Gift Baskets Popularity
Do a quick Google search of "gift baskets" and you'll get 17,800,000+ results. Now you tell me the answer to the question, are gift baskets popular. If people were not interested there would not be this many searches online. Simple as that.
You can make gift baskets using so many different themes that it's just about endless. Typical and popular ones are often built around fruit, candy, tea, coffee, cookies, chocolate, wine.... you get the idea. Honestly, who doesn't thoroughly enjoy gift baskets -- giving or receiving them! I have fond memories of gift baskets we received every Christmas. The giver was a family friend whose own family created a brand of crackers. This gift basket was cracker and cookie themed all made by their company. It was a treat and something we looked forward to each year.
One of the more special gift baskets I received was put together by a close friend. It contained all of my favorite wines from around the world. They knew me, knew which wines were my favorites, and customized this most personal of gift baskets just for me with my exact favorite wines. I will never forget it!
Gift Baskets Personals
When I say personals, what I'm talking about is the message conveyed. Some companies send gift baskets to their best customers. Not long ago I was the recipient of one of these. It was more of a mixed theme with wine, cheese, deli meats, crackers, nuts, candies, chocolates, and a gift card. It was unexpected, beautifully put together, and clearly on the expensive side. We thoroughly enjoyed everything in it. There was a nice handwritten note (put together by the sending company) telling me how much they valued me using them and their services. But it was NOT personalized. Yes, I appreciated the sentiment, so please don't get me wrong. But just a simple little step of taking a moment to include a personal handwritten note connotes something extra special in this text and email impersonal world in which we live.
An elderly family member received one of their famous gift baskets of pears around Christmas time distributed by a well known vendor. The pears were unboxed and refrigerated when I stopped in to check on this family member. They were distraught that they couldn't find a card or note who they were from. Turns out it was printed on the outside of the box with a personal sentiment....but not personalized....printed on the label alongside the address. If you're going through the trouble and expense of sending gift baskets, don't do it that way. Take a few extra minutes and make it personal. Here's how....
Gift Baskets Tips
1. Make it personal. Even if time is short and you purchase something already put together, take a moment and try to come up with something that you can add that you know this person loves. For example, let's say you're giving something around the theme of fruit and you know this person loves Chiquita bananas. Well, look for some bananas with that famous label and replace the ones that are in the basket. Don't be shy about calling attention to what you've done either. That's just an example, but one I actually used for a Chiquita banana nut!
2. ALWAYS write in your own handwriting a personal note. Think ahead. It's not difficult to write a note and mail it to the company that you're using as a supplier (if you're not doing your own gift baskets). Have them include your note on the inside of the basket conspicuously placed atop all the goodies. It's better on the inside rather than affixed as it might fall off or be accidentally torn off in transportation.
3. Do it yourself if you can. I know it's asking a lot for some who don't feel artsy-craftsy. Don't worry about that though. It's kinda like presents your children put together for you...maybe a coupon for your birthday or something like that. It means the world because it's done by them. Well, it works similarly with gift baskets. You put it together yourself and it will have your own personal touch. Forget striving for perfection in bows and bags and wraps. That's not what it's all about
Now my theme here has not been how to make or put together gift baskets. There's a load of information out about that. In fact, watch this video below for some more ideas along those lines.
Rachael Ray Show - Making Gift Baskets
Their popularity is so great that even Wikipedia has an article about them. Click on the link in GIFT BASKETS to go there now and see their article.