What’s the Right Food Gift Pollibility?

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What’s the Right Food Gift Pollibility?

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Gift baskets are out of fashion! Or is it that they’re just plain boring? My fervent hope is that you’ll eventually come to the conclusion that both statements are wrong. I’m actually a gift food merchant. Kind of has a special ring to is, doesn’t it? While I agree that it’s not quite the same as being a test pilot or a neurosurgeon, it’s an honest way to pay for tuition for my grandson. Or at least it would be a good way to do so if more of you bought my products.

I know what you’re thinking: “I’ll bet he never has a problem deciding what to give during the holidays; he just gives the same boring baskets year after year to everyone.” I want to disabuse you of your smug attitude! I actually have the same problems you have in deciding what gift is best for everyone on my list.

I don’t give only baskets of joy to my loved ones. However, even if I did, the choice would still not be easy. At my store, we offer scores of fruit baskets, gourmet meals, wine gift baskets and far more than that, even. (I can hear you right now, begging me to tell you where this wonderful store is. Please be patient.)

Before you coerce me into giving away my store location, I want to share my own decision making strategy with you.

First, I decide on an appropriate category of gift. If Uncle Milton has his drinking problem under control for the first time in ten years, then the wine gift baskets are out of the running. Instead, I’ll opt for a fruit basket with something seasonal. After years of ignoring the nutritional value of what he consumed, he could use a few extra servings of fruit in solid form.

Aunt Millie, on the other hand, is a great wine sipper. Frankly, I don’t know if she really enjoys the wine, but she sure enjoys talking about it. She thrills to have a new member of her audience so that she can explain what makes a good vintage year, the varieties of grapes that are used in her favorite blends and, especially, how much she paid for each bottle (as well as how much she paid for the carpeting you just ruined by spilling your glass). She’ll get a simple wine gift basket, but I’m not going to spring for the champagne! (I’m also not going to pay for the carpet cleaning; not after what that cat of hers did to my new coat.)

My nephew, Alfred, recently married his long time girlfriend. Frankly, it’s about time. It took him eight years to decide that she was worth parting with enough money to pay for a diamond and another five when he found out that it is customary to pay the minister who performs the ceremony. What he wants is a check. Well, he’s not getting that from me. Instead, they’re getting a gourmet meal from me. Actually two, of course. My thinking is that this is the only way to get his bride out of the kitchen. Alfred would never pay for a restaurant meal, so, in a sense, I’m sending the restaurant to them.

My second step, after choosing a category is to select a price range that I’m willing to spend on these people. Then my wife makes me double that amount.

My grandson is getting the latest video game system. Let’s face it; he is truly special.

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