Friday, December 31, 2010

My husband and I are thinking about getting a booth in a flea market. What do you think of selling...?

WE want to market travel size premium men's and women's personal products from brands such as Caswell Massey. THe idea being that people travel alot for different reasons and these items are the perfect size and would make great gifts- WE'd make pretty baskets or sell them individually. Hostesses and hosts can buy them to put in their guest rooms. The ideas are endless. We'd only start out with about 15 products for men and 15 for women- WE'll try to find just for kids. Do you think it would work? would people going to flea markets buy? Each one would be $1.00- (can't find our brands in thoe sizes in CVS) and the most expensive gift baskets would be $20.00- the average being $10.00-$12.00. Good idea? Poor idea?
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I'm a sucker for personal care products........most women and an increasing number of men are! I do shows and have a website that I sell from. Mix up the brands a bit....I'm a soap enthusiast. In fact, I've begun learning how to make soap as I'm on a mission to make my perfect bar of it. Anyway, your idea has huge appeal and the price range is perfect. You've got some great venues coming up on your area, I'll bet. See if you can get your hands on a list of Christmas shows in your area. I'll bet stocking stuffer sizes as well as the larger gift basket sizes will fly off the table! Hot tip though, and it was discussed among several of my girlfriends......nobody wants another basket to dispose of. Get creative with contemporary packaging concepts or even decorative chinese takeout containers, cosmetic bags, canvas on metal frame mini-storage baskets......something that can be assimilated into the consumer's life. You could offer the customer a choice of packaging or a "pick x number and the container it goes in" type of thing.......eek! I've gotten off the beaten path. I think it would be a great idea and for more inspiration for what you're doing, take a look at the Burt's Bees displays in your area.......I've seriously bought every single pouch full of stuff they've ever offered. Love those things! ALL of my chick friends have too.
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Gift ideas for Christofer Drew Ingle of NeverShoutNever?

I am seeing NSN for the third time at AP Tour and I want to bring Chris a few gifts this time. I was thinking of a basket full of funy stuff like silly string, fake mustaches, glow sticks, etc. and I would love it if some one could give me a few more ideas!
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Huh, what a coincidence! I might be going to see him at AP tour as well. Anywho. That sounds like a brilliant idea! Maybe some vegan cupcakes would be good? Or some sharpies because Chris might just have a thing for tattoos, considering his body already... You could also make him and the band some bracelets or draw a picture of him by a tree, petting a bunny or something like that. Ha ha. I might just make bracelets and draw a few pictures, even if they look horrid. But I love the idea of putting glow sticks in there! Genius.
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I want to start up my own online shop but......?

I have no idea what to sell. I was thinking of buying cheap shoes and customerising them and selling them online or making gift baskets etc but need more inspiration and ideas on what to sell etc. I would love my own website selling things but Im not sure what people like buying online!!! Help??
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people are looking for cute things that are relatively cheap be known for selling adorable things at very low prices and it's a great market sell shoes, clothes, bags, anything assessories, rings, jewelry, bracelets, necklaces, stuffed animals, anything! that shoe idea sounds really cool too, just make sure the prices are low
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How did you handle your gift registry?

Were your guests informed with a formal notice/online, or word of mouth? Also, did you put a basket next to he sign in book for anyone who wanted to give cards/money? I want to be as classy as possible as far as gifts go. I do not expect gifts at all, but does it make it awkward for people If I don't register, as far as them not knowing not to get? What did you do?
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i registered at Bed Bath & Beyond and guests were informed through my mother in law. I've received wedding invitations with and without registry information.I honestly prefer to have that because I really do want to get the couple something they want and they need. But I heard that some people don't like that (not sure why parents telling other guests about the registry is okay but sending out the registry info is not...). Since a lot of people are against the idea of sending the info with the invitation, I didn't want to make a big deal out of it and just followed what other people told me; let other people spread the words. Most of the guests at my wedding got me something from the registry or a giftcard. but there were a few people who got us something that we did not include in our registry. We really didn't know what to do with them because we really didn't need them and didn't want them. So we returned the ones with receipts and donated to Good wills if there were no receipts. So I think registering is a good idea because even if you don't expect any gifts, you'll get some. We had a card box on the gift table. It's not necessary but I think it'll help them where to put the cards.
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What sort of gifts might a mother with a preemie baby want or need?

A friend of mine just had a baby 6 weeks before it was due. She will be practically living at the hospital for several weeks until the baby is ready to come home. I'd like to put together a gift basket of items she might want and/or need that are specific to preemie babies and being a new mom. Does anything come to mind?
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You are a wonderful friend! I would include several magazines, some paperback books -current best sellers, or crossword or word game books if she enjoys them, a book light with batteries, a writing pad and a pen, some snacks- cheese & crackers, candy bars, peanuts, etc., or a bunch of quarters for the vending machines. For baby- a couple of cute preemie outfits (Mervyn's and I think, Kohls, carry preemie sizes). The very best present you can give her though is to go to the hospital at least once a day and give her a break- maybe she could take a nap (if the hospital has a parent care room), go out for a meal ,take a walk- whatever. She will very likely just want to talk- I'm sure she's somewhat frightened, and a friend with a comforting shoulder is the best gift you could give her. I will keep your friend and her baby in my prayers.
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Does a basket of "free samples" make a bad gift?

Just wondering, if this is a bad idea for a gift, and how can I make it look more personal?? Btw I work at a store who gives loads of free sample.
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To feel better about it, purchase one small item and include it in the basket.
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birthday gift basket ideas-40 gifts/40 gifts-40th birthday?

Help! I need ideas Theme basket for friend turning 40-we have things like a box of bandaids for when you need healing..hershey hugs for when you need a hug..etc..we have about 10 ideas..need 30 more LOL! Help :)
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here are some ideas that we used for my cousin who just turned 40 last month.. i hope this could help 1. Hugo perfume – for everlasting aroma 2. sunglasses – to keep you cool in the sun! 3. hanky – to wipe away tears 4. scarf – accessorize more 5. jewelry – for more sparkle to your beauty 6. shirt – forever looking 16! 7. belt – to tighten your bond with family and friends 8. pedometer – to help you lose fat and keep you young all the way 9. socks – to cover your tired-out travel-lust feet 10. comb – to further enhance your natural beauty 11. keychain – to keep things within easy reach 12. ball – to remind you that it's fun being forever young 13. alarm clock – to help you wake up to a new happy day 14. towel – to freshen you up after the day's work 15. stapler – to keep things always in place 16. paper clips – to hold on to your upbringings 17. tape – to keep all your things tight and bonded 18. bag tag – to let everyone know who you are 19. magnet – for your magnetic personality 20. ballpen – to bring luck to your ambitious to-do lists 21. paint and crayons –to color our lives and your world with vibrance, as you like it 22. notebook – to scribble your utmost reflections with 23. folder – to compile your thoughts with, enclosing what matters most 24. thumbtacks – to tack things in place 25. paper – to write your precious ideas and memories on 26. clip file – to take your work with you everywhere 27. pillow – for sweet dreams 28. photo frame – to display memories you cherish the most 29. ribbon – for stylish decorations 30. flashlight and candle – to lighten up those dark, gloomy days 31. thread – to help you weave wonderful thoughts with 32. padlock – to keep safe 33. soap – to remind you of maintaining a clean heart and mind 34. lip balm – for more kissable lips 35. nail polish – for your fiery red professional nails 36. mirror – to show the world who you really are 37. mug – to keep your teas and talks warm and cozy 38. hanger – to keep your special clothes special slippers – for that nice, comfy feeling 39. slippers – for that nice, comfy feeling 40. trash bin – to keep your surroundings neat and clean
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Gift for a soldier in Iraq/Afghanistan?

For the holidays, I want to buy a gift for a soldier. Which website/organization should I go through? I don't personally know any soldiers to sponsor, so I'd just like to be able to pay an organization to send a gift basket to a soldier who needs it. Thanks in advance!
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DoD officials ask citizens not to flood the military mail system with letters, cards, and gifts. Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, the Defense Department can't accept items mailed to "Any Servicemember". However, there are numerous other ways in which you can show your support for our troops. The following are websites for several organizations sponsoring programs for members of the Armed Forces overseas. While it would be inappropriate for DoD to endorse any specifically, Service members do value and appreciate such expressions of support: Donate a calling card to help keep service members in touch with their families at Operation Uplink at http://www.operationuplink.org/ Send a greeting via e-mail through http://anyservicemember.org/ or http://www.OperationDearAbby.net Sign a virtual thank you card at the Defense America web site at http://www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html Make a donation to one of the military relief societies: Army Emergency Relief at http://www.aerhq.org/ Navy/Marine Relief Society at http://www.nmcrs.org/ Air Force Aid Society at http://www.afas.org/ Coast Guard Mutual Assistance at http://www.cgmahq.org/ Donate to "Operation USO Care Package" at http://www.usometrodc.org/care.html Support the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services at http://www.redcross.org/services/afes/ Volunteer at a VA Hospital http://www.va.gov/vetsday/ to honor veterans who bore the lamp of freedom in past conflicts. Support families whose loved ones are being treated at military and VA hospitals through a donation to the Fisher House at http://www.fisherhouse.org. Support your troops and lift their spirits by sending them a special "Gifts From the Homefront" certificate at http://www.aafes.com/docs/homefront.htm This link (http://www.army.mil/operations/iraq/faq.… also states that use of such sites as you were asking about is discouraged: "There are many well meaning Web sites, TV stations, and charity groups that are promoting donations to overseas Servicemembers. While well intentioned, you should not use them and you should discourage others from using them. These unsolicited letters of support or care packages to Servicemembers raise a force protection issue, since anonymous donors are different from legitimate family members and friends. DoD has cancelled mail programs which encouraged the American public in general to mail to Any Servicemember (versus a specific deployed person). These new programs attempt to do the same thing by gathering names of Servicemembers to send mail. While legitimate mail from family members and loved ones is always encouraged, these donor programs, which collect and pass out Servicemembers' names and addresses, is discouraged."
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30th (Over the Hill) "gag" gift basket ideas anyone?

My boyfriend is turning 30 in a month and I'm trying to put together a "goodie" basket of gag gifts. Some of the ideas that I have are reading glasses, laxatives, depends, ben gay, a funnel (to be used as a hearing aid), just for men hair dye...... Does anyone else have any ideas of funny gifts to put in the basket? Thanks so much!! :-D
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You should pick up some brochures for local nursing homes, or maybe even for a funeral home. Other than that, I think you've already thought of everything.
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Need ideas for an 80s themed gift basket!?

So far there are 2 movies, candy, popcorn and leg warmers. Anything else specific to the 80s that I could add?
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A rubix cube, blue eye shadow, some huge earrings, jelly shoes, anything bon jovi, motley crue or a big hair band. Star Wars was huge and E.T. too. Sounds like fun!
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which of these web pages/business ideas would be most successful?

all three of these ideas are ones that i love and could probably do sucessfully. custom jewlery making (bead work), party planning (along with lik 'gift baskets' as a gift ideas) or a natural/green cosmetics line that i'v perfected?
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Personally, I would not order custom jewelry online. Do you plan to host jewelry parties? How will people see and touch your work prior to purchase. If you do party planning, you may be able to add jewelry into that depending if it's showers and parties of that nature.
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what are some good things to put in a gift basket?

ok its for my Nan budget is $100 and under she likes painting (art) she likes all sorts of lollies and chocolate she turning 70 but still is active does yoga and stuff at the community center doesnt like to be reminded about her age likes to go on bus trips
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candles, chocolate, tea, little books, jams, art supplies, movies, candy, bath soaps,
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What to put in a "You're Expecting" gift basket?

I just found out one of my close friends is expecting and I want to make her a gift basket. Since it's going to be a while before we find out if she's having a girl or boy I thought I could have the gifts be more for her pregnancy instead of the baby. Here are some of the things I thought I could out in the basket: A card, balloon, small spa set, a parenting magazine, a "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book and a pregnancy journal. What are some other things I should include for her in the basket? I'm on a tight budget, but any suggestions are appreciated, thanks!
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For the new mother something to indulge herself with and relax! Scented bath oils, candles, chamomile tea. For the baby create a gift basket with receiving blankets, baby outfits, diaper cream, baby bath items, baby rattles, lullaby CD.
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Good gift idea to send my girlfriend?

my gf (21 years old) is away at camp, and I'd like to send her something in the mail. Right now I'm thinking some kind of gift basket since she always talks about the lack of decent food there, but I can't find anything really decent in the ~$50 range. Anyone have any ideas? maybe I should just send flowers instead? Help a lost guy out! Thanks
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There's a cute company fair ivy, that sends care packages to girls. I think it's subscription based, so you'd have to buy two or more months worth, but you can change her address after she gets back from camp so she'll get a second one when you're with her! Check it out at www.fairivy.com. Its classy and cute :)
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Are you a hobby person & or crafter ? What is your Favorite ? How long have you been doing it ?

Let me know your age, and how you got started ! It would also be interisting to know where you are from . I live in Florida , and I have several crafts I enjoy . I do Scrapbooking , floral arranging , plastic canvas needle point , I make Cigar box purses and gift baskets ! I'm 52 yrs. old , and my late Aunt Betty got me started crafting 30 years ago to keep me busy while my children were away for the summer to keep me from going crazy !
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I am 26, and I crochet a lot; but I also make jewelry. The jewelry I make is under the 'chainmaille' or 'maile' category. I got into that when I went to the Michigan Renaissance Festival and saw a bracelet that I liked. My boyfriend at the time bought it for me, and after I got home I noticed it wasn't of the best craftsmanship and decided I could do better. I did some research online for supplies and have been making and selling it for 6 years.
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Best vodka, bourbon & other alcohol to put in gift basket?

If you were going to create an alcohol gift pack for some guys what would you pick? I know they like bourbon and vodka but if you were to pick five must-have items to put in the gift pack/basket what would it be? I am asking around because I know the types of drinks I like (I'm usually a beer girl) but want some outside opinions on what staples would need to be in there. Already know I am probably putting one bottle of bourbon, one bottle of vodka, maybe a scotch or whiskey and some beer. But I am very open to suggestions of what you would include. I'm on a budget but have some time to buy one at a time if need be. Also they are from England in case that helps. Thanks would appreciate it.
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For vodka, my suggestion is Chopin. It's a Polish potato vodka and the smoothest I've ever tried. (Cool bottle, too.) As for bourbon, Makers Mark is another good one. Another cool bottle (look for the one with the red "wax" coating the bottle neck) and it makes a great drink, mixed or straight up. If you aren't a Scotch drinker, a good rule to go by is to buy a Scotch with "Glen-" as a name-starter. Examples: Glenmorangie, Glenlivet. The older the Scotch, the better it tends to be. Whatever the case, go with single-malt. Beer is difficult to give in a gift basket. If you're set on it, get them some micro-brews. You'll probably also want to stick with ales versus lagers (Europeans don't tend to like America's wimpy, fizzy lagers. Personally, I'm with them on that note!). Try to find a place that will let you buy by the bottle instead of by the pack. I suggest a wheat beer (or weissbeer...same thing), a dark ale, and a cream ale for variety. You could also put some barware in there if they don't have it: a shaker, a strainer, a zester. Maybe a really neat beer mug or drink mixers, too. You could also consider presenting your gift in a cooler. Have fun with this one! I've given alcohol as a gift a few times before. It ALWAYS goes over well. ;)
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Guys What do you think of this Christmas gift basket for my Boyfriend?

So I'm putting a homemade Christmas gift basket together for my boyfriend. We have been dating for about 2 1/2 months. Hes 21 and is kinda of a simple guy. He likes video games and movies. So far I've got him Assassins Creed 2, Flannel pajama pants, a bag of the mini snack bag of Oreos, bag of mini heath chocolate bars, and a pepperidge farm summer sausage. Ive already spent about 70 dollars. But I kinda either wanted to get him the Hangover or some calvin klein cologne. I can get a Discount since my friend works at calvin. And some of hs favorite coffee grinds. That expensive Dunkin donuts coffee. So Do you think I should get him something els or leave it at what I got him already? If so which one or do u have any other ideas? And Guys give me ur opinion on the whole basket idea?
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it's pretty cool already
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Ideas for a baby shower gift basket?

I am going to a baby shower soon and I wanted to put together a basket for the new mom. I was thinking of doing things for when the baby is sick/unhappy, like Desitin, gas drops, baby tylenol, Vicks vapo-rub, etc. However, I don't have any children so I was hoping to get some ideas and recommendations from you ladies who have been there and know what helped you. What are your thoughts?
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Baby tylenol and baby motrin (doctors recommend to alternate the two when the baby has a fever), diaper rash cream, johnson and johnson's mentholated baby wash (really opens up baby's stuffy nose), thermometer, medicine dropper, gas drops, teething tablets etc... What I really enjoyed also is my family made me a gift basket that had things for me to do in the hospital while in labor and recovering....they packed travel sized shampoos and soaps, toothpaste, yummy smelling lotions, deodorant, extra absorbant kotex with wings (she will definitely need those, a big bag of them), a pretty robe and slippers, crossword puzzles, and a magazine.
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What's a great gift for a great boss?

I've only worked here for like 2 1/2 months and my boss is waay chill; like super laid back. She made my first job worth the while and I've learned a lot. Next week will be my last week because I'll be heading off to college soo I want to give her a nice parting gift. I've thought of like gift baskets and maybe CDs or something but what else can I get her...? She's sort of girly. Likes computer gadgets and electronics.. listens to all types of music. . .
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Your parting gift should not be something expensive or permanent. I think a small flower arrangement for her desk from a florist, or even from a grocery store floral department, would be about right. They can provide a pretty little gift card to go with it.
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Looking for a good, but decently priced meat and/or cheese gift basket, any suggestions?

I'm looking for one of those baskets that comes with an assortment or meat, cheese or bread. I don't want to spend anymore than $30 on it, but want to make sure I get something decent. It doesn't have to be a huge basket as it's only for my boyfriend and me to share. Also, I think a basket with mostly cheese and bread or crackers would be more appropriate because my boyfriend does not eat pork and most have mainly sausage or ham. I know Walmart and Target and places like that have a good price for these products, but I don't know which brands I can trust. The best one I've ever had was one my friend had ordered online, unfortunately, I have no way of knowing or asking which site that was. Does anyone have an suggestions for a particular brand to search for and also any particular website or store that would have a good value on them?
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Swiss Colony is my favorite, I always get good stuff from them. http://www.swisscolony.com/home.jsp?ogn=… You can find coupons and discounts online too. Here is an early bird special for cheese and sausages, that is 22.95 What I would do is get that cheese and sausage deal, then buy a loaf of bread from a local bakery that makes wonderful bread...about 5 dollars, and add that so it would be under 30 dollars, but with nice fresh bread! http://www.swisscolony.com/Gift-Boxes--B…
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What to include in a basket for this woman?

She has a tumor in her brain and multiple ones in her lungs, and it might be in her blood, but it doesn't look like it so far. So far she's doing well with chemo and radiation, but we want to get her a gift basket to just keep her positive and cheery like she normally is. What could I include?
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You have some good suggestions and I don't have much to add. Concentration can be difficult during chemo - I love to read but couldn't concentrate enough to read much, so puzzles are a good idea if she likes them. My sister brought me the materials I needed for making cards; it was ideal, as it didn't require much concentration and I could spend as much or as little time on it as I felt like then put it aside till later. If it will fit in the basket, a warm and soft blanket is a good idea - another of my sister's gifts. I went from experiencing hot flushes to being too cold during chemo and it was ideal. Just a word of warning - it wouldn't be the best idea to include any perfumed items - bath oils, soaps etc. People who've had chemo can develop 'association sickness' where smells, that invoke memories of chemo can cause nausea for a long time afterwards - even years later. Many a chemo patient has been forever put off a favourite scent this way.
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How much are these Culver's gift cards worth?

I am running a silent auction and keep getting in donations I don't know the value of. I got 4 Culver's cards for free value baskets + 4 cards for free 2-scoop sundaes. Does anyone go there and have a approx idea how much they are worth? I go every once-in-a-while, but not enough to know. THANKS!!
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i would try online and see if they have a menu or stop by and pick one up.
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What should I bring for a Christmas gift for my boyfriend's family?

It is my first time meeting them because they live in another state. They have already expressed (to my boyfriend) that they have bought me a gift. There are 7 total: Mom, Dad, sister, sister's husband, and their 2 children, boy (13) and girl (10). I was thinking a Christmas basket that included things for everyone, instead of individualized gifts, since I dont know their personal interests (yet). Please help! Thanks!
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I like the idea of a basket of cheer. You could include things that can be served with Christmas dinner or if you are visiting in advance Christmas Even dinner or Christmas breakfast. I make baskets every year for people, and I love visiting the gourmet grocery stores to pick up things. Even the regular markets have a lot of the high end stuff these days at reasonable prices. You could also go to Le Gourmet Chef, Williams Sonoma or Sur le Table to buy components for your baskets. Remember to set a budget, and not to go over. Buy your baskets after you have the stuff to go in them so you don't feel you have to buy more stuff to fill it up. Craft stores like Michaels & AC Moore sell baskets that are relatively inexpensive, and you can always use the 40% off coupon from the circular. Here are a few basket ideas that I have done in the past - Christmas Breakfast Basket: Vodka & Bloody Mary Mix or Champagne & OJ Real Maple Syrup A fruit syrup Gourmet Pancake Mix Bag of good coffee Muffin Mix Rock Candy Stir Sticks Christmas Cocktails Basket: Bottle of Red Wine & White Wine Bailey's Irish Cream Several Cheeses Smoked Sausage/Pepperoni Holiday Sweets - homemade is a nice touch Fancy crackers/Bread sticks Mustard or other dipping sauce Dinner Basket (layered into a pasta bowl): Bottle of Wine Pasta Gourmet Pasta Sauce Loaf of Italian Bread Small pastries Movie Night: Pop Corn Sodas Candies Several Holiday DVDs that are family type movies for everyone to enjoy Relaxing Evening: Cocoa Mix, Coffee, Tea Rock Candy stir sticks Candy Canes Homemade Cookies
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I have a friend who is getting plastic surgery and I am looking for fun, unique gift ideas!?

My friend is getting a breast lift and some other work and I wanted to make her a gift basket or care package that she could use after her operation. I'm not exactly sure what you can and cannot do after surgery so any ideas would be great! Thanks!
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Get a HUGE cake in the shape of BOOBS
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