How to Make Gift Giving Easy!

Shopping for the Holidays can be extremely as fun as watching paint dry. To make things easier…Think about a Coffee Gift Basket this Christmas, and your shopping woes will be a thing of the past.

Can you believe it is Christmas gift buying time again? Are you ready to thank that new customer, or client? Okay, I will stop stressing you out, as I am sure that you get the point. You need a way to thank people, but not blow the budget. Yes it is this easy: Gift baskets!

Gift baskets can take on many forms. Personally, I like gourmet gift baskets loaded with yummy treats, such as coffee, cookies and chocolate. But really, that is only the beginning.

There are numerous companies that fill gift baskets with everything from spa treats, to doggy toys. You can even find companies that will let you choose the gift basket’s fillings. So how do you decide on the ideal gift basket for your family, friends or client? Here are some easy methods.

• Try to choose a theme that mirror the recipient’s interests. Are they into “green” living? Then go toward a basket that features Fair Trade and Organic items like coffee, mugs and gifts from Nectar of Life Coffee Company. Or perhaps they love fresh fruit, wine, nuts, and vegetables. Then a gift from Harry and David would be just the thing for the fruit lover. Gift baskets can be expensive. The good things about gift baskets are a huge time-savings, and you can have them shipped with a custom card directly to the recipient.

• A second option is to put together a basket on your own. I know it sounds daunting, but it can be very easy, and you can enjoy a cost savings. The price range to make your own basket is about $5.00 – skies the limit. Do consider that you will have to package and arrange delivery of the gift basket. If you don’t shop around, it could take away from whatever cost savings you realized from using your own merchandise. If you decide to make your own gift basket here are some simple guidelines to get you going.

• You will need a themed basket or box, a photographer, for instance would be able to use a photo box; a die-hard fisherman, a tackle box; a child could use a fabric lined basket as a toy box, etc.. Perhaps the lucky gift receiver is a photographer or fisherman.

• Now that you have chosen a theme, get 3 large items to start. Let’s stick with the photographer. Choose some camera related items, such as a strap.

• To add to the gift basket pick 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.

• To finish up your basket 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).

• Use glue dots (available at Michaels or local craft stores) to secure all items together. Don’t get out-of-control with them, one or two per item is all that is necessary. Glue down the large suff first. Then secure medium sized objects, and the small items as filler around the bottom. Aim for a pyramid as you are making the basket.

• Finally, purchase a large piece of cellophane, or if you are a real go getter, a roll of basket wrap. Cut your wrap big enough to engulf the whole basket, then tie the corners at the top with a bow.

• For the perfect topper, a bow at the top will create a gift that is both festive and stylish.

Suppose you have a good idea of what you want, and would like to incorporate things that you have lying around, and if you just don’t have time 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 incorporate 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.

An excellent source for Coffee Gift Baskets is Nectar of Life Organic Coffee Company. Nectar of Life not only makes coffee, but they offer a wide selection of gift baskets.