Entertaining

Turn a Gift Basket Into a Stylish Cheese Spread

December 5, 2014

Turn a cheese basket into a stylish spread for your holiday party with a few simple steps!

The party ideas pros at Celebrations.com share this extra cheesy party platter that’ll impress guests and add a sophisticated element to your party food spread. Dress it up with crackers, dip, gourmet meats, and more. By labeling the different cheeses, you not only turn the appetizer bar into a culinary experience, but make it easy for guests to establish which cheeses are their favorite as well as which ones they will be avoiding next time. Get the how to for this amazing DIY Chic Cheese platter.

Gift Baskets, Holiday Gift Baskets

What Would a Pilgrim Put in a Gift Basket?

November 6, 2014

While 1800baskets has only been around since 2001, people have been gifting an assortment of gifts packaged into one unique gift holder for hundreds of years. With the Thanksgiving season in full swing, that really got us thinking – how would the ancestors of Thanksgiving fill their gift baskets?

Taking inspiration from common pilgrim foods, activities, and celebrations, we put together some of the items we think you would find in a Pilgrim’s gift basket!

Fresh fruit. Plums, grapes, and apples are traditional.
Seasonal vegetables. Squash, corn, carrots, and more!
Berries. Cherries, blueberries, and of course – cranberries.
Tea. The pilgrims may have left England, but there are some traditions they couldn’t leave behind.
Books. Reading material for the daytime or candle-lit evenings.
Cooking utensils. You can always use an extra mortar & pestle.
Sewing tools. An extra spool of thread is a must.
Stationery. For writing to their families back home or loved ones in the next village.
Beer. Popular in England, the pilgrims did not have the means to produce this age-old sip.
Cheese. A common food for “break fast.”
Puzzles. An inexpensive and educational way to pass the time.
Spices. Keeps food (primarily meat) fresher for longer.
Candles. Illuminate a world without electricity.
Words of Inspiration. Long work days and cold seasons with famine could use a touch of inspiration.
Seeds. For planting or snacking on!
Nuts. An easy-to-store snack full of protein and healthy fats!
Fishing gear. Reel in the good times.
Gardening gear. Gardening gloves are always in style (back in those days).
Winter accessories. Gloves and mittens and scarves, oh my!
Extra Wow Factor: Fresh Meat. They’ll really know you care.

Did we miss something? Share what YOU think a pilgrim would put in a gift basket in the comments section below! Together, we can come up with a wow-worthy assortment to impress even the most traditional settlers!

Gourmet Apples

Skinny Caramel Apple Dip Recipe

November 3, 2014

It’s no secret that one of the flavors most synonymous with fall is caramel apple. From actual caramel apples to recipes incorporating this fall favorite, this sweet and tangy blend is a must for fall entertaining!

Luckily, the entertaining and lifestyle geniuses at Celebrations.com turned this irresistible flavor into a diet-friendly dip that can be enjoyed by all! Get the recipe for their Skinny Caramel Apple Dip, and let us know what you’ll be dipping in to this must-try treat!

Coffee and Tea Gifts

Brew Up Something Delicious: 10 Tasty Tea Add-Ins

October 24, 2014

Throughout history, tea has been significant in culture, medicine, art, and even economy. One legend dates the discovery of tea all the way back to 2737 BC! With so many types and blends to choose from, it’s no surprise that tea continues to be a caffeinated favorite.

While there are various types of tea, there are also many different ways to enjoy tea. Here are 10 delicious add-ins to try with your next cup!

Lemons. Add a citrus touch to your tea by dropping a lemon slice in your cup. Keep the peel for a bitter touch, or peel the slice before adding. Alternatively, you can also squeeze the juice directly into your cup.

Oranges. Similar to the lemon flavor but with a sweeter, zestier flavor, you can add a small orange slice to your tea.

Molasses. Fans of this sweet substance know that there are few flavors quite as distinct as molasses. Sweeten your tea with just a few drops and be prepared for a whole new flavor experience.

Milk. Did you know that many parts of the world are accustomed to serving milk with their tea? Doing so turns a light cup into a creamy and rich sip, so try it out after dinner as a dessert treat!

Honey. Add a naturally sweet touch to your tea with raw, unfiltered honey. This is a great alternative to sugar as it has many health benefits.

Cinnamon. Put an autumn spin on your sip with a dash of cinnamon! Alternatively, you can garnish with a cinnamon stick and let sit for a minute or two to help soak up the flavor.

Fresh mint. Add a fragrant and flavorful touch with fresh mint. Wash and tear up the mint leaves and steep for about 5 minutes. This is not only delicious, but calming too.

Ginger. In the mood for some zest? You’ll love the addition of fresh ginger to your tea. Make sure to let it steep for 5-10 minutes.

Rock candy. Stir your tea with a rock candy stick for a fun twist! The rock candy will dissolve into your tea as you mix, making for one sweet tea drinking experience.

Clove. Grind whole cloves and infuse with hot water. Then, add your tea bag and enjoy!

Know someone who really loves tea? Surprise them with a festive tea gift basket and include some of these tasty tea suggestions in the message for them to try!

Gift Baskets

Delicious Gift Ideas for Special Diets

September 30, 2014

Sometimes the most difficult part of shopping for the perfect gift is making sure to satisfy any special diets our recipients may follow. From gluten-free to simply healthy eating, there are so many dietary restrictions and lifestyle choices to keep in mind. Luckily, 1800baskets.com has made it easy with their new Special Diets Collection!

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Here are a few of our favorite gift ideas to satisfy the dietary restrictions of even the pickiest recipient.

Gluten-Free Gifts

gift-ideas-for-special-diets-gluten-free-macaroonsDesserts

From cakes to cookies to chocolates, there’s no shortage of flavor-packed goodies for the gluten-free guy or gal in your life. If you’re looking for something really extraordinary, surprise them with these Gourmet Assorted Macaroons, which come individually packaged and include 2 fun flavors: original coconut and chocolate chip.

gift-ideas-for-special-diets-gluten-free-cheese-basketCheese Baskets

There’s nothing cheesy about these gift ideas! For a recipient with a sophisticated palette, surprise them with an elegant basket filled with artisan cheeses fresh from California Wine Country! The Premium Handcrafted Cheese Hamper pictured here features Point Reyes Original Blue, Bellwether Farms Carmody, Cypress Grove Chevre Purple Haze Cheese, and Sierra Nevada Classic Aged Goat Cheddar cheeses.

gift-ideas-for-special-diets-fruit-basket-2Fruit Baskets

Fruit baskets are guaranteed to sweeten your special someone’s day. Make it extra special by sending an assortment of the season’s freshest picks. The Premier Orchard Fruit Gift Basket featured is presented in a hand-woven wicker basket and overflowing with fruits including Buerre Bosc, Red Sensation and Imperial Comice Pears, Fuji and Granny Smith Apples, Navel Oranges, Kiwi, and more.

Nut-Free Gifts

gift-ideas-for-special-diets-no-nut-dessertsDesserts

Even if your recipient can’t eat nuts, they’ll go nuts over one of our decadent No Nut Nation Dessert trays! Choose from brownies, cookies, cakes, and more, this nut-free gift idea is sure to satisfy their sweet tooth.

gift-ideas-for-special-diets-fruit-basketFruit Baskets

Of course, sending a fruit basket is always a sweet + safe choice. Be sure the fruit tray or basket you choose does not include nuts, a no-fail choice is our Orchard Indulgence Fruit Gift Basket ; 24 pieces of fresh fruit goodness including three different varieties of pears, an assortment of apples, ripe oranges, a pineapple, and more.

Sugar-Free Gifts

gift-ideas-for-special-diets-sugar-free-chocolateChocolate

Who need sugar when you’ve got chocolate?! Sugar-Free Chocolates from Fannie May are sure to sweeten any recipient’s day – choose from their famous Pixies, Mint Meltaways, or spring for a general flavor-packed chocolate assortment to really make their day.

gift-ideas-for-special-diets-sugar-free-cheesecakeDesserts

Sugar-free is not synonymous with flavor-free! Our sugar-free dessert gifts are proof of that. Choose from cookies, brownies, or irresistibly creamy Junior’s Cheesecake (pictured).

gift-ideas-for-special-diets-dipped-strawberriesDipped Strawberries

Juicy, fruity, and oh-so-decadent, there’s few who can resist the pairing of a freshly picked strawberry with chocolate. Our Sugar-Free Chocolate Strawberries are dipped in 100% Real Milk & Dark Chocolate and are sure to wow.

Diet-Friendly Gifts

gift-ideas-for-special-diets-fruit-bouquetFruit Bouquets

When in doubt, send a fruit bouquet! This no-fail gift idea is festive, fun, and full of fruity goodness. As for the parts dipped in chocolate, your special recipient can choose to indulge or share with someone special.

gift-ideas-for-special-diets-nutsNut Assortments

Even the healthiest of eaters need a snack every once-in-a-while! Luckily, nuts are a great option – they’re full of heart-healthy nutrients, can help lower cholesterol, AND are full of fiber. Surprise your recipient with a tray full of this healthy snack!

Back to School

Snack Your Way to Success with Healthy Dorm Room Snacks

August 20, 2014

Walk into any dorm room and you’re bound to find a mountain of snacks for those dorm-room gatherings and late night study sessions. Rather than snacking on empty calories and foods that are filled with flavor but lack in health benefits, stock up on healthy snacks instead!

Here are some delicious yet healthy options for college snacks that will not only keep you fueled, but will leave you feeling good too!

healthy-dorm-room-snacks-fruitStay Fueled with Fresh Fruit

It’s not surprising that fruit makes one of the best any-time snacks to keep the energy going. Filled with natural sugars, vitamins, and antioxidants, fruit make a great start to the day as well as a great midnight snack for those late-nights. While buying fresh fruit is ideal, it is also a good idea to freeze and store them for emergency purposes (like when the 2 A.M hunger hits).


healthy-dorm-room-snacks-nuts

Keep it Cool & Crunchy with Nuts

Did you know that nuts are filled with heart-healthy benefits AND can help lower cholesterol?! This easy-to-store snack is great to keep on hand and mix with other treats for a well-balanced snack.


healthy-dorm-room-snacks-popcornMake Snack Time Poppin’ with Slim, Single Serve Popcorn

If you find yourself craving something with a little more crunch, then you’ll love the sea salt slim popcorn from The Popcorn Factory. At only 80 calories per single serving bag, this on-the-go ready snack is sure to satisfy.


healthy-dorm-room-snacks-dark-chocolateDark Chocolate

Did you know that dark chocolate is packed packed with nutrients and vitamins that are great for your heart and body?! Pair that with the natural caffeine found in dark chocolate, and you’ve got a sweet snack you can indulge in without feeling guilty about!

healthy-dorm-room-snacks-dried-fruitsSnack Your Way to Success with Dried Fruit

Eat with nuts in trail mix or nibble on their own, dried fruits are one of the best snacks to keep stored in your desk as well as at the bottom of your bag; just a few small bites will give you a much-needed boost of energy.

Back to School

A+ Worthy Back to School Gift Baskets for Students

August 5, 2014

Back to school can be a bummer, so make their first day and move-in experiences sweeter with a useful and fun back to school gift!

Once the gift’s content has been used up, they can then reuse the accompanying baskets for storage and organization, sending them on the fast-track to that Dean’s List!

 back-to-school-gift-ideas-coffee-gift-basketFuel their Late Nights with a Coffee & Tea Basket

From early classes to late night study sessions, your scholar may need some help getting through the day. First, find out their caffeinated sip of choice and then choose the perfect Coffee and Tea Gift Basket to satisfy their unique tastes and needs.

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Sweeten Their Days with Nature’s Candy

Between vending machines and food trucks, there is no shortage of on-the-go foods and snacks to keep them going. However, it’s because of this easy availability that your scholars may forget to grab the most important snack of the day: fruit! Keep that “apple a day” at the top of their mind by surprising them with a lavishly fresh and festive Fruit Basket filled with the season’s freshest picks.

back-to-school-gift-ideas-spa-gift-basketSend them some R&R with a Spa Basket

Your hard working student could sure use a break! Surprise them with a relaxation-ready Spa Gift Basket for a well deserved staycation after a stressful first week or assignment. Include a crafty message like “wash away those school stresses” or “scrub away that stress.”

back-to-school-gift-ideas-brain-food-box
Feed Their Mind with Brain Food

Delicious, all-natural, and all around good-for-you, the snack assortment featured in the Brain Food Market Box will keep them focused while fueling their study sessions. Although this gift is more of a box than a basket, they are sure to appreciate this extra burst of fuel for their mind!

back-to-school-gift-ideas-dessert-basketIncrease their Popularity with Snacks Sized for Sharing

Cookies, and brownies, and cakes, oh my! Make them the most popular kid in the class or dorm room with a generous Dessert Gift Basket, sized for sharing with your scholar’s new friends and classmates.

Just Because

Make Today Special: Unique Just Because Gifts under $20

July 23, 2014

From co-workers to friends to family members, life’s moments are filled with people who help shape and influence our moods. They help brighten up a dark day, make a stressful decision a little easier to make, or just put a smile on our faces simply because they care. Show appreciation for those every day sentiments by surprising the special people in your life with a gift, “Just Because!”

These gifts are all under $20 so you can surprise your special friends and still have enough for an exciting night out!

Just Because Gifts: $5-$10

just-because-gifts-cookie-cardsCookie Cards – $5
Browse through the large variety of $5 cookie cards featuring Cheryl’s famous buttercream cookies and surprise your special friend with one that fits their unique personality!


just-because-gifts-canister-celebration-cornCelebration Corn Canister – $5
Add some color in popcorn form to their special day with this canister of kettle corn from The Popcorn Factory! Customize the canister with a message or favorite memory for a sweet gift they can then reuse.

just-because-gifts-celebrating-friendsCelebrating Friends – $5
A collection of quotes, memories, sentiments, and facts, this inspiring book is sure to inspire a touch of warmth and happiness to those who read it.


just-because-gifts-inspiration-cards30 Days of Inspiration – $10
A note of gratitude a day keeps the smiles from going away.. or at least we think so! Add this smile-inducing “30 Days of Inspiration” collection of timeless notes to their study or office desk for a sweet reminder!

Just Because Gifts: $11-$19.99

just-because-gifts-happy-socksHappy Socks – $12.99
Add some smile to their step with these fun and colorful Happy Socks! Stylish, cool, and irresistibly comfortable, this is the perfect “just because” gift for any recipient!

just-because-gifts-message-in-a-bottleMessage in a Bottle “Just Because” – $19.99
Let your well wishes wash ashore with this creative Message in a Bottle gift idea! Fill with your own jokes, memories, or just a sweet message “just because” and we’ll make sure your message finds its way to the rightful owner.


just-because-gifts-smile-basket
All Smiles Sweets & Treats Gift Basket – $19.99
Your recipient is sure to be all smiles when they are surprised with this vibrant and cheerful sweets and smile-filled gift basket! From cookies to candies, this happy assortment is sure to sweeten anyone’s day.

Picnic

10 Easy Tips to Take Your Picnic to the Next Level

July 8, 2014

You’ve got your picnic basket all packed and ready for a relaxing day filled with fresh air, delicious foods, and great company. Now, take your picnic above and beyond with just a few extra moments of prep and planning!

fruit-bouquetMake it Sweet with Fun-Shaped Fruits
Grab cookie cutters in varying shapes and turn your fruits into a festive conversation piece and unique snack! Serve it as a fun fruit salad or put them on a stick and create your own one-of-a-kind fruit arrangement!

Pick a Spot with a View
Head to your location a few days prior and scout out a location with a prime view. Be aware of surrounding elements such as lakes and trees when choosing the ideal spot for your picnic.

Use a Festive Blanket
Toss that boring go-to checkerboard picnic blanket and spice up the setting with a blanket or throw that’ll really wow your picnic dates. If you are grabbing a blanket from home, make sure it is something that would not be ruined in case of any accidental spills. The best solution would be to invest in a beautiful throw for the sole purpose of picnicking.

Cocktails-in-a-Jarspring-cocktails-purple-haze-recipe
Rather than packing a simple bottle of wine, mix up some cocktails beforehand and seal in mason jars for simple and mess-free transport. Looking for some cocktail inspiration? Check out Celebrations.com’s picks for mason jar cocktails.

Decorate the Surrounding Area
Think outside the blanket when decorating for your picnic! Use surrounding trees and benches to hang balloons, ribbons, and signs to spruce up your picnic space.

Make a Picnic Playlist
Put together a picnic-ready playlist ahead of time to keep the mood going. Avoid songs that mat be distracting and opt for songs with a more mellow vibe. Alternatively, you can bring in portable smart device speakers and choose an already-existing playlist from your preferred music streaming service.

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Decorated Disposable cutlery
Every picnic needs cutlery, so take your forks and knives to the next level with a little creativity and craftiness! From glitter to washi tape, there are countless simple ways to dress up your picnic utensils!

Bring Citronella Candles & Bug Spray
Nothing puts a damper on an outdoor adventure quite like those pesky party-crashing mosquitoes and other bugs. Avoid this unnecessary annoyance by preparing citronella candles in your picnic gear. Throw in a can of bug spray for good measure; in case those pests do get in your area, they can be easily rid of.

Pack a Book – or Two.
Throw your favorite adventure-themed classic into your picnic gear. Highlight your favorite passages to share with your picnic buddy. Plus, if things get extra windy, that book can be used to hold down blankets or platters!

Pack a Deck of Cards
A simple deck of cards can provide hours of fun with so many popular card games to choose from! Simply throw one in your bag in case of down time – you’ll be glad you did!

What other kinds of things do you pack for your picnic to make it special?
Share with us in the comments!

Gift Baskets

Meet our Market Boxes

June 26, 2014

Have you met our Market Boxes? They’re fun, gourmet, and come in an assortment of varieties!

Caffeinated Collections

Wake up Call! Coffee Market Box
The ultimate gourmet caffeine fix for the coffee connoisseur, our Wake up Call! Market Box takes sipping on a cup of Joe to a whole new level. Included in this sophisticated assortment is a premium French Roast, a variety of flavored coffees including French Vanilla and Chocolate Mudslide, and accompanying edible stirrers including rock candy swizzle sticks and chocolate rolled wafers.

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Tea For You Market Box
Tea for you or two for tea? There’s nothing quite as relaxing as an evening spent enjoying a favorite novel in one hand and a steamy cup of rich tea in the other. Our Tea for You Market Box features a variety of teas – including organic Ceylon vanilla, flavored organic green teas, and classic black teas such as English Breakfast and Earl Grey. When paired with the included cookies, this box turns into a night of relaxing indulgence.

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The Barista Market Box
Dessert bliss meets caffeinated sip with our Barista Market Box! Filled with choco-inspired flavored drink mixes such as Ghirardelli® mocha mix, organic coconut chocolate tea, and a even a coffee cake flavored ground coffee blend for the ultimate sweet sip.

Napa Valley Bistro Market Box

Tour de Taste

Taste of New Orleans
Got a craving for Cajun, but can’t make it to Louisiana? Our Taste of New Orleans Market Box is packed the most delicious parts of Bourbon Street into a deliverable box for authentic N’awlins flavor, no matter where you are.

Taste of New Orleans Market Box

New York Ristorante Market Box
Craving a bite from The Big Apple’s most popular Italian eateries? Save yourself the airfare and get acquainted with our New York Ristorante Market Box, packed with all the ingredients you need to make a complete Italiano dinner from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Napa Valley Bistro Market Box

Napa Valley Bistro Market Box
It’s not every day you can enjoy a taste of famous Napa Valley! Our Napa Valley Bistro Market Box makes it easy to indulge in the fresh and elegant flavors of this sunny district; complete with savory treats such as chardonnay wine brittle, vineyard cheese spread, and sourdough pretzels which make the perfect complement forthe included Pinot Noir Wine Country Soda®.

Napa Valley Bistro Market Box

Cheers to our Boozy Boxes

It’s 5:00 Somewhere Martini Mixers Market Box
All you need for the ultimate martini-fueled celebration, minus the booze. Start with the Amoretti® Lemon Drop or Cosmopolitan Martini Mix, add a splash of your favorite gin and vermouth, then pair with the amazing martini-approved snacks included in our It’s 5:00 Somewhere Martini Mixers Market Box.

It's 5:00 Somewhere Martini Market Box

Bacon, Bourbon & Beer Market Box
Bourbon and beer fanatic will ooh and aah at the assortment of savory, booze-infused treats included in our Bacon, Bourbon & Beer Market Box. From Fiery Beer Brittle to Maple Bacon Chocolate, this snack assortment is not for the faint at heart.

Bacon, Beer & Bourbon Market Box

Party On Margarita Market Box
It’s always a reason to celebrate when our Party On Margarita Market Box is in town! Grab your cocktail glasses and invite friends and neighbors over for a happy hour full of snacks, drinks, and good company. Products features in this box include The Modern Cocktail® Margarita Mixers, jalapeno cheese straws, key lime cookie straws, and savory chipotle peanut squares.

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Market Boxes Tailored for Personalities

Girlfriends Market Box
For the ultimate female-approved gift, say hello to our Girlfriends Market Box! This gift is filled with light and sweet snacks that she’ll love, especially when paired with the included “Girl’s Day Out” chai tea mix; the perfect combination of feminine elegance and fun!

Girlfriends Market Box

Pampered Pooch Market Box
Whether shopping for a pet-lover or for your own pet, our Pampered Pooch Market Box is sure to deliver smiles. Treat the puppy-of-honor to one of the included organic artisan dog treats after an afternoon throwing around the included Paws Claws® doggie tennis balls.

Pampered Pooch Market Box