Gift baskets, hampers and boxes have come a long way in the last ten years. The tables have turned and gift baskets have moved into more modern territory. In fact, you’re less likely to see real cane baskets now wrapped in plastic. Now you can expect to see cool prints and fabulous gift boxes filled with delicious treats. You may have to shop around to make sure you find the stores with the latest gift boxes, but it’s worth it. Who wants to send a gift that the recipient doesn’t love from start to finish?
Of course, there are so many times throughout the year when you may need to congratulate someone or say ‘thank you’, so what kind of gift should you send and what should your gift include? We’ve put together a list of top gift categories with ideas to help you get started!
BABY GIFT BOXES
It is quite obvious that you would send this type of gift to someone who is expecting a baby or a new parent. There are really two important occasions surrounding pregnancy; the baby shower that takes place before the baby is born and the days after the baby is born.
A baby shower can be tricky if you don’t know the gender of the baby, so it’s good to stick with neutrals. Gender-neutral options are much more popular right now, as people are moving away from pinks for girls and blues for boys.
Choose classic gift ideas. For example, an heirloom baby blanket will always come in handy. You can expect new parents to already have their nursery set up, but gifts like a blanket can be used at the park, for travel, or for playtime. Teething and stuffed toys will always be appreciated as babies can always use more than one!
BASKETS
Pampering gifts are also a good alternative for new parents, especially if they seem to be overstocked with baby items! New parents will love the idea of pampering products like bath teas, body oil, and candles. It’s a really thoughtful gift when there’s a new baby in the house and they’ll appreciate the little moments of relaxation they can enjoy.
Beauty products make great birthday gifts, too, and they’re not just for women! Men can now enjoy a pampering gift that allows them time to rejuvenate. When looking for beauty gifts, make sure they are of high quality. Look for organic and natural products if you can, as these products often have more time invested in them (not mass produced) and offer a better experience for the end user.
WINE AND CHOCOLATE
What can we say about wine and chocolate? Well, most people will love a good gift of wine and chocolate, but you better check that they drink alcohol. Sending wine to a non-drinker could be a huge misstep when giving a gift! If you really want to impress, find out the variety of wines they drink. Red or white wine? Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc?
A good quality wine is also essential. Many liquor stores display reviews on the staff store or go online and read Google reviews. The chocolates must also be top notch. We recommend handmade chocolates because there is a lot of care, flavor and attention in their preparation and this will be transmitted in your gift.
TEA COFFEE
If you’ve discovered that your gift recipient doesn’t drink wine, then tea and coffee are your go-to! Mixed with delicious cookies, nuts and chocolates, the gifts of tea and coffee will be a favorite.
These gift boxes are ideal as corporate gifts for bulk orders or as staff gifts as they can be enjoyed for afternoon tea in the office. They’re also ‘non-offensive’ in the sense that almost everyone drinks tea and coffee, so you can buy these gifts and send them in bulk without having to think about each recipient’s individual tastes.
Depending on your own preference, you can go for a standard English breakfast tea or get creative with a unique herbal tea. You may want to look for healthier versions of cookies and chocolates, and instead choose mixes of nuts, crusty bread, and hot sauce.
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS
Champagne and chocolate gifts are a popular choice at Christmas (considering all that we’ve discussed about alcohol) as bubbles have a celebratory vibe during the festive season.
Make your gift extra Christmassy by adding seasonal treats like pudding, cake, and dessert dips with a Christmas theme. A nice addition to your gift are cute little things like Christmas tree decorations, party poppers, and candy canes. They add an instant element of festivity, fun, and color that your gift recipient will love and won’t break your bank.