Personal Gift Basket

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Lisa@ThePersonalGiftBasket.com
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(636) 240-3049

Benefits of Adding a Client Gifting Program

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Your client has chosen you, your product, or service for a reason. You stood out to them from the sea of competition. Today, it’s getting harder for consumers to decide who to do business with. So much competition readily available can be challenging to find the right company. Clients want to feel confident in knowing they have made the right choice in choosing your company. Gifting can be an excellent way for your clients to further connect with you and your brand. Gifts are not just about the items in the container; it’s so much more than that; they help you stay top of mind and help your client feel valued and appreciated. Yes, you can have good relationships with your clients without adding a gifting program, but why not have great ones with one. 
Below I break down three of the top gifting goals my clients want to achieve when creating a gifting program. 

  • Getting the Word Out: Rebranding your business or starting a new marketing campaign is a perfect time to start a gifting program to share and generate positive buzz. A branded box or crate with items to help your clients celebrate with you is an excellent way to share the exciting news. 
  • Make it Personal: At the beginning of most client relationships, it’s your business to understand your client better. Getting to know the client doesn’t stop there though, it’s a perpetual process. Taking the valuable information gained from communicating with your client and gifting them items that have special meaning helps make the relationship more personal and adds extra value.
  • Client Experience: Differentiating yourself from the sea of competition can be difficult. Many of my clients want to create a memorable experience for their clients. This experience can look like sending an onboarding gift to welcome the client when they open a new account or a thank you gift for a referral. 

Thanks to social media, we have pretty much every business at the click of a button. You don’t have to build relationships or even speak to anyone anymore. The beauty of the relationship is being stripped away by our desire for convenience and time. There is a considerable need for more personal service. Clients are starving for it but have no clue they are. It’s time to go back to a simpler time when knowing your client’s names mattered, and lastly, building valuable relationships was the goal. 
Whether you work with a custom gifting company like The Personal Gift Basket Co. or choose to create your gifts in-house, it’s one of the best things you can do for your business.

Last Minute Galentine’s Day Ideas

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As you are all aware, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but before we all celebrate that special day with our significant others, there is Galentine’s Day! Galentine’s day is a relatively new holiday. How did it come to be, you ask?

For those who are unfamiliar with this holiday, it falls on the day before Valentine’s Day,  February 13th. It was created to be a day to celebrate, embrace and support the power of female friendships. A little history about Galentine’s Day: it was season 2 (episode 16, to be exact) of the iconic sitcom Parks and Recreation in 2010, where the holiday got its origin. Since that episode, girlfriends worldwide are showing love to each other on this day. So how can you show some love to your sista-friends? Below, I’m sharing five fun and easy ways to make your girls feel valued, loved and appreciated. 

Ice Cream Potluck

We all know how potlucks take planning and a lot of it! But with an ice cream potluck, it can be as easy as going to the store and picking up your favorite ice cream flavors, cones and toppings and sharing with your besties. To make it even more delicious, you can always add in your favorite cookies and brownies. 

Sleepover

We can all remember back to those sleepovers with your BFF’s, how much fun did we have; we still remember some of those nights. Make Galentine’s Day your annual girlfriend sleepover. It doesn’t have to stop now that you’re all grown up. Invite the girls over or rent a hotel suite and have a fantastic night together. Put on your favorite PJs, binge watch all the chick flicks your heart desires. Laugh till you cry and cry till you laugh with your girlfriends. to make it even more special, make it a “no cell phone” zone, giving your full undivided attention to your girls. 

Wine Tasting

Raise your glass and toast your amazing girlfriends this Galentine’s Day. You don’t need to visit an actual winery to have a little fun tasting wine! Gather your besties and head to a wine bar. Wine bars are sometimes paired with excellent restaurants, making for a fun, full evening of delicious food, sweet desserts, and drinks.

Important side note: PLEASE drink and have fun responsibly. 

Bake Desserts

Get your favorite Pinterest dessert recipes, your cute apron, and have a fun bake-off with your galentines. Baking can be fun, and the results are delicious! Whether you buy a box mix or make your sweets from scratch, it’s sure to be a great time together. And the biggest treat is getting to share your baked goods with each other. 

Pizza Party

Nothing says party like hot pizza! Add your girls, your favorite pizza, salad, and breadsticks, and you are set! Make your time together even more fun, make your crust from scratch and add lots of toppings to your pizzas. Everyone can make their personal pan pizza, and you can also share your pie creations. Be casual or get dressed up – but we all love a good slice of pizza. 

Gender Reveal Announcements!

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From the positive pregnancy test to hearing your baby’s first cry, there is nothing more joyful and exhilarating than bringing a little life into the world. There are so many ways to share the fantastic news of your growing family with others, and gender reveals have become the go-to for sharing the sex of the baby. Over 50% of parents want to know the sex of their baby before birth, so you’re not alone in wanting to be prepared for team girl or team boy.  

At The Personal Gift Basket Co, we want to help you make this memorable moment everything you want it to be. We love being part of your celebrations, and nothing gets us more excited than babies! We want to help make your announcement special. We will create your beautiful gifts in the specified color choice and ship them out to your family and friends’ list. Adding special touches like little onesies that announce, “You’re going to be an aunt or uncle,” make the gifts even more special. We’ll even make sure to add a sticker to the outside of the shipping box that instructs them not to open until the reveal date. 

During this time of social distancing, getting together to celebrate the great news like this can be challenging for large groups but can still be done. Gather your loved ones in-person or online, and have them open their boxes together.  

Let us help you announce your little bundle of joy, making it one your family and friends won’t forget. (Your secret is safe with us!) 


Need help creating the perfect gift? Contact the Personal Gift Basket Co. at (636) 240-3049 or place your order  ThePersonalGiftBasket.com!

Its All About The Relationship

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It is much more expensive to acquire a new client than it is to keep a current one. Satisfied clients result in loyalty, repeat business, and spreading your good name around town, resulting in referrals.

Below I share six simple ways to help you keep a happy client.

1. Share a Smile (even on the phone)

Corporate America taught me that a smile, even on the phone, is contagious. Most business today is done virtually, with zoom calls and conference calls, sometimes the camera is off, and all they hear is your voice. It’s said you can “hear” a smile; that’s because your tone of voice sounds cheerful when you’re smiling. One of the easiest ways to appear welcoming is to smile. 

2. Thank your clients

Sincerely thank your clients. Make showing appreciation a regular part of your client’s relationship with you. Thanking your clients can look as simple as a handwritten note. Let your clients know you value and appreciate their business.

3. Listen and remember

Show your clients that you listen to their needs and feedback. Listening and acting on what you have heard is the key to client retention and loyalty. Remember and document important client dates, events, hobbies, and family names. Doing this shows you care.

4. Honesty is the best policy

It’s never fun to be the bearer of bad news, but your clients will trust and value your opinion if you always speak the truth. If you must give bad news, be prepared to offer possible solutions.

5. Give a gift that you know they’ll like

If you find out that a client is a fan of a local sports team, consider getting them tickets to a game. Perhaps they mentioned they like scotch or whiskey. Customizing gifts is a great way to show your clients you remember what they tell you.

6. Keep lines of communication open

Because we cannot see each other face-to-face as much as we would like,  staying on top of communication is vital. Replying to client e-mails and returning calls in a timely manner. Keeping the client in the know as to what your company is doing, like a blog, newsletter, or other forms of social media, is an excellent way to stay connected.

Romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas

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Valentine’s Day can be stressful for most people! So many decisions to make, like do we eat dinner out or stay home? Should we include the kids or not? Reservations, take-out, or cook at home? I know you are nodding your head in agreement. The one thing you want to make sure you do is make whatever you chose fun and memorable. Whether you want to channel your inner chef or child, here are ten ideas to help make Valentine’s fun.  

  • Breakfast in bed

Wake your Valentine with a surprise breakfast in bed. Cook (or order – no one has to know) their favorite breakfast foods and serve them. Get out the nice linen napkins, silverware, and china. Add some fresh flowers and their favorite morning beverage.  

  • Picnic at home

Unless you live in a warm climate, February isn’t an ideal time for an outdoor picnic. However, there are ways to make this very romantic by packing up a picnic basket and heading to your living room! Move that coffee table and spread out the blanket, food, drinks, and games. Turn on your favorite song and enjoy a great romantic time together.  

  • Romantic movie binge

There are only a few things more romantic than snuggling up with your love and watching a romcom “romantic comedy. ” Pop the corn, get your favorite beverages, add a cozy throw and some fuzzy socks, and you’re ready to binge! Ladies, most men aren’t falling over themselves to watch romantic movies (except maybe on Valentine’s Day), so add in a few with some cars and explosions for him too. 

  • Sir-Mixology 

Get creative with cocktails; who knows; you may invent your new favorite drink! If you include the kiddos, here are some kid-friendly drink recipes.

  • Cozy campfire

Cold evenings can make for some hot fun. Set up a firepit and cuddle up with your Valentine under the stars. Cozy with a plush throw, sip on your favorite warm beverage like hot cocoa or tea, and make s’mores. Here are some fun, s’mores ideas. 

  • Cook dinner together

We all have a favorite restaurant and a favorite dish that we always order. How about trying to recreate your favorite restaurant meal at home. There are so many online recipe hacks you can use to make creating your meal simpler. Cook your food, get dressed up just like you’re going out, and enjoy your favorite meals together.

  • Order dinner in

Don’t want to cook? That’s okay too, order your favorite meal and eat it at home with your love. To make it even more special, dine (by candlelight) using your favorite dishes and drink out your favorite glasses. Don’t forget the linen napkins and stemware!

  •  Game night

Games are a great way to have fun and break the monotony. Whether you play board games or video games, let your competitive side out and have some fun. Order your favorite pizza and have a great time together. 

  • Fondue Dessert

Chocolate is a Valentine’s Day staple. Get out that fondue pot and have fun making your desserts. Things like strawberries, bananas, and Rice Krispies taste even better covered in chocolate because everything tastes better dipped in chocolate. Check out a few recipes from our National Fondue Month Blog. 

  • Share the memories

We can share memories at any time of the year. Still, there’s something special about Valentine’s Day that makes showing love so much more romantic. Watch your wedding video, get the old photos out, and belly laugh at how much you’ve changed. Reread old love letters (or text messages) you wrote to one another. Share what you love the most about your partner. 


These creative, fun ideas don’t cost much, but the memories you’ll make are priceless. As we celebrate with our loved ones, don’t forget to show love to those who’ve lost loved ones or are lonely on Valentine’s Day. 

Release the hearts!

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There has never been a better time to show love, to release the hearts, and rekindle the flame than right now. Here comes Valentine’s Day just in time to warm things up!

Whether you want to stoke the embers of love with your sweetie, show your clients how much you value them, or remind your kiddo they are adored, The Personal Gift Basket Co. will curate the perfect gift. We will even personally deliver the gift with their name attached! [Who doesn’t love surprises?]

Don’t let this holiday sneak up on you or even drift by without sending something special to those you care about. Let The Personal Gift Basket Co. help you. By completing our brief and thorough questionnaire, we will create the perfect gift that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Visit The Personal Gift Basket Co. to order your personalized gift or to shop predesigned gifts today!

Thank You! (Giving Back)

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When you purchase a gift basket from The Personal Gift Basket Co., not only do you express your appreciation for the recipient of your gift, but you may also save a life. That is because 10% of all proceeds is donated to The Child Center, a Child Advocacy Center (CAC), serving child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and children who witness violence.

The Personal Gift Basket Co. was founded in 2002 with a mission to create and deliver high-quality, artisan gifts along with exceptional customer service to every client, no matter the cost of the gift. Lisa Paden, owner of The Personal Gift Basket Co., certainly has a heart to give, both to individuals and to her community.

A recognized community leader in the St. Louis metro area, Paden says, “I have always admired what The Child Center stands for and the visible role they play in our community. It is a great honor and so rewarding to help them.”

Today we want to thank you for playing a part in healing, helping, and bringing hope to children through your gifting. We pray you have a Happy New Year! As you gear up for 2021, remember to visit ThePersonalGiftBasket.com for your Valentine’s gifts to continue to spread the love!

Host A Christmas Cookie Exchange

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One of the best part of the holidays is the food! Unfortunately, that can mean a lot of work. Luckily, you can share the workload (and the rewards) with friends and family by hosting a Christmas cookie exchange. Each person makes and brings cookies (half a dozen or higher – your choice). This way, everyone bakes one kind of cookie and leaves with a variety. It works better if you have everyone pre-package the cookies in a specified amount.

Here are some recipes to get you started.

Gingerbread Cookies

You Will Need:

  • 3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 3/4 c. packed brown sugar
  • 2/3 c. molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 3 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp. ground ginger
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2″ piece fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp. finely ground black pepper (optional)
  • Sugar Cookie Icing, for decorating
  • Sprinkles, for decorating

Directions

  1. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and molasses until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and beat until combined.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, spices, baking soda, and salt until combined. With the mixer on low, gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, as well as  fresh ginger, orange zest, and black pepper (if using), until dough just comes together. (Do not over mix!)
  3. Divide dough in half and create two discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 2 to 3 hours. (Alternatively, divide dough in half and roll each piece of dough between two pieces of parchment to 1/4″ thick. Chill until firm.)
  4. Preheat oven to 350° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface and roll until 1/4″ thick. (Alternatively, peel off both sheets of parchment from dough, then replace one sheet of parchment back underneath dough.) Cut out gingerbread men with a 3″ wide cutter and transfer to baking sheets.
  5. Bake until slightly puffed and set, 9 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. 
  6. Repeat with remaining disc of dough. Decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

  • 1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 c. butter, softened
  • 1/2 c. smooth peanut butter
  • 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp. milk
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • Hershey Kisses

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In small bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt until combined. 
  2. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add sugars and beat until light in color and fluffy. Beat in egg, then add milk and vanilla and mix until combined. Gradually add flour mixture, stirring on low, until just combined. 
  3. Roll a tablespoonful of cookie dough into a ball, then roll in sugar. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough, spacing cookies at least 2” apart. 
  4. Bake until cookies have poofed and no longer look raw, about 8 to 10 minutes. (They won’t brown!)
  5. Immediately top with Hershey Kisses before serving.

From Delish.com

Shop Local

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Shopping small has a significant impact on the economy and plays a vital role in building our communities. We love to support small local businesses on Small Business Saturday (November 28th). Because we are an artisan gifting business specializing in curated gift baskets, boxes, and gifts, we intentionally support small businesses throughout the year. To help you shop small this year, I’ve put together a list of five small (local) businesses that I love and recommend to you. They are worth checking out and supporting during the holidays or any time of the year.

Rachel Roe of Rachel Roe Art

Rachel Roe Art

Rachel Roe is a fantastic artist, designer, and illustrator. She creates the most impressive fine art and graphics that display breathtaking florals and landscapes in her quaint, cozy backyard studio. A few of her designs are available through Minted.com and would be perfect as gifts. Visit Them

Wrapped & Written

Wrapped & Written

I just recently met Leah and immediately fell in love with her beautiful work. Leah creates hand-lettering on surfaces like wood, glass, canvas, paper, and many others. Her attention to detail and overall presentation when you receive your order is so beautiful. Visit Them.

The Caramel House

The Caramel House

Janet Shulman knows her way around her delicious caramel, and we can’t get enough of it! From popcorn to cookies and with over 13 different caramel flavors, you will find something you’re going to enjoy. Visit Them.

STL Cakepops

STL Cakepops

Rachel Sarino is the owner of this delicious company. I’ve never visited Rachel without coming away with one of her delicious cake pops. There isn’t a shortage of treats when you step into her quaint shop in St. Charles. You have the choice of deep-dish cookie cakes and chocolate-covered Oreos, to any shape cake pop you can imagine. Visit Them.

Sweet Scarlet Baking

Sweet Scarlett

Shannon Patton is the owner of this sweet little company, but there’s nothing little about the taste of her delicious cookies. This mompreneur has proven that she knows her way around a sugar cookie. I first tasted her work at a wedding where her cookies were the thank you gift. I was taken away by the detail and then the taste…heaven! Her cookie kits are so much fun and make great gifts. Visit Them.

Homemade Bread

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On November 17, homes will fill with warm, comforting aromas reminding us to slow down and enjoy National Homemade Bread Day.

Yeast bread calls for us to slow down. We need to spend time with each other as we work the dough and let it rest and rise before baking. Quick breads allow a special treat to share and enjoy with coffee or tea.  Other homemade breads, such as donuts, pretzels, muffins, and biscuits, add variety to our everyday meals. And making them with friends and family brings joy and an opportunity to exchange recipes.

Those who make homemade bread commit to using good ingredients and investing in the time. They make it not only because they love the flavor, but because they know the people they love to do also. Homemade bread enriches the flavors of our meals and the flavors of our conversations, too.

Bread is full of symbolism around the world, across cultures and religions. In our lives, bread is valuable. We consider our livelihood to be our daily bread. We are making it, breaking it, consuming it as part of our faith. Bread can be exciting if it’s sliced or boring if it’s white. There’s a bonus bread, too. However, it seems a bit messy if it’s buttered on both sides. Then again, when we roll in the dough, it’s messy, too. Bake it, and it becomes heavy bread, but it means the same thing.

Here are a few easy recipes for you to try.

EASIEST NO KNEAD BREAD RECIPE

No Knead Bread Ingredients:
3 C all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. instant yeast
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1 5/8 C water

Instructions:

  • Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir in water until well blended.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap and leave in a warm place to rise for at least 12 hours (16-18 hours is better). To make this easy and to avoid having to use a new piece of plastic wrap each time, I cover the bowl with a plastic shower cap.
  • Next, place the dough on a generously floured work surface, sprinkle with flour, and fold it in on top of itself two to three times.
  • Turn the bowl you were using at first upside down over the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, shape the dough into a ball.
  • Coat a smooth cotton towel with flour and put the ball seam side down, dusting the top with more flour. Fold sides of towel over top of ball and let rise for 2 hours. The dough should double in size.
  • 30 minutes before the dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees and put a 6 to 8 quart heavy pot with a cover (pyrex, cast iron, enamel or ceramic work best) in to heat.
  • Remove the pot from the oven and dump the dough ball seam side up into the pan.
  • Cover the pot and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Then remove the lid and bake another 15 to 30 minutes or until the loaf is nicely browned.
  • Remove from oven and cool on rack.
Recipe

HOMEMADE FRENCH BREAD

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Yeast
  • 1/2 cup Warm Water
  • 2 cups Hot Water
  • 3 Tablespoons Sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1/3 cup Oil
  • 6 1/2 cups Flour
  • 1 Egg for brushing on bread

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve your yeast in ½ cup warm water. Make sure that your water is warm (not too cold, not too hot). Let proof for 10 minutes.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl, combine hot water, sugar, salt, oil and 3 cups of the flour and mix together. Add the yeast mixture to a bowl.
  3. Add the remaining 3 1/2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Watch for it to start pulling away from the bowl to know it’s ready. Once all of the flour is added, let sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Separate your dough into 3 pieces. On a floured surface roll each piece into a 9×12 rectangle. Roll it up like a jelly roll. Shape into a french bread loaf and smooth out edges.
  5. Place the dough on a greased baking pan or a Silpat, seam side down. Using a knife, make 3-4 diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch thick in bread. Brush with your beaten egg.
  6. Let dough rise uncovered for 30-40 minutes in a warm place.
  7. Bake at 375 for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
Recipe

National Fondue Month

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Let’s have fun with fondue! We all like to change things up in the kitchen, so why not make your family dinner more fun with something different.

The term fondue derives from the French word for “melted.” The Swiss, introduced fondue when promoting their national cheese industry.

Whether your preference is for breads dipped in cheese, meats cooked in oil, or fruit dipped in melted chocolate, consider your own fondue gathering whether for a stay at home date night, for the family and/or friends during National Fun with Fondue Month! Everyone will enjoy!

10 BEST CHEESE FONDUE DIPPERS

  1. Bread
  2. Broccoli
  3. Chicken
  4. Baby Potatoes
  5. Meatballs
  6. Pretzel Bites
  7. Steak
  8. Tortilla Chips
  9. Bell Peppers
  10. Apples

A FEW CHEESY FONDUE RECIPES

10 BEST DESSERT FONDUE DIPPERS

  1. Mini brownies
  2. Pound cake
  3. Strawberries
  4. Pineapple
  5. Bananas
  6. Pretzels
  7. Marshmallows
  8. Macaroons
  9. Rice Krispy Treats
  10. Apples

A FEW OOOEY GOOEY DESSERT FONDUE RECIPES

3 Ways to Leave a Lasting Impression With Your Clients

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Let me ask a question: What steps do you have in place to help make a great impression with your clients? Hopefully, this is not a difficult question for you, but if it is, you could be missing out on opportunities to retain customers and grow your clientele with referrals. 

Being a small business gives you a slight advantage when making an impression with your customers. It’s much easier to go above and beyond or add a personal touch with each customer. Being able to touch them gives you a huge advantage over your larger competitors. So, what exactly does it mean to “touch” your customers? These are interactions that occur during the customer’s relationship with you.

Leaving a lasting impression should be incorporated into every relationship, no matter how big or small. Why? Because if you give a lasting impression, you can not only create loyal, life-long customers, but they will become your marketing mouthpiece, which will help grow your business. 

How does this look, you ask? Well, you know your customers better than anyone, and you know what it takes to impress and wow them. Below I’m sharing a few ideas to help get your creative juices flowing. 

Handwritten Communications

Nothing shows you went the extra mile more than a handwritten note. A handwritten note seems like such a small gesture, but it goes a long way in making someone’s day. I’m sure you can think back to when you would receive a letter or note from someone and how that made you feel. In the world of emails and auto-responses, getting something handwritten in the mail can make a lasting impression. 

Presentation is Key

We all know the excitement of receiving a gift but receiving a beautifully curated gift is on a whole new level. How do you make opening a plain corrugated shipping box worthwhile? By making the presentation of the gift memorable. A thoughtfully curated gift makes the unboxing experience worthwhile. 

Remember the Details

Developing relationships with your customers is essential to building loyalty and retention. Customers sometimes reveal details about their personal and professional lives with you. Knowing special occasions, kids’ names, or even the family pet, leaves a lasting impression on the customer. 

Gifts are an excellent way to show appreciation and to make a great impression. We are here to assist you with your gifting needs and help you stay top of mind with your clients. 
Give us a call today – (636) 240-3049.

National Caramel and Chili Month

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It is National Chili and Caramel Month. Chili and caramel, you would typically not think of them together. You can enjoy a bowl of chili for dinner, followed by a delicious bowl of your favorite ice cream with a drizzle of warm caramel. A great gift idea to celebrate National Chili Month could consist of beautiful chili bowls and spoons, crackers, napkins, and fresh cheese. Another nice touch is to add your favorite chili recipe to share. For Caramel Month, ice cream bowls are always a big hit; add in an ice cream scoop, fun sprinkles, and a delicious jar of caramel sauce in a reusable jar. And again, you can always add in your favorite caramel recipe. Either of these would be fun to give to your family or friends. 

Lisa’s White Chicken Chili Recipe

I love comfort foods at any time of the year, but those meals become even more special in fall. I love to entertain and cook for family and friends, and one of my favorites to prepare is white chicken chili. Below is my recipe for you to make for your family and friends this fall. 

You Will Need:

2 tsp olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves chopped (or 2 tbsp minced)
2 – 4oz cans chopped mild green chilies
2.5 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp cayenne pepper
5 – 16oz cans great northern beans (3 cans with juice and 2 cans drained)
6 cups chicken stock
4 cups cooked chicken (any parts you like)
3 cups grated Monterey jack cheese
2 cups sour cream (optional for serving)

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil on medium heat in a large pot
  2. Add onions and saute until translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, chilies, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper and saute for approximant 2 minutes or so
  4. Add beans and chicken stock and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat, add chicken and cheese, stirring until cheese melts.
  6. Season with any spices you like (if you want to know…I use Jamison Chicken Base, pepper, and a little Slap Yo Mamma)
  7. Add Monterey jack cheese and a healthy dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

Easy Caramel Sauce Recipe

I’m a firm believer that caramel makes everything taste delicious —apples, cake, ice cream, cookies, the list goes on. And you may not know, but it’s relatively simple to make. Here is a recipe for you to try yourself.

You Will Need

1 packed cup brown sugar
1/2 cup half-and-half
4 tablespoons butter
Pinch salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Mix the brown sugar, half-and-half, butter and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  2. Cook while whisking gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until it gets thicker.
  3. Add the vanilla and cook another minute to thicken further.
  4. Turn off the heat, cool slightly and pour the sauce into a jar.
  5. Refrigerate until cold.

From FoodNetwork.com

Lisa’s Personal “Fall” Favorites

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I’m sure I’ve said this a million times before, but Fall is indeed my favorite time of the year. 

My favorite fall scented candle, the house decorated in autumn décor, The coziest, plush throw blanket and my favorite comforts foods.

Below are a few of my personal favorites that I’m enjoying this season that I wanted to share with you.

Balsam Hill Fall Wreath

Balsam Hill Fall Wreath

Infuse elegant autumnal beauty into your home with Balsam Hill’s Fall Harvest Foliage. Lovingly crafted by hand, this Balsam Hill exclusive is adorned with sunflowers, pumpkins, berries, pinecones, and burlap ribbon to represent the warmth and color of the harvest season. For more information on the wreath.

Pottery Barn Sherpa Back Throws

When it comes to cozy textures, we believe the more the merrier. Ridged stripes on the front of this throw create a sense of loftiness, and the supersoft sherpa reverse is the perfect warmth for chilly weather or snuggling by the fire. For more information on these cozy blankets.

Oh My Gourd Doormat

Perfect for Fall and even Halloween, you can’t go wrong with a “punny” Oh My Gourd Doormat. For more information on the doormat.

Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove Jar Candle

Treat yourself or a loved one to Capri Blue’s beloved pumpkin spiced scent — it’s a cozy, comforting choice that’s perfectly suited for the harvest season. Pumpkin Clove: The scent of creamy, buttery pumpkin with a touch of orange zest, wrapped within a savory vanilla and cinnamon base. (SPICE) For more information on the candle.

Staub Ceramic Stoneware Pumpkin Cocotte

Bake and serve individual portions of soups, casseroles or vegetables with these charming ceramic pumpkins. Inspired by the French heirloom Rouge Vif d’Etampes pumpkin—the same handsome variety used to depict Cinderella’s carriage—they add a sculptural element to the tabletop. For more information on the stoneware.

Throwback Stir Stick Popcorn Maker

Movie night is more fun with freshly popped popcorn served retro-style. This electric popcorn maker has a motorized stir stick to ensure that all kernels are popped to a fluffy consistency and tossed evenly in butter. For more information on the popcorn maker.

Host A Pizza Party

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Not sure if we need a month to celebrate pizza, since we do a fantastic job eating it any month. But since October is giving us the green light, then I say let’s make the most out of it! 

Just in case you’re having trivia night soon, a little unknown fact is other than the months of July, August and December, there is some type of pizza celebratory day in every month. 

There’s nothing better than getting your family and friends together, buying all your favorite pizza toppings and having a pizza party night at home, it’s fun and delicious.  

Below are a few essentials to making pizza night delicious…

Must Haves:

  • Pizza Dough – Making your own can be fun, but if you’re not into that or just don’t have time your local grocery store has so many options to choose from. Another option is to purchase pre-made dough from some of your local pizzerias. In St. Louis, you can purchase pizza dough from Trader Joe’s and Dewy’s.
  • Pizza sauce– again, you can make your own or purchase at your local grocery store. Other options if you don’t want a red sauce is white or pesto.
  • Toppings– This is where you get to be creative. Add whatever toppings you like. You could have your friends bring their favorite. Here are some ideas:
    • Meats: pepperoni, ham, sausage, chicken, bacon, prosciutto, genoa salami, meatballs, canadian bacon
    • Veggies: mushrooms, olives (green and/or black), artichoke hearts, onions (red/white/carmelized), bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, banana peppers, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, fig, garlic
    • Fruit: Pineapple
    • Cheese: Mozzarella, Provel, Goat, Gorgonzola, or a blend
  • Other pizza options:
    • Taco Pizza
    • BBQ Pizza
    • Breakfast Pizza
    • Dessert Pizza
  • Don’t forget some hot wings, breadsticks and your favorite ice cold beverage adds the finishing touches. 

Another great way to enjoy pizza night and cooler, fall temperatures is to cook your pizzas on a stone on the barbecue pit. 

The Best St. Louis-Themed Gifts for Showers, Gift Bags and More

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Read the recent interview Lisa had with Amanda Dahl of STL Today and St. Louis Bridal.

What’s the best way to celebrate your love and your love for the Gateway City? Customized gift sets! Whether for your guests, for the bridal party or even just as a thank–you for your parents, nothing captures the memory of this life moment quite like personalized reminders to take home.

Luckily, Union Studio specializes in unique, locally made items that will leave the desired impression.

“The fact that everything we have is handmade and local, by virtue, pays homage to St. Louis,” co-creator Sarah Kelley says. “[My business partner,] Mary Beth, and I personally know all 100 artists that we work with. We do our best to share their stories … with the people who shop here. Community-building happens here.”

Lisa Paden, owner of The Personal Gift Basket Co., believes the key components to a perfect gift depend on your knowledge or your relationship with the person in question. Gifts from the heart for those standing by your side on your wedding day can be as simple as offering a matching shade of nail polish and Champagne glasses or as elaborate as writing a handwritten note in dark chocolate leather notebooks, Paden says.

“We try to get to know the recipients; sometimes that’s easy and sometimes that’s not,” she adds. “That’s the fun part, coming up with the ‘why’ you’re gifting.”

The born-and-raised St. Louisan appreciates introducing her beloved city to others and collaborates with couples to find the right fit for each personalized gift basket. An entrepreneur, Paden has even captured the flavor of St. Louis in a one-of-a-kind treat.

“I work with a women-owned company out of California [called The Art of Caramel],” Paden details. “They asked me if I [wanted] to make a popcorn based on my city. I went to my friend, Gooey Louie in St. Louis, and asked him for four mini cakes that I overnighted to the girls. They loved them and said, ‘We definitely have to make a popcorn with this flavor.’ And that’s what we did!”

At Union Studio, a plethora of local artists allow for endless varieties – and Kelley and Bussen are attheready to flesh out your notions for the ideal gift set. Almost the entire inventory is available online, and you can call or connect with the owners via Facetime for further information. A walk-up window allows you to see items inperson – just be sure to wear your face mask.

“Our mission is connecting makers to people who want to support their work,” Bussen says. “People are still making and, on the other side, wanting to connect even more. When it’s handmade work, that intention doubles.”

Connection is the reason to gift your loved ones on your big day – something many crave during this historic time. Paden says it best: “My mantra is it’s always a great day to give a great gift.”

For couples seeking that signature St. Louis style to make a DIY gift set, pick gifts and treats from your favorites, like themed prints by Kelly Sieckhaus Designs; drink blends from Big Heart Tea Co. or Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co.; sustainable stainless steel straws from Ted Drewes Frozen Custard; specialty sauces like barbecue from Pappy’s Smokehouse or hot sauce from 4Hands Brewing Co.’s collaboration with Mission Taco Joint;  or snacks like granola from Made Fare Co., salty nibbles from Billy Goat Chip Company and Just Popped Popcorn, or sweets from Bissingers.

The Personal Gift Basket Co., Wentzville, 636-240-3049, thepersonalgiftbasket.com

Union Studio, 1605 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, 314-771-5398, stlunionstudio.com

See Original Article

Memorable Gifting Experience

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My company motto is: there is always a reason to give a thoughtful gift. I genuinely believe this statement to be true, and helping my clients create a memorable experience for the recipients is my top priority. Gifting is so much more than just creating a gift and making the recipient happy. Now don’t get me wrong; the beautifully designed gift is a significant part of the experience but not the whole experience. 

Today I want to share three helpful tips for creating a memorable client gifting experience.

Tip #1

Be Purposeful and Impactful.

Think about why you are giving the gift. Whether personal or business, these opportunities are great ways to show gratitude and nurture the relationship. Our top four are:

Personal Gifting 

  1. Birthday
  2. Wedding
  3. New baby
  4. New home

Business Gifting

  1. Events
  2. Onboarding
  3. Thank you
  4. Congratulations

Tip #2

Set a budget that you’re able to repeat.

Setting a gifting budget is a good idea, especially for corporate gifting. Gifting can be an investment but so worth it. Think of your whole client experience and consider other opportunities you may have to gift. Take all those experiences into consideration when coming up with your budget. 

Tip #3

Make it personal

There are many ways to personalize a gift, whether it’s custom gift boxes and containers or customized ribbon. But the number one way to personalize your gift is with a handwritten note card. Because we live in an electronic world, handwritten notes carry a lot of weight. 

I strive to make gifting simple and less stressful for each of my clients, all while curating gifts the recipient will love and remember. 
To learn more about how we can be of assistance to you with your gifting needs, you can email me at lisa@thepersonalgiftbasket.com or call us at 636-240-3049.

Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts

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A few of Lisa’s personal favorite women-owned shops around town.

One thing I feel this pandemic has taught us is that we are all in this together. COVID-19 has created an existential crisis in our communities and all over the world. Small businesses and mom & pop shops are the heartbeats of our economy. Success is a joint effort, and when your community hurts, you hurt. Small businesses are being directly and indirectly affected by our current circumstances. Because of the suddenness of all this, most companies did not have enough time to prepare properly. So just like the old saying goes, “it takes a village…” well it takes a village to work together, to buy, sell and trade with one another to help heal our land.

One way we can help is to buy from our local businesses. Since Mother’s Day is fast approaching, I thought this would be a great time to share 5 of my personal local favorites to help spark your gift shopping juices. Supporting these local shops helps them keep their doors open and lights on.

Collections By Joya, Owner: Betsy Blancett-Narcelli

I love the uniqueness and quality of the jewelry. Knowing that every piece is hand-crafted by an expert artisan, makes me feel like I’m wearing a one-of-kind. Another thing to love is that a portion of every purchase goes toward a women’s charity.  https://www.collectionsbyjoya.com

Leopard Boutique, Owner: Rachel Sauter

I discovered Rachel’s hot finds after participating in a fashion charity show, and I was hooked. I can trust that she has something special every time I walk into the store or shopping online. Her staff is always helpful and knowledgeable, and can assist you in curating the perfect outfit, including shoes and accessories. https://shop.leopardboutique.com 

Lark Skin Co., Owner: Lisa Dolan

This is one of my new favorites, and I had to add it. I was gifted Lark’s cleansing balm and I absolutely love it!  I’ve since purchase several other products from the skincare line and they have proven to stand up to many other products I’ve used in the past. This is a wonderful gift to give someone who desires beautiful, healthy skin.  https://www.larkskinco.com

STL Cake Pops, Owner: Rachel Sarino

I have never been disappointed by Rachel’s delicious cake pops. There are so many flavors and designs to choose from, and if she doesn’t have what you’re looking for, she can probably make it.  There’s more than just cake pops, there’s cookie cakes, chocolate-covered Oreos and strawberries and cake pop kits.  https://stlcakepops.com

Rudy’s Flower Truck, Owner: Brittany Sarhage

I absolutely LOVE the idea of a flower truck, this gives me all the creative feels! But more than just the truck being beautiful, the flowers are as well.  Buying flowers from Rudy’s Flower Truck makes you feel like you’ve stepped back to a simpler time.  If you can’t get to the truck to get all the “fills”, they also deliver in the St. Louis City and County.  https://www.rudysflowertruck.com

Stay Connected, from Afar

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Many businesses have been affected in some way due to our countries current circumstances.  Meetings, networking events, conferences, and other corporate gatherings have been either canceled or postponed.  We understand the stress and are trying to support our clients in creative gifting options to meet their current needs.  

Virtual Connections 

If you’re anything like me, by now you’ve had your share of virtual meetings and gatherings.  I recently attended my first “virtual” wedding, which by the way, was beautiful! Because caring and thoughtful hands can’t physically give a gift right now, you can still give. Give them something they can enjoy that next virtual meeting.  If you usually supply or allow snacks during your face to face meetings, a great gift would be a snack theme gift box filled with items to munch on during the virtual meeting. Don’t forget to add a little bit of home (office) in your gifts, like pens, memo pads, and other company-branded items. Leave it to us, and we can ship the gifts to each virtual recipient, so they have them just in time for the meeting.

Work From Home Care Packages

Working from home can either be a blessing or a curse, depending on who you ask.  Millions of employees are now working from home, whether they like it or not, but so is the entire family. To help bring down the added stresses and build morale, send a care package to let your employees know you’re thinking of them, and you appreciate their hard work and flexibility during this time.  Add a few fun things to help break the day to day schedule and bring a smile to their faces.  Add a puzzle, stress ball, energy drink or water, and healthy snacks. Another tip is to share funny videos and relevant workplace memes that provide a laugh. 

Thank Yous

Building strong, lasting relationships with vendors and clients is vital at any time.  But right now, more than ever, with canceled events, client meetings, and social distancing, it can be challenging to run a business or to feel connected to those you do business with now. Consider sending a simple, small gesture of appreciation to brighten their day. 

These simple gift ideas are to stir up your creativity and guide you to other ways of gifting.  We believe there is always a reason to give a thoughtful gift, and these times are no different.  Please know we are here to help you with your gifting needs at any time.  Whether to say thank you, see you soon, or back to business, we can help. 

Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Woman in Your Life

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Out of ideas? Make Valentine’s Day special with The Personal Gift Basket Company.

Afraid of “The Clueless Guy” Syndrome?

When it comes to giving Valentine’s gifts, let’s face it—guys can feel at a complete loss. Any man who’s had that awkward moment watching his significant other unwrap a vacuum cleaner or gym membership knows: Sometimes we all could use a helping hand.

And for couples who have been together for a decade or more, it can feel nearly impossible to top yourself year after year. Coming up with a new idea for the perfect present this year, in addition to birthdays and other holidays, is daunting.

You want a reaction like this one …
… not this.

But there’s nothing quite like a well-chosen Valentine’s Day gift! It can help couples connect more profoundly and rekindle their romance. Sometimes we all just need a little guidance.

That’s where The Personal Gift Basket comes in. We help guys like you … at nearly any price point! (And we deliver, too.)

So, guys, don’t go it alone. Choose from one of these four totally-customizable gift options.

Custom Gift Basket Idea 1: Sweet Thoughts (From $35)

Perfect for those who want to send a small token of love. Not too big or overstated—it’s a beautiful and simple expression of how you feel.

Contains:

  • Godiva Chocolate Truffles
  • Marshmallow White Chocolate Lollipop
  • Sea Salt Caramels
GET THE GIFT

Custom Gift Basket Idea 2: Pinky Up (From $50)

Perfect for the girl who prefers tea over coffee. This gift has everything she’ll need to have a relaxing start to her morning. 

  • Tea Pot
  • “Love” Travel Mug
  • Honey Packets
  • Honey Swirl Stick
  • Tea
  • Tea Bag Tray
GET THE GIFT

Custom Gift Basket Idea 3: Peaceful Moments (From $75)

Let that special someone know how important she is to you! Pamper her with a gift that will allow her to escape and relax. 

Contains:

  • “Love” Trinket Tray
  • Fig Brown Sugar Soy Candle
  • Cozy Socks
  • Pedi Pumice Stick
  • Conversation Candy Hearts
  • Matches
  • Mimosa Body Lotion
GET THE GIFT

Custom Gift Basket 4: Start from scratch!

Lisa Paden, PGB

Our founder, Lisa Paden, is standing by to help you assemble the perfect gift. Give her a call or send her an email and she’ll help you get it just right. Ready to go?

CALL TO ORDER
EMAIL TO ORDER

Brands We Love: The Art of Caramel

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At The Personal Gift Basket Co., we thoughtfully curate our delicious treats from vendors from all over the country. This month, we want to introduce you to one of our favorite popcorn companies that we have had the pleasure of working with.

The Art of Caramel

The Art of Caramel creates caramel popcorn in adult-inspired flavors. This gourmet treat has become a thriving Los Angeles-area business, thanks to the mother and daughter team of Alycia and Taylor Oh.

This is caramel popcorn like you’ve never experienced before. Flavors include:

  • Vanilla Bean Cocoa Nib (their most popular)
  • Kentucky Bourbon with Black Pepper
  • Bananas Foster Dark Rum
  • Mayan Chile Chocolate
  • And more, including a Personal Gift Basket Co. custom flavor (keep reading)!

From Finance to Food

Alycia spent her early career in the mortgage business. Her passion, however, was gourmet food. As the mortgage industry felt increasingly volatile, she took some time off to consider how she could start enjoying her work again.

Alycia found a job as a food buyer, traveling the world and bringing her favorite flavors back to LA. As she did the work, she saw an opportunity to create beautiful, unique popcorn in a business of her own.

Soon after Alycia’s daughter Taylor graduated college, they decided to partner on the venture. Together, they manage the business while coming up with mouth-watering new flavors.

  • Processed with VSCO with c8 preset

Popping Up Everywhere!

The Art of Caramel found its way into a store in the Los Angeles International Airport. One day, a Japanese marketing professional picked up a bag of Mayan Chile Chocolate Popcorn as a gift on his way home.

He gave it to his boss, who called Alycia, saying, “We’ve got to bring this popcorn to Japan!”

Then, just by chance, their popcorn found its way onto Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Before the Ohs knew it, their popcorn had been featured on NBC, in The Robb Report, and in the Los Angeles Business Journal.

Clients have even included The Late Late Show and The Emmys!

But Alycia and Taylor’s big celebrity moment was with author Dave Pilkey of Captain Underpants fame. Taylor read Pilkey’s books when she was little. Having Pilkey choose The Art of Caramel for a Scholastic Books Holiday Box was an absolute thrill for them.

The Art of Caramel + The Personal Gift Basket Co.

Alycia’s favorite flavor is their Fiori and Salt Popcorn. A unique take on salted caramel, it starts in Italy with fourteen kinds of flowers. When the flowers are dried, ground, and sent to LA, they’re mixed into the caramel. Then, they top the sweetly floral popcorn with Maldon Sea Salt.

The result is out-of-this-world.

Our favorite popcorn, however, is the Gooey Butter Popcorn, formulated by The Art of Caramel exclusively for The Personal Gift Basket Co.

Our founder, Lisa Paden, worked with Alycia and Taylor to create this delicious popcorn. Not being from St. Louis, they had never tasted gooey butter cake! Lisa sent samples of her favorites for them to experience so they could recreate the signature taste.

“Deliciously Unique”

The Art of Caramel is deliciously unique. Their popcorn makes a thoughtful stand-alone gift or as an add-in to our gift baskets. When you give it, you can feel confident you’re giving something as individual as you are.

When ordering your next custom gift from The Personal Gift Basket Co., make sure to request we add delicious popcorn from Art of Caramel!

Lisa’s Top 10 Summer Gift Picks

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There are many opportunities to get out and enjoy the hot summer days. Our weekends are packed with parties, holidays and many other celebratory events that fill our calendars. I always say, there is always a reason to give a thoughtful gift (even if it’s not from a gift basket), so here are a few of my personal favorites to give during this time of the year. These items are great for hostess gifts and many different occasions, and you may just find a few for yourself.

Skeem Citronella Candle

Skeem Matches

Summers days and evening are really nice, but with them come the bugs that aren’t so nice.  These beautifully created Citronella candle and matches are a perfect hostess gift for your next outside party.

Inflatable Beverage Floats

For your next pool party, bring these adorable flamingo beverage holder floats.  Add a few nice glasses, with a lemonade mix and a few lemons and you got yourself an adorable gift!

Coleman Party Pail Grill

Grill Utensils Set

Birthday party on the beach or in the park?  This portable grill and utensils set is the perfect gift to bring.  Just add a nice tea towel, condiment containers, and charcoal – you got yourself a great gift.

Bose Portable Speaker

Can’t have a party without music!  Bring this Bose portable speaker and get the party started!  Add an iTunes gift card with a pair of headphones and this is a REALLY nice upscale gift.

Yeti Tumbler

This tumbler is perfect for keeping your favorite beverage cold while you are in the summer heat.  Add a nice sparkling bottle of water (or a mini bottle of wine) with and you have a great hostess gift.

Glass Pitcher and Cup Set

This is glass pitcher and cup set are a great hostess gift for the next summer backyard party.  Add coasters and a sangria drink mix and you’re set!

Backpack Cooler

This backpack cooler is perfect for the beach, park, or even back yard.  Add a bottle of wine, cork opener, wine bottle stopper, and two glasses and this is a great gift for the wine lover.

Waterproof Picnic Blanket

Picnic or concert in the park this weekend? This waterproof picnic blank is perfect and it’s big enough for a few of your favorite people.  Add a set of plastic plates, cups, utensils, cheese, sausage, cutting board, a cheese knife, and fresh fruit. This will make a great gift.

How to Design the Perfect Father’s Day Gift

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Father’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the amazing, strong men in our lives. Finding a special and meaningful gift for that special man can be a daunting task. I know they say women are hard to shop for, but I think men are too. So to make it easy this year, The Personal Gift Basket Co has created four fun gift solutions; The Traveler, Cup of Joe, Man Cave, and The Fan. Give him something unforgettable that will remind him that he’s loved and appreciated.

The Traveler

For the dad whose job takes him on the road or up in the air, The Traveler is a great gift! Travel essentials and snacks help make this gift ideal for dad to take while he’s away.

Cup of Joe

This gift is for the dad whose day cannot start until “but first…coffee.” Whether it’s black, Americano, espresso, or latte, he’ll love this gift.

Man Cave

For the dad who loves his own private space, to play his favorite music, watch his favorite sports teams, eat his favorite snacks, and hang his favorite movie or band posters. No matter if his space is in the garage, basement, or extra bedroom, the Man Cave gift will be the perfect addition for him to enjoy.

Hometown Fan

St. Louis is known for having some die-hard sports fans, and there’s nothing like rooting for the home team!  Win or lose, dad bleeds Blue or Cardinal Red so help him bring home a win with some of his St. Louis favorites.

Creating an Unforgettable Gift

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We all have special women in our lives. Mom, Sister, Wife, Daughter, Teacher, Graduate, Niece, or Friend.  I truly believe every woman deserves to be celebrated, encouraged and uplifted.  What better way to show your love than with a thoughtful gift she will treasure always. 

Here are a few gift ideas the special woman in your life will love.

Gift Option 1

Rest and relaxation are a woman’s two favorite words and yet so often the two things they go without. Give her a little R&R and ensure she feels pampered and luxurious. A few essentials for a relaxing night in include a lush robe and a pair of perfect slippers as no night in is complete unless spent in complete comfort. Right? A face mask, hand cream, and the perfectly scented candle will make her feel like she has a spa in her own home. Finally, she can prop up on the coach of in her favorite chair with a comfy throw and her favorite book or journal.

Gift Option 2

We all get sucked in our own patterns and habits when it comes to home decorating. Giving her a gift filled with items that can give her décor inspiration and fits her taste, she’ll love. Start with a neutral picture frame that will allow her to display her favorite family photo. Add a little outdoors to the gift by adding a pop of green with earthy succulents for her bedside table or office. A fuzzy throw and pillow in her favorite colors are perfect accents that she’ll find a perfect place for.

Gift Option 3

Mornings can be hectic for women, so give her everything she needs to start her day off right. Start her off with a gift of treats that are sure to brighten her day. Add a mug (which of course will become her favorite) along with her favorite coffee or tea. Add in shortbread cookies or biscotti, flavoring syrup, and chocolate-covered espresso beans and she’s ready to face the rest of her day.

Gift Option 4 

For the woman who is always on the go, give her a gift of healthy items and snacks that keep her summer ready. Start off with her favorite health magazine, glass or BPA free water bottle, a healthy energy drink or water, nuts, and you can always throw in delicious dark chocolate.

Gift Option 5

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and if she loves spending time there more than any other room in the house, my guess is she would LOVE this gift idea! Fill a basket with things she will enjoy in her favorite place. Unique measuring cups and spoons, a new cookbook, tea towel, wood cutting board, an apron, wooden spoons, and a serving tray will surely make her day.

Newly engaged? CONGRATULATIONS!

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The date is set, the ring is definitely on, and now the planning for your perfect day begins.  One of the many important decisions you’ll have to make is choosing your maid honor and bridesmaids.  These type of moments are so special not only to you but your girls, so how you “pop” the question is important. Simply asking the question is definitely one part of it all, but how you ask the question can make the moment more memorable.  A way to make asking even more special and unique would be to give each girl a heartfelt gift.  Below I’m sharing 3 gift ideas to consider when thinking of ways to ask “will you be in my wedding?”

Gift Idea #1

For the girlfriend that has “all the things,” pop the question with a gift that keeps it simple and fun.  Frame a fun pic of you two, maybe from a trip you’ve taken or an event you’ve attended together.  Add her favorite color nail polish, relaxing bath salts, a wine glass etched with the word bridesmaid and a miniature bottle of her favorite drink.  Don’t forget to add her favorite colors in the ribbon or container. 

Gift Idea #2

Relaxation gifts are always appreciated, especially while planning a wedding – who couldn’t use some downtime.  Try adding a monogrammed blanket, a coffee mug, biscotti, her favorite book, magazine or journal (don’t forget to write something memorable that way she’ll always remember), and pen makes a great gift, and you can’t forget the candle. 

Gift Idea #3

Hit the ROAD! What better way to ask your girls to be in your wedding than with a road trip. Jump in the car, and drive and it doesn’t have to be far. It could be a beautiful hotel downtown or a quaint B&B in the neighboring state.  Before leaving on your weekend getaway, give your girls swag bags filled with fun things for the weekend.  Beach towel, flip flops, a travel mug (don’t forget to personalize it), sunglasses, hair ties, and snacks. 

During one of the biggest moments in your life, your girls will be standing by your side. Giving them something memorable to honor their friendship and saying yes to being with you on your special day will be something your girls will won’t forget, so make sure you treat them to something special in return.

The perfect gift for the man in your life

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For many of us, the men in our lives are so hard to buy a gift for…is this true for you?  If so, here are some great ideas on what to get him based on his likes!

The Beer Bucket

St Louis is HOPping with local breweries.  We can fill your basket with some of his local favorites and maybe find him so new favorites too.  Fill his this ice bucket with six unique bears and we will handpick a few of our favorite gourmet snacks. Cheers!

Know Thy Whiskey

For the man who loves his whiskey.  Spoil him with his favorite brand, maybe a cigar or two and some specialty selected gourmet treats to go with his indulgence.

For Every Aqua Activity

This basket is perfect for the water lover in your life.  He may love laying in the sun on his raft, dancing in the rain, playing Marco Polo or splashing everyone in the “splash zone”.  This basket includes a cell phone water protection case, snacks, beverages, and floating sunglasses.

Foaming at the Mitt

We all know the man who LOVES his car.  He washes it by hand and talks to it.  The auto car basket will continue to put his best fender first.

Morning Reinforcements

Does your man, need his morning cup of coffee before he can hold a conversation?  We will his basket with all things coffee from chocolate covered espresso beans, a mug, a French press, and some delicious coffee.

Six Degrees of Bacon  

Some men feel this bacon is not just for breakfast and all meals should include bacon.  The bacon basket will make sure to fill his inner bacon fix.

The King of Hearts

Our poker gift basket includes everything for the next poker game at the house.  We will include, poker chips and card decks, Gourmet Pop Corn and Trail Mix. Poker gifts will always win over your guy!

Playing With Fire

Your Grill Master will love having a basket full of tools and spices.  We can even include a grilling book and some snacks to indulge in while cooking.

Operation Diaper Dump

Fir the first time dad!  This basket is filled with wipes, nose clips, a first-time dad book and some scrumptious goodies to eat and drink while your new little one is napping.

Shankers Gonna Shank

Packed with the essentials any golfer will need.  This basket is packed with goodies from coffee for the early tea time, to snacks to keep them going and some accessories all golfers need while playing the links.

These are just a few of the many different baskets we can create for the man in your life.  Call us to create yours today.

Creating the Perfect Host Gift

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Summer barbecues, newlywed housewarmings, or simple family get-togethers are just a few examples of events that may leave you scrambling for ideas on what to bring as a host/hostess gift. Do you go big and bold or do you turn to the fail-safe bottle of wine? I’m not saying anything is wrong with a nice bottle of their favorite wine, but I’m here to help you think outside the bottle with a beautifully created gift basket. Gift baskets are the perfect gift because they are so versatile and are great for any gifting occasion. I’m sure you know how easy it is to spend hours shopping and searching for that perfect gift, so to make your life a little easier (in the gifting department at least) I want to give you a few host/hostess gifting options that will help you shine at your next party.

[Read more…]

Girls Getaway Gift Ideas

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Summer is here! With the beautiful sunshine and to-die-for sandals, come with a little more free time to hang out with your favorite girlfriends. Whether it’s a weekend away or a more extended vacation, grabbing a few of your girls, jumping in the car and hitting the road is the perfect way to unwind and have some fun. What better way to surprise your besties than with a gift to help liven up your experience? A thoughtful curated gift to complement your time away together makes for a great keepsake and will add to an already unforgettable experience.

Feet in the sand

A beach getaway could be the solution to all of your worries and weekday stresses. Take good care of their skin before and after time in the sun, so include a quality SPF moisturizer to help soothe your sun-kissed skin. In case she gets a sunburn, aloe vera would be much appreciated.  Add in a beach-inspired picture frame to commemorate your time spent together and help you remember every moment spent laughing and relaxing for years to come.
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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

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May is the month to honor our mothers and the mothering figures in our lives. They do so much for us and guide us through our lives with compassion, strength, and grace. What better way to show them your appreciation for their dedication and love than a heartfelt gift basket? Make this the year you take her breath away. Show her how much your relationship means to you in the form of a very special present.

Celebrate this special day with your mother outside!
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Shine Above the Rest

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You have just spent days, weeks, possibly months finding your clients new home.  You have probably spent countless hours with them, some fun and some of those hours may have been very frustrating.  Now it is time to express your thanks to them for closing the deal on their new dream home.  Closing gifts should express your gratitude, be a nice gesture while also leaving a nice impression on them in hopes they will refer you to their friends and family or use you again.

First, let’s start with what “not” to do!

  • Don’t over-do the branded items.
    The gift is not about you or your company it is about the client. Please do not give them a basket filled with your company’s brand.  It’s okay to have a few items, such as a mug or a memo pad, but placing too many branded items is a surefire way to get the whole gift thrown in the trash.  Remember that gifts are not about advertising.  Make the gift meaningful to the recipient, this illustrates how much you care.

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Valentine’s Day Gifts

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Valentine’s Day is all about expressing love (which we should do every day) and The Personal Gift Basket makes it so easy and stress-free. We get so inspired by all the over-the-top card sentiments and pops of red and pink everywhere we look, it’s all so adorably cute and girly and we love it!  Of course, we know Valentine’s Day is not just for us girls, even though it’s primarily marketed for us to the guys. It’s simply a great day to show anyone we value, love and respect how much we care. It goes without saying that showing love to our special someones is what most people think about when it comes to Valentine’s Day. But what about showing appreciation to your clients and co-workers (we value them too).  Loving on your clients and co-workers goes further than you may know.  I always stress the old adage of taking care of those who take care of you. Our clients are our marketing mouthpiece, so don’t forget them when it comes time to showing a little love. Our co-workers are people we spend more time with than our families sometimes, so we can’t forget them. What about showing some strong girl power love to those sister-girlfriends? Good, faithful, trust-worthy, ride-or-die friends are very hard to come by so don’t forget to show some galentine love to the girls who are there for you no matter what. And… we can’t forget about our guys! Most men are not expecting anything on Valentine’s Day so why not surprise them with a gift that shows them you are head over (red bottom) heels for them.
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FALL Into Gifting

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Fall means vibrant earth tones, changing leaves, cozy décor and fall scents. It’s time to prepare for an amazing season of entertaining, dining and don’t forget those amazing sunset bonfires! Fall is a magical time of year and inspires warmth and friendship with gatherings filled with warm, hearty, delicious food, laughter and memories. With all the fall inspiration, the season becomes a great time to gift.

Adding a luxurious throw with rich dark chocolate, a bottle of apple cider and a pumpkin spice candle can be a great hostess or housewarming gift.  Another great Fall gift idea is creating an S’mores gift basket filled with everything you need for a chocolaty fun night around the fire… and don’t forget the sticks! And lastly, football season is in full swing, so don’t go empty-handed to the next Monday night football party you’re invited to.  Chocked full of chips, salsa, popcorn, peanuts, sweets and it’s plenty to share.

And lastly, Fall is great for…. romantic snuggles! It’s only fitting to give you an idea of creating a gift to give to that special someone. This gift can be filled with things they love, a nice candle, and throw a bottle of wine, wine glasses, fireplace matches, a nice chocolate to share or even cheese, crackers and an aged sausage.

To get your fall gifting juices flowing, here are a few more ideas:

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College Care Packages

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It is that time of year again. That’s right. It is the back-to-school season! As your loved ones are heading off into their new adventures, they will be met by friends, teachers, and lots of homework. They might be leaving home to start their own college adventure, but that doesn’t mean you can’t send a reminder of home to them. College Care Packages are everything a student dreams about as they check their mailbox each day.

College Care Packages can be customized to fit exactly what your student loves. Everyone knows that college students love snacks, so perhaps a food package with a few delicious treats will fit the bill! Worried about them eating healthy? Worry no more as healthy snack options are available and delicious! Their friends will beg them to share what you gave, and it will remind them of the loved ones they left at home.

Your Coffee Drinker

Coffee is a college students best friends. From early morning lectures to late night exam preparations, coffee can be found in the hands of many students. Coffee lovers will rejoice when they receive a care package filled with coffee gifts. This will make them the envy of their dorm and save them money from having to buy it on campus. [Read more…]

The perfect gift for the man in your life

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For many of us, the men in our lives are so hard to buy a gift for…is this true for you?  If so, here are some great ideas on what to get him based on his likes!

 

The Beer Bucket

St Louis is HOPping with local breweries.  We can fill your basket with some of his local favorites and maybe find him so new favorites too.  Fill his this ice bucket with six unique beers and we will handpick a few of our favorite gourmet snacks. Cheers!

 

Know Thy Whiskey

For the man who loves his whiskey.  Spoil him with his favorite brand, maybe a cigar or two and some specialty selected gourmet treats to go with his indulgence.

 

For Every Aqua Activity

This basket is perfect for the water lover in your life.  He may love laying in the sun on his raft, dancing in the rain, playing Marco Polo or splashing everyone in the “splash zone”.  This basket includes a cell phone water protection case, snacks, beverages and floating sunglasses. [Read more…]

Gift Baskets are the Best Way to Show your Love and Appreciation

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Do you know what you are putting into your May Gift Baskets?  Well, let’s see… the first week of May we have Teacher Appreciation Week (don’t forget about last day of school gifts too), followed by Mother’s Day (don’t forget your Mother in Law) and what about all of those high school and college graduations.  The best thing about gift baskets is you can customize them to match the event of the recipient’s personality.

Mothers day

Here are some terrific ideas on what to put in your May Gift Baskets – [Read more…]

Earth Day 4/22

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Green Day
Celebrating Earth Day (which should be every day by the way) reminds me how doing our part to preserve our beautiful green planet can make a difference.  When designing our custom gifts, we use recycled boxes and shred whenever possible.  Below are a few tips on ways you can help our planet.

Planting a tree

I love creating gifts that celebrate and preserve the earth. Planting a tree is a great way to celebrate Earth Day. We’re in love with our Apple-Tree To-Be gift bags! These adorable gift bags are a big hit in so many ways like for a new baby, new home, wedding gift and the list could go on.  Planting a tree symbolizes new beginnings. Trees do way more than beautify an area, they are an excellent source for keeping our air clean, and they help in producing oxygen. Apple Trees to Be [Read more…]

Tips for Making Corporate Welcome Gifts Memorable

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Corporate gifting can sometimes get a bad rap for being too “corporate.” When giving gifts at events such as conferences, meetings or welcoming out of town guests to your company, these gifts should send a message of thoughtfulness and value.
Below I share five tips for creating memorable corporate gifts that will leave your recipients with a great lasting impression.

#1 Write a personal welcome note

Use creative thinking when writing the letter. It’s easy to use “corporate” speech, so instead, allow the letter to represent a thoughtful note you would enjoy reading personally. Keep in mind, even though the event is business, your guest will most likely view it as entertaining and fun; outside their normal day to day work routine. Don’t forget along with the meeting or conference itinerary, to supply helpful information to your guests such as nearby restaurants and local attractions.

#2 Coordinate gifts to complement event

Making sure the style of the event shines through into the gifting process is our number one goal. By paying attention to every detail in the gift process, allows the guests attending the event to understand what to expect.

#3 Consider your audience

The hardest part of choosing what to give at an event is choosing something that appeals to both male and female. We recommend unisex items, which means each recipient will be able to enjoy the same thing. Unisex gifting makes the welcoming process go quickly and smoothly. [Read more…]

3 Ways to Stay Top of Mind With Your Clients

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As a business owner your clients are your most important assets. Keeping clients coming back whether by giving you a referral or a second purchase should be a permanent marketing strategy of yours. Statistics show the cost of finding new clients is five times the cost of retaining your existing clients. Simply said…a satisfied customer is the foundation of your business.

Here are 3 effective ways to keep your business top of mind with your clients.

#1 Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Client satisfaction is your most powerful tool and is the least expensive. No matter what you are selling, nothing will produce loyalty quicker than a satisfied client. A happy client is your best marketing mouthpiece. They will share their experience with their friends, family and co-workers whether good or bad. When concentrating on the longevity of the relationship, remember to plant the seed of value and appreciation, which in return will produce a healthy, long-lasting relationship. It takes an investment of your time, patience and money to build a rewarding relationship with your clients, however it is the most effective investment you will make for your business.

#2 Set Yourself Apart From the Competition [Read more…]

Mother’s Day Special: Sunday, May 10th

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This year, make her Mother’s Day unforgettably special with our custom gift baskets and concierge services! Receive 10% off orders of $50 or more! Call us today at (866)-532-4023. Continue reading to see our Mother’s Day flyer!

Mother's Day 2015

What to Buy: Smart Gifts For 5 Occasion

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There’s nothing more impressive than a happy gift recipient. Below are five occasions and gifting options to help make your gift-giving easier, and we can help you with all five!

New Baby

Babies are such a joy and purchasing the right gift can be fairly easy because you could end up buying everything you see!  Below are a few items that make great gifts for the new little bundle of joy.

  • Baby time capsule
  • Layettes or outfit
  • Blankets with matching receiving blankets
  • Books and keepsake books
  • Rattle and chewable toys
  • Travel/emergency kit
  • Lullaby or soothing music
  • Don’t forget something for mommy

New Job [Read more…]

The Communication of Gifting

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Gifting is a form of communication. Whether personal or business, a gift can tell the recipient what you think of them, how important and appreciated he or she is or even your perception of them.

When you give a gift without putting time and effort into making the right selection for the person receiving the gift, it can give the impression of giving a thoughtless gift.

Personal Gifting:

The biggest mistake in gifting is giving the recipient something you like and not thinking about what they would like. Just because you feel someone should love chocolate-covered espresso beans because you do, or buying your friend (who you’ve only seen in a suit when he attended a funeral) a sports coat because you liked it, doesn’t mean they will.

If you go as far as thinking of someone to give a gift to, go a step further and consider them when you are purchasing the gift. And yes, you can put you own personal spin on the gift, however never forget the recipient entirely.

Business Gifting: [Read more…]

2015 is Going To Be Sweet!

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Happy New Year!

We hope you had a wonderful, relaxing and prosperous 2014 and your 2015 is off to an extraordinary start. We worked hard and accomplished a lot here at The Personal Gift Basket, creating, delivering and shipping our beautiful gifts all over the country. We also got a chance to spend some much needed quality time with our family and friends and personally enjoy the holidays.

Back to Business:

I’ve learned many things over the holidays, like not eating more than 10 gooey butter cookies at one sitting (but they’re so addicting). Seriously…we’ve learned to keep striving for excellence and that’s why the first thing on our New Year’s resolution list is to create more unforgettable gift baskets and gifts, and bring you the best customer service and assistance for your gifting needs.
Reds, pinks and pastels are filling up our workshop because we are already gearing up for Valentine and spring, and we’re ready to help you get a jump-start on your gifting.

Wishing you a sweet 2015!
~Lisa

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Lisa@ThePersonalGiftBasket.com
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