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Love In a Basket

© Shirley Frazier

Did you know that Valentine's Day is the second most-popular gift basket occasion? It's ranks right behind the Christmas holiday. Retailers are busily stacking heart-shaped candy boxes as fast as they clear Christmas trees and candy canes off the selling floor.

Many individuals buy gift baskets on an impulse, purchasing their gifts the day before or on Valentine's Day. That creates an incredible sales spike nationwide. But sales are actually higher than statistics show.

For example, I was recently contacted by a high school freshman who is a coordinator for a Valentine's Day gift basket fundraiser. There could be thousands of schools and other groups across the country participating in this type of money-making activity. Any organization that sells baskets in this manner is certainly left out of the statistics.

What tips and strategies do the professionals follow when creating Valentine's Day gift baskets? Here are three ideas to consider to make baskets that sell profitably with minimum waste:

1. Buy products in red-colored packaging versus items that have the words "Valentine's Day" printed on it. If you overestimate the number of products that you can sell with Valentine's Day wording, you'll have to eat the excess, give it away or trash it after February 14. In any case, your decision will result in a loss of money.

There are many products in red or white packaging that are good choices for your baskets. For example, Lindt truffles are sold in red boxes. Preston Farms sells microwave popcorn in both red and white fluted sleeves. Some hot chocolates and cappuccinos are packaged in white envelopes. There's also chocolate-flavored spoons covered in both red and white coatings.

2. Unique containers are plentiful during the amorous season. Select tote or heart-shaped bags, vases, tea cups and saucers, silver trays or flower pots painted red and/or white. These are superb alternatives if you choose to go the no-basket route. Mother's Day is less than three months away if there are any leftover containers waiting for a useful occasion.

3. Valentine's Day gift baskets are meant to be elegant rather than elaborate. For example, use an oval or round silver tray as the gift's base. Place a ready-to-eat, white-chocolate coated popcorn; two plastic champagne glasses and a non-alcoholic sparkling cider on the tray. Anchor the products to each other for support by using double-sided tape. Hot glue is another securing mechanic that the professionals use often. Silk rosebuds, carnations and baby's breath are popular enhancements for this type of gift.

The copyright of the article Love In a Basket in Gift Baskets is owned by Shirley Frazier. Permission to republish Love In a Basket in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.