Imbued With Personality

Gift Baskets That Wow

By Teri Brown

Baskets have been a part of history since history began. Adam and Eve probably knew the value of a well-made basket. They are one of the world's most convenient containers. You can make them from almost anything: grasses, pine needles, pounded wood, reeds and branches. And they can carry almost anything: nuts, berries, bread and even dinners for sick grandmothers by little girls in red riding hoods.

The basket may no longer be the only container we use for carrying and storing things, but it's still one of the best ways to give personalized gifts.

Janelle Meredith makes her living putting together gift baskets for people who wish to give customized gifts. She began her Portland, Ore. business three years ago after doing baskets for community events and nonprofits. People who won her stylish baskets would call to order more. Soon Meredith had her own business and Stargazer Gift Baskets was born.

So just what makes a good gift basket? "A great container, one that the person receiving the gift will keep, like a painted basket," says Meredith. "And quality items in the basket, like the best chocolate or a great package of coffee. And, of course, presentation, presentation, presentation!

"Our trademark is to create unique gift baskets enhanced with flowers or greenery and beautiful ribbon," says Meredith. "This allows us to create distinctive designs that bring rave reviews. We enjoy making our customers look great!"

Meredith, a mother of two, has created themed gift baskets for coin collectors, race car drivers and even marathon runners.

The experts at Mindy's Gift Baskets have presentation down to a science. Known as the "Tiffany of gift baskets," this Van Nuys, Calif.-based company puts together gift baskets so lovely you wouldn't even want to open them – except for being so eager to get at the goodies inside!

With names such as Ocean Tranquility (sea sponges, bath oils and seaweed soaps), Snack Attack (snack food such as chips, peanuts and cheeses) and Killer Chocolate (gourmet chocolate of all kinds), Mindy's baskets are a joy to give and receive. Mindy's isn't just confined to baskets either; they also deliver gifts in chests, planters, hat boxes and crates.

Sharon Brown, Mindy's Gift Baskets co-owner and designer, believes it is imagination that makes a memorable basket. "To make a great gift basket, you need a keen sense of style, a huge imagination and the ability to look beyond a budget with regard to creativity and gift giving," she says.

"Mindy's helps with the creative process, so we always start with a person's dream instead of their budget, and we come as close to that as possible," says Brown. "After all, our motto is: If you can imagine it, we can do it!"

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