A company called Gourmet-Cookie-Bouquets.com is an online resource you should be familiar with. They offer a one-stop shop for everything you would ever need in a gourmet gift. Their prices range from the mini basket for $25 to the more expensive. You can search by your budget or by theme. You can select baskets for holidays, birthdays, new babies, and more. Plan on finding everything that you need here and forget about running from store to store paying more than you have to for lesser quality.

Think about sending a specialty care package filled with gourmet treats. You can find care packages for military, camp, and college students. They can even ship your gift same day so the treats arrive in a flash.

A gourmet gift basket is always a good idea provided you know the recipient’s likes and dislikes, or any allergies. Choose a reputable company that ships often so you know the treats will arrive fresh.

Perhaps you’re more into making your own gift baskets. It’s so easy to do and you can customize your contents to match the recipient’s preferences. Say you want to treat a new mom and dad to a specialized basket celebrating their new baby. Select a sturdy basket in a pleasant shade. Pastel or light wooden baskets work best. Fill it with treats that are easy to eat for people who are pressed for time. Take-along snacks will be much appreciated such as nuts, dried fruits, beverages to go, cookies, fruit, crackers, and more. Stuff the bottom of the basket with raffia or craft grass. Crumpled tissue paper also works well. Plan on putting the biggest and heaviest object in the center and start building the basket around that item. Alternate big and small items from side to side so the basket looks balanced but not stiff. It should look like you gently arranged the items as the idea came to you, not like it was done in a factory to strict specifications. You might also include a gift certificate to Netflix or another movie rental place. Tie it all up with a pretty bow. Add an embellishment like a rubber duckie or a rattle to suggest a baby theme.

It’s fun to design your own gourmet gift baskets. Experiment with different containers. Old decorative cookie tins make lovely gift baskets as do old wooden boxes or wire crates. If it has a bottom and sides, it can become a gift basket. Fill your baskets with things you love and chances are your baskets will come together perfectly. The more gourmet and hard to find items, the better!

Barbara Peterson is a fan of any opportunity to host a party, plan a party, or be creative with the festivities. Look for more by Barbara Peterson for more ideas on gourmet gifts and party tips.