Quick and Easy Gift Baskets - Another Way to Market Your Books
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I volunteer with different organizations, and I am often asked to donate a basket or a prize for a fundraiser. I started making book baskets, and it’s a great way to market yourself, your series, and to donate to a worthy cause.
Here are some ideas of what to give away and how to assemble them.
I come up with a theme for the gifts and books. Examples have included a beach, spa, coffee, chocolate, wine, or Virginia-themed basket.
I buy gifts related to the theme and include one or two signed books and bookmarks.
If I’m doing a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate one, I add fun mugs. The wine one had some neat wine glasses.
Supplies for your Basket
Find a nice, sturdy basket, box, or bin to use as your base. Make sure everything fits inside.
If there is excess space when you pack your basket, use party confetti or tissue paper to keep the items from shifting. Most stores that sell wrapping paper also offer bags of colorful shredded paper for gift bags.
You can buy long rolls of plastic wrap at arts and craft stores. This is much thicker than kitchen wrap. They usually have a section dedicated to gift baskets in most of the bigger stores, and it’s sold in a variety of colors.
You’ll need colorful curling ribbon to secure and decorate your basket. You may want to add a large bow to top it all off. I don’t make pretty bows, so I either buy them already made or just use a lot of the curling ribbon. (I use many strands of the thin ribbon, and one side of the scissors to give it the Shirley Temple curls.)
When You’re Ready to Assemble Your Basket
Roll out the plastic wrap on a large, flat surface. Put the filled basket in the center. Make sure they can see your book covers.
Cut the plastic wrap larger than the basket to create the topnotch. You may want about six to eight inches extra on all sides.
It helps to have another set of hands when you’re ready to tie off the basket. I cut strands (lots of them) of my curling ribbon and align the midpoint. It’s nice if your helper can pull up the plastic and twist it to secure it at the top. If you’re by yourself, you may want to use a bread tie to secure the top after you twist it shut. Then you can tie the ribbon around it.
Tie the ribbon in a tight, double knot to keep it closed. Tuck in any odd pieces of plastic and secure any large gaps in the plastic with a small piece of clear tape.
Curl your ribbons, add a bow if desired, and fluff up the plastic at the top.
If you’re taking a tax deduction, make sure to save all your receipts.
