Wednesday, 12 November 2014

Thanksgiving gift ideas for loved ones

Thanksgiving is a holiday steeped in history and tradition, with images of boats, pilgrims, pumpkins, crops and turkeys, all around. One of the best ways to celebrate this joyous occasion is to give away small tokens of love to the ones who matter most in your life. From gourmet gift baskets to spa products, here are some ideas that you can mix and match to create a perfect gift.

Appetizer baskets 


If you’d like to create a basket that your host can use during a dinner party, then give them a basket filled with appetizers. You can include a variety of cheeses, fruits, crackers, or mixed nuts. Dish towels or pot holders can also be added to fill up the empty spaces. Don’t forget to use fall colors, such as gold, reds, oranges and browns while decorating.

Dinner baskets
Even though your host may have already planned and prepared a Thanksgiving meal, a gift basket containing recipes and ingredients will allow them to peruse other ideas and recipes later on. There are thousands of recipes over the internet, including regional specialties from California to New England and Southern style cooking. An unusual dinner gift basket should help them get into the holiday spirit.

After dinner baskets

A container filled with desserts and beverages can come in very handy after a large dinner. Buy pies, cookies, and brownies to put inside the basket for your recipient to serve after a meal. You can even choose to bake a dessert. Place your cookies or cake in a decorative tray or a tin and snuggle in some assorted teas or coffee bags along.

Fruit baskets 
To make a fruit basket, place colorful fall leaves in the shades of scarlet, orange, and gold inside your container, filling it to the brim with fruits. Tuck in some apples, pears, oranges, limes and lemons. Use mini-pumpkins as fillers to cover up the gaps. These gift baskets do not just offer delicious snacks but are also a very healthy way to tell someone how much you appreciate them.

Personalized baskets

Can there be a better gift than having your favorite goodies tucked inside one big container? After a tiring day, your recipient will probably like to take a break and relax. Give them a more customized gift basket to help them wind down. Snuggle in a bottle of their favorite beverage and some of their personal favorites, such as cookies and candy. You can also add some spa products and scented candles.

Decorating baskets

Another pretty gift is a cornucopia filled with Thanksgiving decorations and treats. You can tuck in napkins, place mats, candlesticks, candy, fruit, and the like. Tie a beautiful bow and snuggle in a CD of holiday music to get your recipients in the mood.


There is no better occasion to say thanks to your loved ones than Thanksgiving. Whether you’re having your friends over for dinner or just want to tell someone how grateful you are for having them in your life, you can display your appreciation with a small gift. Hope the aforementioned ideas help you come up with the right present.

Friday, 24 October 2014

Have Fun with Movie Night Gift Baskets

Whether you are planning a movie night with your partner or friends and family, something to munch on is an absolute must to enjoy your movie marathon. However, it would kill all the fun if your host has to pause your favorite movie just to get into the kitchen and rustle up something every time the hunger pangs strike. A solution to this problem is to opt for movie night gift baskets that pack a range of delicious goodies. Though a bag of microwave popcorn is a common element of most such gift baskets, you can explore other choices too if you want to give the common fare a miss and pick some more enticing items. Even some gift baskets that give a spin to those ubiquitous popcorns are worth a try.

Here are some movie night gift basket ideas that can let you enjoy the movie theatre ambiance with delicious items and loved ones for company:
  • Candies and chocolates: Starting from old school candies like Candy Dots, Necco Wafers, Dubble Bubble, Mike & Ike Cherri Bubb, Cracker Jack, Pixy Sticks and Nik Nips to others such as Rasinettes and peanuts candies, you will be spoiled for choice when you search the stock of reputed online gift stores. If your recipients are chocolate lovers, you can take your pick from Godiva treats, Ghirardelli chocolate squares, etc. You may even choose pure chocolate bars or chocolate-covered treats such as Dolcetto Chocolate Pastry, Chocolate Truffle Almonds, Chocolate Hot Fudge Brownie and Cashew Roca Butter – to name just a few. Gift baskets that pack these goodies are sure to satiate any cocoa and candy craving for sure!
  • Popcorns with a twist: If you are not just satisfied with popcorns alone for your movie night, how about a gift basket that packs more? Starting from popcorn and gourmet popcorn seasoning to some more munchies packed along with a 10” film reel collectible tin would surely be admired by your recipients. Even the goodies packed in a movie theater popcorn box can be a good way to get started with your movie marathon. So, add some jazz to your movie night gathering with such gift baskets.
  • "Theme" movie gift baskets: If the group/host has planned to play some specific movies, you can create personalized "theme" movie gift baskets to up the surprise quotient. For example, packing chocolate goodies for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or rainbow candies before settling down to watch The Wizard of Oz could be worth a try.
  • Wine and beer: Washing down the delicacies with a bottle of beer or wine would be an ideal way to celebrate your movie night with friends and family or that special someone. Therefore, take your pick from a wide range of such gift baskets available at major wholesale gift stores.
  • Healthy gift baskets: In case your recipients include adults or others with dietary restrictions, you can choose from a wide range of dietary gift baskets such as gluten free gift baskets, diabetic gift baskets, sugar-free gift baskets etc.

Couples planning a movie night can also choose gift baskets with a snuggie, cozy slipper socks, scented candles, aroma oils, etc. to set the mood for a romantic night. So, plan ahead, choose your movie night gift baskets, add a personalized note and get ready for a great movie experience!

Wednesday, 15 October 2014

5 Tips to Choose Baby Gift Baskets

Choosing gifts for adults is a tough choice but the task becomes tougher when your recipients are babies. Since you won’t know about their habits or preferences in most cases, choosing gifts that are useful and likeable by the little ones can be an uphill task. Though many people opt for toys, new clothes, baby products etc, deciding what to include in your baby gift baskets can often be an overwhelming choice as the market offers numerous options for you to choose from. To make your choice easier and faster, here are five tips that can help you sail through the tough act of choosing baby gift baskets:

  • Gender-specific gifts: If you know the gender of the baby, you can narrow your search down to gifts for the baby girl or boy. While soft toys to cuddle are good for both, you may widen your search to include other toys made of foam, ribbon or wood letters, which can let the little ones have some fun time. Usually, color themes that dominate baby girl gifts are pink and purple, while red and blue are for the boys.
  • Gender-neutral gifts: If the baby’s sex is unknown to you, you can opt for gift baskets in gender neutral colors such as green, yellow, brown and orange. Opting for gifts in pastel and light shades is also a good choice in such cases. Gifts like rubber ducks too can be considered, which can make bath time more enjoyable for the tiny tots, irrespective of their gender.
  • Baby supplies: If you want to give the stuffed animals and soft toys a miss, you can opt for gift baskets that pack a range of baby products. Starting from baby soaps, lotions, powder, baby comb, hair brushes and other bath products for the baby to portable diaper bags, bottles and other feeding products, you can get a wide variety to take your pick from.
  • Baby clothing: Starting from mini bodysuits to snuggle suits,sleepy hats, blankets and pillows,stroller blankets, shoes etc, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to buying baby clothes.Knowing the age and size of the baby will help you select the right clothing that fits well. However, you may opt for one-size baby clothing too in case you are unaware of the baby’s size.
  • Baby and others: It’s not compulsory that yourbaby gift baskets should contain gifts just for the baby. You can also include gifts for the parents, especially if they are new parents. By packing some essential supplies, you can help save the parents a trip to the store in case they forget something essential. In case the baby has an older sibling, including some gifts for him/her can be a good choice as this will not let any resentment breed, as is common with many siblings who feel neglected by all the attention the newest member of the family is getting.

Apart from helpful and useful baby items, you can also opt for a bouquet of flowers, gourmet gift baskets that pack “Welcome Baby” cards, chocolates, cakes and other delectable items. Remember to add a handmade note or message to your gifts or choose personalized packing options to create unique baby gift baskets.

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Unique Gift Baskets to Celebrate Patriot Day

In the history of the US, September 11th is a dark day when terrorist attacks claimed 2,977 lives. Ever since President Bush used his authority in 2012 to sign the resolution and proclaim September 11, 2002 as Patriot Day, this day has been celebrated as a day of remembrance. On this day, people across the country send flowers and gifts to honor their countrymen and support the family or friends of those who have lost a near and dear one in the 9/11 attacks. Be it commemorative gifts or bouquets to honor these brave men and women, you can select from a varied repertoire of several online gift shops to show how much you value the work and sacrifice of those who lost their lives on that fateful day of September 11th.

Here are some unique gift basket ideas for Patriot Day, from which you can take your pick:
  • Patriot bouquets: Nothing can pay a better tribute to the brave souls than a gift basket displaying patriotism. These days, many gift shops stock roses and other flowers with their petals dyed in red, white and blue hues, which help you create the perfect tribute to express your love and pride for the country. If you too want to wear your patriotism on your sleeves, you can choose one or more of these patriot bouquets to celebrate Patriot Day this year.
  • Cookies and other delectable items: Be it delicious cookies, munchies or chocolates, you can get a lot of variety to choose from with these gourmet gift baskets that pack ready to eat items, perfect for any patriotic occasion. Starting from bite-size nibblers and munchies to star-shaped cookies, such gift baskets pack a punch that’s sure to sweeten up any occasion.
  • Organic gift baskets: Gifts that pack organic foods and snacks of superior quality, complete with eco-friendly packaging, are in vogue these days. You too can pick some of these gift baskets that pack the power of nature to commemorate the brave souls who left us on 9/11.
  • Healthy gift baskets: Patriot Day celebration shouldn’t be limited to those who can gorge on chocolates and cookies. Even those with dietary and other health restrictions should take part in the events planned to salute the heroes. To make this possible, several wholesale gift shops offer gluten-free/heart-healthy/sugar-free/diabetic gift baskets. Depending on your recipient’s health and dietary restrictions, you can select from these gifts and ensure that everyone is playing his/her part in lifting the spirits of the friends and families of America's heroes.
  • Sports gift baskets: Some regions celebrate Patriot Day with several events like marathons, golf matches etc along with local parades and celebrations. You too can take part in these to experience how people honor their heroes. You may even gift sports gift baskets in this spirit to encourage your recipients’ participation in these activities. While golf gift baskets will help your recipients play a round or two of the game, those that pack running shoes, cookies etc will be perfect for runners who participate in the marathons.
To make all these gifts more special, you can include a personalized, heart-felt message that acts as your signature touch and goes on to show how much you care.

Friday, 12 September 2014

5 Fall Gift Basket Ideas

This autumn, give your gift giving ceremony a twist by sending unique gift baskets complete with a personalized message, which would delight your recipients and show them how much you care. Whether it’s delectable gourmet fall gift baskets filled with the gift of cookies, chocolates, cakes, cheese, organic fruits; fresh and beautiful flowers; or spa gifts, you will have all these and much more to choose from when you browse through the repertoire of reputed online gift shops.

If you are looking for some fall gift basket ideas that are ideal for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, housewarmings and more, here are some to help you take your pick from:

  • Chocolates and cookies: Let the harvest season be full of fall sweetness and fun when you bring a wide variety of gourmet delights to the table of your recipients. Starting from classic chocolate treats to chocolate dips, delicious cookies, pretzels, fall-inspired sprinkles, drizzles and candies, you will have a lot to choose from. Many online gift shops pack these truly self-indulgent treats in unique gift packs, thus giving you the ideal solution to share your fall festivities with your loved ones.
  • Fresh harvest produce: Nothing beats the joy of tasting fresh farm produce and this fall, you can give the packaged foods a miss to vote in favor of organic food. Though the availability and variety of fall produce will depend largely on your region's climate, you can still face a dilemma while making a choice as a lot would be up for grabs. Be it fresh, seasonal fruits or locally made cheese/honey, you can’t go wrong when you pick fresh harvest produce – one of Nature's greatest gifts.
  • Dried fruits and nuts: Whether your recipients like salty or sweet snacks, munching dried fruits and nuts can be the ideal way for them to spend their evenings at home. Apart from dried fruits, nuts, dates, cranberries and raisins, you can also get tasty trail mixes or mix-and-match to produce one of your own signature combinations, which can then be given as gifts. 
  • Flowers: Whether you are looking for a riot of colors or a vibrant bouquet to spread the cheer around, fall flower gift baskets are your ideal bet. Though you can pick your chosen flowers to create a DIY gift basket, buying them from a gift shop would ensure that the in-house expert florists arrange the flowers beautifully to provide outstanding results that wow your recipients.
  • Spa gifts: Taking a break from the daily grind and stepping into a salon to enjoy a therapeutic spa where you can simply lie back and relax is a dream almost everyone nurtures. But often, this remains a distant dream as you just can’t find the time to pamper yourself. If your intended recipients too are in such a situation, you can help them with spa gift baskets that let them enjoy a relaxing spa, right at home. Most of these spa gift baskets pack all the essential spa products such as body lotion, shower gel, moisturizing body butter, bath crystals, bar soap, bath sponge, bath fizzers, nail brush, pumice stone, etc. to let your recipients enjoy a  rejuvenating spa session in the comfort of their homes.

When you buy these gifts from a reputed online store, you will get the chance to customize them with a handwritten note, which makes them one-of-a-kind. Some stores also allow you to choose special packaging to give your fall gifts a signature style that’s simply matchless. So, put on your creative hat to come up with fall gift ideas using the tips above that would bring joy to your family and friends.

Wednesday, 27 August 2014

Unique Gift Baskets to Celebrate Senior Citizens Day

Old age is the reflection of a beautiful journey called “life”.  It is a time to cherish that past filled with triumphs, tribulations, laughter and pain, all of which have contributed in their own way to create a beautiful present. Old age often brings experience and wisdom, which when shared by the seniors, can become the foundation of knowledge for the future generation. Therefore, old age is something to be proud of. After all, Henri Frederic Amiel rightly quoted, “To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living”.

This Senior Citizen’s Day, let us tell the elderly how much we love and care for them by presenting them with unique gift baskets and just watching the innocent smile on their faces. Colorful gift baskets, both general and customized ones, are available in many online stores. You just have to browse the wide variety to take your pick from them. Here are some ideas that can help you select the right gift basket for your elders to help them celebrate Senior Citizen’s Day in style:

  • Organic Gift Baskets: Being natural and healthy, these gift baskets are unmatched bundles of joy for the seniors. Packed with farm-fresh organic food combined with some healthy pasta, sauces and breadsticks, not to mention a creamy chocolate bar at time, they pack a lot of variety that satiates the taste buds like no other food. No wonder why these unique gift baskets feature high on the list of many shoppers as offer yummy but healthy food options for the seniors.  
  • Wine Gift Baskets: A gift basket with two bottles of wine along with a box of snacks, cheese and dark chocolates is a fantasy come true. So, why don’t you make this day more special by gifting the elders something to raise a toast to? Some of the wine gift baskets may even come with a combination of roasted peanuts, hot sweet mustard and pepper crackers to make the celebration delectable. Bountiful Vineyard, California Splendor and 91 Point Spanish Paella are few of the classic varieties to select from.
  • Health Gift Baskets: The best way to show the elders that you care is to gift them a customized basket of healthy goodies. These baskets contain various types of sugar free and low-calorie brownies, health bars, snacks, teas and other munchies. Heart Healthy, Sugar free and Diabetic baskets are some of those well-being packages, which will assure the elders that it is indeed a healthy Senior Citizen’s Day.
  • Gourmet Gift Baskets: If the seniors of your house are real foodies, then these baskets offer a variety that you will never be able to say no to. Starting from their favorite wines, cookies, pasta and chocolates, to delicious cheese, wafers, candies and much more, you will get an exclusive range of items to fill your basket of love. Some baskets like the Country Gourmet and Classy Italian Dinner are specially designed to meet the preferences of the wisest persons of your family.
  • Spa Gift Baskets: If your parents or grandparents are regular visitors to spas and massage parlors, then the Spa gift baskets are “the baskets” to select this Senior Citizen’s Day. A varied range of shower gels, body lotions, scrubs, soaps, scents et all are the actual essence of these baskets, which are often complemented by bath towels, slippers and relaxation CDs. Beach Relaxation and Harvest Spa Gift baskets are some that a senior will need to enjoy a spa experience right at home.

Whatever you gift the elderly this Senior Citizen’s Day, nothing will match your love, compassion and care. Your relentless support to their stooping shoulders and shaking hands is the true expression of your respect and love. And these beautifully wrapped gift baskets with a lovely personalized note will definitely speak for you a lot more than mere words.

Tuesday, 12 August 2014

Gift Ideas for Labor Day

Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September to mark the American Labor Movement. This day is dedicated to the economic and social accomplishment of workers. Labor Day offers the working people a rare three-day weekend, which is lapped up by many to enjoy picnics, camping and social gatherings with friends and family. In many states, this day also marks, albeit unofficially, the end of summer and the commencement of school. Therefore, children and youngsters too take part in the festivities that are organized when Labor Day weekend rolls around. In case you have been planning to send gifts to loved ones to make their Labor Day celebrations special, here are some ideas that can help:

  • Gourmet Delicacies: Typically, Labor Day parties include some type of outdoor dining. So, packing a lunch basket with chocolates, cookies, fresh fruits, munchies and other gourmet delicacies are sure to be winners. A lot of online gift stores stock a variety of chocolates, fruits and organic gift baskets, from which you can take your pick. In case your recipients have health issues, you may even shop for heart healthy gift baskets, sugar-free/diabetic gift baskets or gluten-free gift baskets.
  • Wine Gift Baskets: No celebration can be complete without a glass of wine or champagne. So, order unique wine gift baskets which pack your intended recipient’s favorite wines and let them raise a toast in style.
  • Spa Gifts: Instead of spending a day-out, if your loved ones would rather have a day of indulgence at a spa, you can send them spa gift vouchers. If they are not interested in stepping out and still want to be pampered, spa gift baskets are your ideal bet. Packed with spa essentials, these baskets are perfect to enjoy a spa session right at home. Designed to soothe frayed nerves, while offering the much-needed touch of stress relief, these spa baskets will help your loved ones pamper themselves in royal style.
  • Tickets to Sporting Events: For sports enthusiasts, nothing can beat the tickets to their favorite outdoor sporting events. You too can gift such tickets to your recipients this Labor Day to bring some unique quotient to your gifts. In case there are no sporting events nearby, there’s no need to fret and fume. You can always choose from the bouquet of sports gift baskets and take your pick depending on what sport your recipient favors.
  • Home Decoration/Renovation Items: Rather than enjoying a rest day, some people may choose to decorate/renovate parts of their home on Labor Day. If your recipient is such a person who takes pride in working hard even on a holiday, you can chip in with gifts that pack home decoration items (such as picture frames, pen stands, vases etc) or toolkits and items for home repair.
  • Outdoor Game Kits: Spending time on camping can be difficult if you don’t have enough options to keep yourself occupied. To save your loved ones from this plight, especially if they have planned a camping trip this Labor Day, you can pick outdoor game kits that are easy to carry and will help the participants have an enjoyable time.

People in the US work long and hard and take pride in their reputation of being workaholic. Labor Day gives them a chance to break free from the strict schedule and enjoy some quality time with friends, family and loved ones to feel rejuvenated. This way, they are ready to come back to work with a renewed fervor. So, find some gifts to help your loved ones enjoy this day and add a personal note to show that you really love and care for them.