I love receiving gift baskets. Probably because they contain delicious and unique foods and snacks I wouldn’t pick up myself. Forrest Gump summed it up nicely when he said: “You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Okay, he was comparing life to a box of chocolates, but you know what I mean. The fun in receiving a gift basket is in its ‘surprise factor,’ and in the joy of sampling a variety of tastes.
All of which make gift baskets a compelling gift option. Whether you’re giving a gift basket to a holiday hostess, or a special treat for mom or dad, at Vince’s, there’s nearly no end of ways to customize, with each basket as unique as the person you’re buying for.
Here are our 5 Tips for Creating a Great Holiday Gift Basket
1. Hobbies & Interests
Cater the basket specifically to the recipient. Choose one of their interests and include something small that reflects it, whether it’s a Toronto Maple Leaf’s mug or soccer ball shaped chocolate, choose something they’ll enjoy!
2. Funny/Nostalgic Items
Depending on how well you know the person, include something funny or nostalgic. If you can make a person smile, you’ve done your gift-giving right! If they were an 80’s child, include an audio cassette, or a Backstreet Boys item for a 90’s child. You can have some fun with this part!
3. Gourmet Goodies
The gourmet goodies will make up the majority of the basket. Try to include a range of items from savoury to sweet, like cookies, crackers, chocolates, and cheeses if you’re able to keep the basket refrigerated.
4. Practical Items
Call me practical, but I love when gift baskets include items that everyone needs in their lives. Cute packages of tissues or hand sanitizer. There are plenty of holiday themed goodies to go inside.
5. A Multi-Purpose Basket/Container
Instead of a standard basket, why not try placing the items on a charcuterie board, or in a nice Tupperware container that the recipient can then re-use? Get creative!
Vince’s Custom Gift Baskets
If all of this sounds like just too much work, our colourful and fresh fruit or fruit & cheese baskets are always well received. But if you’re looking for something more eclectic – and more memorable – try a custom-made gourmet combination basket.
These can include fruits, cheeses and crackers, along with artisan cookies, chocolates, pasta and sauces, specialty jams and jellies, and higher-end snacks. You can make specific requests, or leave it up to our experienced basket team to select items that have proven popular. Our customers often go this route.
We appreciate 24 hours notice to ensure items are in stock, and to provide our specialists enough time to exercise their craft!
All of us have become so busy, that we often leave shopping until the last minute – and are still trying to find “inspiration” just before the stores close. It’s no wonder those on the receiving end (usually under their breath!) sometimes remark how little thought went into their gift.
With one of our custom gift baskets, you won’t be accused of lacking creativity. And we make it easy with online shopping. No need to hunt for parking spots, jostle with crowds, and endure long lineups at the checkout. Click here to order.
As always, we welcome your questions and feedback. You can leave a comment right here on the site. Or head on over and join in the conversation on Facebook (remember to ‘Like’ the page) and Twitter. If you haven’t already signed up to receive our weekly news delivered right to your inbox (including the blog, our weekly product feature, signup for our Coterie Program, and our recipe of the week), you will find the signup by clicking here.
Happy holiday shopping!
— Neil
