Gourmet Easter Gift
GIFT BASKETS, AN ANCIENT TRADITION
America’s popularity in the giving of a gift basket can first be traced back to the
18th century when German settlers came to American and introduced the Easter Bunny,
and the Easter Basket. It took thousands of years, traveling from ancient Egypt , to Europe in the Middle Ages for the entwined symbolism of the Easter Bunny, and the practice of the Filling children’s caps or bonnets with straw , and colored hard-cooked eggs to become a tradition. Celebrating the blessings, fertility, and rebirth of spring time, few changes of this original form of gift giving have taken place. Baskets became the standard medium as the container, but the importance of the bunny and Easter eggs can still be traced in it’s many candy forms over the generations. The trend of adding cellophane wrap ,and bows to add pizzazz to the presentation ,was later added to a commercial market which now grosses over 90 million dollars in sales yearly. It’s hardly surprising that over the last sixty years, Industry decided to see how marketing certain products in ‘adult type’ Easter baskets , during non-seasonal times of the year ,would go over. They weren’t to be disappointed, after all ,isn’t there a little child in each of us waiting to come out?
These first baskets focused on two general themes, eating and relaxation In 1951 , Richard Ransom started selling hand cut cheeses at the local fairs and thus became the formation of Hickory Farms. By 1959, summer sausage , fruits, and sweets were food items which could be found in many attractive baskets year round. This was a gift the whole family could enjoy , especially mom. But , many women found their new multiple roles as wife, mother, and breadwinner, left them little if any time to enjoy a little peaceful solitude to themselves. Commercials such as “Calgon take me away” were geared to a frustrated
generation of baby boomers, who hungered to be pampered. Perfume/and bath powder gift sets were readily available, but the fantasy of adding scented soaps and oils to your bathtub to escape the rigors of everyday life became the spring board for the new “Spa Basket” found at most outlets. Perfumes, candles, lotions, sachet, bath pillows, and even specialized baskets for foot care and skin care , became variations of this idea. Placing these Items in a colorful, appealing , openly visual way , was not only beneficial to the seller, but to the customer. Buyers no longer felt guilty splurging on themselves when they saw the added savings in buying combined products that also happened to be attractively packaged . Sellers profited from grouping together items that otherwise might have limited seasonal appeal. No one could have foreseen the impact computers and the internet would have. Now buying a gift basket is truly a dream come true, where only the limits of your own imagination bind you.
Today there is of course the basic food, spa baskets of the past, but the options are now limitless. There are hundreds of themed baskets to suit every budget, hobby, interest or occasion ,but they share a new trend. The concern for the health, environment , and family finances, have customers demanding not only quality products that are affordable, yet unique, but containers that are multifunctional.. Hampers, planters, chests, and totes, to name a few, now serve as a reusable holders .Food items must be of high quality , with healthy options available. One of the most interesting focus is on keepsake, and nostalgic items such as picture frames, mugs, inspirational books, and plaques . Customers want the receiver of their baskets to feel their heart felt emotions that only a personally prepared gift basket can provide. In today’s hectic world with little time, it is important that buying a basket on the internet doesn’t result in a insensitive, cookie cutter gift. Buyers are hoping to once again feel that childhood delight they experienced as children at Easter, when life was simpler and slower paced. It is rewarding to know styles may change, but the overall roots of our traditions will never end.
About the Author
My name is Mary Palermo
my e-mail address is maryplrm@yahoo.com
my webpage is : enchantedcreationsgiftbaskets.com
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