of great gift basket ideas you can use. For instance, you don’t actually need a basket in order to make a gift basket. A bowl, bucket or pot, appropriately decorative, could suffice just as well.

To truly personalize the basket, you can add a few items that reflect the interests of the recipient. For the avid golfer, include some golf balls, tees, and other small accessories. Many wine gift baskets also include some food items that go well with wine. Typically, you might find crackers and cheese, or fruit and chocolate, nestled beside the wine.

As well, there are wine baskets already prepared that are widely available. On the internet, it’s just so easy to find a good selection of products in almost no time at all. As long as you’re dealing with a reputable company, your transaction is secure. And shopping around for the best price doesn’t get any easier. Browse through a few sites, then choose the one with the best price and delivery options. Just don’t forget about shipping costs.

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/give-a-wine-basket-and-make-it-personal/feed/ 0 How to Make Corporate Gift Baskets Cheaply for Your Gift Basket Business, New Business or Add-On http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-make-corporate-gift-baskets-cheaply-for-your-gift-basket-business-new-business-or-add-on/ http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-make-corporate-gift-baskets-cheaply-for-your-gift-basket-business-new-business-or-add-on/#comments Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:44:14 +0000 Synka Corporate gift baskets can give a big boost to any gift basket business. They are often ordered in large quantities by companies, corporations and businesses, large and small, to give as gifts, to employees, clients and colleagues as a way to say thank you. Go to corporate gifts for more information.

And just a few tips, ideas and help here will give you the information you need to help make corporate gift baskets affordable for you and your corporate clients.

By making unique, good quality demos cheaply, and buying products and supplies at wholesale prices, without buying up a lot of inventory, you can save a lot of money in the process. And if you can work from home you’ll save more money on overhead.

Although usually filled with more expensive, gourmet items, corporate gift baskets can be a good money maker for your gift basket business, a sideline or a new business. If you already have a gift-related, craft-related or home based business of any kind, or if you just want to start up a gift basket business, making corporate gift baskets is a good idea.

You can easily add corporate (or sometimes called business) gift baskets to your existing line of gift baskets. You may have some of the baskets, items or products right now. You’ll need to know: what are the most popular types of corporate gift baskets, what products or items usually go in them and what the competition is doing in terms of items, products and pricing.

Three of the most popular types of corporate gift baskets are gourmet – fancy foods, fancy fruits with cheese collections, and fancy coffees with chocolate collections.

Products or items you might usually find in corporate or business gift baskets are: seasonal mixed fresh fruits, freshly baked cookies, fancy crackers, deluxe wrapped chocolates and candies, truffles, biscotti, muffins, scones, sausage, pistachios and other nuts, gourmet cheese, cheddar cheese, gourmet jams and preserves, gourmet hot chocolate mix packets, fancy flavored coffees, chocolate covered raspberries or blueberries, and other gourmet goodies. You may have some or many of these items or products already.

It’s not advisable to include any controversial items like alcoholic beverages. Although beer, champagne and wine gift baskets are popular, I wouldn’t include any beer, wine or champagne in your demo gift baskets. You can make these available, if you choose, if they customize an order, but be aware you may need a license to sell beer, wines or other liquors.

Besides possible health issues – by giving alcohol gifts unknowingly to recovering addicts or closet addicts, you and the business or corporation may have legal or liability issues from the consequences of providing the alcohol to the employees, colleagues or clients.

Containers can be traditional, finely crafted wicker baskets or fancy, small to large hampers. In any case they need to be of excellent or high quality. Refer to corporate gifts for more information.

Next you’ll want to check out the competition. Check out several websites carrying corporate gift baskets to get an idea what they’re offering, what items or products they include in their gift baskets and the price range.

The online gift basket websites carrying corporate gift baskets are competitive. So concentrate first on selling your business or corporate gift baskets locally to large companies and corporations. You may have no competition. You can always put up a website after you get your business going.

You’ll need at least two gift basket demos in more than one price range. Three or four demo baskets would be better. They may be giving a gift basket in one price range to clients and to colleagues or employees in another price range. Be prepared also to offer custom gift baskets. They can choose the gourmet items they want to go into the baskets, hampers or other containers. They may also want to choose the containers.

After your demo gift baskets are assembled, call around to the larger companies and find out who is in charge of purchasing or public relations. It may take two or three calls to find out whom to talk to, to set up an appointment. Just ask who you can make a short presentation to.

Make sure your prices are competitive and offer quantity discounts. Offer free shipping if they need to be shipped out of town or if they have regional offices they need them shipped to. Make sure to adjust your pricing in advance if you’re going to offer free shipping. Know what it’ll cost to package and ship your gift baskets and whether you’re going to use the postal service or another shipping service like UPS, Fed Ex or Airborne Express.

Good times to make your phone calls are at least two months in advance of a major holiday, at the year’s end or at the beginning of the year. But make your calls every month all through the year. They may give gifts to clients throughout the year. And they may give gifts to employees at any time of the year.

If your presentation doesn’t result in any orders, ask for feedback. Perhaps it’s the type of items or products you’re presenting. Perhaps the gift baskets are overpriced.

Starting up a business to specialize in corporate gift baskets is easy to do. If you can, work from home – make it a home-based business. Make sure not to order in a lot of inventory. To keep your costs down, only buy enough products in the beginning to put your demo corporate gift baskets together.

After your presentation and resulting orders, you’ll know what items, products and supplies to order for the gift baskets. This is a good way to start on a shoestring budget.

Adding business or corporate gift baskets to your current line of gift baskets can help boost your bottom line. A few of the tips here should get you going in the right direction. If making gift baskets is new to you, you’ll find plenty of ideas to make a few demo corporate gift baskets and give it a try. This is an inexpensive or cheap way to add to your gift basket business, start up a gift basket business, or add on to another home based or work at home business. Visit corporate gifts for more information.

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-make-corporate-gift-baskets-cheaply-for-your-gift-basket-business-new-business-or-add-on/feed/ 1 Employees That Deserve a Corporate Gift Basket or a Special Thank You Gift Basket http://gift-center-online.com/employees-that-deserve-a-corporate-gift-basket-or-a-special-thank-you-gift-basket/ http://gift-center-online.com/employees-that-deserve-a-corporate-gift-basket-or-a-special-thank-you-gift-basket/#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 01:07:20 +0000 gifted http://gift-center-online.com/employees-that-deserve-a-corporate-gift-basket-or-a-special-thank-you-gift-basket/ If you still have a profitable company, small or large, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re winning when so many others are calling it quits. While this is a positive reflection on your management abilities, you probably have others involved that have helped you achieve your success. These associates are the perfect candidates for corporate gift baskets of many varieties: wine gift baskets, chocolate gift baskets, gourmet food gift baskets, cheese gift baskets to name just a few of the selections you can make.

Your secretary, often the least paid employee, does numerous jobs that make your daily life run smoothly.  Your phones are answered, messages taken, appointments made and reminders given, important records and documents can be found because they were properly and promptly filed. What can you do to recognize this person? Of course money is appreciated, but what about a reward that says you put more thought into the idea than just writing a check or going to the bank.  A chocolate corporate gift basket that says a well deserved break, filled with flavored coffees and an assortment of chocolates. Some baskets will include a coffee mug or other memento that can keep reminding that person of your thoughtfulness.

If you are a larger company that has an office staff, a corporate gift basket is ideal because it can be shared by many. These corporate gift baskets can include gourmet cookies, nuts, assorted snacks, cakes, biscotti, gourmet crackers, summer sausage, salami, cheeses. Your staff can congregate around this gift and enjoy some camaraderie while thinking of the many reasons they deserve this reward.

Have a warehouse that makes sure your product is packed correctly and shipped to the right client? Say your thanks with a gift basket that includes items that all can enjoy: cookies, snacks, pretzels, candy, cheeses, nuts, biscotti, salmon, etc. There was a study that determined employees preferred recognition in forms other than money. A gift basket is a great choice.

Do not forget the sales department. Without sales, there is no revenue. The salespeople are dealing one on one with your ultimate customer. They are the face of your company, the one that the buyer associates with your company name. Recognition for the sales team is motivational and can inspire to perform better. This time an individual gift basket is appropriate, a salesperson is an individualist, a person who works alone and relies on himself/herself to close the sale. There are many choices of gift baskets for this personality. Towering impressions are as the name implies, they do leave a large impression. These usually consist of several boxes, reducing in size as they are stacked upon each other, that hold many surprises: nuts, chocolates, crackers, cheeses, snack meats, candies, fruits, cookies, and the list is vast. The presentation and delivery of this gift is a memorable moment. Not everyone receives a gift of this magnitude.

  If it is compatible with your company and personal philosophy, there are numerous corporate wine gift baskets that can be given which can be shared with family and friends. Maybe there will even be a toast given to you and your company.

As you can see, your employees are valuable and they should be given recognition for helping you to keep your company operating smoothly and profitably. A gift basket is a perfect choice and there are many choices that you can individualize to make the recipient feel special.  Please visit www.Flowers-and-GiftBaskets.com for other gift ideas.

I have been in business for over 20 years and know what it is like to be both an employee and an owner. I have been able to work closely with suppliers to provide quality products that are uniquely designed. Please visit www.Flowers-and-GiftBaskets.com to view our unique gifts.

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/employees-that-deserve-a-corporate-gift-basket-or-a-special-thank-you-gift-basket/feed/ 0 A Custom Wine Gift Basket Lets Them Know You Care http://gift-center-online.com/a-custom-wine-gift-basket-lets-them-know-you-care/ http://gift-center-online.com/a-custom-wine-gift-basket-lets-them-know-you-care/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:42:40 +0000 myarn personalized wine gift basket~If you struggle to find just the right gift for friends and family, why not consider a unique gift like a custom wine gift basket~A custom wine gift basket is not only a unique gift, but one that keeps on giving long after that special occasion}.   You may be concerned that making up a personalized wine gift basket is a huge task, but you can truly have fun with this project and you will find that it is much easier than you imagine. For starters, you don’t need to start completely from scratch.  A smart gift basket builder will head down to the local craft shop or decorating store and find a basic gift basket that will hold a few bottles of wine and some other items.

Be Creative With Your Wine Gift Basket

This is the time to put on your thinking cap and crank up the creativity juices.  Filling the basket with theme related items (e.g. golf balls, tees, golf glove, etc. for a golf-related gift basket) will give your personalized wine gift basket a personalized touch.

What Special Items Should Be Included In My Custom Wine Gift Basket?

It is really very easy to make a custom wine gift basket.  Once you have selected the gift basket itself, the fun will begin.  You can start by thinking about the individual that will be receiving the gift basket: what are their hobbies, do they have a special talent, are they in a unique line of work, etc.  Then it is time to prepare a list of all the items that you know they will appreciate and related to the chosen theme.  Now it’s time to go shopping!   Purchase a number of the gift items that are on the ‘likes’ list, and carefully place them into the existing theme wine gift basket, arranging them in an attractive manner.  A touch of colorful cloth or colored cellophane added to the bottom of the basket can really give your unique wine gift a lot of pizzaz!

A Personal Note Can Make Your Custom Wine Gift Basket Extra Special

Finally to make your custom wine gift basket a touch more personalized, a hand written note, carefully crafted, can add that special touch to any unique wine gift.   Don’t skip this step – your note should try to capture anything from memories that you experienced with the person to funny jokes.   

So, if you are puzzled over what to give your close friends and family on their special occasion, why not make it a unique gift – send wine.   The recipient will greatly  appreciate your efforts and will know that this gift was truly from the heart!

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/a-custom-wine-gift-basket-lets-them-know-you-care/feed/ 0 Choosing Elegant Wine Baskets http://gift-center-online.com/choosing-elegant-wine-baskets/ http://gift-center-online.com/choosing-elegant-wine-baskets/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:33:40 +0000 myarn Of all the types of gift baskets, a wine gift basket is the most elegant present to give. Wine is a gift that most people appreciated and can be given for an array of occasions. The most popular occasions though are Christmas, New Years, anniversaries, weddings and birthdays.

The most important choice in a wine basket is the wine itself. Wine comes in two varieties – red and white. Red wine is made from red and black grapes while white wine is made from white grapes. Popular red wines are cabernet sauvignon, merlot and Grenache. Red wines are usually full flavored. The chocolaty flavor of merlots makes them a very popular choice among women. Grenaches contain a slight taste of raspberries.

The other type of wine is white wine. Obviously white wines will be made from white grapes. Chardonnays are the most preferred white wines. They appear to be fruity on the palet with varying degrees of vanilla.

While choosing the wine, you should keep in mind the occasion for which the gift is being purchased. Many wine gift basket retailers have certain wines that fit certain occasions, such as Valentines, Christmas or New Years. Also, for who you buy wine for should play a factor in making the wine choice. When you buy wine for a person knowledgeable in wine, you would want to find wine that are more rare or unusual. However, for a beginner, almost any wine choice could do.

After choosing the wine, the next step is to decide on the other items that you will include in the basket. Food is a common accessory. However, food choices should be made with the type of wine and the preferences of the receiver in mind. Some foods go better with one type of wine than others. Common food selections are sesame crackers, cheeses, chocolates, nuts, fruits and olives. Be sure to consult a wine and food pairing chart to ensure the correct food choice for the wine that has been chosen.

A common accessory included in many gift baskets is the wine glass. Wine glasses are almost as particular as the wine itself. The type of wine chosen will determine the type of glass in which the wine is served. Red wines are served in glasses with shorter stems and larger bowls. White wines are served in long stemmed glasses with small bowls. Champagne is served in fluted glasses.

Other items can be used to fill out the basket. For example, a beginner may enjoy some literature on how to choose a wine or the history of a particular winery.

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/choosing-elegant-wine-baskets/feed/ 0 Mix Food, the Web and a Credit Card for a Giving Recipe http://gift-center-online.com/mix-food-the-web-and-a-credit-card-for-a-giving-recipe/ http://gift-center-online.com/mix-food-the-web-and-a-credit-card-for-a-giving-recipe/#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:11:25 +0000 myarn I have to admit, I am not a great shopping enthusiast! Except around the winter holidays, I hate the parking problems, I don’t enjoy browsing aisle after aisle looking for something that would be honestly appreciated by Grandma or Uncle Arthur. I certainly do not like standing on line with frustrated people killing time for the lone employee to handle a complicated exchange. During the holidays, I enjoy strolling through stores just people watching, without being burdened with packages. The experience for some reason puts me into a holiday mood, but I do my actual shopping and buying almost entirely online. That’s a practice I developed in the very early years of the Web.

Online shopping didn’t save my life all by itself. Just because I started using the Web before any of my friends, I still had to make the decisions. And then, around five years ago, or so, I discovered food.

Of course, I actually discovered food when I was still an infant, but it didn’t occur to me as a great gift until I had suffered through many rounds of birthdays, baby showers, and countless other events that seem to always pop up. I received a gift basket of little sausages, spreadable cheeses and plain crackers. It was terrible! At the same time, though, I thought what a great gift this could have been. All they had to change in the gift was the quality of the contents!

Since that moment of momentous insight on my part, I have been a dedicated sampler of a variety of food gifts that I buy for myself on the Internet. I have found that the online gift food stores handle everything from shipping to the accompanying gift cards. Yes, I actually send myself a gift card to test the store’s dedication to detail. The Internet boutiques are now the sources for all of my gifts, except those gifts of my loved ones who happen to live very nearby.

The wide selection of quality gift foods available is truly remarkable. It ranges from live lobster dinners to a fresh fruit basket; from cookie bouquets to live lobsters; from wine gift baskets to imported caviar or fine Wisconsin cheeses.

For those on my gift list who live nearby, I usually assemble my own gift baskets. Even in those cases, the Internet comes to my rescue with helpful suggestions about how to make my self-assembled gift foods more interesting. The available articles also have great gift ideas for special people who often happen to be especially difficult when it comes to choosing a gift.

 

So join me in thanking the Internet for teaching me how to walk through an aisle of a store, empty handed, with a huge smile. I can do that, now, just to soak up the atmosphere of the season, whatever season it happens to be. I’m a tourist when I’m there instead of a harried shopper.

 

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/mix-food-the-web-and-a-credit-card-for-a-giving-recipe/feed/ 0 What’s the Best Food Gift Choice? http://gift-center-online.com/whats-the-best-food-gift-choice/ http://gift-center-online.com/whats-the-best-food-gift-choice/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:10:46 +0000 myarn Gift baskets are out of fashion!  Or is it that they’re just plain boring?  Actually, I hope the correct response is neither.  I’m actually a gift food merchant.  Kind of has a special ring to is, doesn’t it?  Granted, it may be less significant that solving the global warming problem or removing a pesky mouse from under your kitchen cabinet, but it’s an honest way to pay for the roof over my family’s head.

I can read your mind: “All of his gift problems are solved; year in and year out everybody on his list gets stuck with another gift basket.”  I want to disabuse you of your smug attitude!  In fact, I face the same dilemmas that you face during any gift giving, decision making crisis.

I do not give food filled bundles of joy to my entire gift list.  However, even if I did, the choice would still not be easy.  At my store, we offer scores of fruit baskets, gourmet meals, wine gift baskets and far more than that, even.  (I can hear you right now, begging me to tell you where this wonderful store is.  Please be patient.)

Before you bribe me (or threaten me) to share my store location with you, I want to tell you about my own decision making approach.

My first step is to decide on the appropriate category of gift from the many choices.  If Uncle Milton really has managed to eliminate his drinking problem after a decade of trying, I should not even consider the wine baskets.  Instead, I’ll opt for a fruit basket with something seasonal.  After years of ignoring the nutritional value of what he consumed, he could use a few extra servings of fruit in solid form.

Aunt Millie, on the other hand, is a great wine sipper.  Frankly, I don’t know if she really enjoys the wine, but she sure enjoys talking about it.  She thrills to have a new member of her audience so that she can explain what makes a good vintage year, the varieties of grapes that are used in her favorite blends and, especially, how much she paid for each bottle (as well as how much she paid for the carpeting you just ruined by spilling your glass).  I’ll give her one of my better wine gift baskets, but I refuse to give her the best stuff.  Sure, I get it wholesale, but I still have to pay for it!

My nephew, Alfred, recently married his long time girlfriend.  Frankly, it’s about time.  It took him eight years to decide that she was worth parting with enough money to pay for a diamond and another five when he found out that it is customary to pay the minister who performs the ceremony.  Alfred always loves to receive cash as a gift.  Well, he’s not getting that from me.  I’m sending them a delicious lobster dinner for two.  My thinking is that this is the only way to get his bride out of the kitchen.  Alfred would never pay for a restaurant meal, so, in a sense, I’m sending the restaurant to them.

Second, I decide how much I’m willing to spend on these losers.

My perfect grandson isn’t getting a food gift.  I’m getting him the latest cell phone system, complete with an unlimited calling plan.  I would get him a sports car if only you would buy a lot more gift baskets!

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