Personal Gift Basket

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Fall is for Gifting

September 28, 2022 by Lisa Paden

And just like that, the muggy hot summer days are slowly ending, and the fall season is close at hand. Fall is chilly mornings and evenings, hot cocoa with marshmallows, and weekend bonfires. Fall is also the perfect time to celebrate the changing seasons by giving gifts. Fall gift baskets and boxes are appreciated for their warm sentimentality and cozy vibes. Treat your friends, family, and coworkers to a taste of autumn with all the flavors and scents this time of year brings.  

Below are some helpful options for Fall gifting

Holidays: 

Halloween is an excellent time for gifting because…well… CANDY, of course! A gift idea could be adding the season’s best sweets, a fall-scented candle, a great mystery or spooky book to read, Halloween plush socks, and a few snacks. If you’re gifting for the kiddos, try adding Fall-scented bubbles, candy, and fun activity books.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give a gift. Send a gift that shows you are thankful for family, friends, and business with something they will enjoy and remember. Foods and snacks that to share with others are always a great idea. Outdoor gift themes are great for this time of year. A few gift options could be a s’more kit with everything they need to have a fun time around the fire, or maybe a movie night gift with a plush throw, popcorn, and snacks. 

Family & Friends:

Fall is one of the best times to get together with others. It’s full of opportunities to give to family and friends. One easy and popular idea is a game night-themed gift basket. Include board games for multiple players, family card games, delicious snacks, sweet treats, and fizzy beverages to share while playing. 

Food:

People start thinking about fall comfort foods when the cool weather starts to creep in. An idea could be a gift basket with soup mixes, crackers, a plush throw or fuzzy socks, and delicious chocolate. When it comes to seasonal gifts, you can’t go wrong with sweet and delicious seasonal fruit baskets, but you could also choose fall gift baskets filled with meats, cheeses, and non-perishable snacks to enjoy throughout the season. Savory snacks hit the spot for some, while others prefer a box of gourmet assorted chocolates or irresistible gourmet cookies. 

Self Care Package:

Give the gift of self-care to someone who needs it. A gift option could be a hydrating face mask, a fall-scented candle, an adult coloring book, and pencils. Another option could be bubble bath, bath bombs, sugar scrub, whipped body butter, lip balm, and bath salt. Add a journal, pen, and robe so they can feel the calmness of autumn.

We’ve got you covered if you’re searching for the perfect fall gift! 

The Personal Gift Basket Co. offers thoughtfully curated fall gift baskets and boxes ready for your friends, family, employees, and coworkers to enjoy. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we can work with you to help design the perfect fall gift you desire!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Personal Gift Basket Co Attends The Atlanta Market

July 29, 2022 by Lisa Paden

I recently returned from Atlanta, Georgia, visiting the Atlanta Market, and it was so much fun. If you’re unfamiliar with the market, The Atlanta Market is a wholesale trade center for gifts, decor, lifestyle, and food. The market features over 8,000 brands across all buying categories housed in three buildings. 


The purpose of my trip was to meet with many of my existing vendors, building and strengthening those relationships while getting the opportunity to meet and learn about new vendors and incorporate their products into our gift designs. 


The show is massive, and even though I was there for seven days, I still couldn’t see it all. It’s a lot to see! Everything I use in my gifts, from containers to stationery to candles to bath salts to tech gadgets, it’s all there in one of those three massive buildings. The only problem with the enormous market is that there isn’t a shoe made that is comfortable enough for all the walking and standing you get to do. Every day my feet felt like they weighed 100 pounds each! By the end of the week, they were numb, and that’s no exaggeration.


I attend the show with a set game plan of what I am looking for and what I want to accomplish by the end of the week. But then I always pass by a vendor I’ve never seen before with items I’ve never seen, things that would look AMAZING in our gifts, and the spiral begins. I love the opportunity to use my five senses to experience the items, which is very different from shopping online or speaking with the vendor on the phone. Getting to touch, see, taste, and smell takes shopping for products to a whole new level and gets my creative juices flowing. I found myself having to document the gift idea before moving on to the next showroom. 


One of my favorite parts of visiting the Atlanta Mart is being able to preview the new and upcoming trends. It helps me know what to look forward to on my next visit. Holiday and spring trends were the attraction of this trip. 


Thank you to Atlanta Market for a fantastic time and for sending me back with so much inspiration. See you in January!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Atlanta Market, Christmas, Holidays, Shopping

Conversations with Lisa Paden

July 11, 2022 by Lisa Paden

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Paden.

Hi Lisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! My name is Lisa Paden and I am the founder and owner of The Personal Gift Basket Co.

The Personal Gift Basket Co. is a full-service artisan gifting business specializing in gift designs for corporate events, and personal gifting occasions. I created The Personal Gift Basket Co. in 2003 while working full-time for a local investment firm.

I wanted to do something that I absolutely had a passion and drive for and that would bring me out of corporate America. I can’t say the process was as smooth as I thought it would be, however, in 2015 (yes, 12 years later) I retired from corporate America and began running my business full-time.

It was one of the hardest, scariest, yet most fulfilling steps I’ve ever made in my life. Over the years, The Personal Gift Basket Co. has had the pleasure of working with amazing brands like Mercedes Bens, AMC Networks, and Delta Dental to name a few.

I live in St. Charles county with my amazing, supportive husband (who happens to be one of my biggest cheerleaders) and our chocolate labradoodle named Milo. My husband and I have four amazing children (all grown) and one beautiful and talented granddaughter. When I have free time, I love volunteering at my church, cooking, baking, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! I have cried HOT tears and wanted to give up many times but every time I thought about giving up I would find the strength to make it another day. I always feel back on my Why.

Pricing was one of my biggest struggles. I was afraid to price my gifts and services adequately because I was afraid my clients would think I was too high and they wouldn’t want to do business with me. I was so stressed about making a great impression that I would basically give the gift away without making a sustainable profit! You definitely can’t run a business like that.

Another issue I faced early on was that I thought everyone could do what I do, but I quickly found out that everyone can’t and they needed my expertise. There are many people who can do it, but don’t want to or don’t have the time to, and I learned that if they can’t do it or can but don’t want to, these people are my clients.

There is value in knowing your worth and not being afraid of it. The right clients will pay.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Personal Gift Basket Co. creates artisan gift baskets, gift boxes, and care packages for corporate events and individual gifting needs.

We are known for working with our clients to create personalized gifts that make the receiver feel valued and appreciated. I am most proud of knowing my clients by name and building lasting relationships with them.

It’s important for my clients to know who they’re working with.

What matters most to you? Why?
There are a few, but first integrity and character are number one. I want my clients to trust that I have their best interest at heart and that I listen to their needs. Gifting is so much more than things in a basket or box, it’s the why and the end result. I want to help capture that for each client I work with.

Second, I want to make sure I am giving my clients the best their money can afford. This is why I take seriously the products (food and non-food) that we curate for our gifts are from companies I know and trust.

I am always on the lookout for aesthetically pleasing packaging that looks great in a gift. Still, more than that, I am looking for the people who make the items: small companies, women-owned companies, and family-owned companies that love what they do just as much as I love what I do and have a story behind why they do what they do.

Pricing:

  • Our gift prices have a wide range, from $30 to whatever your heart desires.

Link to original article in VoyagesSTL

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: VoyagesSTL

Gender Reveal Announcements!

February 3, 2021 by Lisa Paden

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!

Filed Under: Gift Baskets, Uncategorized Tagged With: baby gift ideas, gender reveal announcements, gift

Homemade Bread

November 9, 2020 by Lisa Paden

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Stay Connected, from Afar

April 3, 2020 by Lisa Paden

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. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Brands We Love: The Art of Caramel

August 5, 2019 by Lisa Paden

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!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Alycia Oh, Brands We Love, Popcorn, Taylor Oh, The Art of Caramel, Vendors We Love

Creating the Perfect Host Gift

January 15, 2019 by Lisa Paden

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…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Lisa’s holiday gifting picks

December 8, 2017 by Lisa Paden


We can shop and wrap for you too!

Teen Girl

Sprocket Photo Printer – Amazon

Heart Wall Light – Pottery Barn Teen

LED Sensor Mirror – Target

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Earth Day 4/22

April 10, 2017 by Lisa Paden

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…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Tips for Making Corporate Welcome Gifts Memorable

March 31, 2017 by Lisa Paden

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…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

3 Ways to Stay Top of Mind With Your Clients

August 8, 2016 by Lisa Paden

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…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Mother’s Day Special: Sunday, May 10th

April 16, 2015 by Lisa Paden

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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