Personal Gift Basket

We Make Gifting Unforgettable

Lisa@ThePersonalGiftBasket.com
Local and Nationwide Delivery Available
(636) 240-3049

Its All About The Relationship

by

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

by

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. 

Host A Christmas Cookie Exchange

by

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

National Fondue Month

by

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

Host A Pizza Party

by

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. 

Shop By Category

We’re Social!

Hello@ThePersonalGiftBasket.com
Local and Nationwide Delivery Available
(636) 240-3049