The market for gift baskets is brimming with possibilities. Baskets are the ideal corporate gift giving item, suitable for myriad occasions when you want to offer your gratitude in a thoughtful, personal way, even to people you don't know extremely well.
While there are many national gift basket firms who ship across the country, when it comes to delicate foodstuffs such as cheeses, chocolates, wine or fruit, it makes better sense to choose a local firm to ensure a basket spends as little time in transit as possible. In the Ottawa area, there are many purveyors of gift baskets loaded with unique, appetizing gourmet food products.
Aside from being one of the city's finest delicatessens and the source of delicious hand-rolled, bagels, Ottawa Bagelshop Catering & Fine Foods is one such local firm offering a wide range of gift baskets suited for any taste and budget. Owner Vince Piazza confirms that gourmet gift baskets are becoming increasingly popular, not only during the holiday season. "People love to receive surprises, and edible gifts are almost universally appreciated. When delivered in a carefully packed and wrapped basket, the presentation is very appealing," says Mr. Piazza.
The Ottawa Bagelshop's baskets are assembled using some of the 7,000 gourmet food items that are always on hand in the store. Having such an extensive inventory at its fingertips, including many kosher items, makes it possible for the Bagelshop to offer completely customized baskets in a wide variety of sizes and price ranges.
Mr. Piazza notes that he is often asked to provide theme baskets to suit a particular occasion or in acknowledgement of someone's favourite food. "Recently I prepared a $2000 basket in which every item had something to do with raspberries. I had no idea how many delicious raspberry products there are!"
"Gourmet gift baskets are a very easy way for companies to recognize employees or acknowledge the support of clients," adds Mr. Piazza.
Manotick's Kit & Kaboodles has been supplying unique gift baskets for over two decades. Its innovative approach includes personalized packaging and a carefully-sourced selection of specialty gourmet products. "There are never two baskets exactly the same that leave our shop, says Kit & Kaboodles' Lysa McGrath. "Everything created is completely customized to suit each customer; individuality and innovation are the focus of every basket."
When asked why baskets are now so popular, Ms. McGrath suggests that, "A gourmet gift basket is a nice alternative to sending flowers and shows a different level of concern or gratitude than flowers might convey. Baskets can also be shared amongst a group of people in an office or at home, making their impact broader than if just one person received a token of thanks."
Kit & Kaboodles receives many corporate orders on a daily basis but even more so during the holiday season. "People like the flexibility. They can send gift baskets to their employees, or to their clients' homes or offices. Frequently we get orders for multiple baskets as it's an easy way to take care of all your corporate gifting requirements at once," says Ms. McGrath. She notes that their gourmet and chocolate oblivion baskets are among their top sellers.
And what if you're feeling creative and want to build your own gourmet gift baskets? It might be easier than you think, given the wide range of numerous specialty food shops throughout Ottawa, where gourmet goodies are ripe for the picking. From Asian grocers along Somerset Street's Chinatown, to Korean and Japanese food shops on Rideau, to European delis in the ByWard Market, unique prepared foods are abundantly available in our region. Check out Savory's Fine Foods at Bayshore for hand-made chocolates, premium antipastos, caviars, international cheeses, and other exotic ingredients. You could also include fine spice creations from Caroline's Rub or unique sauces and other culinary accessories from A Grill's Best Friend, both in Orleans, as well as spicy seasonings from Navan's Chilly Chilles.
Given today's penchant for competitive, reality-TV type experiences, procuring and assembling gift baskets for clients could even become this holiday's hottest corporate team building challenge. And take note: with gourmet gifting you don't have to worry about the recipient's size, favourite colour or decorating scheme.
By Paula Roy
Special to the Ottawa Business Journal
