Choosing A Wine Gift Basket

by Evan Brewerton on May 15, 2009

A special occasion like an anniversary or birthday that requires the giving of a gift is the ideal time to consider a wine gift basket. They are always well-received gifts for wine enthusiasts and often include extra wine-related items. They may also include such delights as fruit, nuts, candy, cheeses and wine accessories like bottle openers and corkscrews, drip stoppers and foil cutters or whatever else you think the recipient may enjoy. They are available already assembled or you can create your own to add that special touch. If you know the type of wine the reciever likes you can build your gift around that, or you can create a surprise basket.

Where To Buy Prepared Baskets

If you’d rather buy a wine gift basket pre-packaged, stop into your local liquor store to see if they have a selection available. Good liquor stores often sell gift baskets, especially during the holiday season. You should have a range of wines from which to choose and then you can add extra products.

Shop Online

The internet is the first place to search for customizable gift baskets. Begin by choosing a bottle or two of wine, then start adding additional products from the range of food and accessories. Products that you could include would be caviar and smoked salmon, cheese or other savory crackers, artisan cheeses, cheese knives, nuts, exclusive mustards or honeys … the sky’s the limit when it comes to adding to them.

The online retailer will then arrange delivery the basket directly to the gift recipient. This is an easy option if you are choosing a corporate gift or to thank a staff member.

Create Your Own Gift Baskets

Creating your own wine gift basket gives allows you to add that additional personal touch. Begin by purchasing an attractive basket. A simple and inexpensive basket will do the job because you can then decorate it with fabric or colored paper. Buy your wine of choice or choose champagne for a special celebration, add some additional products depending on the preferences of the gift recipient. For example, it is not necessary to limit your basket to wine and wine accessory gifts. You could include handicrafts for someone interested in arts and crafts, or a book about wine for a wine lover who is also interested in the history or the making of wine. Select some gourmet food products to accompany the wine, tuck everything into the decorated basket and wrap the whole thing in clear cellophane.

If you are able to, deliver the gift basket to the recipient personally so you can see their joy when they receive it. If you’re very lucky they might even share the bottle of wine with you.

For the non-wine drinker you can still put together a stunning gift basket. You could try a coffee-themed gift basket for a coffee lover that could include coffee mugs, freshly roasted coffee beans from different coffee-growing regions of the world, gourmet cookies, toffees and nuts. A tea lover would probably enjoy a range of teas from different regions, together with a teapot and strainer and a fine china teacup. A coffee or tea gift basket could actually be packed onto a decorated tray rather that a basket. Again, wrap the entire package in clear cellophane and tie a ribbon around it.

Ideas for gourmet gift baskets are only limited by your imagination.

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