Do you need a unique gift for a family or friend? At one time, shopping for a gift was lots of fun. Today, choosing the “perfect” gift can be very stressful. How much should you spend? Should you give something fun or practical? Gift baskets lend themselves to any occasion, any theme and any budget. A gift basket can be filled with foods and other items that are chosen specifically for the person who is going to receive it. It can contain the makings for a pasta dinner or a day at the beach. It can be filled with lots of chocolate and cookies or it can be made to accommodate a sugar free, or a gluten free diet. The possibilities are endless. If you know your recipients hobbies, a basket can be created to their liking!
One of my favorite themed gift baskets is the pancake breakfast basket. To make this gift basket, you will need a basket or other container, a package of pancake mix, a bag of gourmet coffee, a jug of maple syrup and a jar of fruit jam or jelly. I suggest shopping in gourmet food shops for these items. Gourmet food stores usually carry items that are more attractively packaged than the commercial packaging found in retail food stores. You may also want to check out local farm stands or farmers’ markets in your area for maple syrup, jams or jelly. If you want to spend a little more consider giving your basket in a wicker picnic basket or including fancy napkins, fun plates or a fun recipe book.
Once you have chosen the items, you will need to arrange them artfully in your basket. Adding some colorful tissue paper or shred and perhaps a floral or seasonal enhancement will fill in the spaces between the items and add interest to the design. You may want to add keepsake items such as a couple of coffee mugs or woven place mats.
The next step is to wrap the basket in cello, then finish by tying a spectacular bow on the top. What you now have is not only a hearty and delicious breakfast, but a beautiful and thoughtful gift as well. A pancake breakfast gift basket is the perfect gift for just about any occasion including a birthday, anniversary, or housewarming. It is appropriate as a corporate gift as well as a personal one. It not only provides the individual with a spectacular breakfast but hopefully a special activity to have with their family or special loved one.
Making your own gift baskets, although fun, can be very time consuming. If you like the idea, but don’t have the time, find a professional gift basket service to work with. A really good gift basket designer can be as valuable a resource as your auto mechanic or your hair stylist! Professionally created gift baskets can be designed and packaged so that they can be shipped anywhere. Remember, however, if you are on a budget creating your own gift basket is the way to go!
