Seeing Red

On Sunday, February 14th, the color of the day is Red. The color red is not only symbolic of Love but for other emotions such as Anger and Embarrassment. This much hyped, commercialized and angst-filled holiday is apt to invoke a wide range of feelings.

When it comes to matters of the heart, Baskets by Bonnie has you covered with a nice variety of gift suggestions.

The New Relationship: One of my favorite commercials, is the Target commercial of a young couple on a dinner date. The boyfriend hands a wrapped gift to his girlfriend and anxiously watches for her reaction. She looks a bit put-off by the showy necklace that was in the box. To explain her apparent dismay she exclaims,

"...... It's just that I didn't know we were there yet!"

While his reply of " ...Actually it wasn't really that much." was humorous in the ad, in real life he most likely would have been mortified.

In this case, perhaps dinner would have been enough of a gift or at the very least, the presentation could have been done in private after dinner. I also can't help but think that the girl could have been prepared with a small token gift of her own.


A great solution is to keep a "gift drawer" (or closet) with some emergency presents on hand such as a wrapped bottle of wine, some chocolates or other items that " aren't that much ".

She then could have changed her response to. " I have your gift at home."
(and hope that he doesn't misconstrue the message into thinking he's gonna get "lucky"!)





The Seasoned Couple: For the relationship that has weathered it's share of Valentine's Days, it's time to change things up a bit. Perhaps send an unexpected gift to work and make your Valentine the center of attention!

We have some great ideas on our website or would be happy to customize a basket for you!


The Dead Relationship: Sometimes a relationship can not be saved. Holidays seem to be ripe for break-ups. If you have a friend who is unlucky in love and needs some cheering up this Valentines Day, we have the perfect pick-me-up. The Breakup Box!






No matter what land-mines await you this coming Valentine's Day, rest assured that Baskets by Bonnie has you covered!

Gifts on the Run: Santa Pants & Happy Holidays Wine Bag

Need a quick gift that is sure to make the recipient smile? The Santa Pants gift bag filled with favorite treats will make someone's day. As shown, this gift is $30.95. The pants are also available for local pick up at a mere $5 a piece.

Only nine more shopping days left till the big guy comes to a chimney near you!


Another idea for a gift on the run is our Happy Holidays velvet wine bag. This is a great way to dress up a bottle of vino for the Holidays for a mere $2.95 plus tax.

Speaking of being on the run, time is running out and I must get back to work!

Hope your Holidays are Merry & Bright! Have a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2010!

A Cupful of Attitude

A fresh shipment of Ann Taintor Mugs arrived this week. Among them are my new favorite coffee mug and a fun mug & napkin combo to add to a Hostess Gift!


Some reason I love this mug. Perhaps because I am not a "Happy Camper"! I'm usually pretty chipper. Just not much of a camper. I rather be in a nice, clean, warm bed than to sleep outdoors in a tent.

I think I'll save this mug for my weekend morning lattes!



I had to pull a set of these napkins and a mug to include in a hostess gift to take to my sister for Thanksgiving. The perfect sentiment for a Holiday dinner where there are usually too many cooks in the kitchen!

Sticky Situation

I love this time of year. As we gear up for the "Holidays", there is a steady flow of products coming into our warehouse. Many of these items are new to Baskets by Bonnie and we have a lot of taste-testing going on.

I also love to take time to marvel at innovations in packaging.

When I saw this carton of gourmet Potato Chips that was in yesterday's shipment, I remarked that I had never seen a box with cutouts labeled "A Hand Hole". For some reason this had caught my eye. And made me chuckle at the attention to detail this manufacturer displayed.


Importance of Getting the Real Message

A short while later, I saw the opposite side of the cardboard box. The side where I could see the full message. A warning that was not partially obscured by a poorly placed sticker.

Ooops! NOT A HAND HOLE! Whole different message. While I was slightly troubled by my initial interpretation, I used this as a "teaching moment" to my staff.

Detail Orientation
This is why we need to pay attention to detail in ALL steps when processing orders. Every associate should be knowledgeable on procedures and policies so they understand how their function needs to be executed as part of a bigger picture. Cross-training staff members not only leads to higher job-satisfaction but creates a more productive and efficient team.

Fortunately none of our staff was injured. But if someone was, we are always prepared. We at Baskets by Bonnie take safety very seriously.

Just in case, we also have cute Bandages as well!

Portable Picnic Table Saves The Day!

One of the perks of being a "product tester" is getting to try out cool new items for our store. The portable picnic table has been a big hit this summer. It has gotten a real workout at the local pool and other summer events. This table with seating for four, when compact is not much bigger than a briefcase and weighs in at about 22 lbs. Because of its portability and in preparation for a spontaneous picnic, this gem of modern design can usually be found in my car.

This weekend, when visiting family, we found ourselves short on outdoor seating. Suddenly I remembered the table in my vehicle. When I volunteered to go fetch my table, I was met with amused smirks from skeptical family members. Those expressions were changed into slack-jawed gazes of amazement as I quickly assembled what was to become "The Children's Table"!

While I was happy to save the day and impress my in-laws with one of Baskets by Bonnie's finest in gadgetry, I am afraid there is a down-side....

I am now on the hook for a few of these as "family gifts" for the December gift exchanges. Luckily I get an employee discount. Better make sure we're stocked up!

Putting the Fun into Functional

Summer, summer, summertime
Time to sit back and unwind - Will Smith


Just a few more weeks of Summer left. Parties are in full swing. Birthday parties, Wedding parties, Going away parties, Party parties, the list is endless...

Places to go, people to see and gifts to buy on the run. We have some cool items that make great gifts. You might even want to buy them for yourself!


For Hands-Free Picnicking, How About A Picnic Backpack?

Picnic in comfort and style with this deluxe picnic backpack for two. With a unique combination of polyester canvas and simulated suede, this attractive hands-free carrier comes fully equipped with all the accoutrements.


Our Favorite New Summer Find: The Portable Picnic Table
Perfect for a spontaneous picnic, this portable picnic table can be stored in a trunk or back seat and pulled out when ready to use.

Just give us a call..... "To hit you and get you equipped for the summer time"

Win This Backpack: For Contest rules visit:
http://www.facebook.com/skyepr

Going Green in the Garden

One of my favorite Summer hobbies is gardening. As part of our ongoing product testing, we like to try out the seeds left over from our Spring Gardening Basket. (pictured above)

This year we grew lettuce, peas, basil and squash in our vegetable garden and Zinnias in our flower beds.



The book, "Slug Bread & Beheaded Thistles" by Ellen Sandbeck (which you can purchase at Baskets by Bonnie @ $10.95 plus tax) is a wonderful resource of non-toxic remedies for both garden pests and for housekeeping. I have found the book full of useful tips to help rid my plants of aphids, slugs and Japanese beetles without having to use harmful pesticides.



















Not only are you being kind to our environment and creating a healthier garden, the bees will love you for it!