Are you ready for Christmas? 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 message. You need a way to show your appreciation, but not go hog-wild with the spending. Yes it is this easy: Gift baskets!



When you think gift baskets, what are they filled with? Personally, I love gourmet gift baskets loaded with delicious treats, such as coffee, cookies and chocolate. But really, that is only the beginning.

There are gift basket vendors that fill gift baskets with just about anything you can think of. You can even get a hold of companies that will let you choose the basket's theme and contents. So how do you choose the ideal gift basket for the people that you love? Here are three easy simple guidelines.

1.Try to choose items that mirror the person's passions. Are they into "sustainable" living? If so, then buy a basket that contains organic and Fair Trade items. Or perhaps they are a lover of fresh fruit, wine, nuts, and vegetables. Then a basket from Harry and David www.harryanddavid.com would be a wise choice. Pre-Made gift baskets can range in price from $9.99 - $500+. 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.

2.There is also the choice of diving into creating a basket of your own. Don't let this idea intimidate you. The price range for this option is about $20.00-$200.00 +. One negative aspect is that you will have the shipping or delivery ordeal to deal with. If you don't shop around, it could take away from whatever cost savings you realized by doing it yourself. If you decide to create your own gift basket here are some simple guidelines to get you going.

A.You will need a theme basket or box (a photographer, for instance would be able to use a photo box; a fisherman, a tackle box; a child could use a fabric lined basket as a toy box, etc.)

B.Now that you have decided on a theme, buy 3 large items to start. Take the camera buff for example. For this person, choose a camera case, lenses for their camera, a flip style photo album, or if you have money, a camera or lens that they have mentioned.

C.Now choose four smaller items. For a fisherman, this might include lures, and a reel . These are just a few suggestions.

D.As a final touch include small snacks, trinkets or edibles that tie your gift together. For a child you might choose candy or cookies.

E.Use glue dots (available at Michaels or local craft stores) to secure everything in place. Use them sparingly, one or two per item is all that is needed. Glue down the big items first. Then secure medium sized items, and the smaller stuff as filler around the bottom. Think pyramid as you are building the basket.

F.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 swallow the whole basket, then secure the corners at the top with a bow.

G.Using a custom bow on top is the perfect thing to bring it all together.

3. Suppose you have a good idea of what you want, and would like to incorporate things that you have purchased, and if you just don't have time to assemble the basket yourself, then check locally. Many times there are gift basket companies 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 reflect a number of ideas, and goods. They are very appealing and enjoyable. You can incorporate a whole family with just one gift.