Wednesday 24 September 2014

Fall Gift Basket Ideas

“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face."- John Donne
There is no season more beautiful and romantic than autumn. To make the time even more memorable for your near and dear ones why not give them a fall gift basket? A fall gift bag can be packed with a multitude of items, revolving around this crisp and colorful season. Since autumn has its own sensory experiences, include gifts that will charm the senses.
Treat for the nose
There is nothing that can spark memories of comfy fall nights better than scented candles. Look for decorative scented candles online or at a candle store to put inside the gift basket. Use a lot of shredded paper to make sure the bottom is properly cushioned. There are a variety of scents that you can gift including, cinnamon, apple, and the like.
For tantalizing the taste buds
There are so many things that represent autumn! One great example is caramel apple cider combined with large assorted cookies. Assemble a large basket with good quality cinnamon sticks, caramels, assorted cookies and your favorite recipe for homemade apple cider to make your recipient’s days flavorful.
Apart from this, you can also theme your basket around seasonal wines. Who wouldn’t like to receive a wonderful red wine with a rich indulgence of chocolate? But in case your recipient is a health freak, a gift box tailored with yummy edibles such as apples, pears, pumpkin cookies, and salted mixed nuts also makes a great option!
For the eyes
Autumn is the best time to make memories with your family; hiking through the forests and jumping on the leaves. There are several gift makers who provide a wide selection of autumn themed photo frames that can be used to display those perfect moments. You can also choose to personalize these frames with engravings and color preferences.
Treat for the ears
The sound of popcorn popping off the cob and the music player playing festive songs can bring back so many memories for family and friends. Your gift basket can include your recipient’s favorite corn flavors and music CD’s. For instance, if your dad loves Frank Sinatra then perhaps a mix CD of the artist’s favorite hits will make a great gift! Also, if you’re budget is high, including a portable media player such as an I-pod won’t hurt.
To Feel
What better way to make all your senses come alive than a beautifully landscaped house garden? Gifting your loved ones a basket full of garden necessities makes for a great gift. You can also put in a pair of gardening gloves that are suitable for collecting leaves in. Wearing gloves while scraping off the leaves helps cut down on possible splinters and blisters.
With just a few thoughtful items, which you can find at a gift shop, you can certainly make your recipient’s days beautiful! And once all the items are safely arranged inside a container, tie the basket up with a pretty ribbon to add to its charm.

Tuesday 16 September 2014

5 gift baskets to enjoy on a romantic weekend

One of the best ways to bring the spark back into your relationship is to plan a romantic weekend. Stock a heavy assortment of romantic goodies in a basket and snuggle away from distractions! Here are five types of gift baskets that can do wonders to your love life and make your weekend truly romantic.

Spa for two basket:

Can there be a better way to add fire to your love life than spending two days around candles and bubble bath? Create your own spa basket by adding scented candles, massage oils, soaps and gels. Also, snuggle in a fine bottle of wine and chocolates as treats. 

It is best to avoid gifts such as lingerie, or items that may cause embarrassment unless you are sure how your partner will react.  

Breakfast:

Weekends are all about spending time together. If the two of you are early risers then a breakfast gift basket is the way to go. Create a perfect basket using pastries and ingredients to make waffles and pancakes. You can also incorporate fresh fruits and yummy syrups for topping. For beverages, include small packs of teas and coffee.

Getaway basket:

A basket for a romantic weekend getaway may include a CD from your favorite band to enjoy during the journey. You can also snuggle in snacks such as, candy, cookies, and chips for the car. It is best to customize your basket according to the destination you are planning to visit. For instance, if you are taking a short adventure trip to the woods, make sure you pack in the necessities such as, mosquito repellants, energy bars and other supplies. Staying up hungry or getting bitten by insects can be a total romantic buzz kill. 
 
Meal in a basket:

A romantic meal at home followed by intimate moments may just be what your relationship needs. Include a variety of seasonings, gourmet foods and your favorite ingredients for the meal. Cooking a meal together is a great way to spend time. You can also add to the atmosphere by opening up a bottle of wine and making room for dessert. Experts believe that creamy desserts and chocolates act as aphrodisiacs that can trigger hormones of love inside men and women.  

Creative games: 

There are a variety of games that you can choose to spark conversations. Adult card games such as, Pictionary and Phase 10 are an interesting choice. If you want to take it a notch higher then opt for “truth or dare”. The main idea behind a game gift basket is improving communication, enhancing intimacy, and strengthening the bond between couples.

A weekend gift basket is more than just a present for your significant other. It will help you set the mood for an intimate setting that will ultimately help you revive your romance. The basket can include almost anything that the couple feels is romantic. Apart from this, as mentioned above, it can even follow a central theme, such as dinner date night, Valentine's Day, or weekend getaway.