Andrea Smith Expert Guru

Andrea Smith started her Gift Basket career in 1991, when she needed to earn a few extra dollars for the upcoming holiday season. She gained a part-time position at a shop that employed the most unusual and artistic characters. Not only did she find herself part of an interesting and creative family, she also found her passion! One year after being hired, Andrea was promoted to Manager and Lead Designer. The most important lesson Andrea learned in her Gift Basket profession is, "Having a job that entails doing something you love is like getting paid to spend the day at Disney World!"

Testimonial

Philosophy

Use this form to post feedback to this guru.

I have not yet had a chance to list by detailed project experience. Please check back soon.

Most writers at LifeTips—or Gurus we call them—are available for writing assignments, special projects, or interviews with the press. Please describe exactly what you’re looking for, and an Agent will get back to you within hours.

Name: Phone: Email: Project Description:
	If you have difficulty identifying the words, click the button.

Want to Create Something Amazing and Unique?

Toss out the wicker basket! That's the first step to knocking their socks off! When the occassion calls for something awe inspiring, try using a container or base that is both creative and related to the theme of your design. Remember, you don't actually have to put your contents INSIDE of something, try arranging them beautifully ON TOP of a base such as a silver tray, cutting board, or even a portable seat cushion embellished with their favorite sport team's logo. Remember, when unique is what you're striving for, this is the time to think outside of the basket!

For the Male Recipient

When you're creating a gift basket for the man in your life, focus on the things you know he'll enjoy. If he's a movie buff, think DVD's, an all-in-one remote control and movie theatre snacks. If his job entails hard physical labor, you can include heated massage oil, body and foot creams and a coupon for an at-home massage. By giving thought to the things he's most passionate about, your special gift will not only be a wonderful surprise, it will also be a meaningful one!

Baskets That Mean Business

When you're looking for a memorable way to thank a business for referrals, excellent service or special discounts, gift baskets are the perfect solution! Since businesses usually consist of more than one person, it's best to opt for gourmet snacks and scrumptious goodies that are large enough to be shared amongst everyone in the office. Items such as: gourmet chips and salsa, a few boxes or a large can of cookies, chocolate covered popcorn, and East Shore seasoned pretzels are some excellent choices. For an added touch, many gift basket shops offer personalized ribbon imprinted with your company's logo. You can check the internet or your local phonebook to find basket companies that offer this service.

Gift Baskets For Children

Children love gift baksets! Think about it, children get very excited about presents, and a gift basket, is like presents inside of a present! What could be better? To keep the sugar levels down, along with a few scrumptious goodies, you can include items that are related to their favorite movies, television shows, sports or hobbies. For an added festive touch, tie some mylar or latex balloons to the top of your basket.

A Gift for the Home

Whether it's a college graduate's first apartment or your parent's vacation getaway, gift baskets make the perfect housewarming present. For Mom and Dad's beach house, include sunblock, towels, their favorite magazines or books, and instead of a basket, a bright and sunny tote bag is an excellent container. For the young man entering his first apartment, an assortment of kitchen items such as: dish towels, pot holders, serving and cooking utensils, cookie dough and a cookbook arranged on a baking sheet and overwrapped in cellophane with a big raffia bow is a great way to get them started!

With a Little Imagination, You Can Create Your Own Gift Basket!

Once you know what to put in your basket, the rest is easy! Start by stuffing your basket with newsprint or styrofoam peanuts in a tightly tied plastic grocery bag to just about two inches below the edge of the basket. Cover the stuffing with tissue paper. Next, arrange your items with the larger boxes or bags toward the back. Think of a handheld fan and spread your items out. Finish with the most decorative or special items directly in the front center of your basket. Now, the fun part! Using colored shred or 6 inch squares of tissue gathered at the middle, fill in the spaces between and behind your items. You can also add silk flowers, greenery or little clusters of wrapped candies (with just a dab of hot glue) as decorations. Set the basket in the middle of a large piece of cellophane or tulle (purchased at a fabric store) and gather the corners up to the top, pulling on any slack. Fasten at the top by tying curling ribbon in a tight knot. Now add a big bow, letting the ribbon cascade down along the sides. Voila! A masterpiece!

Know Someone Who Has Everything?

It can be challenging to find the perfect gift for the person who has everything! When you're faced with this dilemma, simply ask yourself, what do they do for entertainment? What do they do for relaxation? What is their passion? Does he love to barbecue? Would she rather go roller blading or take a hot bubble bath? Remember, gift baskets are a great opportunity to show the lucky recipient that you've really given a lot of thought to their personality, and that in itself, is a very special gift!

Sending Deepest Smypathies with Gift Baskets

When people are facing a great loss, they tend to not focus on themselves. Eating a good meal and nourishing the body is very important in times of stress. When you choose to send a sympathy basket, you're not only expressing your concern, you're also helping to allow the recipients to get some nourishment without the hassle of preparing a meal. Flowers are a nice gesture, but you can be sure a gift basket will make a more meaningful impression. Sympathy baskets should contain items that can be shared amongst the family. Here are some examples of such items: fruit, cheeses, crackers, nuts, gourmet flavored iced teas, cookies, seasoned pretzels with a gourmet honey mustard dipping sauce. Remember, it is not reccommended that wine or any other alcohol be included in a sympathy basket!

Gift Baskets to Welcome the New Addition

Baby baskets are not only packed with useful items, they're also fun to create! If your baby gift is for a shower present and the gender is not yet known, stick to neutral items and color selections. If you include a stuffed animal or toy in your basket, remember to check that it is child proof and there are no parts that may fall off and become a choking hazzard.

Best Wishes for a Speedy Recovery

For a gift that will really brighten their day and express your get well wishes, a gift basket is a great idea! To make it extra special, include items like a large soup cup with handle, organic chicken noodle soup, crackers, tissues, magazines, a DVD and crossword puzzles or word searches. Keep in mind, if the recipient is on a special diet, it may be wise to leave out any food items and just stick with happy things that will keep them from being bored and restless.