Imagine it is your birthday. You just finished a long day at work and received a couple of well-wishing cards and phone calls from friends and family. When you settle in at home, the doorbell rings. When you open the door, you are greeted by a smiling delivery man with a beautiful cellophane package with a big gold bow. “Happy birthday,” he exclaims as he heads up the driveway. It’s almost too pretty to open. Who could have sent you this? Questions run as he searches for the gift card. In a moment you will know who was the kind person who sent you this nice surprise. You know the words of love from her expressed in a happy birthday card. Looking closely at what you just received, you realize that you can enjoy it right now. There is no preparation or instructions to follow. They have sent you joy, love and above all a nice surprise. Something we all need from time to time. Now, wouldn’t you want to be the person who received this gift, or better yet, wouldn’t you want to be the one receiving the thank you phone call as the person who sent it?
Now, whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, a Christmas present, a well wish, or just something to brighten their day, these gifts are always welcome.
I’ve been in the gift industry for over 12 years and would like to share with you my top 10 gifts to give.
#one. Gift Baskets… There are literally thousands of styles of gift baskets available today in a wide range of themes. Choose pampering, chocolate or gourmet styles for women. Men can also enjoy the surprise of a gift basket with golf containers, sports cars and even wooden trucks. Pretzels, cashews, and even energy drinks can be included in your delicious gift. Gift baskets are also a great thank you for a business. Shareable grab-and-go items are the best way to go with a group, so look for these items inside your basket.
#two. Fruit Baskets… While we’re on the subject of baskets, a fruit basket makes a great gift for seniors, people who are sick, or your friends and family who follow a healthy diet. They may or may not be available at a gift basket store, but you can find them at a local grocery store or florist. However, try not to include bananas in the designer, as they tend to ripen early and tarnish the appearance of the gift.
#3. Fruit Bouquets… In the same vein as a fruit basket are these new fruit bouquets. They are usually found at a specialty store that only sells this type of item. They include beautiful flower arrangements made with apples, pineapples, cherries, and other fruits. They also feature chocolate covered strawberries and are a delicious gift for women, men and also a big hit with office staff.
#4. Chocolate… Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, caramel chocolate, the list goes on and on. In a delicate box or special container, you can’t go wrong with a selection of chocolate. If you need more reasons, many health advisors have suggested that dark chocolate is actually good for you. I know this has been a welcome relief for women like me.
#5. Flowers… Although it’s an old standby, a beautiful bouquet that arrives at the door and fills the house with a wonderfully fragrant aroma is a great way to send love. There are so many themed flower arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, condolences, recovery, and even for the new baby. It’s also the perfect little pick-me-up to brighten someone’s day.
#6. Potted Plants… Most florists stock arrangements of plants in ceramic, glass, or wicker baskets. They are especially nice as a thought of you, sympathy, or a feeling of well-being.
#7. Gourmet Cookies… A great gift for teens and young adults. Great as a housewarming, a birthday present for your child in college, or a thank you to your office staff. They are no longer only available in chocolate chips. Choose from a wide range of flavors and container sizes.
#8. Retro Candy and Others… You can go back in time with retro candy from specialty stores you can find online or in most major cities. They usually even classify the candy by decades so you can choose the sweet treat based on when they were born.
#9. Popcorn… This new trend in deliverable gifts is very popular right now. Forget boring buttered popcorn. You can choose from dozens of great flavors to suit any taste. Popcorn bins are also available in birthday, love, sports, and other themes. Most stores are available online and are very reasonably priced.
#10. Trays or Towers… Finally, we have trays and towers that are often supplied by gift basket companies. These gifts are filled with cookies, pretzels, candy, chocolate, cashews, and many other gourmet treats. Towers are usually stackable boxes with the treats neatly tucked inside. Fantastic for groups or families, there is something for everyone.
So there you have it. Keep this list handy for the next time you find yourself in a gift-giving dilemma. It will probably take you less than fifteen minutes if you order online and that includes the gift card text. You will do something nice for someone and with that gesture I hope that one day you will be on the receiving end of one of these surprisingly wonderful gifts.
Heather
