Gift Basket Business Blog

“Practical” Gift Baskets are a Winner

August 17th, 2008 at 01:50pm Lorie Obernauer

“According to a study in May, 2008 by the Food Marketing Institute, approximately 71% of Americans are cooking more at home. Due to rising food and gas prices….interest in home cooking is currently growing”. Full Story.

Let’s face it: the economy isn’t doing well and consumers are looking for ways to curb their spending habits. So if staying home is one way that people are handling this, we, as business owners, need to pay attention to this trend and work with it!

Your customers are still looking for gifts to acknowledge special occasions for friends and family. How about trying a “Stay at Home” promotion and introduce some new gift baskets that focus on this theme? A Taste of Italy basket full of pasta, sauce, olive oil, cheeses, crackers, olives, cookies and chocolates will give the lucky recipient all that is needed for a full course meal. Pack this in a metal colander and you’ve included a gift that can be used again and again. Or try a Blockbuster Movie Night Basket that includes a Blockbuster gift card, popcorn, peanuts, and games for a perfect gift for the stay at home crowd.

Other “practical” gifts for the family might include a Boredom Basket, packed with games and snacks or a Kid’s Stop activity basket full of games, books and snacks just for kids.

If you’re hesitant about investing in the inventory needed to create these baskets, consider purchasing some “ready to ship” designs to try out your promotion. Since you won’t have labor costs, put a lower mark-up on these items than usual. This approach will allow you to try something new and offer your customers a great selection of gifts.

Just because business may be slower than usual, we need to keep trying new approaches to attract new customers and keep our loyal customers. You can be “practical” while still giving your customers very special gifts!

Entry Filed under: Gourmet Gift Foods, New Products & Trends, Business Tips