It was a life-changing experience when I began making gift baskets at Macy’s. I remember arriving at one of their stores with baskets, bows, and other supplies to make on-the-spot designs for customers.

One buyer brought me items from the baby department, and then another came with men’s briefs and socks. A crowd began to gather, watching me as I turned individual items into a masterpiece collection.

Then came a challenge. A woman set a blanket, pillow cases, and photo frames on the table. The blanket was too big for a basket, so I did the next best thing.

I tied the blanket with curling ribbon and wrapped it in cellophane. The photo frames were also wrapped individually in cellophane. The pillow cases were already packaged, so I left them as is.

All four items were stacked atop each other, wrapped in two criss-crossed layers of printed cellophane and topped with two handmade bows. The customer smiled broadly as she carried the gift by a handle I added at the top.

Some baskets are wide enough to hold a blanket, especially if the blanket is for a baby. That’s what I show in The Gift Basket Design Book and also display in new videos available each month in the Golden Basket Club.

A blanket is just one large item that I’ve added to a gift theme. Other items include comforters, electronic equipment, chairs, and mirrors.

As you create designs, you’ll become more accustomed to deciding which styles need a basket and how to create non-basket gifts as quickly as I did for the Macy’s customer. Remember that large-sized items command larger revenue. That’s always a great incentive.

Have you created gifts with blankets and other oversized items? If not, it’s just a matter of time before you start.

Related articles:

1. Put that Gift Basket Inventory Where You Can See It
2. Five Father’s Day Gift Baskets that Put a Smile on Every Man’s Face
3. Why Do You Choose Cellophane or Shrink Wrap?

Creating bereavement baskets can be a very challenging part of business.

You need to show respect for the deceased while bringing comfort to the living.

It’s a delicate balance that most of us don’t explore as often as the fun baskets. That’s why it’s important to pay close attention to products that can be included for these special arrangements.

Some clients request nothing except fruit in their baskets, and it’s a request we respect. However, consider also informing your client about other items in your inventory that the family may appreciate and cherish after the loved one is laid to rest. This includes picture frames, miniature poem/gift books, and thank you note cards.

Hard candies, cookies, tea or coffee, and flavored spoons, all chosen around the receiver’s preferences, round out the making of a tasteful comfort basket for a man or woman.

A blog post here discusses fruit baskets, which you can find through this link:

http://giftbasketbusiness.com/blog/2009/12/15/how-to-add-fruit-to-a-gift-basket/

You may not make bereavement baskets every day, but having the right merchandise on hand will please the client and recipient during and after the mourning period.

Related articles:

1. Does Your Gift Basket Business include Personal Shopping?