We give gift baskets for three reasons – to say ‘thank you’, to show that we care, and as a promotional gift. This last category is really reserved for those who own companies or organizations who would benefit from the possibility to send out gift baskets to current and potential clients.

There are, as we shall see, many different kinds of gift baskets, and in many cases the name is, in fact a misnomer. It need not be a basket, but it should be a collection of, not necessarily related, items with a simple theme in mind.

For example, at the passing of the Year 2000, employees of an organization received a basket (yes, a real basket) containing several items. A new clock radio, with a futuristic style to it, and a supply of batteries – just in case!

A torch – remember how we all thought that the power plants would fail? Survival rations, such as chocolate and preserves in tins. And so on. In the end, a reasonably expensive collection of small gifts was presented to employees before the start of the Christmas-New Year break which helped to garner a sense of occasion and fun.

This idea of passing events also carries through into the realm of personal gift baskets. Some have a distinctly jovial theme – a basket to mark the passing into adulthood (one can guess what would be in that), but also baskets to mark the passage of time in other ways : 30 years, 40 years, 50 years, retirement, and so forth.

Choosing Contents

The trick in creating gift baskets is to ensure that the contents are to the point, carry a special meaning, and contain at least a few items that will stand the test of time, including, where applicable, the basket itself.

Many things that we associate with gift baskets, such as flowers, chocolates and so forth are rather temporary. That is to say that they expire – flowers die and, chocolates get eaten, so it is nice to try and find something, like the aforementioned clock radio (plus batteries) that will last longer.

Some shops and online retailers specialize in gift baskets, while others offer gift baskets as part of their packaging policy. There is one high street perfume and toiletry retailer who offers the possibility for a shop assistant to take clients through the selection process, from basket (again a real one) through to packaging, gift wrap and so forth.

Buying Online

However, the big advantage with using an online retailer to perform this is that the process is largely automated : the client takes a virtual tour though the available products, mixes and matches to their heart’s content, and then ends up with a personalized product that is slightly more expensive than an off the shelf equivalent.

The high street customization cost is much higher – if only because a real live member of staff takes the client through the various stages. Thus, gift baskets are much more efficiently bought from an online retailer.

Gourmet Gift Baskets

One of the most popular categories of gift baskets are food gift baskets, which stems from the enthusiasm for hampers. A food gift basket can often be seen as a cheaper alternative to a large hamper. Let’s be honest, many people who would like to give the gift of a food hamper cannot afford to, and food gift baskets can offer a real alternative.

Generally, when creating a food gift basket one has to choose between a gourmet selection of foods in cans, perhaps some wine, and other pre-packaged food stuffs, or consumer oriented snack foods such as chocolate. Those who are stuck for Valentines day ideas, for example, might choose from a variety of available chocolate gift baskets to offer their loved one.

Also in the foods category are get well gift baskets, which might contain fresh fruits (depending on the distance between retailer and recipient), along with some essential items for passing the time whilst the recipient is recovering from whatever malady or accident has befallen them.

While most popular gift baskets will have a food content, there is no harm in mixing this, as we have seen, with other kinds of produce. One popular range of Mothers day gifts includes baskets which are created with that special person in mind.

The basket itself is usually something that the mother in question would want to keep, and a selection of spring flowers can be added, in recognition of the season and event. But it is also nice to add a special something to the gift basket to make it a perfect Mothers day gift. This could be almost anything from chocolate to a magazine subscription – whatever makes it special.

Also for Men!

There are also Fathers day gift baskets too – although it has to be said that the actual basket in these cases tends not to be the classic kind. Fathers tend to be reluctant to hold onto those. Nevertheless, the gift basket concept still holds – take a collection of items and wrap them together to offer a gift which is both original and unique while reflecting the character of the recipient.

It is in this last area where Mothers day gift baskets and Fathers day gift baskets tend to differ – while it is easy enough to offer mom some flowers and chocolates, pop will tend to have more respect for items that really reflect their interests, which could be anything from home improvements to golf.

Other Occasions

For the loving couple, there are plenty of anniversary gift baskets to choose from. The style and content of the anniversary gift basket will change depending on which partner is giving the basket, of course.

No matter who is giving the basket, there are a few decisions to make. The first is whether the basket should be romantic or risqué. One could mix sexy lingerie with chocolate, flowers and wine, or even some adult oriented gifts. You have to be pretty sure of the recipient however, before trying to give them something that is too provocative!

Other ideal gift baskets include baby shower gift baskets. This is an interesting one, and many new parents use the baby shower gift basket as a thank you for their guests kind offers of gifts. Exactly what one puts in these baskets will depend on many things, but could include pictures of the new baby, a momentum of the birth, or something geared more towards the recipient than the occasion.

On the continent, for example, it is common at the naming ceremony, baptism, or christening (depending on which faith the baby is born into) to give gifts to the god-parents (or equivalent), aunts, uncles and grand-parents. These gifts will typically include tankards, crystal, and photo-frames, all great ideas for gift baskets.

About the Author:
Guy Lecky Thompson is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers regarding Flowers, Lilies, Spring flowers, Tulips, Roses, Tropical and Exotic flowers and Gift Baskets. His many articles give information and tips to help people save money and make smarter decisions.