Preparing for The Love Show

Hello All,

The date is 24th of January, and we are 7 days away from Feb 1st. The month that makes us get in the mood to show love. I am starting a new series from today to Feb 14 on business ideas to rock this season of love. Keep checking me up. Aight.

While a lot of people will be strategizing on how to make sure they get a Val's gift, we will be in the business of making sure they get a Val's gift.

Today, I am going to show you how to start a personalized basket business. I noticed that the only times you see gift baskets in Nigeria is doing the Christmas holidays, when people exchange hampers. We can take this act a nudge higher by packaging nice little baskets with personalized essentials. It is not only innovative, it is very thoughtful, and will make the recipient of the gift feel very loved that attention was given to his/her interests.

You can call your self a gift consultant. lol. There are so many funky careers and job descriptions nowadays.

Okay, here we go:

Step 1: Have a consultation with your client. Find out as much as you can about the loved one that is to be gifted. Ask questions like What do they like? What are their hobbies? What do they need? What do they like to eat? etc.

Come up with a proposal, and get approval or corrections from your client before you proceed. Try as much as possible to be vast, so that if you are in a position to advise, you will make me proud.

Step 2: Shop

That was pretty obvious I guess. Look for where you can get the best deals and good quality too please. You have a reputation to build and maintain.

Step 3: Package:

First of all, you need to get your tools.

Gift Basket or Container: Collect gift baskets and containers of various sizes, shapes, materials, and colors. Wicker baskets, wood baskets, cardboard boxes, wire baskets, plastic pails, photo boxes. They may have handles or lids.

Filler: Tissue paper is common filler. It comes in sheets and in several colors. Crumpled up tissue paper stuffed in the bottom of the basket acts as a base for the gift items (elevates the gifts) and is used to fill in the space between the presents to prevent them from rolling around.

Shredded paper is often used as basket filler. You can make it yourself if you do not find to buy in a craft shop. Fabric can also be used as filler.

Wrap: Cellophane is commonly used as gift basket wrap. This transparent paper-like film protects from contents from moisture. Cellophane may be purchased in rolls, sheets, or cellophane bags. It comes in clear or transparent colors, and a huge assortment of prints are available - holiday prints, flower prints, theme prints, etc. Cellophane rolls and bags come in a variety of sizes. Tulle netting can also be used to wrap. It is a sheer fine netting often seen in veils.

Ribbons and Bows : There is a wide assortment of ribbons and bows to choose from. It can be made in different textures, colors, prints, and sizes. There is sheer ribbon, metallic ribbon and fabric ribbon, polyester, cotton. Satin ribbon is popular, as is curly ribbon. Have a variety of bows and ribbons on hand.

Enclosure Cards : These are typically 3 ½ x 2 inches sized cards that come with envelopes to attach to your gift basket. A short message from your client to the recipient will be written on it, and it will bear your client's name.

Wrapping Paper: Items in the gift basket can be individually wrapped. This is optional. Certain items can be wrapped and others left unwrapped.

Adornments & Decorations: This is left to your creativity.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Fill the bottom of the basket or container with your chosen filler to raise the base on which you will place your gifts. Place your items on top of the filler and fill in the bare spaces with more filler. Place the tallest item near the center. Place the other items around it, from the next tallest to the shortest - facing the outer edge of the basket. The basket should look balanced from all angles, especially if it to be used as a centerpiece.

Alternately, the smaller items can be placed at the front and taller items at the back so the gift basket actually has a front and back. This method is usually simpler.

Adequate filler is required to keep items in place. You may have to anchor certain objects with double sided tape, or glue dots, If necessary, a piece of Styrofoam may be glued to the bottom or side of the basket to anchor objects to.

The gift basket is usually wrapped to help keep the contents in place and/or to protect the contents from moisture. It also stops people from handling the items in the basket.

Wrap your gift basket, and add a bow.

Taadaa!

Gift Basket Ideas:

1. Beauty Basket: This can include Make up, Perfume, Nail polish, hair ornament, Body Cream, Manicure set, Facial cleanser, exfoliating scrub, etc.
2. Car Care Basket: This can include a large sponge, glass cleaner, car towel, car wax, travel mug, a new key chain, a favourite CD, etc.
3. Hair Basket: Shampoo, Conditioner, Set of combs, weave-on, lace wig, etc.
4. Bath Gift Basket: Bubble bath, Aroma therapy oils, massage oil, Scented candles and holders, Pumice stone, Washcloths, Back cleaning brush, CD, rose petals, etc.
5. Chocolate Basket: Do I really need to write anything again.

Feel free, Explore, the list is endless.

This may be long, but it is definitely not rocket science.

Cheers.

Good luck.