A Few Unusual Basket and Flower Giving Days ----------

I love to give gifts, especially at unexpected times. But I often don't know someone's size or their favorite color scheme. That's one of the reasons I think gift baskets make the ideal gift. Plus they now come in so many different options.

Of course, we all enjoy giving at all the typical times: Easter, Chanukah, Kwaanza, Christmas, New Years, Birthdays and Anniversaries.

Giving at those usual times is fun, but it's even more exciting to give at some of those forgotten times:

* For example, Memorial Day is a great time to remember the recent death of a friend's loved one by sending a fruit basket.  Or you may want to send a nice arrangement of flowers to the departed's place of worship.

* In fact, any three day weekend holiday is a good excuse to give something thoughtful.  July 4th, Labor Day, etc.  If someone you know has invited you to a picnic, why not send them a selection of already prepared appetizers?  Or...a decorative bouquet or plant?

* Retirement.  Let the boss provide the gold watch or the clock that has to be dusted.  Provide some party food, and maybe they'll invite you to come share it.  Or order some for yourself and help them celebrate at your home.

* Funeral.  Most families are overwhelmed by flowers and other memorial gifts.  Why not send them a fruit gift basket a week or two later? Most people could use some thoughtful attention at that time. Be sure to follow that up with a phone call every once in a while.

* A lovely plant arrangement makes a wonderful traditional housewarming gift. On the other hand, if they are still in the process of putting things away and discarding boxes, take them some gourmet, easily prepared food. After all, they probably don't have much time to cook, even if they can find their cookware !

* Cabin fever.  Fight the foul mood that some friends feel every winter.  Send them some sunshine in the form of bright yellow flowers...just "because!"  Or help them ignore the weather with a gourmet wine basket.

* Recently married couple might find it to be something of an anti-climax to come back from the honeymoon. They could be finding themselves overwhelmed at work with less free time than they would like to have for their new spouse. Help them out by sending them some professionally prepared gift meals.

An unexpected act of kindness may be just the thing to brighten someone's day.  Maybe even yours!

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Greg Porter is a enthusiastic about gift baskets. You can find other articles about giftbaskets at www.99GiftBaskets.US.

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