My Gift Baskets Mart Archive Page
Monday, May 19, 2008
Nothing says “job well done graduate” like a well-chosen gift to let them know how proud you are of them.  When deciding to give a graduation gift, many people hesitate because they do not know what is appropriate, or how much to spend.  Here is a simple guideline for giving a graduation gift.       

How much to spend?  

For parents, the sky is the limit.  Of course, if your picked is limited, you will want to make sure the graduates expectations are lowered.  

A close family member such as an aunt uncle or older sibling can spend $200.00 or more without the gift seeming inappropriate.  

For A family friend or adult acquaintance, you can feel comfortable giving a gift valued at $100.00, or even a $100.00 bill with a note about book money and emergencies.  

Friends, acquaintances, and classmates can feel comfortable buying a gift valued at about $20.00  

What kind of gift should I purchase?

Cash is always appreciated by a high school graduate.  If however, you want to give something with a bit more meaning, look for electronic items that the graduate may not already have like an iPod, digital camera, or PDA device.  A family member can even choose to purchase a laptop computer.

On a more personal level, you can purchase a high quality ink pen and have it engraved.  A great bag for their laptop or a travel bag is also an appropriate gift for a graduate.  These should be engraved as well.  Another great option for a graduation gift is a commemorative bracelet or necklace charm.

If you are sending a gift across the miles, consider purchasing a congratulations gift basket online.

What if I am shopping on a budget?

If you have more than one graduate to congratulate, or your budget is stretched tight, consider a budget mined gift such as a book of starting a business, or good career habits, or a book set that includes a book on budgeting, dressing professionally, and motivation to get them started on the right foot.   Another option is a toiletry gift basket set to get them started for the college dorm.  


by: My Gift Baskets Mart
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Monday, May 12, 2008

Father’s Day is a time to tell Dad how much we love and appreciate him.  To Dad, however it may seem like the day his family pulls practical jokes on him.  After all, do we really think he’s going to wear that Mickey Mouse Tie the kids picked out?  While the t-shirt covered in hand prints is great for framing and hanging on the wall, will it ever get worn outside of mowing the lawn?   

I am not saying that we shouldn’t let small kids pick out thoughtful gifts for dad or create neat crafts for daddy, but I am saying we should sweeten the deal with something we know he’ll use.   

Some things dad may actually use are: 

For the Dad who likes to cook:  A barbeque gift set, complete with grill brush, a barbeque spatula and fork, a Dad Apron (that you can even put the kids handprints on).  For the basket, you can consider presenting these gifts in a cooler that will hold ice and the beverage of his choice.   

For the Dad who cares about his appearance:  Purchase a spa gift basket especially for him.  You can purchase a pre-made gift basket online and add with a few relaxing bath products and add a can of his favorite shaving cream and razors.  Or, you can put it together yourself, choosing a basket with a masculine design, such as a mini toolbox, or small metal bucket.   

For the Dad who likes to build things create a unique gift basket full of nails, screws, and other common carpentry items that he frequently purchases.  You an add an extra charging unit for his tool set, or a new tool belt with his name on it.   

So this year when you are looking for a fun Father’s day gift basket, try to get him something in line with items he regularly uses.  You can still add  personal items from the kids, but dad will feel much more honored and appreciated if you get him something that shows you took time and thought about it.


by: My Gift Baskets Mart
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Monday, May 5, 2008
President Harry S. Truman established armed forces day on August 31, 1949.  The purpose of the day is to thank our military for serving our country.  Previously, the three branches of the armed forces celebrated on separate days.  When the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force unified under the Department of defense it made sense to have a unified holiday.  Therefore, the theme of the very first Armed Forces Day was “Teamed for Defense”.

This year, on May 17, 2008, Armed Forces Day the theme is America Supports You.  This lets our military know that we are behind them as they fight difficult and dangerous wars overseas on our behalf.  There are activities planed all over the country to celebrate the armed forces on or near this important day.   

To help celebrate armed forces day, you can purchase or make an American Flag pin to wear on your lapel.  You can wear an American Flag T-shirt to make others aware of this important day.  You can attend or even create an event to celebrate armed forces day in your community.  You can even send a gift to someone in the armed forces to let them know you are thinking about them. 

A thank you gift basket sent to a soldier overseas would really brighten their day.  You may want to get a large group of people together to help you send baskets to en entire squad or platoon.  You can create these baskets yourself sending snacks, toiletries and other items they can use, or you can purchase a gift basket online. 


by: My Gift Baskets Mart
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