Friday, September 28, 2007

Halloween Gifts

Growing up in a little town was great. My siblings and I would dress up in our costumes and go house to house and collect all the candy that we could get our hands on. Then, we would go home and count them all out to see who had the most. I remember we use to trade and make deals with the candy. Sometimes we would even play games and the winner would take all the candy, but in the end share with each other.

Now, of course, we are grown up and don’t see each other as often. I always try and send them a little something in the mail. Just to let them know that I am thinking of them at this time of year.

At Pro-gift-baskets.com we have a wide selection of Halloween gifts, like the Halloween Candy Boo Bag, or the Mrs. Fields® Halloween Bear Basket. The stuffed animals that come with these gifts are so adorable. They will also make sure that the recipient, be it a child, grandchild, friend, or co-worker, will remember you and all the times that you have shared. The yummy treats inside won’t hurt either.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Halloween Cookie Jars

My grandmother loves to collect things, and I mean a lot of things. One type of these many items is cookie jars, specifically holiday cookie jars. She had about four Thanksgiving, nine Christmas, three Easter, and one or two Halloween cookie jars. She was so proud of these jars, that she had my grandfather make a custom shelf in her dining room to display these treasured objects.

Every holiday my mom and dad would pack up my brother, sister, and me and go over to grandma’s house. When we arrived there, depending on the holiday, she would have one of these cookie jars on the counter filled to the top with cookies for her grandchildren. We would always sit around the table in her kitchen and snack on cookies and milk while she asked us about our trip.

That is one of my favorite memories growing up. Every time I see a cookie jar I think of my grandparents, and the fun we had. So, why not make some of your own loving memories, Mrs. Fields® Haunted House Cookie Jar, Mrs. Fields® Haunted Ghost Cookie Jar, and the Mrs. Fields® Autumn Cookie Jar. I am sure that your children or grandchildren will cherish the memories, as I have with my grandparents

Monday, September 24, 2007

Halloween Parties

One thing I like about this time of year is all the parties. Whether we are talking about school parties, work parties, or a church function there will be plenty of goodies to go around. So, why not make sure everyone gets a little something that they can savor. Mrs. Beasley’s Pumpkin Tower has a little bit of everything from cookies to the traditional Halloween candy corn. It will bring a blood curling scream (of delight), from all of the vampires and witches.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

The Giant Spooky Cookies

When I was younger Halloween was one of my favorite times of year. You could be anything you wanted, and the most exciting part for any youngster is all the candy, cookies, and popcorn balls they will receive. The treat I remember the most is the giant cookies that my mom use to make. Here at Pro-Gift-Baskets.com we carry two different types of giant cookies the Giant Halloween Fortune Cookies and the Halloween Pumpkin Cookie Gift. Both of which will satisfy any sweet tooth and give your kids lasting memories for years to come.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Trick or Treating

Trick or treating is a custom that has been passed down through the centuries. It was started as a way to keep evil spirits at bay. Over the years the tradition has evolved and become more mainstreamed.

During the ninth century people during droughts and times of disease out break, people would wear masks over their mouths. They believed that doing this would scare off evil spirits. During this time there was another tradition in which beggars would go from house to house and get soul cakes or money, for every soul cake received they would pray for the dead.

In today’s society millions of children go out to collect their treats and of course some go out to do their tricks. In the traditions of the past, Pro-Gift-Baskets.com has a great variety of Halloween goodies to take care of your ghouls or goblins. So, take pleasure in this upcoming holiday with a Happy Halloween Gift Box. It is sure to be treasured, at least until the candy is gone!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Fishing-The Honored Past Time

I still remember the first time I ever went fishing with my own fishing pole. It was one of those Snoopy rod and reels; I received it on my sixth birthday. We went to a little fishing hole in California, on the Air Force base we lived on. My dad, brother, and I set up on the bank.I was the first person to catch a fish, out of all the fishing trips that I have had since then this was the best.

It has been 24 years since that trip now I have kids of my own. Most of them enjoy fishing with me and hearing the stories of fishing trips of the past. I know that I enjoy it when I receive gifts of the fishing nature, especially when they are funny. We have a great one for you the Fisherman's Gift Basket.

Monday, September 10, 2007

A Great Reason for Gift Giving

I am a man that is gifted with children, five to be exact; they are the best thing to ever happen to me. Sometimes though I'm afraid that between the kids, I tend to drive my wife to the deep end. Don’t get me wrong my wife has the patience of a saint, but with the amount of people in our home, it can push anyone to the limit. I remember my own mother having days like this. My dad would go out and get things for a picnic such as different types of cheese, cold cuts, sweets, and a good bottle of wine. This gave them a good chance to go out and unwind and offered a setting for the two of them to reconnect.

In my time with my family I have learned to give my wife her time to unwind, but also sending her surprise gifts such as wine gift baskets full of delicious goodies always brings us closer together. When she receives special gifts from me like this she knows that she is always on my mind. Giving gifts just for no reason at all are the types of occasions that create memories you can always cherish.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Cornucopia- The Horn of Plenty

Greek mythology states that the Cornucopia was given to Amalthea, a foster mother to Zeus, by Zeus. She was given this gift because she gave him goat’s milk while she was raising him. In gratitude for her kindness, Zeus broke off a goat horn filling it with fruits and flowers claiming that great abundance would be given to her.

The Cornucopia has been a symbol of good harvests since the time of the Greeks. For societies that can only survive with a good harvest, such as the Pilgrims in the US, the Cornucopia was a ray of hope. This is why we use the cornucopia at our Thanksgiving holidays and other festivals that have to do with harvests. Giving the gift of a Fruit and Nut Cornucopia basket to friends and family will bring good tidings and prosperity for the next year.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

The Candy Apple

The first signs of candy apples that we are accustomed to in present time were made in the early 20th century. The delightful sugary fruit combo was first mentioned in the “BEF Time” Christmas of 1917. The coloring and delicious taste made it one of the best Fall Fair foods of all time. Through the passing of time we have covered apples in different types of sweets, toffee, hard candy, caramel, and chocolate. With Halloween just around the corner you’ll find out Halloween candy apples is a great treat to keep the tricks at bay.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

The Great Pumpkin

The pumpkin has been a long standing tradition during the month of October in modern America for centuries. The concept of carving a Jack O'Lantern during Halloween came about due to an Irish myth about a man named "Stingy Jack." The story revolves around Jack tricking the Devil multiple times due to his mischievous nature. Once Jack finally died, he was not allowed in to heaven because of his mean nature. He was also not allowed into Hell because of an agreement between him and the Devil. Instead, Jack was sent into the night with just a burning coal to light his way. Jack carved a turnip and placed the coal inside and the legend is that he has roamed the earth ever since. The Irish soon referred to this ghoulish figure as "Jack of the Lantern", which eventually became what we know today as "Jack O'Lantern."

Older versions of the Jack O'Lantern were made of turnips and potatoes, where scary faces would be carved into them and placed in windows to scare Jack and other ghostly spirits away. Eventually, immigrants from Ireland and Scotland brought the Jack O'Lantern tradition with them to the United States and found that the pumpkin actually made the perfect carving surface.

As youngsters prepare for an evening of tricks and treats for Halloween, pumpkins will certainly be at the top of every one's list to complete their front yard decorations. As pumpkins will be lit up everywhere, The Gift Basket Pros also want to suggest sending a pumpkin full of yummy delicious candy to those ghosts and goblins that you won't be able to be with during this spooky time. A Halloween Gift Basket may not be as magical and decorative as a real pumpkin, but it certainly earns points for not being as messy! Happy Halloween to all!

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Halloween Cookie Bouquets

The witching hour is almost upon us as Halloween is right around the corner. This year, we have added a number of new and exciting gifts that little ghosts and goblins will love. Brand new to our line up are Halloween Cookie Bouquets such as the Halloween Monster Cookie Bouquet and the Spooky Halloween Bouquet. Each bouquet comes in a variety of sizes and price ranges to suit any budget. Close to 5 inches in diameter and weighing nearly 1/4 pound, these hand decorated butter creme cookies are decorated to look like real ghosts, witches and pumpkins! Great for all ages these yummy cookie gifts will be a huge hit for your one of a kind trick or treaters.