Perhaps she fluffed the pillows, left fresh towels in the bathroom and made you coffee every morning for a week. Maybe she invited you to an intimate dinner, complete with a five-course menu she spent three days preparing. Or perhaps her annual tacky holiday sweater and cookie swap party is the talk of the block. No matter what she’s done, a gift basket full of well-chosen items is a perfect way to say thank you. Here’s your step-by-step guide to building the perfect gift basket for one of the most important and oft-overlooked gift categories —the thank-you variety.
The Brunch Lover: What’s not to love about brunch? Eggs, cantaloupe and pancakes at a leisurely hour are just a few reasons it’s a weekend favorite. But it’s not complete without mimosas. Have the folks at Haskell’s help you choose a bottle of champagne, then add a selection of fresh oranges, a pair of champagne flutes and a pretty dishtowel to make clean-up a pleasure. Pack everything carefully in a pretty tray she can use for breakfast in bed. Champagne and sparkling wine starting at $7.99, Riedell champagne flutes starting at $19.99 each, all from Haskell’s; set of two Now Designs dishtowels, $7.95, single, $12.95, set from Patina; birch tray, $17.95, from Byerly’s
The Hedonist: Pamper her with a few luxurious treats you know she’ll appreciate. Choose bubble bath and lotion in matching scents; add a high-quality candle, a well-dressed box of matches and a decadent chocolate bar. She’ll look forward to your next visit. Barr Co. bath salts $29.95, cream $24, candle $24, all from Patina; Michel Design Works matches, $2.99 from Bachman’s; B.T. McElrath chocolate bar $5.49, tapered birch container with handles $17.95, both from Byerly’s
The Entertainer: Encourage her to give another party soon with a party-in-a-box! Add some beeswax taper candles for mood lighting, a beautiful floral centerpiece for the table, and include festive paper plates and matching napkins so there are no dishes to do afterwards. Packaged in Bachman’s signature purple-and-white striped box, it’s more fun than a dozen balloons. (And they have those, too). Nine-inch Roots taper candles, $2.69 each from Byerly’s; Caspari paper plates ($4.49) and napkins ($5.99), and floral centerpiece $49.99, all from Bachman’s
Expert Tips:
- Choose your gift items first, and find the right container afterwards. That way, your basket will look abundant, never sparse.
- Fun fillers include crinkle cut paper, moss or even confetti. Be imaginative. The straw found in traditional baskets is actually wood shavings and is called excelsior.
- Unusual containers can be a lovely way to tie in the theme and add an element of surprise. Consider bowls, pitchers, desk organizers, even decorative flower planters for a whimsical touch that will make your hostess smile.
- Ditch the cellophane bag, and attach a handwritten note with a ribbon instead. She won’t want to throw that away.
No time to spare?
These local businesses are happy to assemble, wrap and send baskets for you.
ABC Gift Marketing
Custom and corporate gift baskets for all occasions.
763.913.8793
Bachman’s
Ready-made or customized gift baskets of gifts, fresh flowers, potted plants and balloons. 763.541.1188
Cookies by Design
Send rich, frosted sugar cookies on a stick for any theme or occasion.
763.545.5777
Edible Arrangements
Fresh fruit arrangements in whimsical shapes and configurations.
763.231.6650
Haskell’s
Ready-made or customized gift baskets of wine, beer, liquor and gourmet foods.
763.553.9198
Lund’s and Byerly’s Basket Shop
Ready-made or custom gift baskets of spices, specialty foods, bath products or gift items.
952.548.5328
