Of course, he enriched my life in many other ways, as well. When with him he imparted granules of his wisdom, core values and love for people of all nationalities. He and I shared a love of musicals. The evening he took me to dinner, the premier of “The Sound of Music” and then a fancy  ice cream parlor was magical.

As each Father’s Day rolls around, I cherish these memories, but how  I wish  I  could spend just one more Father’s Day with him. If I had the chance, I would spend the entire day with him just talking, laughing, sharing memories and telling him I love him.

Which is why I like to gently remind my friends and colleagues that — if  you are able to — this Father’s Day is a great opportunity to spend time with your dad! Whether it’s just reminiscing on the phone or going on an all-out excursion, time together now will become precious memories later.

And when it comes to sending him a gift, why not make it something that is meaningful and special to him? We have a wonderful selection of gifts and gift baskets that can be designed to match his hobbies or interests, and  can be arranged to arrive as a memorable surprise by Father’s Day. We hand deliver in San Diego and ship gifts nation wide. 

Here are a few ideas for how you might want to celebrate your father this Father’s Day:

• If you are lucky enough to have your dad nearby, take him to brunch overlooking the ocean (try Azul La Jolla for delicious food and breathtaking views of beautiful La Jolla Cove), and gift him a Picnic on the Go shoulder pack for future picnics on the beach. Complete with its own removable liner, it’s the perfect way to carry  your favorite wine and food.

• If your father is a gardener, take him on a shopping spree to a beautiful nursery like Anderson Nursery  which is the best  in San Diego, and gift him The Gardener Deluxe, which includes a basket made from a garden hose, gardening gloves, tool, book, flower seeds, and a scrumptious assortment of goodies.

• If he is a movie buff, bring our Movie Night Popcorn Bowl filled with popcorn, cokes, and snacks, along with some good movies to watch with him while you share the treats.

• If dad loves to golf, spend the day at the golf course and give him our Executive Golf Putter that he can use at home or office, which includes two balls, a practice cup, and a four-piece putter.

• If he loves to barbecue, bring over some steaks to throw on the barbecue and give him the gift of a basket with a barbecue apron, a chef hat, and a barbecue tool set.

• If he’s a photography fan, give him a beautiful photo album made in Bali out of leaves, wood, twigs, and rope, along with a certificate from Nelson Photo Supplies. They not only have great deals on cameras & supplies, but also have classes on photography.

• Or, send an invitation to spend Father’s Day with you at the beach, along with our basket filled with everything you need for a fun day at the beach, including fruit and nut mix, salsa, chips, a towel, a Frisbee, and sun tan lotion.

The ideas are endless. If none of these seem exactly right for you, just give us a call and we’ll custom design one that fits your dad perfectly — no matter what hobbies or interests he might have. You can reach us at 858-578-2740

The message can match the theme of the card, be humorous, or heartfelt. Kids like to make up poems for their Dads too.

Father’s Day is June 20th, 2010. Now is the time to start collecting  the items needed and begin planning Dad’s Keepsake card! The kids will want to start thinking about enhancements (some ideas listed below), looking through magazines or on the computer, and cutting out words and pictures.

It is easy to create these warm family memories by helping the kids make personalized cards for their dads. Although they can make a card just with a piece of plain paper and some crayons or colored markers, just a few extra art supplies (many may already be found at home) can make it a bit more of an event. Here are some suggestions:

• Scissors
• Glue or glue stick
• Colored paper to fold in half like a greeting card
• Colored markers
• A ruler to write the heart felt message nicely inside
• Assorted magazines to cut out colorful pictures & headlines for the front of the card
• Enhancements to decorate the edge of the card

Why not make the kids a little card kit? Get a nice little gift box and keep these items inside for future card making!

To start, first discuss what  they would like the theme to be. Does dad have a hobby like golf or gardening? Does he love to watch TV? Has he been eyeing a certain car that is on his wish list? Does he love to barbeque or cook? Make the card fun and custom designed to match his personality, interests or hobbies.

Once a theme is decided, the child can begin cutting out pictures from magazines. Some headlines may match the theme perfectly as well and even add a touch of humor. The pictures can be glued to the front and inside left panel of the card. The right panel is for the message. On the front of the card above the picture they can write “Happy Father’s Day” or an original greeting of their choice. They also can feature pictures and messages on the back of the card. Older computer savvy kids may wish to print pictures from the internet for the card, like Dad’s favorite baseball team, vacation spot, singer, etc.

Finally add some enhancements to decorate the left edge (or all around) the front of the card to frame the picture. Just add some glue and add the Enhancement that best ties in with the card  theme. Here are just a few ideas for enhancements:

• Sparkles
• Sea shells (great for beach theme)
• a piece of rope (The child can draw an anchor at the end if  it is a boat loving dad!)
• a nice twig (If dad is a hiker this makes  a nice rustic, nature theme card)
• colorful themed stickers (found in stationary or party isle of most stores)
• golf tees (for golf loving dad)
• nails (for handyman dad)

Last of all plan the perfect time for the presentation of the final work of art. Maybe right before Father’s Day breakfast or brunch! It’s nice to do it at the start of Dad’s Day! 

We would love to hear some of the themes your kids came up with for their hand made Father’s Day cards! Please enter your comments. Also, If  you need help or suggestions with custom designed Father’s Day gift baskets feel free to give us a call any time at 858-578-2740.

It is great to match the gift to the personality and goals of the graduate. Will he or she be traveling for awhile after graduating? Continuing further studies? Beginning a new career?

A beautiful  picture frame to commemorate the event is always a good idea! The container should be both elegant and functional. One idea is a leatherette magazine basket that has multiple uses (can hold books, magazines, file folders) and makes a striking presentation when filled with unique gifts and goodies.  A special book is also a great addition to the gift basket! We have a nice coffee table book called “The Best Of Success” that is perfect for this occasion.

If they are starting a job or career, our designer box clock is very unique for the desk. It looks like an elegant leather box until you open the lid and the clock pops up.

If  it is a young graduate who is continuing their education, a festive gift basket or stacking boxes filled with chocolates, cookies and assorted surprises makes for an impromptu celebration that the graduate can share with family or friends. They might also enjoy the Vision Board Kit, which comes with instructions, paper, a CD, and Vision Board booklet, so that they can create a poster of all their dreams and goals to look at and visualize daily.

Don’t forget the mini graduates (from elementary school to Jr High School, etc. ) A small Celebration basket can create a lasting memory.

An Elegant Hatbox brimming with treasures for mom

This beautiful hat box makes an elegant presentation and the container will be enjoyed long after the goodies are gone. It can be used to store pictures, mementos, delicate items, and more. The hat box overflowing with chocolates, pampering bath products, a candle, picture frame, chocolates, cookies, tea and more is very popular for Mother’s Day! 

 Other containers that are both lovely and functional include: A glass vase, hammered copper bowl, garden caddy, pretty metal planter, or stacking decorative boxes are some other choices.  

Custom design is one of our specialties, so just give us a call and we will create a work of art within your budget.

Our Mexican Fiesta basket is a perfect Cinco de Mayo gift. The festive presentation includes Margarita mix, margarita salt, salsa, black bean dip, cheese dip, margarita glasses, tortilla chips and chocolates.

Whether you need a raffle basket, business gift, party centerpiece or hostess gift between now and May 5th, this is a fun theme that would work great and win rave reviews.

To receive 10% off your Mexican Fiesta basket, translate the phrase below to english and place your order by May 4th. Give us a call at 858-578-2740.

Esperamos escuchar de usted!

Afternoon Tea Tray

The Afternoon Tea theme is another very popular gift for Mother’s Day. It makes a beautiful and feminine presentation and includes a wonderful assortment of gifts and confections to delight the most discriminating mom.

Mom’s Green Thumb Garden Caddy

Our first Mother’s Day suggestion a couple of days ago was a Pamper Yourself theme with luxurious bath products. We have lots more ideas to choose from and are also experts at custom design. We can design a gift basket to match any personality!

Pamper Baskets

Mother’s Day is May 9th.

Whether you need a gift for mom, someone who has been just like a mom, a grandma, a mom to be, or a new mom, We will be bringing you lots of different suggestions!

One popular gift for Mother’s Day is a beautiful, luxurious assortment of pampering bath products. Doesn’t she deserve some treasured time to relax and pamper herself? We include an assortment of high end products such as bubble bath, bath gel, hand cream, body lotion, and a beautiful candle.

The gift can be personalized to match mom’s personality. If she also loves chocolate, we can add some chocolate truffles and delicious cookies. If she is diabetic, we can add some sugar free items. Soothing tea and a pretty mug make a nice addition to the Pamper Basket.

For a deluxe pamper basket, a soft, plush robe can be added to the basket. Color choices for the robe include: burgundy, ivory, chocolate, burgundy or blue.

Bath accessories, such as a bath pillow, bath brush, eye mask or bath sponge  can also be included.

We just got some gorgeous and feminine gift boxes in that make an elegant presentation for the pamper themed baskets. They are beautiful floral designs and include matching lids. These designer boxes can be enjoyed as a home accent or as a pretty container for any number of items.

If the mom or grandma is out of town, give us a call right away. We will arrange for  the perfect gift to be shipped and arrive in time for Mother’s Day. Feel free to call us if you have any questions or would like further information. If you are lucky enough to have mom here in San Diego, call to arrange hand delivery of a custom gift that will surprise and delight her! 

• Administrative Professional’s Day – April 21st  – pretty candle wrapped with elegant chocolates, mug with coffee and deserts, pamper baskets, Office party for sharing, custom gift baskets for each employee.
• Earth Day – April 22nd - An organic fruit basket, gardening caddy
• Cinco De Mayo – May 5th – A festive Mexican Fiesta basket
• Nurses Day – May 6th – Nurse mug filled with deserts, cookie bouquet, Nurse gift box
• Mother’s Day – May 9th – Luxurious pamper products, plush robe, Chocolate Fantasy, Mom’s Green Thumb, Custom designed basket
• Memorial Day – May 31st – Picnic basket special

Also, don’t forget birthdays and Anniversaries! Stay tuned for more detailed gift ideas.

Easter Bunny Baskets All In A Row

The Best To You was chosen to do some  custom Easter baskets for a high end client.