They can be tempting. You’re shopping at the local big box store and the shelves are just bursting with holiday gift baskets with incredible deals. But is it really a bargain? Let’s compare…
Big box stores have their gift baskets in store in early fall. Due to the quantities required, manufacturers often build and assemble these shoes in early summer. Result: the product of these baskets is already 6 months old when you present them as a gift.
Gift basket companies start planning next year’s designs almost as soon as the holidays are over. They buy containers starting in January, but their shelf-stable FOOD products don’t arrive until late October or early November at the earliest, so your gift is as fresh as it gets. Fresh produce like cookies, popcorn, etc. they are baked to order.
Big box stores use curling ribbons or bows and clear, fragile (inexpensive) cellophane to wrap and cover their gifts, giving the baskets more of a “production” look that takes away from the message you want to convey by giving a gift basket. gift.
Specialty gift basket companies use higher quality decorative cellophane and hand-tied bows made from scratch, giving the gift a warm, homey feel. The basket looks like she took the time to select something special instead of picking it up during her weekly shopping excursions.
Big box stores don’t offer a delivery service, which means you have to deliver the gift yourself or pay a courier to do it for you. It takes a lot of planning and organization on your part to get the shoes delivered beyond your city.
Gift basket specialty stores have experience with shipping and delivery. Many times throughout the country or continent. They know how to carefully pack and ship your gift so it arrives in perfect condition.
Big box stores do not allow any customization. You buy what they have and that’s it. Most gift basket companies will be happy to personalize your gift to make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for.
As you can see, the old adage “you get what you pay for” is really relevant here. What message do you want to send to your family, friends and important clients?
