How to Make this Christmas Gift Buying Tolerable with Gift Baskets

Are you ready for Christmas? If you own a business don't neglect to buy a gift for your existing clients. Okay, I will stop stressing you out, as I am sure that you get the point. So, you want a reliable way to shop for friends and show your appreciation for your patrons. Drum roll please: Gift baskets!

When you think gift baskets, what are they filled with? My favorite gift baskets are filled with coffee, cookies and chocolate, topped with a hand made bow and just waiting to be unwrapped. But there are many options.

There are gift basket purveyors that fill gift baskets with just about anything you can think of. You can even find sellers that will let you choose the basket's theme and contents. So how do you pick the appropriate gift basket for your family, friends or client? Here are some easy suggestions.

1. Pick a gift basket that reflects what the person cares about. Are they into "green" living? Then select a basket that features Fair Trade and Organic items like coffee, mugs and gifts from Nectar of Life Coffee Company www.nectaroflife.com. Or perhaps they like fresh fruit, wine, nuts, and vegetables. Then a gift from Harry and David would be a perfect fit for the nut lover. Gift baskets can get a bit beyond budget. But, gift baskets can be a Godsend.

2. A second option is to put together a basket yourself. Don't let this prospect intimidate you. The price range to make your own basket is about $5.00 - skies the limit. One negative aspect is that you will have the shipping or delivery hassle to deal with. If you don't shop around, it could take away from whatever cost savings you realized by doing it yourself. If you decide to build your own gift basket here are a few tips to get you started.

A. You will want a theme basket or box (a camera buff, for instance would be able to use a photo box; a fisherman, a tackle box; a child could use a fabric lined basket as a toy box, etc.)

B. Now that you have committed to a theme, buy 3 large items to start. Let's stick with the photographer. Choose some camera related items, such as a lens.

C. To add to the basket choose 4 more items. For a fisherman, this might include a fly-fishing reel, multi-tool, pliers, flashlight, a pen sized pole (available at Wal-Mart, Joe's and other sporting goods stores), and a waterproof zippered pouch. These are just a few suggestions.

D. To wrap it all up include some treats. For a child, a few ideas would be fruit roll-ups, jewelry, die-cast cars, hair ties, fancy shoelaces, or their favorite candy (as approved by their parents).

E. Use glue dots (available at Michaels or local craft stores) to secure all items together. Use the glue dots sparsely a few go a long way. Put the big items in first. Then glue down medium sized items, and the smaller stuff as filler around the bottom. Aim for a pyramid as you are making the basket.

F. Last, purchase a box, or if you are a real go getter, a roll of basket wrap. Bring the corners to the top and secure with a little section of ribbon.

G. Using a ornate bow on top is the perfect touch to bring it all together.

3. If you have a good idea of what you want, and would like to incorporate things that you have purchased, and if you just don't have the inclination to assemble the basket yourself, then check locally. Many times there are vendors that can both assemble and attach a bow to a basket that you have basically created. This option ranges in cost from $25.00- $100.00 depending on how much work, and materials you use.

Gift baskets can reflect a number of ideas, and goods. They are very appealing and enjoyable. All age ranges, and interests can be covered and encompassed in just one gift.

Article Source: http://www.series-of-articles.com

Hannah Jennings divides her time among family, and the business she owns with her husband, Nectar of Life Coffee. She has been making coffee gift baskets for family and friends for over 8 years. For help with your gift giving, check out Hannah's gift baskets.

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