Tag Archives: Gift basket

Moments That Trigger Gift-Giving

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Gift-giving is traditionally guided by occasions: birthdays, holidays, graduations, anniversaries, and more. Exciting as these are, the best kinds of gifts are the unexpected ones. 

You know the ones I’m talking about: the out-of-the-blue gift basket that magically appears on your doorstep, the box of gourmet cookies next to your Amazon packages, an e-gift card that shows up in your inbox, etc. 

It’s heart-warming, and the gesture forces you to ask, “What made them think of me?”

Let’s examine that by identifying three moments that trigger gift-giving. 

Appreciation for Someone Who Helped You

How good does it feel when you turn to someone for help, and they work with you to resolve a problem? That rush of relief and appreciation is unparalleled and often triggers the desire to express gratitude with a gift. The result is a two-for-one. The person who helped feels valued, and you feel fulfilled for giving back. 

What’s more, gratitude and giving are scientifically proven to be good for your health. A study conducted by NeuroImage concluded that, “…gratitude tasks work, at least in part, because they have a self-perpetuating nature: The more you practice gratitude, the more attuned you are to it and the more you can enjoy its psychological benefits.”

The Urge to Surprise  

File this under Just Because, Making Someone’s Day, and Thinking of You. The beauty of surprise gifts is that both the recipient and the giver get to experience the surprise. For the former, it’s obvious–out of nowhere, poof, a gift arrives. For the latter, a jolt of inspiration hits you and stirs the creative juices. 

A friend of mine recently lost his father, and in his eulogy, he recalled the memory of his father waking him up when he was 6-years-old and surprising him with a Stretch Armstrong doll. Immediately, I searched online, found a miniature version of the doll–the only kind available–and sent it to him. He was surprised in the best way. 

When a Friend Needs Encouragement

This last year has done more than enough to discourage us. The stress of the pandemic, economy, and divisiveness has at times made us feel down at best and spiraling at worst. A Friend’s pain is our pain, and sometimes a gift of encouragement can go a long way. 

One of my favorite examples of this came from a colleague of mine. Her friend was completely overwhelmed when the school year started, struggling to meet the needs of his kids who were at home e-learning and the demands of his job. The friend is an NBA fan and loves a message that his favorite coach expresses to his players during close games: Embrace the grind.

My colleague surprised her friend with a basketball paper weight with “Embrace The Grind” engraved. 

Summing it Up

Giving a gift for a special occasion is thoughtful and gracious, but catching lightning in a bottle with an unexpected gift idea elevates the act of gift-giving. 

And that can truly make a difference in someone’s life. 

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Updates and changes…

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Sweet Home Chicago gift package in new gift box!

Sweet Home Chicago gift package in new gift box!

So much has changed since I last blogged with regularity.

  • My Gorilla post  about depression was published on Huff Post and shared thousands of times.  It was even published in the NAMI magazine.  I continue to get positive feedback as it slowly spreads and helps people effectively communicate how they are feeling.
  • BasketWorks became BasketWorks, Inc.   For anyone not sitting at my desk there are absolutely no changes.  Well, my business card changed, but only a little.  From this side of the desk, there is more paperwork and many, many questions directed to my account and lawyer.   I am glad they are patient with me!
  • I designed a new theme gift box for our Chicago gift packages.  I am really tickled with how they came out!  Keep your eyes here for a new Chicago Tote bag – also a BasketWorks design.  We are working on getting them made now!
  • I’ve joined the National Concierge Association.  A professional association of Concierges and the businesses that work with them, being accepted to this organization was quite an honor for me.
  • We are bringing back our paper newsletter.  We plan on publishing quarterly – some reprints of blog posts, some new material.  Please send me your snail mail address if you would like to be added to our list.
  • My eldest son is already a sophomore at Knox College and absolutely loving every moment of it.  This tiny school has proven to be the exact right fit for this kid who definitely marches to his own drummer!
  • My younger son completed his Eagle Scout this summer and has grown taller than me.  He loves picking me up and toting me around the house.

I am sure there is more, but I am going to go with this…under the promise to blog twice a week, I don’t want to bog myself down with seeking perfection.

Football

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My father raised me to enjoy watching football – no sons.  However, this football season has been such a disappointment for me.  The Bears are not worth the effort of pressing the television ON button, there have been more points scored against the Illini this year than any other Big Ten team.  The only upside for me is that I don’t have to try to watch football and build baskets at the same time.

That said, there are still die-hard Bears fans out there.   Chicago seems to breed die-hard fans. Maybe it has something to do with the weather – we have to be able to take a beating to live here!   In any event we have a great new Tailgater basket – pictured above.  And for the saner football fans, who perhaps are rooting for a winning team, this is available in all team colors.

Smiles!

Lise

PS.  My gorilla blog is now on HuffPost, here.  If you liked it, a like there will help it reach more folks.
PPS.  I was so excited about being on HuffPost that I was bouncing in my seat all day like a 4 year old waiting for birthday cake.

And now comes the crazy…..

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Its the last week of October.  In my land, that means the crazy is now upon us.   The work week starts stretching from 5 days to 6 to 7.   The work day stretches from a 9 hour day to 12 to 15.  Meals get skipped.  I start watching the Waltons, Little House on the Prairie and The A Team – favorite quote: “I love it when a plan comes together.”

And you know what?

I love every minute of it.

It is crazy.  It is stressful.  It is physically and emotionally exhausting.  I love every minute of it.  Ok, maybe not every minute…11pm, I’m closing in on not loving it so much.  December 23rd I’m about done.   But generally speaking this is my time.

So come ride the wave with me.  Over the next several weeks I will be posting some of my new designs, as well as information on new programs we are starting – I hope that something catches your eye.

Smiles!

Lise

We’re Hiring!

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help wanted

 

Know someone in the Northbrook area looking for a flexible part-time job?   We are looking for a self-directed, hands-on individual to build, package and ship gift packages for our growing business.

The position is for 20-25 hours per week, and includes stocking product, managing inventory (receive, track, organize), shipping packages, building some standard packages, local deliveries, filing, light cleaning and the occasional personal assistant duty.   The primary requirement is a willingness to work and follow the directions – I can teach the rest!

We run a serious business, but I am flexible with employee’s hours and days – I will work around college schedules, school schedules, volunteer schedules…..lets talk.   We are looking for a permanent employee, so folks home for the summer from college are not a good match.

Caveats – the job is standing 95% of the day, going up and down stairs multiple times a day.  We carry around boxes – usually around 15 lbs, but can be as heavy as 30 lbs.  There are 2 dogs and a cat on premises, as well as teenagers.

Interested?  Call me at 847-559-9379 or pop me an email at info@basketworks.biz.  Please forward, share and otherwise distribute this to those you know!

Smiles!

Lise

Volunteering

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There are a few things you should know about me. I’m Jewish, was raised as a Reconstructionist (not many people can say this), and I believe strongly in one of its core tenants, the principle of Tikkun Olam, meaning “repair the world,” as in, one of my purposes in life is to work toward making the world a better place for everyone.

Repairing the world takes many forms.  For my family, it means a lot of volunteer work. My grandmother was a life member and volunteer for Na’Amat – her calendar was bursting with meetings and events well into her late 80s.   My mother and father were tireless volunteers for the City of Hope – every Thursday night for over 20 years my mom was busy running a bingo game, and the twice annual Lox Box projects were full family events lasting a week or more, and of course there were the casino nights we helped run.

I was a member of Camp Fire growing up and spent many hours volunteering on community service projects.  I married a man with similar beliefs who is currently the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 67 in Northbrook.  We both volunteer for the countless needs of our synagogue community.  And of course, we’ve raised our two boys to volunteer as well.

So, it should come as no surprise to you, that when the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce needed volunteers to help with the annual silent auction and other projects, I stepped up to help.  It was just one more thing to give back to those who have helped me, no big deal. However, this year they’ve decided to present me with the Volunteer of the Year award – I am being presented with this on Monday the 3rd – and I am moderately terrified.   Getting into the trenches and doing the work – definitely my skill set.  Standing up in front of 200 people I don’t know – not so much.     Wish me luck!

Lise

mardi-gras2.jpg

Several years ago, pre-Katrina, Sandi and I had the opportunity to go to New Orleans in the weeks before Mardi Gras.  We stayed in a lovely Bed and Breakfast, visited a float factory (who knew?), wandered around the French Quarter and took part of much of what New Orleans had to offer.

This year, I have created a Mardi Gras basket, hearkening back to that trip.  It has beignet mix and chicory coffee from Cafe du Monde, Hurricane mix and jambalaya mix.  We pair that with a wide assortment of celebration worthy snacks for a festive off season gift.  This is a great way to send that thank you gift that you may have overlooked during the holiday season.    Mardi Gras is Tuesday March 5th this year, so don’t delay!

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

 

Lise