Gift Baskets: to give or not to give

Gift giving is not only a task but an art as well. It is an art in the sense that it requires thought, creativity, action, and is a form of expression. Giving a gift basket to someone not only says things like thank you, I am sorry, way to go, but expresses your sincere thoughts in taking out the time to find the right elements to convey your emotions.

Themed gift baskets are a great way to help express your (the sender) emotions to the recipient. The choice of color, ingredients, accessories, and greeting card complete the ensemble of your purpose. An example would be sending a gift basket to someone that has just had major surgery and is going to be bed bound for a little while; send a themed basket that gives them something to do and stay busy for a while. Another example would be for a new mom; send a gift basket that has the right gender and theme. You can see some great examples at basketsender.com.

Making the decision to send a gift basket is based on a personal preference, functionality, and emotional expression. Some simple steps to consider before sending a unique gift like this are:

• Realize the reason you are sending the basket. This could be for saying thank you to a client or employee, congratulations on your promotion, I am sorry for your loss, or whatever the occasion there is a basket for it.
  
• Then take some time to think about what your recipient likes; cookies, color, contents, overall presentation, and functionality. The quality of the contents has a lot to say as well.
  
• Consider the season. The hotter months may limit things you can send and how you can send them. An example would be chocolate that may melt, perishable items like a fruit basket (mostly requires Next Day or Express Delivery), and the particular holiday season.
  
• Price may have an influence on your decision but take a good look at what you are paying for.
  
• Lastly make a lasting impression by placing the right salutation or greeting on the gift insert.

The bottom line is that sending a gift basket is a great way to convey your message and let your recipient know that you are thinking about them in more ways than one. The art of giving a gift serves a purpose far more important than to say thank you, I am sorry, way to go, or congratulations on your new baby. It is a message from you as a person or group. Gift baskets can be used to attract more clients, express your love, or just show a person that you care. Take the steps today and send someone a gift that they can really use and appreciate.