Gift baskets are a fantastic solution to the most difficult gift giving problems. You can make your own gift baskets for any occasion even on a tight budget. All it takes is imagination, a suitable container, the items to fill it, bits and bobs for decoration and there you have a very unique and very personal gift.

If you find you have a flair for making your own gift baskets have you every thought of making a living from your creations?

Gift baskets these days are big business and if you enjoy making them as a hobby it might be worth considering branching out. Starting a home business can be a daunting prospect which is why looking to something you enjoy doing and have a talent for is always a sensible option when considering going it alone.

Knowing where to start can often be a major hurdle and regardless of how big or small you plan on making your business. The best place to start is with a business plan. I know you are probably groaning at this moment and thinking I just want to get on with making gift baskets! However, a business plan will ensure that you are aware of every aspect of running a gift basket making business from your home, garage or where ever and believe me there is more to it than creating beautiful gifts. If you need help with completing your business plan you should take a look at the Small Business Administration website where you will find all the help you will need.

There are many costs involved in running any kind of business and making your own gift baskets is no different, you will not only need basic materials and equipment for creating gift baskets you will also need things like office equipment, business insurance, help with accounting and a whole lot more. It is vital that all these additional expenses are taken into account from the very beginning.

Another aspect which you may not be aware of is that there are rules and regulations set out on local, county and state levels referring to gift basket making businesses. These are especially important when producing food gift baskets. To ensure that you do not run into any problems with the authorities or with your clients it is essential that you have a thorough understanding of the regulations in your area. If you contact your local government office and make enquiries they should be only to pleased to help and supply the information you need. It is always good business practise to strike up a good relationship with the various regulatory bodies like environmental health etc.

As with any type of venture you will also have to get the word out that you are open for business. Now, while you will hopefully get plenty of good publicity free from satisfied clients via word of mouth to begin with you are going to have to advertise. The cost of this will vary depending on how you go about it. You may consider having flyers printed which can be distributed to local households and businesses, an advertisement on local radio or in the local press and of course you may consider a web site. The most important thing is that it is tailored to suite your budget.

Getting all this stuff sorted out may seem like a major task but once you get started you should be able to complete this less than exciting exercise within a few days. One huge advantage you should gain is knowing exactly what you have to do to achieve your goal before making any investment and costly mistakes. The second advantage is may be able to save yourself a few dollars by finding items which will be useful to your business already in your home.

The one thing which a make your own gift basket business does not have are big overhead costs. Working from home you will not have any rent to pay and large stock holdings are not necessary when you first start out. You should be pretty much able to purchase items as you need them. Try to find a local wholesaler who is willing to accept fairly small orders until your business expands. You may have to use a retailer to begin with if there are no wholesalers willing accommodate you in this way.

Pricing can be another area that people find difficult – obviously you are in business to make a profit but it is also important that you offer your customers value for money. Over price and you will not attract repeat sales, under price and you are cutting your margin and ultimately your income. Again it is time to do some homework! Firstly work out your costs for making each type of basket then check out the competition. Find out what the baskets for sale on their web sites or stores are. By doing this you should get an idea of what kind of profit margin they are making and price your gift baskets accordingly.

The one thing above all which is needed to succeed in a home business of any kind is determination and also dedication. This includes dedicating not only your time and energy but space in your home and also a chunk of cash. It is vital that you establish regular working hours and ensure that family and friends know that between these hours you are WORKING and that it is not convenient for them to drop by for coffee and a chat!

Hopefully this article will have given you an insight into making your own gift baskets as a career instead of just a hobby. There are lots of resources available on line such as one called Gift Basket Business.Com and local small business help groups who can help you get started, so take full advantage of all the help and advise on offer and should  stand a great chance of success.

Gift baskets have grown in popularity in recent years mainly because their versitility makes them a perfect gift. They can be practical, luxurious or delicious depending on the recipient you have in mind. You can of course choose from a huge selection of ready made ift baskets OR you could make your own gift basket. Have some fun and save some money!
When thinking of making a gift basket the  first most important thing you should consider is the basket or container itself. You want it to be unique but it also should accommodate the number, size and shape of items to be placed in it adequately. If a gift basket is going to have the WOW factor it should appear to be brimming over with gifts and goodies.

When you make your own gift basket try to find a container that goes hand in hand with the theme. It may be the colour for example a pink basket or container for a gift for a baby girl. The contents can also be baby pink and white with everything from clothing and baby toiletries to the mandatory pink cuddly toy. You may decide on a color purely because it is a particular favourite of the recipients and build your gift sket round this.

Hobbies are another great theme to pick up on when making your own gift basket and if you use your imagination you can come up with some really great ideas for containers to use. For someone who loves cooking and kitchen gadgets something like a large mixing bowl, a shiny large colander or a color coordinated serving dish would make an awesome container a gift basket. The occasions which a gift like this can be given are numerous too! It could be a wedding gift, a house warming gift, a going to college gift – make the contents practical with maybe a couple of treats like a bottle of champagne for the bride and groom or a few bottles of beer for the new student and it is sure to go down well.

For a keen gardener you could perhaps choose a decorative pale or planter maybe even a watering can. This gives the recipient a useful item for planting or looking after their plants long after the contents have been removed. Similar things can be done for golf, fishing, even needle work or knitting – a lovely basket to keep threads and other items in would be most definitely appreciated.

Children too love to receive a whole load of goodies in a container which they can later play with – how many times have they received a gift then played with the box? Here you can really have fun! You could fill the back of a dumper truck with goodies or a small dolls pram or cradle. It will keep them busy for hours!

If you would like to try to make your own gift baskets for corporate functions or as a means of showing your appreciation during the holiday season you could present business associates with gift baskets they will remember! Try using a container connected to the business – for example an organizer of some type which could later be used in their office.

The choice of containers is vast. Even if you decide to use a basket it doesn’t have to be dull. Do you want something wicker, rattan, chrome or even wire. Do you want one with handles or without? You can also use trays made of the same materials as the baskets which have sides and handles.It is most important that you constantly keep in mind the type of items you want to place in the container and purchase one which is suitable.By this I mean is the basket strong enough? Do you require one with a handle which will support heavy items such as bottles of wine?

If you have decided to make your own gift basket because you are on a tight budget you should still be able to get a suitable container. Reuse an old wicker basket – spruce it up by swirling it around in some soapy warm water and allow it to dry thoroughly. You could visit your local fruit market or shop, some fruits tend to be shipped in oval shaped baskets which have metal handles. If you are lucky the trader may let you have one free of charge! Of course you could recycle other containers. A large popcorn bucket makes a brilliant container for a gift basket to give to a movie buff.

Before you begin thinking of filling your gift basket there is one other thing you will need – some kind of filler. This need not be expensive. To fill the bottom of a deep container scrunched up paper or oasis(used in flower arranging) is ideal and will help to hold your gift items in place. The second type of filler you will need is used to add decoration to your basket. Again the choice is enormous. You could use something simple such as shredded colored paper or straw. However to give your basket a more luxurious look and to fit in with the theme you may want to choose something like silk flowers, small clean sea shells, colorful, wrapped sweets. Small amounts of these items can be placed between the gifts in the basket once you are happy with your arrangement.

If you would rather have a basket which is put together for you visit Design It Yourself Gift Baskets where you can choose the contents and container for your gift basket from our large selection and let the professionals do the rest!

To make your own gift basket look perfect you should consider a few points when shopping for the component parts and putting things together.

Finding A Basket To Suit:

It is important that you choose a basket or container first. Keep in mind that size is very important. A large basket will obviously take quite a lot of items to fill it whilst a small basket may not hold enough. If you have a budget then you need to be careful at this stage.

Decide On your Gift Basket Theme:
Think of the person who is going to receive the basket. Do they love fine foods – a basket filled with gourmet goodies is sure to delight. Is the person a keen golfer? You could Make your own Gift Basket around this hobby perhaps adding some refreshment for the 19th hole! If you make your own gift baskets for corporate events then the use of snacks, chocolate or perhaps coffee and cookies as a theme will be sure to please.

Item Sizes:
Try to ensure that you purchase items for your gift basket which vary in size and shape. This will make your finished gift basket look neat and professional because a mix of item sizes will fit better. As common sense would suggest place the larger items at the back and display smaller items at the front so that every item is visible.

Use Colour:
The use of color coordination when you Make your own Gift Basketcan really pull everything together. In fact, you could just use color as a theme. Prime examples of using colour would be the use of pink or blue for baby shower gift baskets, red for a Valentines gift basket, red and green for a Christmas gift basket. Use your imagination!

Filling Your Gift Basket:
The big mistake often made is having either too many or not enough items in the basket which completely spoils its appeal. Before purchasing the items to fill it take a look at your container the size and shape should dictate the size and number of items you should purchase.
If your basket is medium to large in size you can be sure it will easily hold quite a few large and small gifts. Choosing items which are too small just makes the basket look empty and the attempt at making your own guft basket half hearted. Too many large items most probably will not all fit and squeezing items in just make the basket look messy and thrown together.

Finishing Off:
The biggest thing you have to consider is how you are going to keep the contents of your gift basket arranged as you want them. There are a couple of ways to do this. You could use dots of glue, this will hold everything in place and can easily be removed by the recipient. The second is to use shrink wrap. This will ensure that the contents of your basket remain in place and in the basket! You should be able to purchase shrink wrap at any crafty type store. Finish off with a pretty, colorful ribbon and perhaps a bow and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!

Off course, you don’t have to make your own gift basket from scratch to personalize it. If you go to Design It Yourself Gift Baskets you can choose a gift basket from our large standard rage or you can choose from a wide range of items and allow us to arrange them in a gift basket and deliver it to your recipient with your very best wishes!

A personalised corporate gift basket is a fantastic way to extend your thanks to staff, customers and business associates. Appropriate for all types of occasion be it a retirement, promotion, a contract coming to an end or even the Holiday Season they bring delight and pleasure to the recipients.

If you want to take the time to make your corporate gift basket unique for the recipient it’s not a problem, you simply choose a price point and make your selection of goodies to fill your gift basket. Alternatively there may be something to suit in the standard range.

Why not take a look at a small selection?

The “Grand Gourmet” corporate gift basket really does say a BIG thank you. The beautiful willow basket is stuffed full of the tastiest treats imaginable. How does smoked salmon, a selection of gourmet cheeses,  sausages and olives as well as focaccia crackers, Ghirardelli chocolate and a whole lot more sound? Any business associate would be delighted to receive such a gift.

Corporate Gift Baskets

As the title of this corporate gift basket suggests it really would be a “Happy Hour” for the recipient of this corporate gift basket.  For someone who likes to relax after a hard day at the office with a glass of wine and some lobster pate this would be a real winner!

Corporate Gift Baskets

At times there seems to be more business conducted on the golf course than in the office! So what better way to show your appreciation than by presenting someone with this fabulous “Secrets of Success” corporate gift basket filled with goodies especially for the golf enthusiast.

Corporate Gift Baskets

What client or business associate wouldn’t be delighted with the “Hats Of To You” corporate gift basket. Share it in the office or keep it to yourself the recipient will be delighted with the gourmet cheese, pretzels and  cookies not to mention the bottle of wine and a whole lot more!

Corporate Gift baskets

Christmas is fast approaching and what could make a better gift than a Christmas gift basket. Send anyone the complements of the season with one of these and they are sure to be delighted.

Any gift basket personalised for an individual makes a special gift but this selection of delightful Christmas gift baskets bring the season alive for young and old!

These Christmas gift baskets also make fantastic corporate, employee or customer gifts to show your appreciation and remember you can select the contents!

Take a look at some fantastic examples.

This festive creation is called “In The Spirit Of Christmas” gift basket.  The metal container is stuffed full with wonderful gourmet treats such as gourmet chocolates, cheese, crackers and Danish butter cookies and a whole lot more!  The perfect corporate gift.

Design It Yourself Gift Baskets

For lovers of all things Italian the “Winter Wonderland” Christmas gift basket will give great pleasure. The beautifully hand crafted basket contains an abundance of Italian goodies both sweet and savoury. Tuscan style crackers, and garlic olive oil  all to compliment the Primo Dolce truffle cookies and the most wonderful cappuccinos.  This basket has Christmas luxury all wrapped up!

Design It Yourself Gift Baskets

Show someone how much you appreciate them by sending them this beautiful  “Holiday Cheer” Christmas Gift basket.  The container itself is a talking point, created from wood and bamboo in a wonderful rich red colour, something to keep long after the contents have gone! Inside things get even better – coffees including “The Story Of Coffee” collection,  fabulous rum cake, and an assortment of cookies and chocolates to die for!

Design It Yourself Gift Baskets

Bring Christmas Cheer with this cute “Dashing Through The Snow” Christmas Gift Basket. It is sure to bring a smile every face with its musical plush reindeer guarding the most mouth watering goodies.  The contents include Black forest truffle chocolates, assorted black teas, chocolate filled wafer cookies and a whole lot more.

Design It Yourself Gift Baskets

Coffee is very much part of our culture and has been for a very long time. However, in the 1990’s a whole new phenomenon in coffee occurred. Gourmet coffees and flavored coffees took off in a big way.  For anyone who loves their coffee  receiving  a coffee gift basket would be appreciated and savoured.
You can personalise the choice of coffees to suit individual preferences so you can be sure of getting it just right!

Browse through a few of the  standard coffee baskets available.

You will find this beautiful hand made chest “Filled To The Brim” with a selection of wonderful gourmet selection including  Starbucks and Godiva signature coffees along with flavored  cappuccinos and of course the all important assortment of gourmet cookies and a rum cake for good measure and much more!

Create Your Own Gourmet Coffee Gift Baskets!

This coffee gift basket is named “Java Jamboree” and puts together a fantastic mix of  gourmet  goodies which include Starbuck signature coffees, a European coffee selection  together with a mouth watering collection of cookies,  candies and shortbread cookies to name just of few items.  Sheer heaven for any coffee connoisseur.

Create Your Own Gourmet Coffee Gift Baskets!

This coffee gift basket is a great choice for any Starbucks fan.  Purchase this gift basket and let them savour the Starbucks experience in their own home.  With a selection of signature coffees, cookies and other goodies and a great ceramic mug the recipient of this gift basket will have everything they need to relax and enjoy!

Create Your Own Gourmet Coffee Gift Baskets!

This wonderful Espresso coffee gift basket is presented not in a basket but a metal tub which has been filled to overflowing with the most wonderful selection of  coffees including Wolfgang Puck European style gourmet coffee. To compliment the coffees there is a tasty selection of sweet goodies including Danish butter cookies and chocolate wafer rolls and a good deal more!

Create Your Own Gourmet Coffee Gift Baskets!

This gourmet chocolate gift basket is named “Chocolate Inspirations” and is truly chocolate heaven to any chocolate connoisseur.  The huge stack of chocolate displayed in this attractive basket comes from around the world and includes the best of the best! You will uncover the delights of Lint Lindor truffles, Black Forest truffles from Germany and of course unrivalled  Belgian chocolate along with many more untold  delights. This gift basket is the ultimate in chocolate luxury!

Create Your Own Gourmet Chocolate Gift Baskets!

Why not spoil someone special who has a  passion for chocolate  with this elegant bamboo container brimming full with the most exquisite chocolate imaginable?  Who wouldn’t be delighted with  a whole variety of chocolate including  Ghirardelli Masterpiece collection chocolates, Guylian chocolate twists and much more.

Create Your Own Gourmet Chocolate Gift Baskets!

For anyone who is “Mad About Chocolate” this is a fantastic gift for any occasion.  The trunk style container which has been used instead of a basket adds even more luxury with its faux leather detail and brass clasps. However, the container is not the only luxury here! It comes stuffed full of a variety of the best chocolate.  There are chocolate bars, Ghirardelli assorted boxed chocolates, delicious Nam’s chocolate chip cookies and much more.

Create Your Own Gourmet Chocolate Gift Baskets!

This elegant gourmet chocolate gift basket tower mixed the sophisticated with the delicious. This selection named the “Heavenly Sweets” gift tower contains Dolcetto Petites, Lint Lindor assorted truffles and many more chocolate delights.

Create Your Own Gourmet Chocolate Gift Baskets!

For those who enjoy fine foods the perfect gift to indulge this pleasure has to be a gourmet food gift basket. Containing a wide selection of the best quality foods there is something in there for everyone.

You could of course tailor your gift to the recipients particular tastes and choose the contents  you would like placed in the gift basket from the large selection available.

Here are a few gourment gift baskets to inspire you.

This gift basket is appropriately named the “Elegant Gourmet Food” gift basket. The gourmet goodies are presented in an Italian style picnic basket and the selection of foods inside would blow any gourmet food lover away.  There are gourmet pretzels, cheeses, crackers, sausage – the list is endless.

Create Your Own Gourmet Food Gift Baskets!

This gourmet food basket is titled  “Fit for a King”  – a very apt name for a mommoth gift basket which is groaning with wonderful foods to delight anyone who should receive it. You will find everything from deliciously sweet caramel popcorn to lobster pate and sparkling cider.  Of course you can select your own goodies to suit the particular tastes of the recipient.

Create Your Own Gourmet Food Gift Baskets!

This gift basket really does have the wow factor! Called the “Show Stopper” it really will steal the show at any celebration.  It is crammed full with delectable chocolates, fabulous cheeses, crackers, mixed nuts and a whole lot more.

Create Your Own Gourmet Food Gift Baskets!

For something a little different why not select this beautiful planter as your container and have it filled with a choice of the finest gourmet snacks.  The “Party Pleaser” gourmet food basket comes stuffed with a large selection on snacks including  gourmet cookies, bisscoti, raosted almonds, cheeses and lots more besides.

Create Your Own Gourmet Food Gift Baskets!

Christmas without candy – I don’t think so!

No celebration would ever be complete without candy. Kids would live on it and although they will try to deny it the adults are not immune either!

So, as a special surprise for the candy addict in your family why not give them enough candy to keep them chewing for weeks with a fabulous candy gift basket! They come in all shapes and sizes so there must be one to suit everyone.

Take a look at this small selection!

You are looking at the “Candy Explosion” gift basket. It is full to overflowing with everyone’s favourite chocolates – Kit kat, M&M’s, Milk Duds and much,  much more. This one is for the serious chocoholic!

Create Your Own Custom Gift Baskets!

They call this the “Sinful Sweets” candy gift basket and it is stuffed full of just that – sinful sweets!

From this attractive gift basket you can feast on Jelly Beans, Starburst, Hot Tamels and lots more besides – an ideal gift for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Create Your Own Custom Gift Baskets!

If you would like a candy gift basket which is a little different take a look at this. It is called “Sweet Expressions Gourmet Gift Tower”  Still all the fabulous candies to indulge in but arranged in an attractive gift basket tower to add a  little wow factor!

Create Your Own Custom Gift Baskets!

Small is beautiful !

This perhaps isn’t a candy gift basket but it is a great gift to give anyway. The smaller selection of goodies  including Jelly Beans, Star Burst and much more comes arranged in an “All Jazzed Up” mug. Once the candy has gone the recipient still has a useful mug to use.

Create Your Own Custom Gift Baskets!

No matter what the occasion a wonderful fresh fruit gift basket is always a much appreciated gift.  Bright, colourful and delicious it  will brighten any table and can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

The ideal gift for family, friends or as a token of appreciation as  a corporate gift.

Take a look at some delicious fruit gift baskets you can order to surprise and delight!

This basket is aptly named the “Abundant Fruit Basket” because it is overflowing with delicious, mouth watering,  fresh,  ripe pears of different varieties,  3 varieties of apple, oranges, pineapple, grapefruit and a selection of dried fruits to savour.
Design It Yourself Gift Baskets

The description “Orchard Harvest” gift basket  is echoed in the wonderful selection of  goodies to be found inside. Everything from pear cider to Moterey Jack cheese , mixed nuts,  crackers  and a selection chocolate to compliment the wonderfully  sweet pears, apples, oranges and pineapple all arranged and wrapped for you in a truly beautiful  way.

Design It Yourself Gift Baskets

Perhaps not the traditional fruit gift basket but a wonderful choice non the less  why not consider purchasing the   “Golden Goodness Tower.”  You will still find the wonderful mix of apples, pears and oranges but there is a whole lot more!

Design It Yourself Gift Baskets

The” Pear Medley Box” is for pear lovers everywhere,  why not order them a whole box  of succulent and sweet  mixed pears, including  Comice,  Bosc  and Columbia Red D ‘ Anjou Pears.

Design It Yourself Gift Baskets