THEMED GIFT BASKETS A themed gift basket is a gift basket whose items have been customized according to the recipient’s likings and personality. A variety of themed gift baskets exist which might include car wash gift baskets, fishing gift baskets, pet gift baskets, pasta lover gift baskets and many more. These themed gift baskets are fit in for any occasion. Any basket or a container is used that goes with the selected theme and have items attached to it. HISTORY Historically, baskets were hand woven with the material that can be found locally. Baskets were used to carry eggs and vegetables. People gathered food in the baskets and the hunters utilized them to store the catch of the day. Baskets were also used as saddle bags on horses and donkeys to carry food items and equipments. During the middle ages, gift baskets gained wide popularity. Kings used to receive gift baskets containing gold, silver and jewels. Baskets filled with food items were transported as a symbol of grand celebrations. Later in nineteenth century, with the rail road system, it became convenient to send baskets even to the distant areas. Firstly, the gift baskets were restricted to the food items or the flowers only. But with the passage of time, people came up with the new ideas and started creating themed gift baskets with respect to the recipient’s interests and hobbies. BASKETS/CONTAINERS A container or a basket is utilized with respect to the theme. These containers are very practical and are reusable. There is an array of containers or baskets which includes: • Basket of all shapes and sizes • Waste baskets • Plastic bucket • An ice bucket • Flower pots • Watering can • Sports bag • Canvas bag • Storage box • Bowls • Tins POPULAR THEMES Themes are introduced to tailor a gift basket with respect to a certain occasion and the interests of the recipient. These themed baskets are presented on any occasion like birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Mothers day, Fathers day and Valentines Day. Popular themes include: • Gardener’s Gift Basket holds the goodies used for gardening purposes such as gardening gloves, vegetable and flower seeds, liquid fertilizers, hand tools, gardening book and plant markers. Usually a watering can or a plant pot is used for stuffing in these items which can later be utilized as well. • Car Wash Gift Basket is the combination of car wash products. These products involve car wash soap, a towel, glass cleaner, an interior spray, car wax and a wax applicator which often arrives in a bucket leaving a practical impression • Bath Gift Basket is the basket filled with bath related products. Bubble bath, therapy oils, scrubbers, shampoos, conditioners and body lotions are often gathered to fill the baskets. Also candles, relaxing music CDs and a rubber duckling are used to add in more color and life. • Spa Gift Basket is tailored to pamper the receiver. Spa gift baskets are always welcomed and a well appreciated gift. Main attractions of spa basket are bath salts, bath oils, massage creams, relaxation eye mask, scented candles, foot scrubbers, foot soaks, foot creams and nail brushes. • Sports Gift basket is a basket which contains the items related to the recipient’s favorite sport. A Person interested in golf is presented with a sports bag stuffed with golfing gears, golf balls, golf rules book, golf club head covers, a pack of cookies and a mineral water bottle. Likewise boxing lovers receives accessories related to boxing which includes boxing gloves, head gears, mouth guards, body protector, boxing timer and a towel. Sports lover gift basket also contains items like books on favorite sports personality, CDs of famous matches and tournaments, posters, pain relieving sprays, T-shirts, hats, jerseys, pajamas, sweatshirts, wrist bands and head bands from branded stores. Moreover a pair of tickets of the upcoming match in which the recipient is interested in is gifted along with a binocular, sun hats, a shirt, pair of socks, candies, pop corns, chips, a bag of peanuts and drinking cans. • Pet Gift Basket is arranged with the items related to the pet of the recipient. Favorite pet photo embossed coffee mugs, refrigerator magnets, foot mats with the most admired pet’s image, pet grooming magazines, pictures and greeting cards are used to make a perfect treat for pet lovers. Pet bowls or pet beds are commonly arranged with these items. Usually two kinds fall under this : * Dog Lovers Gift Basket is a basket containing amazingly delicious gourmet dog treats and pampered stuff. A special dog gift basket comprises dog doughnuts, dog biscuits, bouncing balls to play, collar or a leash, dog shampoos and conditioners. : * Cat Lovers Gift Basket carries all the cat pampering stuff and food items such as gourmet cat treats, cat brush, a chew toy, a rope, glitter balls and a scratching post which is a real fun for cats. • Grandparent’s Gift Basket is a special customized basket for grandparents loaded with small wonders which express love and care. Such wonders draw in a framed family picture, video of the family, warm cozy slippers, a lap blanket, favorite flowers and perfumes, children art work, candies, coffee or tea and a book. • Artist’s Gift Basket is designed for the art lovers which hold all the necessary items required by an artist. Paints (oil, water, and acrylic), papers or a canvas, brushes, markers, pencils, a sketch book, scissors and charcoal are the specialties of an artist gift basket which is commonly presented in a plastic container. • Photographer’s Gift Basket is the arrangement of accessories related to photography. Often a camera bag is used which accommodates a lens cleaner, lens cloth, camera filters, films, picture frame and a photo album. • Pasta Lover Gift Basket is the pasta ingredients arranged in a basket. Often a large bowl is used as a basket which is filed with the packages of gourmet pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, fresh olives, garlic powder, oregano, basil and a jar of a gourmet sauce. It might contain non food items like favorite pasta recipes, pasta cookbook and napkins. • Desert Gift Basket portrays the utensils and the favorite desert items of the recipient. Such baskets include chocolate fudge, sprinkles, chocolate chip, ice creams, chocolate sauce, small candies, decorating tools, wooden spoons, baking tools, a measuring cup, desert plates and a desert cookbook However usually these baskets are prepared according to the recipient needs who might be on a strict diet. For this purpose desert gift basket with low calories and high in tastes are designed A gift basket can be created by oneself other wise there are varieties of themed gift baskets that can be ordered online. The service providers are displaying a wide range of classy themed gift baskets which are delivered at the door steps on the requested date and time. REFERENCES http://rubyglen.com/gifts/giftbaskets.htm http://www.chemoangels.net/angels%20corner/sub%20folders/gift_basket.htm#Painters_Gift_Basket_
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