Romantic Gifts In A Basket

Once upon a time, giving gifts in baskets was a tradition confined to Easter. Even then, it was a tradition confined to tucking jelly beans and chocolate into a brightly colored basket for the kids. Back then, long before there were entire businesses devoted to putting together gift collections and baskets, I found myself looking for an anniversary gift for some very close friends. They didn't need anything for their house. A gift certificate for a nice dinner out was just a little too boring. And flowers just didn't seem like the right thing. After discarding about a dozen ideas for gifts that just weren't quite right, I stumbled on the idea of tucking a whole bunch of their favorite gourmet foods into a pretty basket. I added a few delicacies that they'd never buy for themselves and a cute little teddy bear, then arranged it all artfully in a pretty basket that they'd use over and over. Voila! The perfect anniversary gift.

These days there are gift baskets for almost any occasion, and they're always the perfect gift. Need a gift for your girlfriend's birthday? A gift basket filled with luxuriously decadent chocolates filled with liqueurs and gourmet goodies topped off with a snuggly plush pooch says "I love you!" just right. How about one for your husband for your anniversary? Appeal to his romantic side with delicate pastries, gourmet pates and a sly little plush devil all tucked into a wire basket that can be used over and over. Gift baskets are especially suited as romantic gifts for couples. My original idea of a romantic evening for two in a basket is one of the most popular themes for anniversary, birthday and holiday giving.

So what turns an ordinary gift basket into the perfect romantic gift basket for any occasion? It's a combination of the contents, the container and the presentation. Put together deliciously sensual gourmet candies and pastries, add a cute, cuddly romantic plush pal and tuck it all into a container that becomes a keepsake in itself, and you're three quarters of the way to an unforgettable romantic gift. The only ingredient missing is the presentation. You're on your own there, but here are a few quick ideas to get you started thinking romantically.

If your anniversary or honeymoon couple iss spending the weekend away, have a basket of gourmet chocolates and snacks delivered to their hotel with a request to management to have the basket waiting in their room when they arrive.

Surprise your sweetie with a gift basket treasure hunt. Start with a clue taped to the front door that leads him to a clue in the refrigerator taped to a bottle of wine. That one may lead to the china cabinet to get wine glasses, then direct him upstairs to the bedroom where he'll find that sexy basket and you, waiting to feed him chocolates in your sexiest lingerie.