Ah yes, Father’s Day, the unsung hero of the greeting card world that annually graces our calendars. 

This day, designated for our darling dads, is often synonymous with ties, socks, and (if they’re lucky) power tools. However, around the globe, the festivities are as diverse as dads themselves. 

A few weeks back we discussed Mother’s Day, and today buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a world tour of paternal partying…or something like that. 

Brazil: Food, Football, and Family

In Brazil, they say ‘Feliz Dia dos Pais,’ combining the three Fs of Brazilian culture: Food, Football, and Family. 

Feasts are prepared, games are played, and a day that starts with a barbeque could well end with a father-son football match. After all, what screams ‘I love you, Dad’ more than a slide tackle?

Germany: Their Day in the Sun (and the Bar!)

German fathers don’t just sit back and wait for the gifts to roll in. 

No, they take matters into their own hands with a tradition called ‘Männertag’ (Men’s Day). After a hearty breakfast, dads embark on a men-only wagon tour loaded with beer and regional food, effectively turning Father’s Day into an all-you-can-eat, drink-as-much-as-you-dare fest.

Responsibility? That’s tomorrow’s problem.

Mexico: The Race for Fatherhood

Father’s Day in Mexico is more than just breakfast in bed; it’s a 21-kilometer race in Mexico City known as the ‘Carrera Día del Padre 21K Bosque de Tlalpan’. If your dad’s an athlete, this could be a dream. 

If not, well, there’s always next year.

South Africa: Braais and Bravery

In South Africa, many families celebrate with a ‘braai,’ or barbecue, where fathers are hailed as the king of the grill. 

Nothing says love quite like a perfectly charred steak, after all. They also celebrate brave and courageous deeds, so dads, it’s your time to shine with those legendary “When I was your age…” tales.

Thailand: The Sweet Scent of Fatherhood

Thailand takes a floral turn on this day. 

The flower of choice? Canna, chosen for its masculinity (we’ll save that debate for another day). These are given alongside the more traditional gift of, well, life insurance. That’s right, in Thailand, insurance policies fly off the shelves on Father’s Day. 

Talk about a gift that keeps on giving… or not.

From boisterous beer wagon tours to freezing parades, and from floral tributes to vigorous races, Father’s Day around the world is anything but boring. 

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Want Dad to feel like royalty? Then look no further than our Crown and More Gift Basket, holding court in a faux leather tote and lavishing with Crown Royal (750 ml), fun beverage glass, maple smoked cashews, salami, Garrett’s popcorn, triple chocolate toffee, and more! 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

There’s a palpable shift in the air, and no, I’m not talking about all the dandelion snow piling up on the grass. I mean, what is the deal with that? 

I’m referring to the start of summer, only weeks away. That’s right, it’s summertime in the Windy City and surrounding areas, and there are plenty of ways to soak up the sun. 

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, today I present five favorite activities to do in Chicagoland during the summer months.

1. Lakefront Leisure

First off, if you’re not spending at least one summer day lounging by Lake Michigan, you’re doing Chicago wrong. 

This massive body of water has the uncanny ability to make you forget you’re in a bustling city. Stroll, bike, or rollerblade along the 18-mile Lakefront Trail, or simply lounge on one of the many beaches. 

Don’t forget to swing by Navy Pier for a classic Ferris Wheel ride, because who doesn’t love a good dose of nostalgia?

2. Festival Frenzy

Chicagoans, like moths to a flame, are drawn to outdoor summer festivals. It’s a science, and I’ve conducted studies and produced meta data. Actually, I haven’t, but still. 

The city offers a smorgasbord of summer street festivals, from foodie heaven Taste of Chicago to the tunes of Lollapalooza. Each neighborhood has its unique flair, so be sure to check out a few. 

3. Architectural Adventures

Architecture buffs, this one’s for you. 

The Chicago River Architecture Cruise is an absolute must-do and just for tourists. Not only do you get to chill on a boat (sailing, so fancy!), but you’re also treated to stories of the city’s rich architectural history. 

It’s a perfect combination of relaxation and education, like watching a National Geographic documentary from a hot tub.

4. Green City Market Treks

Visiting the Green City Market in Lincoln Park is like walking into a food-lover’s dream.

Every Wednesday and Saturday, farmers and artisan producers gather to sell fresh, local goodies. Don’t be surprised if you leave with bags brimming with rainbow chard, organic blueberry jam, and a newfound appreciation for artisanal cheeses.

By the way, there are farmers markets in neighborhoods throughout the city and suburbs. 

5. Starlit Cinema

Finally, if you’re a movie buff, you can’t miss the city’s Movies in the Park series.

Spread across various parks throughout the summer, it’s like Netflix but with fresh air and no need to dispute over what to watch. Just remember, BYOB – Bring Your Own Blanket!

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Our Natural Goodness Gift Basket is a great companion for any of the above activities. Built in an elegant bamboo bowl, this basket features almonds, sea salt caramel chardonazyns, pistachios, cashews, veggie straws, and more. And all items are naturally gluten-free!   

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

That title is a lot to live up to, but in many ways, it’s my charge. 

If you’re familiar with me and this blog, then you know that mental health awareness and advocacy is a passion of mine. If you’re new to this blog and you don’t know me, it’s nice to meet you! 

My posts on the subject have appeared here and on the HuffPost, and I’ve even given a Ted Talk-style presentation on depression. 

While I believe every month should be recognized as a mental health month, I appreciate that May brings awareness to mental health issues and attempts to reduce the stigma that surrounds them. 

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being and just as essential as physical health. According to Hopkins Medicine, nearly one in four people in the U.S. suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. 

The goal of National Mental Health Month is to promote mental health, educate the public, and support individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Raising Awareness: Opening the Conversation

Let’s face it, it’s difficult to discuss mental health, but the conversation has never been as sophisticated as it is today. 

By speaking openly about mental health issues, we can increase understanding and empathy, which helps dispel myths and misconceptions. It’s crucial to challenge the stereotype that people with mental illness are weak or somehow responsible for their condition. Mental health disorders are not a choice, and anyone can be affected regardless of age, gender, or background.

The first step to creating an environment where discussions about mental health are welcomed is to educate ourselves and others. This includes understanding the different types of mental illnesses, their symptoms, and the available treatment options. By familiarizing ourselves with the facts, we can help normalize conversations and create a more supportive and inclusive community.

Note that mental health conditions should have the same consideration in terms of confidentiality as any other medical matter, so it’s up to you if you wish to initiate a conversation about your own experience. 

Reducing Stigma: Shifting Perspectives

Stigma is one of the primary barriers that people with mental health issues face when seeking help. 

Stigmatizing attitudes can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and despair. National Mental Health Month presents a great opportunity to change the narrative surrounding mental health and dismantle the negative stereotypes.

We can help shift perspectives by:

• Using respectful language: Avoid using derogatory terms or making jokes about mental illness. Language is powerful and can perpetuate stereotypes.
  
• Listening and empathizing: Offer a supportive ear and demonstrate understanding for those who open up about their mental health struggles.
  
• Sharing stories: If you wish, share your experiences with mental illness. These stories can create a greater sense of solidarity and help others feel less alone in their journey.

Providing Resources and Support

Part of raising awareness is offering support and educating about resources. You can do this by:

• Checking in regularly with your friend or loved one and let them know that you care about their well-being.
  
• Offering assistance with everyday tasks or providing a listening ear when they need to talk.
  
• Encouraging them to seek professional help if they haven’t already, and support them through the process.

Helpful resources include:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline
  
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  
• The Peyton Heart Project

Additionally, if you want to talk to a non-professional but someone who gets it, please feel free to reach out to me.

In 2023, the mental well-being movement is front and center, and finally people are coming out of the shadows thanks to campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Month.

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Mother’s Day is May 14. You got that, procrastinating planners? 

Did you know that we’re not the only nation that celebrates Mother’s Day, and at least 50 other countries do? 

As we gear up for Mother’s Day, let’s take a tour around the globe and explore some of the different ways other countries celebrate Mom. 

Ethiopia

It’s go big or go home in Ethiopia, where the Antrosht festival celebrates mothers in a three-day event. 

The entire family gathers together for a feast, but here’s the catch: the mothers are responsible for preparing the entire meal. Yes, you read that correctly. On Mother’s Day, moms in Ethiopia get to cook for everyone! 

Of course, the kids and the rest of the family show their gratitude by singing, dancing, and having a great time…but still. 

Finland

For Finnish Moms, Mother’s Day is quite the affair, as they are showered with all the classic tokens of affection, from gifts and flowers to the occasional breakfast in bed (burnt toast, anyone?).

But what really sets Finnish Mother’s Day apart is the presidential touch. That’s right, every year, the Finnish president honors a group of extraordinary moms. These super-moms have been nominated by their families or communities for their heroic parenting efforts.

Talk about a mom-umental occasion. Sorry, I had to. 

Japan

In Japan, mothers are celebrated with a beautiful display of carnations. 

These flowers symbolize the gentle strength, love, and resilience of mothers. Children often present their moms with bouquets or hand-drawn pictures of carnations. 

Who wouldn’t want to receive an endless supply of hand-drawn carnation doodles to redecorate their fridge every year?

Mexico

On “El Día de las Madres,” mariachi bands serenade mothers with heartfelt songs, sometimes as early as 5 am, because who doesn’t love waking up before sunrise to the sound of…well, anything? 

At least the moms get to enjoy a day filled with love and serenades, accompanied by family gatherings and delicious feasts. And a nap somewhere in the middle. 

Serbia

Known as Materice, this Mother’s Day-like holiday occurs on the second Sunday preceding Christmas in the southeastern European nation. 

On this day, children lovingly tie their mother’s feet together using ribbon or string. The mother must then remain bound until she provides her children with little gifts and sweets. This is not a joke. 

The silver lining? The following weekend, the mother and her children have the opportunity to do the same to the father, who must then reward them with Christmas presents and a lavish meal.

Okay then. 

United Kingdom

“Mothering Sunday”, as it’s known, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. 

That name is so deliciously United Kingdom-ish. 

Traditionally, children would return home from work or school to visit their mothers and present them with small gifts, like flowers or cakes. However, today’s youth have upped their game, showering their mothers with all manner of gifts, breakfasts in bed and luxurious spa days. 

You know what they say? “Keep calm and treat mom like a queen.”

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

No matter what country you hail from, our Mom’s Escape Gift Basket will make anyone’s Mother’s Day. Starting with Chardonnay—because what else is there to start with?—this winner is brimming with a bath pillow, eye mask, body polisher. Himalayan bath salt, soothing candle, bath bomb, face mask, and more to pamper Mom.  

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Administrative professionals. What in the world would we do without you? 

For starters, probably not have running businesses, full stop. 

Administrative professionals are the backbone of many businesses and organizations, providing essential support and ensuring that daily operations, well, operate. These individuals may serve in various roles, including secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, executive assistants, and office managers, among others.

I’d say they deserve a day that recognizes and celebrates their invaluable contributions to the success of their respective organizations. 

Administrative Professionals Day is April 26 (mark your calendar!), and in today’s blog, we delve into the history and significance of this special day and provide some suggestions on how you can celebrate the administrative professionals in your life.

A Brief History 

Why the history lesson? Because Administrative Professionals Day isn’t some new Hallmark event or just another silly Today is National Fill-In-The-Blank Day. 

We’re going to go for a ride in the way back machine to World War II when there was a significant shortage of skilled administrative personnel in the United States. In response to this, the National Secretaries Association was founded in 1942, aiming to support the professional development of secretaries and attract more people to the profession. 

Still with me?

The next leg of our way back machine journey takes us to 1952, when the Association, in conjunction with public relations executive Harry Klemfuss and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer, established National Secretaries Week, with Wednesday of that week designated as National Secretaries Day.

As you could imagine the name National Secretaries Day became a little too old-timey and evolved to be more inclusive and better reflect the diverse range of administrative roles in the modern workplace. In 2000, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), the organization that succeeded the National Secretaries Association, officially changed the name to Administrative Professionals Day.

I hope you’ve been paying attention, because there will be a quiz. Kidding. 

How to Show Recognition

How do show these unsung heros some love?

We’ve got suggestions:

1. Show appreciation with a personalized note or card: A handwritten note expressing gratitude for their hard work and dedication can make a world of difference. Take the time to write a heartfelt message acknowledging the specific ways they contribute to your team’s success.
   
2. Give a thoughtful gift: Consider gifts that will help make their work life more enjoyable or comfortable, such as a quality planner, a comfortable ergonomic chair, or a gift certificate to a local café or restaurant where they can enjoy a meal or coffee break. But for the best gift, see SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT below.
   
3. Organize a team lunch or event: Plan a special event, like a team lunch or after-work gathering, to celebrate your administrative professionals together. This can be an excellent opportunity to foster team spirit and strengthen relationships among colleagues.
   
4. Offer professional development opportunities: Encourage and support their growth by offering professional development opportunities such as workshops, seminars, or online courses that will help them advance in their careers.
   
5. Publicly acknowledge their contributions: During a team meeting or in a company-wide communication, highlight the hard work and dedication of your administrative professionals and thank them for their contributions.

Another way to show recognition is…

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Is there a gift more tailored-made for Administrative Professionals Day than our Inner Zen Relaxation Gift Basket? 

That’s a rhetorical question. 

You can’t thank them enough with this R&R basket, built in a faux leather storage box, including a mini Buddha Board drawing easel, Aloe infused socks, travel candle, black raspberry vanilla soap, and more!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Ah, pretzels. The twisted treats that have been knotting our hearts and appetites for centuries. 

They’re an all-time favorite snack, and you’ve probably enjoyed them at ball games, carnivals, or movie nights. But did you know that these sinuous snacks can actually be good for your health? 

Don’t worry, we didn’t either. 

Well, strap in and hold on to your salt shaker, because we’re about to explore the surprisingly scrumptious health benefits of pretzels.

1. Low-Fat Snacking

One of the reasons that pretzels are a popular snack is that they are relatively low in fat. 

Most types of pretzels are made from simple ingredients like flour, water, and salt, and are typically low in calories and fat. Unlike many other types of snacks, pretzels are not fried in oil or coated in high-fat toppings (I mean, they can be, but for the purposes of this blog post, we’ll say they generally aren’t), which helps keep their fat content low. 

Additionally, some brands of pretzels are now being made with healthier, whole-grain flours that reduces their fat content and makes them a more nutritious option for snacking.

Yay!

2. Guilt-Free Carb Loading

Yes, we know that carbs are often painted as the villain in the never-ending saga of diet and nutrition. 

But guess what? 

Your body actually needs carbs to function properly. Pretzels are made primarily of wheat flour, which means they’re a good source of complex carbs, which break down starches into the glucose that gives us energy, provide fiber to make us feel full, and can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Speaking of fiber…

3. High in Fiber 

Now, before you get all excited, let’s clarify: not all pretzels are created equally.

If you want to reap the most health benefits, opt for whole wheat pretzels. These black sheep of the pretzel community are packed with fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. 

A high-fiber diet has also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. 

4. Healthy for Blood Pressure

You might think that with all that salt, pretzels would be bad for your blood pressure. 

But here’s the twist (see what I did there?): pretzels are actually a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Potassium can counteract the effects of sodium, so it’s like a salty yin to the salty yang. 

There are also reduced and unsalted pretzel options, because there are reduced salt and unsalted everything. 

5. Nutrient-Rich

Pretzels contain essential nutrients such as iron, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. 

These vitamins are crucial for converting food into energy that the body can use. Iron, for instance, is necessary for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Thiamine helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy, and riboflavin and niacin also play a role in energy production. 

Share that knowledge at your next cocktail party.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

With all this pretzel talk, we’d be remiss not to plug our Guy Food Basket, replete with dipping pretzels, mustard, beer cheese, sausage, cashews, cookies, and more. 

Keeping with the health theme, you can always just eat the pretzels and save the rest for a cheat day. 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

There’s something very important you need to know about March Madness brackets that you might already be aware of: 

It’s mainly luck. 

Otherwise, you wouldn’t hear the multitude of stories each year about that person in someone’s bracket pool who won who knows nothing about college basketball. 

Still, having some knowledge never hurts, and to that end, we present five strategies for filling out your March Madness bracket. 

But First, an Overview

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament, commonly known as March Madness, is a single-elimination tournament that determines the national championship team in college basketball. 

The tournament consists of 68 teams from Division I, and each team is placed into a bracket. Millions of fans create their brackets, predicting the outcomes of each game in hopes of winning their office pool or a significant prize.

Also, $3.1 billion were bet in last year’s tournament, and work productivity suffers because 2.5 people per day follow the games. 

1. Do Your Research

The key to a successful bracket is knowledge. 

Before filling out your bracket, take the time to do your research. Learn about the teams and players, their strengths and weaknesses, and their past performances. Look at statistics such as field goal percentage, three-point percentage, rebounds, and assists. Consider injuries, team chemistry, and coaching styles. 

The more you know about the teams, the better your predictions will be.

But…again, luck wins. 

2. Look for Upsets

Seeds = rankings. 

Lowest seed is 16. Highest seed is 1. 

Upsets are a common occurrence in March Madness. 

The tournament is notorious for teams with lower seeds beating teams with higher seeds. Don’t be afraid to pick a few upsets in your bracket. Look for teams that have been performing well in the latter half of the season or have a particular matchup advantage. 

In recent years, 12-seed teams have a good track record of upsetting 5-seed teams, so keep that in mind when making your picks.

You’ll look like a genius. 

3. Balance Your Bracket

When filling out your bracket, it’s essential to balance your selections. 

Don’t pick too many upsets or too many favorites. Look for a balance between high-seeded and low-seeded teams, as well as between teams from different conferences. This approach will help you avoid having too many incorrect picks in the early rounds, which could hurt your chances of winning.

You won’t look like a genius. 

4. Follow the Trends

Still with me? Good.

March Madness is full of trends and patterns that can help you make more informed decisions. 

For example, the team with the better defense often wins in the later rounds of the tournament. Teams that shoot a high percentage of three-pointers can also be dangerous, especially in a one-and-done tournament format. 

Look at trends from previous tournaments, such as the performance of certain conferences or teams in specific rounds to guide your selections.

This is a great way to be unproductive at work. 

5. Don’t Forget About Momentum 

Ride the hot teams. 

Look for those that are playing well coming into the tournament, or teams that have won their conference tournament. Teams that have momentum on their side can carry that into the tournament and make a deep run, regardless of their seeding.

Good luck, and may the best bracket win!

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

What does gardening have to do with March Madness? 

Nothing. 

But spring starts this month, which means it’s time to start thinking about what you want to grow in your yard. Enter our Gardener’s Delight Gift Basket, featuring: a Seed & Sprout garden set, including a colorful half apron, hand spade, and hand trowel; Garden Notes books; J&M cookies; Davidson tea; and more! 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today! Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Back by extremely popular demand is the next installment of our “Health Benefits Of” blog series. 

Last time we blew your mind to smithereens by teaching you about the health benefits of cookies, and today we take enthrallment to the next level by adding peanut butter to the list. 

Not only is peanut butter a delicious treat that pairs well with just about anything, but it can also be quite good for you. Now, before you get too excited, know that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream, and The Elvis Burger layered with peanut butter are not good for you—like, at all. 

The health benefits discussed below apply to peanut butter that’s low in sugar and minimally processed. 

1. Peanut Butter Can Be Heart-Healthy 

Yes, the household spread is known to help lower your risk of heart disease. 

We’re about to get sciency here. 

One of the key fats in peanut butter is oleic acid, which, when substituted for other types of fats in our diet, can help maintain healthy levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. By managing these levels, the risk of heart disease can be lowered. 

Peanut butter also contains omega-6 fatty acids, which can help reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol and increase protective (HDL) cholesterol. 

Oh we’re not done. Peanuts are a natural source of arginine, an amino acid that promotes good blood vessel function, potentially preventing heart and vascular disease. 

2. Helps with Weight Management 

Peanut butter can fill your belly without making you pay for it. 

The types of fats found in peanut butter, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been associated with a reduced risk of weight gain and obesity when consumed as part of a healthy diet. 

When combined with other nutrients like protein and fiber, which are also found in peanut butter, these healthy fats can help keep us feeling fuller for longer periods of time, which can reduce the likelihood of overeating. 

3. Manages Blood Sugar Levels

Peanut butter is relatively low in carbohydrates, but rich in healthy fats, protein, and some fiber. 

Because of its nutritional makeup, peanut butter has a minimal impact on blood glucose levels and can be a great option for people with diabetes, especially if it is free of added sugars.

Oh, but there’s more:

A study found that women with obesity and a high risk of type 2 diabetes who ate peanuts or peanut butter for breakfast reported lower blood sugar levels and less hunger than those who ate a carbohydrate-rich breakfast without nuts. 

4. Boosts Brain Function 

We can all use a good brain boost, right?

Peanut butter is a good source of several nutrients that are important for brain health, including vitamin E, niacin, and folate. These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.

Peanut butter also has a reputation for boosting serotonin levels, because it contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is essential for the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and can help reduce anxiety and depression.

5. A Source of Energy

Need more pep in your step? Enter our friend, peanut butter. 

It contains all three main macronutrients that are essential for our body’s needs and for giving you energy. When we consume 100 grams of peanut butter, we get around 22 grams of carbohydrates, which make up about 14% of the total calories, and 5 grams of fiber.

More sciency stuff: 

Peanut butter is packed with protein to the tune of 22.5 grams per 100 grams of peanut butter, which is comparatively more than most other plant-based foods. 

And it’s high in fat, with around 51 grams, contributing to 72% of total calories. 

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Our Collegiate Corner Gift Basket is an exception to the healthy rule. Among all kinds of delicious goodies, it features peanut butter bites that may be high in calories and sugar, but they’ll make any college student feel loved. 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today! Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

When old man winter is knocking at your door, ’tis the season to enjoy hearty meals that provide sustenance to deal with howling winds. 

Ooh, how folksy! 

Winter calls for good old-fashioned comfort foods that take longer to prepare but are worth the effort to warm the cockles of your heart. 

To that end, over here at BasketWorks, we present the five most popular winter foods to cozy up to.

1. Hearty Soup

Hearty soups like chicken noodle, split pea with ham, and beef barley are the go-to meals in the dead of winter. 

I know, it’s been pretty mild so far in Chicagoland, but I’m sure I just jinxed it.

Soups are easy to prepare and are also great for lunch leftovers. You just toss everything in a pot or slow cooker and let it simmer until all the flavors infuse the broth. Enjoyed with chunks of crusty bread smothered in butter, a grilled cheese sandwich or crackers, soup is the quintessential winter food.

2. Comforting Macaroni & Cheese

Mac n’ cheese has reached legendary status as the ultimate comfort food. 

It has gone from the recognizable blue box everyone keeps in their pantry to a gourmet-level meal with all kinds of clever ingredients that bring it to the next level. But deep down, we all crave the same good old-fashioned version mom always made. 

When it comes to feeling like a warm hug, nothing does it better than mac ‘n cheese.

3. Luscious Pot Roast

Pot roast may be the mother of all comfort foods. 

Slow-cooked meat, gravy, potatoes, and carrots. I mean, come on. 

Pot roast is the ultimate winter meal and just as easy to prepare as soup if you have a slow cooker handy. After a hard day at work, nothing says welcome home more than a simmering chunk of tender beef.

4. Spicy Chili

126.95 million Americans can’t be wrong. Yes, that’s how many of us consumed chili in 2020. Is there anything they don’t track?

Chili is a versatile dish, and we’re going to focus on the spicy kind. 

Whether you love it with plenty of beans or are all about the meat, spicy chili is packed with flavors. That combination of meat, beans, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spices is a kick start to your taste buds, creating a warming sensation from tongue to tummy, ideal for a cold winter’s day.

5. Rib Sticking Stew

Speaking of versatility, there are hundreds of stews to choose from, like classic beef stew, French boeuf bourguignon, Irish lamb stew, and chicken stew topped with light and fluffy dumplings.

Another slow cooker-friendly meal, stew allows you to combine ingredients and let them simmer while you get on with your day. Always rich and flavorful, stew goes down easy when the weather is snowy, damp, or downright miserable.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Speaking of soup, it’s always nice to have a bowl when you’ve got a winter cold or bug. To that end, check out our Soup and Quackers Get Well Basket, a lighthearted pick-me-up with chicken soup mix, crackers, a stuffed animal duck, and more! 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today! Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.