Imagine it’s your birthday. You just finished a long day at work and received a couple of well-wishing cards and phone calls from friends and family. When you settle in at home, the doorbell rings. When you open the door you are greeted by a smiling delivery man with a beautiful cellophane package with a big gold bow. “Happy birthday,” he exclaims as he heads up the driveway. It’s almost too pretty to open. Who could have sent you this? The questions run as you search for the gift card. In a moment you will know who was the attentive person who sent you this beautiful surprise. You know the words of love from her expressed in a happy birthday card. Looking carefully at what you just received, you realize that you can enjoy it right now. There is no preparation or instructions to follow. They have sent you joy, love and above all a nice surprise. Something we all need from time to time. Now, wouldn’t you like to be the person who received this gift, or better yet, wouldn’t you like to be the one who gets the thank you phone call like the person who sent it?

Now, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, Christmas present, well wish, or just something to brighten their day, these gifts are always welcome.

I have been in the gift industry for over 12 years and I would like to share with you my top 10 gifts to give.

#1. Gift Baskets… There are literally thousands of styles of gift baskets available today in a wide range of themes. Choose pampering, chocolate or gourmet styles for women. Men can also enjoy the surprise of a gift basket with golf containers, sports cars and even wooden trucks. Pretzels, cashews, and even energy drinks can be included in your delicious treat. Gift baskets are also a great thank you for a business. Shareable to-go items are the best way to go with a group, so look for these items inside the basket.

#two. Fruit Baskets… While we’re on the subject of baskets, a fruit basket makes a great gift for the elderly, people who are sick, or your friends and family who are on a healthy diet. They may or may not be available at a gift basket store, but you can find them at a local grocery store or florist. Try not to let the designer include bananas, though, as they tend to ripen early and tarnish the appearance of the gift.

#3. Bouquets of Fruits… Along the same lines as a fruit basket are these new bouquets of fruits. They are usually found in a specialty store that only sells this type of item. They include beautiful flower arrangements made with apples, pineapples, cherries, and other fruits. They also feature chocolate covered strawberries and make a delicious gift for women, men and a huge hit with office staff too.

#4. Chocolate… Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, caramel chocolate, the list goes on and on. In a delicate box or special container, you can’t go wrong with a selection of chocolate. If you need more reasons, many health advisors have suggested that dark chocolate is actually good for you. I know this has been a welcome relief for women like me.

#5. Flowers… Although an old standby, a beautiful bouquet that arrives at the door and fills the house with a wonderfully fragrant aroma is a great way to send love. There are so many themed flower arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, sympathy, recovery, and even the new baby. It’s also the perfect little pick-me-up to brighten someone’s day.

#6. Potted Plants… Most flower shops have arrangements of plants in ceramic, glass or wicker baskets. They are especially nice as a thought about you, sympathy, or a feeling of well-being.

#7. Gourmet Cookies… A great gift for teens and teens and adults. Great as a housewarming, a birthday present for your child at college, or a thank you to your office staff. They are no longer just available in chocolate chips. Choose from a wide range of flavors and container sizes.

#8. Retro and other goodies… You can go back in time with retro goodies from specialty stores that you can find online or in most major cities. They usually even classify the candies into decades so you can choose the sweet treat based on when they were born.

#9. Popcorn… This new trend in deliverable gifts is very popular right now. Forget boring buttered popcorn. You can choose from dozens of great flavors to suit every taste. Popcorn containers are also available in birthday, love, sports, and other themes. Most of the stores are available online and are very reasonably priced.

#10. Trays or towers… finally, we have trays and towers that are often supplied by gift basket companies. These gifts are filled with cookies, pretzels, candy, chocolate, cashews, and many other gourmet delights. The towers are usually stackable boxes with the treats neatly tucked inside. Fantastic for groups or families, there is something for everyone.

So there you have it. Keep this list handy for the next time you find yourself in a gift-giving quandary. It will probably take less than fifteen minutes if you order online and that includes the gift card text. You will do something nice for someone and with that gesture I hope that one day you will be on the receiving end of one of these surprisingly wonderful gifts.

Heather