Remember: Enter the gift basket business contest. Deadline is Monday. Get details here.

Did you see the question about a basket shaped like the state of Missouri at News-Leader.com?

The basket’s actually a handle-less tray, and the products, according to the reporter’s response, are all made in Missouri.

Do you specialize in this type of design for your state? You may not for several reasons.

Dana Sonia makes New Hampshire gift baskets and successfully sells them to individuals and corporations. She’s one of the designers featured in The Gift Basket Design Book.

Some tips Dana shared with me personally and in the book for creating her state design:

I’ve been able to find plenty of products in every U.S. state, many of which are found on the GiftBasketWholesaleSupplies.com and OrganicWholesaleSupplies.com Web sites.

There’s no need to buy lots of products before you know it’ll sell. Buy just enough items to create samples or prototypes. Take pictures, and add them to your site with a cute, clever, or memorable name associated with your state’s slogan (example: Big Apple Basket for New York designs).

Be careful when choosing names. A Big Sur basket (referring to a popular California region) may sell quicker than one called The Terminator (referring to California’s governor).

Basket ideas and supplies are also found at BasketsGiftBaskets.com.

How popular is your state-made gift basket?

Shirley George Frazier

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The Pride of NY program in New York State recently began soliciting farm owners who happen to make gift baskets so that a complete list of makers can be featured on a Web site promoting holiday baskets.

You can read the brief article here.

The program states that it’s looking for farmers, but they may also add your name to the list if you’re in New York.

For example, you make Welcome to New York, I Love New York, or Big Apple baskets made with products produced in the state. It makes sense for you to call or Email the contact person to learn if you qualify for a listing because these baskets feature New York products.

My point, for all of you no matter where you’re located, is to look beyond the limitations created by a few words (…looking to identify farmers, processors,…) and get yourself listed in as many places online and offline as possible.

You’ll reach prospects who are seemingly out of reach, turning them into loyal customers who refer their friends and family members.

I remember when Elaine Essary, owner of The Basket Bar, contacted me to see if she qualified for mention in The Gift Basket Design Book. I had certain stipulations for inclusion, and even though Elaine thought she may not qualify, she still contacted me.

Her story was so compelling that I decided to feature her. That’s what can happen when you’re passionate about succeeding no matter what barriers seem to be ahead.

Every U.S. state has a department of agriculture (even New Jersey, a state that tried to eliminate theirs). Visit your state’s department online to see if they will link to your site this holiday, especially if you create a gift basket with state-made products.

Is this an opportunity to sell more this season? Check for yourself.

Shirley George Frazier

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I’ve often suggested that you consider making gift baskets with products made in your state.

These designs are a favorite of:

This state-made gift basket article, featured in WCFCourier.com, may provide you with ideas on products to look for when deciding to create your own designs.

Larger states, such as California and New York, often receive lots of attention regarding state-made baskets. This time it’s good to read a story about Iowa products.

Are state-made gift baskets part of your product line, or are you still not sure they will develop into a sales category?

Shirley George Frazier

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