After watching a bowmaking demonstration at a gift basket convention many years ago, I excitedly rushed back to my studio to try the new techniques I had learned.

Or so I thought.

Little did I realize, until I was teaching the technique in a class years later, that I was doing a variation of what I had originally learned.

Has that happened to you? You put a new twist on a design or bowmaking technique that yields a slightly different and perhaps even better version of the original.

At an inventors audition at a development center, first place went to creators of a peanut butter and jelly gun. These inventors were motivated to find a better way or an improved gadget for something they already did.

Now you’re probably thinking, what does this have to do with gift baskets?

Lots.

Over the years, many new inventions have entered the gift basket industry: shrinkwrap bags, themed gift boxes with matching accessories, glue dots, printed cellophane and mesh netting. At the same time, designers have created clever ways to make designing, selling and even storing supplies easier.

One technique I like when using shrinkwrap bags, for example, is to place the empty basket in the shrink bag first, then build the design. That way I don’t have to risk toppling the contents when I lift the full basket to place it in the bag. I demonstrate this technique on my DVD, Basic Gift Basket Design.

What about you? What’s in your gift basket of tricks? You may have created a gadget, a substance, a technique or even a marketable product. Share how you’ve made the business of gift baskets easier.

============

Learn the do’s and don’ts about making money from niche corporate sales. Listen as I share how I captured niche lucrative sales on a newly released audio CD, Make Money with Corporate Niche Sales. I spill insider secrets and reveal some mistakes I made so you can avoid them.
 
Place your order by June 1st and receive these bonuses:

•  a special report, “Corporate v.s. Consumer Sales”
• a sample letter of introduction
• a sample proposal
• a special report, “How to Successfully Target Niche Markets”, that includes things to consider, who to contact and suggested niche markets
   

Create gifts that require minimum time to assemble, but are impressive.

2. When a hotel manager requested a $10 gift to give her regular guests at New Years. I filled a cub tote with a perpetual calendar, cinnamon tea and cookies. My total cost was $3.25.

The great thing about placing products in a bag or box is that you don’t have to worry about color coordinating the packaging. Wrap all the products in tissue and place them in the bag or box. You’re done!

3. Hooray for Hollywood can be used for a wide variety of gift-giving occasions. Fill a Hollywood gift box with typical movie candy and a bag of microwaveable popcorn. I also added a pair of sunglasses from a novelty store.

To discover sources for your cellophane, ribbon and enhancements, visit our free online directory RibbonWrap and Pack. In this online directory you will find companies who offer specialty packaging for the gift basket retailer, such as decorative nested boxes, trays, containers, designer printed cello, basket fillers, ribbon, shrinkwrap, raffia, organza bags and more.