| * Is
this a gift for one particular person or group? There are
lots of ways to stretch your gift dollar by selecting the the
right food items. * If the items are to be shipped rather
than delivered by you, consider weight. Glass containers
will add unnecessary weight and shipping costs when a light-weight
basket would have served just as well.
* If you're spending the money to send a gift, why not
take this opportunity to include a personal message? Ask
your gift vendor to include a handwritten note from you in each
shipment. Avoid confusion by attaching the recipient's name
to each envelope.
* Pay attention to the packaging. After the goodies
are eaten, the container will be a constant reminder that you
thought to send a gift. The packaging should reflect the
kind of image you want to project.
* Often, people ask about shelf life. Ask your gift
vendor about shelf life on any products you are considering.
Get an assurance that your gifts will be packed FRESH upon receipt
of your order. Ask your vendor when your gifts will be
packaged. Shelf life can depend a lot on how
the product is packaged. But, most nuts and snack mixes
will stay at peak freshness for about six months. Shelf life for most dried
fruit is about four months.
* Depending on the gift and the quantity, you'll want to
allow about 4 to 8 weeks from the time you order until the time
you want it delivered. Most of that lead time is spent in
getting containers from the manufacturer, so order as early as you
possibly can.
* Maintain a holiday gift list that can be easily updated
each year. This ensures that you won't forget anyone who has
been receiving gifts from you in the past. The list can be
as simple as copies of your orders or copies of the vendor's
invoices.
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