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Basket eme is Key When choosing a theme for a gift basket, one of the first considerations for retailers should be the availability of the items chosen for the basket, as well as the availability of upsell products that can increase the price of the basket. In addition, other concerns for retailers are color and seasonality and how complementary items can serve to validate the increased costs of themed gift baskets. Erin Hornstein, owner of Plum Sage Flowers in Denver, Colo., explains how the seasonality of upsell products like flowers affects how gift baskets look throughout the year. "Plum Sage always selects flowers based on the freshest availability and seasonality," she explains, "so that means our winter gift basket designs look hugely different from our spring and summer gift basket arrangements. Our most popular upsell item is actually extra flowers. It's so special to deliver a bespoke arrangement that's a little larger than what someone might expect, along with a gift box full of delectable goodies. It makes a big impact." Brenda Ray, owner of Petal Me Home in Walla Walla, Wash., chooses botanicals for her gift baskets based on the occasion. "For example, when we design gift basket to celebrate a new arrival, we choose flowers, gifts and colors that are suitable for that occasion," Ray notes. "ree of our most popular upsell items are balloons, chocolates/candy and handmade cards. I have also been incorporating air-filled balloons, which can easily increase the price of a basket by $10 to $20 and create a substantial impact." Promote and Pamper for Success After a bit of in-house retail experimentation with various upsell items, many florists have discovered that certain products can practically ensure gift basket success and increased sales. "e most successful gift boxes for us include unique and locally produced items," Hornstein shares. "We know that clients who choose to send a gift box are trying to say something special, so we select only products that we, ourselves, would like to receive. For example, our 2021 Mother's Day gift box included classic items including a bespoke luxury handcrafted candle from Rosy Rings in Denver and all-natural body-care products from Little Moon Essentials in Steamboat Springs, Colo. It also included something cheeky and playful: a craft cocktail in a can from Candid Cocktails in Denver." Another woman who knows just how moms should be pampered is Tabitha Blue, founder of the "Fresh Mommy Blog," life coach, author, "professional encourager" and a mother of six herself. Blue's "Ultimate Pampering Mother's Day Gift Basket" is sure to make any mother feel like a queen for much more than a day. Blue began the creation of the pampering basket with a color palette of blush and vanilla. She continued the theme with a vanilla-scented candle and a range of high- quality products such as exfoliating and softening soaps, as well as body brushes, scrubs, and lotions, all of which serve to create a calming spa-like ambiance for

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