Imagine it is your birthday. You just finished a long day at work and received a couple of cards and phone calls with good wishes from friends and family. When installed at home, the doorbell rings. When you open the door, you are greeted by a smiling delivery man with a beautiful cellophane package with a large gold bow. “Happy birthday,” he exclaims as he heads toward the driveway. It is almost too pretty to open. Who could have sent you this? Questions run as you search for the gift card. In a moment you know who the thoughtful person was who sent you this beautiful surprise. You know his loving words expressed in a happy birthday card. By looking closely at what has just been delivered to you, you realize that you can enjoy it right now. There is no preparation or instructions to follow. You have been feeling joy, love and above all a pleasant surprise. Something we all need from time to time. Now, wouldn’t you like to be the person who received this gift, or better yet, wouldn’t you want to be the one who gets the thank you phone call like the person who sent it?

Now, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, Christmas gift, wellness wish, or just something to brighten your day, these gifts are always welcome.

I have spent over 12 years in the gift industry and I would like to share my top 10 gifts with you.

# 1. Gift Baskets … There are literally thousands of styles of gift baskets available today in a wide range of subjects. Choose pampering, chocolate, or gourmet styles for women. Men can also enjoy the surprise of a gift basket with golf, sports and even wooden truck containers. Pretzels, cashews, and even energy drinks can be included in your delicious treat. Gift baskets are also a great thank you for a business. Takeaway and carry items are the best way to go with a group, so look for these items within the basket.

# 2. Fruit baskets … Since we’re on the topic of baskets, a fruit basket makes a great gift for the elderly, the sick, or your friends and family who follow a healthy diet. They may or may not be available at a gift basket store, but you can find them at a local grocery store or flower shop. However, try to keep the designer out of bananas as they tend to ripen early and stain the appearance of the gift.

# 3. Fruit bouquets … In the same vein as a fruit basket are these new fruit bouquets. They are usually found in a specialty store that only sells this type of item. They include beautiful flower arrangements made from apples, pineapples, cherries, and other fruits. They also feature chocolate covered strawberries and are a delicious treat for women, men, and also a big hit with office staff.

# 4. Chocolate … Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, caramel chocolate, the list goes on and on. In a delicate box or in a special container, you can’t go wrong with a selection of chocolate. If you need more reasons, many health advisers have suggested that dark chocolate is really good for you. I know this has been a welcome relief for women like me.

# 5. Flowers … Although it is an old recourse, a beautiful bouquet that hits the door and fills the house with a wonderful fragrant scent is a great way to send love. There are so many themed flower arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, condolences, wellness, and even the new baby. It’s also the perfect little boost for someone to brighten their day.

# 6. Plants in a pot … Most florists have plant arrangements in ceramic, glass, or wicker baskets. They are especially pleasant when thinking of you, sympathy or well-being.

# 7. Gourmet Cookies … A great gift for teens and people young and old. Great as a housewarming, a birthday present for your child in college, or a thank you to your office staff. They are no longer only available in chocolate chips. Choose from a wide range of flavors and pack sizes.

# 8. Retro sweets and other … You can go back down memory lane with retro sweets from specialty stores that you can find online or in most major cities. They usually even have the candy ranked by decades so you can choose the sweet treat based on your date of birth.

# 9. Popcorn … This new trend in deliverable gifts is very popular right now. Forget boring buttered popcorn. You can choose from dozens of great flavors to suit all tastes. Popcorn containers are also available in birthday, love, sports, and other themes. Most stores are available online and are very reasonably priced.

# 10. Trays or Towers … finally we have trays and towers that are usually supplied by gift basket companies. These goodies are filled with cookies, pretzels, candy, chocolate, cashews, and many other gourmet treats. The towers are usually stackable boxes with the treats neatly stored inside. Great for groups or families, there is something for everyone.

So there you have it. Keep this list handy for the next time you’re in a gift-giving dilemma. It will probably take you less than fifteen minutes if you order online and that includes the gift card text. You will do something nice for someone and with that gesture I hope that one day you will be the recipient of one of these surprisingly wonderful gifts.

heather