Gift Baskets - A Short History!

Gift Baskets History - Part I

Discerning folks would just have to wonder-what is it about gift baskets that make them such a popular form of gift-giving today? What fun could there possibly be in receiving a gift without the requisite anticipation and suspense that comes from tearing open layers of wrapping paper before running smack into the actual present itself? For although gift baskets are nearly always prettily packaged, surely there is not much to be said for gift items that are so openly strutting their stuff for all and sundry to see!

Historically, baskets were woven using the most appropriate materials that could be sourced locally. Gatherers used baskets for collecting fruit and other food while the hunters made use of them to store their catch of the day. Perhaps this would explain the modern day use of baskets as gift bearers, particularly since gift baskets originally served the purpose of presenting organic gifts such as fruit, flowers and other types of perishables.

Another legend has it that the concept dates back to the Biblical account of three-month old baby Moses hidden among the reeds by the riverbank in a basket made of bulrushes. This theory could be one way of explaining the advent of baby gift baskets. And these in turn, have spawned various other types of gift baskets.

It is not unusual to come across such baskets being offered for every possible contemporary holiday or event. Hence, we now have them as holiday gift baskets for Easter, Fathers' Day, Mothers' Day, baby showers, anniversaries and even sympathy baskets for those who have just lost a loved one. Truly, this industry now spans the plethora of occasions from womb to tomb!

Gift Baskets History - Part II

And that does not even include the assortment of baskets available based on differences in content alone! For instance, wine connoisseurs would appreciate the gift of a basket full of the best fruits of the vine. Whereas lovers of fine food would surely think twice about turning up their noses at gourmet gift baskets brimming with de foie gras, caviar and orange blossom honey. Even if you are fond of a particular type of cuisine or food type, chances are, there is a gift basket for you. From Italian food products to junk food and cheesecakes, nothing is impossible these days. Seemingly everyday occasions can also call for different basket contents. Thus, you will find breakfast baskets, baskets for barbecues and even baskets holding a selection of designer tea and cookies.

Do note though that gift baskets need not necessarily contain edible products. Some are also made up of a combination of flowers and food while others could also contain books, toys, massage oils, toiletries, aromatherapy sets...in fact, everything and anything that fits into a basket!

Apart from individuals, corporations are also big on baskets. You certainly cannot fault their business sense because a customized basket packed by professionals could go a long way in impressing that all-important client. Thank you corporate gift baskets usually come in handy for occasions where a token of appreciation is needed upon the successful completion of projects or when a deal is clinched. Top management have also been known to treat their staff to a basket or two of seasonal goodies, especially when holidays such as Christmas are around the corner.

Gift Baskets History - Part III

A great plus point of gift baskets is that most service providers offer free delivery as well. Who can resist the thought of opening the door to find a beautiful and bountiful basket right on the steps! Better yet, arrangements can be made to deliver to the workplace too. Surely every wife in the midst of midmorning madness at the office would be pleasantly surprised to receive a birthday gift basket full of flowers and her favourite brand of chocolates.

But the wise husband would want to follow that up with a more personal gift of say, jewelry, when his wife gets home later on. For that is where the so-called basket magic ends. As pretty as they can get, such gift baskets for women still carry the connotation of an impersonal and very public display of generosity. At the end of the day, one may still want to consider the evergreen method of giving gifts, that of spending much time handpicking the perfect item and then wrapping it up in a box, to be opened at will and to the delight of the recipient.

Sure, gift baskets are fine for business acquaintances, for when you want your gift to shout volumes or for when you cannot decide which sort of spices your landlady likes best. But for the very special someone-s in your life, there is nothing quite like a subtle gift, lovingly chosen and affectionately wrapped. In such instances, it would matter little whether the cellophane clashes with the bow on top.

Having said that however, some folks just appreciate more drama in their lives. And perhaps that is why there is still such money to be made in the gift basket trade. Thus, the best gauge of what sort of method to employ would be to consider the recipient's personality. Loud and gregarious? Shy and private? If this still does not help, then take to heart that abiding advice-maybe it really is the thought that counts after all.