6 Best Gifts to Bring on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about loved ones and being grateful for your blessings. With so many parties lined up around this event, it is a good idea to breeze into every party by showing up with a nice gift for your host.

Dessert:

Even hosts that are the most obsessive-compulsive will not mind another sugary temptress joining the well-planned dinner menu. Some obvious choices are pumpkin pies, but it is likely that your bakery bought pie will be joining other homemade ones. So, how about being more creative? Bring a bottle of tequila or brandy and pumpkin ice cream. Another great option is visiting your bakery and buying the town’s specialty. Guests always enjoy indulging in new things.

Coffee:

A gift coupon from a retail coffee chain is so unoriginal. Instead, find out about a nice cafe and ask regarding people-pleasing coffees. Avoid going too light or too dark. Buy a good decaf. Tell the cafe to grind it in a nice, fresh bag. There is no point bringing whole beans to a house that does not have a grinder. One of the most over-looked details of Thanksgiving is premium coffee. If taking coffee alone seems incomplete then you can pair it with nice cookies and even a fancy thanksgiving mug.

Wine Charms:

Nothing is more embarrassing than Grandma Sharon screaming at you because you finished her glass of Merlot accidentally. Bring wine charms that are thanksgiving-themed and save everyone in the party some uncomfortable moments. There are so many to choose from online. Seasonal wine charms will make you feel and look festive, and every time the host takes out the charms they will think of you -- whether you’re at the party or not.

Holiday DVD:

No one really thinks of buying movies for their guests, so be the hero and show up with the perfect holiday DVD. ‘Home for the Holidays’ or ‘Son in Law’ may not be great movies in general, but they are Thanksgiving-themed and great for everyone to watch. In case there are no children, bring movies that are more classic. If you have children around, bring in movies such as a ‘Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’.

Alcohol:

Make sure you do a little research to find out who likes what. Spend the most money on the host’s bottle, but surprise your uncle with his favorite wine or the sister with flavored vodka. If it is hard to find out what people drink, invest in a pack of pumpkin beer or holiday ale or fine bottles of white wine. This is a great way to start a conversation with everyone and get to know your family better.

Thanksgiving gift basket:

Holiday gift baskets make the best gift for hosts! There is so much that you can put inside these containers- from Chandon sparkling wine to chocolate truffles, chocolate salted caramel cookies, and Amaretti cookies! Your host will treasure it!

There is nothing more blissful than a room full of your loved ones. Make this year even more special for your host with these simple but lovely gift ideas! Happy Thanksgiving!

Hostess Gifts to Bring on a House Party!

When someone invites you to their house to celebrate, show your appreciation by getting them a hostess gift. Begin by thinking about their personality and their style of entertaining, then choose an item that they will actually enjoy. Do you require some suggestions? Here are some hostess gifts they will love!

1. Homemade edible gifts

There are so many scrumptious homemade edible gifts that will bring a smile to the face of your host and hostess. From cute minty treats to melted dark chocolate cookies, there is so much that you can create in your kitchen. Bring in vanilla and chocolate cake pops dipped in luxurious Belgian chocolate decorated with adorable drizzles.

Another great gift is a cake. You will find hundreds of tasty recipes over the internet. A delicious cake with frosting in between and covered in homemade buttercream is bound to be the host’s new favorite. If baking goodies on your own seems like a task, you can always purchase them from a provider. Make sure they use only the highest quality ingredients to create one-of-a-kind treats.

2. Wine gift basket

What’s a party without wine and champagne? A wine gift basket can boast of famous wines, paired expertly with gourmet foods, such as cheddar cheese and crisp crackers.

But what’s classier than wine, and does not stain your teeth, and is bubbly to drink? Champagne. This drink is certainly a great way to pop fun into any kind of occasion, whether it is New Year, Christmas, or an anniversary. This is why a champagne gift basket can be a hit among the hosts! Pair it with an assortment of gourmet snacks and you are good to go!

3. Customized chocolate gift tower

A customized chocolate gift tower is just what you need to add to the flavor of the party. Choose a range of chocolate products that are made with only the best ingredients, so they taste divine. These towers are a perfect gift for the hosts. You can snuggle in impressive selection of gourmet chocolate snacks and treats. Complete with velvety chocolate peanuts and wafer petites!

4. Coffee gift baskets

There is no morning that is complete without a hot cup of coffee. So, why not enrich the host’s day with a delicious coffee basket. Choose a gourmet coffee gift basket that comes with everything they will need to transform their morning routine into a ritual. And to add to the ritual, snuggle in scrumptious chocolates and cookies that they can enjoy with their cup. To make the coffee basket more interesting you can also add a couple of mugs and coasters.

Showing that you are grateful is easy if you stay a little creative and thoughtful with your gift selection. A gift loaded with gourmet sweets and treats, like coveted wines, fresh fruits, and decadent desserts, offers the perfect complement to any party. The gesture will also make your hosts feel more appreciated and loved.

Mend a Broken Heart with a Gift Basket

Is a dear one going through the misery of trying to forget about someone they once loved? One of the best ways to help them through this tough time is to find a gift that will make them smile. Here are a few gift basket ideas for a broken hearted friend.

A Wine Gift Basket:

Your breakup wine basket can come filled with red or white wine, dark chocolates, truffles, pretzels, cheese, and much more. This generous gift will surely put a smile on your loved one’s face as they devour each and every content. Snuggle in a couple of break up mix cd’s you feel they will love and you are good to go!

Spa Gift Basket:

Your friend refuses to go on a vacation or spa? No problem. Bring the spa to them! Help them heal their upset heart quickly with a basket full of spa essentials.  There is so much that you can include in your package such as, bathroom slippers, amazing assortment of essential oils, shower products, bath products, moisturizers, loofa, and the like. In addition, you can also sneak in few of their favorite snacks such as, cookies and wine bottles that they can relish while taking a long, wonderful bubble bath.

Gourmet Delights:

Chocolates for breakfast? Why not? Your friend deserves these sweet treats while in grief. Gift them a care package full of the most delicious gourmet delights from around the world. Snuggle in different varieties such as, chocolate dipped peanuts, chocolate cookies, caramel filled chocolate bars, chocolate wafers, dark chocolate, and much more! Apart from their delicious flavor, chocolates also help in releasing happy hormones inside a person, helping them relax.

Don’t hold back! Put in anything that is chocolate! Hot chocolate, chocolate blocks, truffles, chocolate biscuits, cupcakes, brownies, chocolate spreads, and anything that you feel your loved one will love!

Coffee Gift Baskets:

There is nothing like a hot cup of coffee to comfort you after an unhappy event. A selection of gourmet coffees, coffee beans coated with chocolate, coffee candies, cakes, and dark chocolate can all add to the experience. You can also snuggle in a cute coffee mug. Your friend will be overwhelmed by your creativity and thoughtfulness.

The Beer Lover:

It is easy to please a beer lover. He or she will be more than grateful with a range of beer, a beer holder, and some edibles that can be pared with the drinks. Also, if your budget allows, add in a couple of movies that they can watch while drinking their way to glory.

These break-up gifts will show your broken hearted friend that they are not alone. You can also personalize these baskets further if you know your dear one’s habits, personality, and hobbies.

Halloween Party Favors

Trick or treat? It can be tricky to pick the perfect Halloween favor, but with just a little creativity you can come up with something that’s deliciously spooky. Bewitching cookies and ghoulishly good candies are some unique trinkets. Make sure you read through our ideas for hauntingly memorable favors! 

Halloween pumpkin party delights

With this gift basket, there will only be treats – no tricks- Snuggle in a perfect blend of Choco chip cookies, a personalized plush bear in a pumpkin costume, ideal for any spooky holiday celebration. Choose from pumpkin pie taffy, sour patch candies, Halloween candies, Wonka candies and an assortment of Jack-o-Lantern sugar cookies. Hand these scrumptious favors to trick-or-treaters or place the baskets on table tops for everyone to enjoy!

Sweet towers

Display your joy at the Halloween party by giving away baskets full of treats that will leave everyone craving for more! In fact make your recipients jump with joy when they open your personalized sweet towers!

There is so much that can be put into these containers, including, creamy milk chocolates, orange and black pumpkin candies, yogurt dipped pretzels, gourmet caramel popcorn, chocolate truffles, black and orange jelly beans and several other spooky Halloween delights.

Halloween gift basket Cauldron

A Halloween gift basket Cauldron is a wonderful way to say thank you to the guests for coming over. Display these tasty baskets on the dessert table, or give them away as a parting favor. These delightful nibbles are the best way to win everyone over! You can snuggle in mini Halloween candy bars and orange and raspberry hard candies, classic candies, and delicious chocolate truffles. You can even personalize the basket with messages and other treats.

Personalized cookies

Who doesn't love the melting goodness when biting into gourmet cookies? Share the joy this season with perfectly bite-sized portion of cookie treats. The gift basket can also be personalized with labels. Snuggle in pumpkin pie dessert cookies, Ghirardelli Cinnamon crunch squares, cookie bites, pecan shortbread cookies, and much more. These treats also make great party snacks!

For a special Halloween party, these gift baskets make the perfect favors. The containers allow you to showcase delicious sweet treats that are packed inside. Customize the package with Halloween themed colors, and a special message that you know your guests will appreciate. The sophisticated but fun look of these favors will only add to decoration to your already bedazzled event, and their simple and easy-to-grab handles make them the perfect package for guests to take home and relish!

4 Upscale Gift Ideas

Some special occasions or special people deserve a gift that’s different and classy. Gifts may be available in the market galore but when it comes to selecting items belonging to the higher echelons, making a choice may seem like a daunting task. If you are thinking of designer or luxury gifts to celebrate special people or occasions, here are some ideas from which you can take your pick:

1. Godiva Chocolates: When you think of premium, fine chocolates, you are bound to think of Godiva chocolates. Considered the finest luxury chocolates the world over, every box of Godiva chocolates is a delight to receive. Ever since its inception in 1926, the brand has retained its magic despite changing hands. From gift baskets that pack a lot of Godiva riches such as assorted Godiva chocolates and milk chocolate, Godiva caramels to an assortment of milk chocolate cashews and chocolate covered pretzels, you would surely enjoy choosing a mouthwatering luxury treat for your chocolate loving recipient.
2. Wine gift baskets: Nothing can beat a classy bottle of wine to get the party started. From classic California wines like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to California white wine and California red wines (cabernet,merlot, zinfandel etc), wine gift baskets pack class and pleasure in equal proportions. To make your gift more luscious, you can add a bouquet of tasty snacks to go with your bottle of wine. This may include roasted almonds, focaccia crisps, gourmet crackers, chocolate caramel cookies, cheese and salted, roasted mixed nuts, to name just a few.
3. Gourmet delicacies: Delicious food can be an ice breaker and conversation starter in any setting. Whether you need to appease the palate of friends and family,or want some delicious gourmet food for colleagues, gift baskets packing a variety of gourmet delicacies can be your savior. From nuts, cookies, cheese, and chocolates to organic fruits and foods made for people with dietary restrictions (such as diabetics and those on a gluten-free diet), you won’t run out of choices for sure. Just keep the taste preferences of your recipients in mind while picking gourmet delicacies so that your gift baskets have something for every palate.
4. Sympathy gifts with a difference:When life gives someone ablow,s/he needs comfort and support from near and dear ones. Sending heartfelt sympathy gifts with a touch of class and elegance would be the ideal thing to do in such cases. Gifts that pack angel figurines or comforting words along with some gourmet foods are the perfect choice to strike the right chord of sympathy and help heal, comfort, inspire and protect your recipients.

Upscale gift ideas just don’t refer to gifts with a pricey tag. Rather, it’s all about the gifts, how well they are appreciated by the people they are meant for, and the thought and care that goes into selecting them. And of course, being different from run-of-the-mill varieties too help them ooze a class of their own. So, the next time you are shopping for upscale gifts, use these ideas to make a good choice.

Gift Ideas for Your Teacher

If you thought that the job of a teacher finishes once the school hours are over, think again. Teachers are often considered second parents to students who teach them the difference between right and wrong, help them tide through difficulties with their love and advice, and mould them to grow into responsible citizens of the country. In today’s fast paced world where the job of a teacher has become almost a thankless routine, it would be nice to appreciate the work they are doing for your children and the society. Since choosing gifts for a teacher is a tough proposition, we bring a few gift ideas from which you can take your pick:

1. Wellness gifts: In between correcting students’ work, taking recess duty, buying teacher supplies and organizing book clubs, teachers often don’t get time to have proper meals. Thus, they end up neglecting their own health. You can gift them a wellness bouquet packed with fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies that would help them eat healthy and stay fit.
2. Gourmet gifts: Most people love gourmet chocolates and crispy cookies and teachers are no different. Be it delicious, freshly baked cookies, chocolate mint bars, pretzels, peanuts, chocolate drizzled caramel popcorn,or the classic Godiva chocolates, you can send some mouthwatering gourmet treats for your child’s teacher to show appreciation for their hard work.
3. Books and pens: These are the most common gifts for teachers. You can either select a pack of the teacher’s favorite books and pens as gift, or look for things that will be helpful in the classroom. Gifting fun and useful learning materials for both children and teacher, or buying a bunch of colorful pens that can be used in the art and craft class are good gift ideas worth exploring.
4. Thank You gifts: Most teachers take up this profession because they care about the students and love watching them learn, grow and accomplish great things. They don’t have expectations of getting gifts around the holidays or other occasions and are simply grateful for the opportunity to teach your child. Still, thanking them for making the world a better place would be a good gesture. From “Thank You” themed gift boxes packed with delicious munchies to organic gifts, handcrafted gift cards, colorful flower bouquets and gifts monogrammed with the teacher’s name, you will get many choices to select from.

Spa gifts, hobby/sports gifts, or home décor gifts too can be given to the teachers but unless you know the teacher well and are aware of his/her preferences, it’s better to give these a miss for the safe gift options like the ones mentioned above.  You may even consider gifting games and other activities for indoor recess to help teachers. Another interesting gift idea would be to volunteer to help your child’s teacher in any way you can (helping during art class or a field trip, making copies of a document, organizing book orders etc). At the end, it’s all about the feeling of appreciation, which would make the teacher love your gift.

Gift Baskets for the Elderly

Finding the ideal gift idea for an aged person is often a tough proposition. Whether you are looking to buy gifts for an elderly family member or friend, or need some gifts for seniors in assisted living, a lot of careful planning and thinking need to go into the act to finally get the right gift. From the freshest of organic, handpicked fruits and gourmet chocolates to classic or award-winning wines, you have a lot to choose from. If you are struggling to decide what would be a good gift for seniors, here are some gift basket ideas that will be loved by them for sure:

1. Fruits: A basket full of your recipient’s favorite fruits would be a good idea to help him/her live a healthy life while tasting delicious, fresh picks of the season. However, it’s best to select gift baskets with a small quantity as food gifts are perishable. Keeping the senior’s dietary restrictions in mind, if any, is another important thing to do while shopping for fruit gift baskets.
2. Organic Gift Baskets: If your elderly recipient has a penchant for eco-friendly items, let him/her enjoy nature’s bounty with organic delicacies. From delicious, high-quality, farm fresh, sustainably grown fruits, organic cheeses, crackers and organic dried strawberries to organic California cabernet sauvignon, you have a lot to choose from.
3. Relaxation Gift Baskets: This is somewhat of an unconventional gift where you treat the elderly to the fragrant pampering and joy of a spa vacation right at home. All you need is to select gift baskets that include bath lotions, gels, stress relieving aroma oils and delicious treats to let your recipient have a relaxing time in the comfort of his/her home.
4. Wine: From a premium selection of fine wine gifts to gift baskets where world famous wines are expertly paired with delicious gourmet foods, you can never go wrong with this. Most seniors love their wine and a few are even quite attached to their bottles of red wine, thanks to the health benefits it brings their way. Depending on what your recipient’s preference is, you can select wine gift baskets to bring a smile on his/her face.
5. Gifts for those with Dietary Restrictions: Once in their golden years, seniors often have specific nutritional needs, which make it difficult to find food gifts for them. The difficulty level goes a few notches up if he/she has dietary restrictions due to diabetes, high blood pressure or other ailments. However, this shouldn’t be a cause of concern as reputed online stores offer sugar-free and gluten-free food gift baskets to let seniors with dietary restrictions enjoy delicious treats.

Many seniors are somewhat isolated due to their limited physical mobility or inability to drive. This even makes it difficult for them to shop for items of everyday use. Thus, you can select a few items of daily use to gift them. But above all, give them your time and select gifts that will make them feel special and loved.

Budget gift ideas to impress your loved ones

Gift is a wonderful way of expressing your feelings, a thoughtful way of saying “I think of you and care for you!” Many have this idea that gifts are judged by expensive price tags only. This is not really true. What actually matters is your feelings and the way you convey it.  If you are totally apathetic to the cause then landing up with an expensive present makes no sense. In fact there are occasions which don’t even demand expensive gifts, e.g., you may want to say “get well soon”, “thank you” or “best of luck” to someone close. You need not present him/her with an expensive wrist watch or solitaire diamond. An exclusive gift with a well thought out message is enough to touch the person’s heart.

Prior to buying a gift, it helps if you know the person’s likes and dislikes. However, one thing can be said for sure that the best way to someone’s heart is through his/her stomach. So, if you don’t have clear idea about the person’s favorites, then a gourmet gift is the best bet. Very few can resist the charm of a gift basket containing premium chocolates, butter toffee pretzels, chocolate dipped butter cookies or fresh baked brownies. Many who don’t have sweet tooth will definitely fall for smoked almonds, cheese sticks or crunchy fresh roasted nuts. Again those who are too health conscious and can conjure up the courage to resist these delicacies will surely appreciate a basket containing assorted dry fruits, olive oil chips, tea cookies and green tea. So, what could have been the better option, than tickling taste buds of your loved ones and that too without spending a fortune!

If you are planning budget gift baskets under $40, then try the mix-n-match trick. Replace one or two expensive items with comparatively inexpensive ones. Make sure that you substitute with useful items only, e.g. if it is a birthday gift then team up your birthday cookies with a hand painted coffee mug. An apple gift basket hand dipped in rich Caramel, Chocolate and then colorfully decorated with bright candies is the perfect present to brighten up your sweetheart’s day. To make any gift even more eye-catching, use colorful gift wraps and satin ribbons. You can always be innovative with different gift ideas or else get the services of any reputed gifting company which has proficiency in offering personalized services. Apart from suggesting interesting gift ideas under $40, these companies also do the packaging and then deliver it at your desired address.

Prior to selecting a gifting company, do study its profile. Browse the website to know different gift categories and items included in each group. Enquire about their services, i.e., whether they arrange items as per your request, if they have gift baskets within limited budget, what locations they cover, how long the delivery takes and so on. When it comes to delightful gift ideas, many customers trust companies run by women gift experts; perhaps guided by the conception that only a woman is sensitive enough to appreciate feelings associated with a gift and can convey emotions in an aesthetical manner.