Saturday, August 26, 2006

Making a Whole Foods Gift Basket


What better way to share a gift of healthy eating then to give a personalized whole foods gift basket? Everyone loves a gift basket. Gift baskets can be convenient, thoughtful, and resourceful. So, you need ideas about what to put in your whole foods gift basket? It's easier than you think.

First, buy a sturdy wicker basket. The sturdier the better since some whole foods are not too lightweight. I have found great deals on used wicker baskets at garage sales, flea markets, and second hand stores. That's what is nice about baskets; they can be used over and over.

Secondly, what types of whole foods does your recipient like? I knew someone who ate nothing but fresh fruit. My gift basket preparation was easy with him in mind. Some people like only veggies. Some prefer a mixture. Whatever they prefer will be he main ingredient in your whole foods gift basket. They all make for a healthy basket.

Have some organic fresh whole foods as the base of your basket. I highly recommend organic since they really do taste immensely better than non-organic. Then add in some organic fresh herbs. Place a health-related magazine or newsletter in for extra enjoyment. You can even add a peeler, and colorful napkins to complete your whole foods gift basket. Also, have some colored heavy-duty clear wrap available. A reel of matching colored ribbon will also come in handy. This makes for an attractive display!

Let’s have some examples of what you can do with your scrumptious and healthy gift baskets:

Whole foods fruit basket:
A couple Bananas
2 tree fruit (nectarines, peaches, apricots, i.e.)
2 citrus (oranges, grapefruit, lemon, lime)
2-3 bunches sweet fresh herbs (mint, lemongrass, i.e.)
2 kiwis
1 health-related magazine (maybe a subscription)
1 peeler or appropriate kitchen utensil
Recipe for whole foods fruit chutney
Colored, quality napkins

Whole foods veggie basket:
A couple carrots with greenery on them
3 peppers (red, yellow, green)
2 garlic cloves
1 stalk of celery heart
1 eggplant or squash
1 medium onion
2-3 bunches fresh hearty herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, i.e.)
1 health-related magazine
Peeler and/or other kitchen utensil
Colored napkins
Recipe for veggie soup

For a Mixed whole foods gift basket:
2 carrots
2 bananas
1 stalk of celery heart
1 kiwi
1 garlic clove (keep separate from fruit)
1 eggplant
1 mango
2 bunches fresh herbs (1 hearty and 1 sweet)
1 health-related magazine
Peeler and/or other kitchen utensil
Colored napkins

Now, place the whole foods and other items into your basket. Arrange the items in an attractive manner. Wrap the basket with the colored clear paper. Secure the wrapping with the colored ribbon.

There you have it! A personalized and healthy whole foods gift basket that will be enjoyed wholeheartedly. And, it will have you being remembered for a long time!

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