Throughout history, Chicago has been known as the “Windy City,” among other well-known nicknames, including “Chi-Town,” and “Chicagoland.” With tons of residents, commuters, and visitors, the metropolitan area of Chicago has earned the third-highest ranking spot as the largest in the United States. Situated on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago has long established a reputation for providing a major hub for booming industry, transportation, politics, and higher education. Overall, in the Midwest, Chicago is king when it comes to business, finance, and culture. So, how can you capture the essence of the city within a gift basket?

The city is home to a variety of main attractions that pull a large amount of tourists to the area on a yearly basis. Internationally, landmarks like the Sears Tower, and the Art Institute serve as reminders of the allure attached to the city. Some sights about Chicago are more colorful than others, which supply great inspiration for a gift basket creator.

Let’s take the John G. Shedd Aquarium, which once served as the largest indoor aquarium in the world. Today, 5 million gallons of water and about 25,000 fish decorate the interior of this amazing sight. Annually, two million visitors stop by this main point of interest. A Shedd Aquarium gift basket can preserve a visit in time with an assortment of stuffed animal critters that your customers may have encountered. You will have 2,100 species of creatures to choose from, including a wide-range of insects, snakes, birds, and marine mammals.

Creating an Adler Planetarium gift basket for children could bring in the business for those who wish to bring the glow of starry skies and planetary dreams home. Glow-in-the-dark astronomy related items, mini-telescopes, planet stickers, and a space mobile are just some of the ideas to consider. The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago offers a day filled with cultural and anthropological exhibits, such as the largest and most complete T-Rex skeleton. A gift basket to commemorate this popular museum may include dinosaur-related items, Egyptian themed jewelry, or insect-collecting kit items for kids.

In Chicago, infamous gangster, Al Capone became an international name during the 1920s. Gangsters, average locals, and the law were all bumping heads during the Prohibition, which took away the freedom to drink alcohol. The Gangster Gift Basket theme may include cigars, fine alcohol treats, sample bottles, imported beers, champagne, and gourmet snacks, such as crackers, sausages, and cheeses.

Whenever you are at a loss for creating a Chicago-themed gift basket, you can always tap into the power of exorbitant shopping sprees that take place on Magnificent Mile, the amusement found at Navy Pier, or the red, black, and white color scheme of the raging Chicago Bulls.

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Chicago visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/CITY-Chicago/

Named after the first president of the United States, the state of Washington is often confused with the nation’s capital, but located in the Pacific Northwest, it is situated halfway across the nation, possessing its own unique flair and character. With Oregon, the Columbia River, Pacific Ocean, the Canadian province of British Columbia, and Idaho, there are a lot of beautiful natural surroundings associated with the lay of the land in Washington.

Since edible gift baskets seem to be one of the most popular arrangements when it comes to the gift basket business, you might want to turn your attention to some of the crops that make up the economic profile regarding Washington. An assortment of popular fruits and vegetables accounts for most of the exports from the state. In fact, most of the U.S. production of cherries, pears, grapes, apples, and red raspberries (a whopping 90%) hail from the Washington. Cranberries, apricots, plums, and strawberries are also strong crops in the area. For gift baskets, skies the limit when it comes to preparing dried fruit, fresh fruit, jams, jellies, spreads, butters, candies, beverages, and other tasty treats for a Washington State-theme.

Sports enthusiasts for Washington teams represent their state in the professional football, baseball, as well as men’s and women’s basketball scene. The pacific blue, navy blue, neon green, and white ribbons flaring from a Seattle Seahawks gift basket may include a stuffed animal hawk or colorful football in the mix. In the American League, the Seattle Mariners proudly wear their colors as they hit the baseball field at Safeco. As part of the National Basketball Association, bobble head dolls of Seattle SuperSonic players like Ray Allen could make great gift basket fillers. Make sure to stock up on green, gold, and white ribbon, bows, and wrapping paper to decorate NBA-themed gift baskets.

State symbols are a great way to dig deeper into the history and culture of Washington as you present the heritage to tourists, as well as to locals who may not be familiar with their past. An Apple a Day gift basket theme may include flavored applesauce, apple candy, apple tart mix, apple corer and peeler, dried apple rings, and apple juice to honor the state fruit. Additional Washington State gift basket ideas to consider may include the following subjects: American Goldfinch (state bird); square dance (state dance); rhododendron (state flower); onions (state vegetable); Steelhead Trout (state fish); the Orca whale (state marine mammal); and dragonfly jewelry (state insect).

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Washington visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/Washington/

In the South, you will find the state of Virginia, which was named after Queen Elizabeth I, who was often referred to as the “Virgin Queen.” As one of the Thirteen Colonies, the state possessed a history of fighting for freedom as they revolted against British rule and participated in the American Revolution. Today, prominent cities in Virginia to consider when brainstorming for gift basket ideas should include the capital, Richmond (home of many important civil war landmarks) and the most populous city, Virginia Beach (home of miles of beaches and hundreds of hotels).

A glaring path to possible gift basket success could be found in the fact that Virginia has been known as the “Mother of Presidents.” This is due to the high number of United States leaders born in the state. Eight U.S. presidents breathed their first gasps of life in Virginia: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.

While a few presidents in this bunch can carry an appealing gift basket theme on their own, going beyond the norm would include an aspect from each of the noted presidents within an arrangement. A few ideas may include: cherry jam or dollar-bill decorative stationary (Washington); wine and gourmet food (Jefferson was quite fond of both); College of William and Mary and Princeton school memorabilia (Madison attended both); and perhaps a dictionary (Taylor was a noted poor speller and writer).

To appease incoming students and proud parents, a gift basket to celebrate the higher learning institutions in Virginia may include the colors and mascots of University of Virginia (orange and navy blue); College of William and Mary (green and gold); James Madison University (purple and gold, Duke dog); and the largest populated school, Virginia Commonwealth University (black and gold; rams).

To create a Discover Virginia gift basket, you may pull from the resources of well-known natives and residents of the state. For example, the Tearjerker gift basket makes a great gift for women to give their best friends, as Terms of Endearment actress, Shirley MacLaine was born in Virginia. The Sandra Bullock movie basket could include a host of her popular movies, such as Miss Congeniality, accompanied by an assortment of common movie theatre snacks.

Raised in Virginia, Edgar Allen Poe could produce an interesting gift basket set-up for enthusiasts of his work. A children’s gift basket may include a Pocahontas theme, which pays tribute to the Native American princess from the Powhattan tribe. Some of the state symbols of Virginia will also fuel satisfying gift basket themes that may include cardinals (state bird); square dance music (state dance); oysters (state shell); and milk-related products (state beverage).

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Virginia visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/Virginia/

Rumor has it that everything in Texas is big (or larger-than-life), whether it is from their crops to their rodeo shows to even their McDonald’s hamburgers. This means that when you sit down to create a gift basket to showcase the wonder and pizazz associated with such a spirited state, you might end up going a little overboard. Texas is located in the Southern and Southwest regions of the United States. Leading the way as the second-largest state in area as well as inhabitants, close to half of the population calls Dallas, Fort Worth, or Houston their home.

With an international reputation for electrifying energy (both socially and economically) and leading the way in aeronautics, it seems only fitting to utilize the bright and bold shades of orange, red, and yellow when decorating a Texas-themed gift basket. To capitalize from the space technology associations that Texas possesses, the Houston-We-Have-Liftoff gift basket could include an assortment of space-related items for marketing to residents and tourists of all ages.

The economy of Texas will also provide a wealth of gift basket ideas, especially in the beef department since Texas is the leading producer in the United States. Gift baskets showcasing marinades, sauces, and spice rubs are just the thing to bring in the crowds, especially when barbecue and rodeo season are in full swing. Additional top crops to pull ideas from include watermelons, grain, corn, wheat, and cotton.

The state of Texas is also known for offering some of the lowest costs in housing. This means a lot of people are settling into new abodes on a regular basis. What a perfect opportunity to make a profit churning out specialized housewarming gift baskets!

Out of all the popular events that the big state of Texas is known for, the culture of the locals is wildly expressed through the rodeo events scattered about the state. Held annually, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo brings in thousands of spectators and participants who enjoy the 20-day celebration from late February to early March. Stuffed bulls and horses, spicy nuts, hickory-flavored snacks, and barbecue accessories are just some of the things you may include in a rodeo-themed gift basket. When decorating the arrangement, you could use lariat rope in place of ribbon to further follow the theme.

Texas gift basket ideas may also benefit from showcasing some of the characteristics of various state symbols. Fruit baskets highlighting the Texas red grapefruit is just the thing to start off a morning. The spicy and flaming hot jalapeno pepper represents the state as well, which means chips, dip, sauces, cracker spreads, and even bread mixes include some of the things this type of gift basket should be centered on. Chili-themed gift baskets will also go far in promoting the Lone Star State.

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Texas visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/Texas/

Have you ever wondered why Tennessee earned the nickname as the “Volunteer State?” During the War of 1812, the state provided volunteer soldiers who wound up playing an important role. With particularly exemplary duty during the Battle of New Orleans, Tennessee was hailed as a great help. Doesn’t a Volunteer-Thank You gift basket filled with edible goodies seem like a great way to pay homage to the state’s historical philanthropy?

Tennessee offers a wealth of notable cities, including Memphis (the largest), Nashville (the capital), Chattanooga, and Knoxville. Through these locations, easy access to eight other states in the U.S. is made possible, as Tennessee lies adjacent to Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Arkansas (just to name a few). The Mississippi River is also situated within close proximity to the state.

Sports enthusiasts may cheer for a gift basket containing memorabilia regarding their favorite home teams, such as the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA basketball) and the Tennessee Titans (NFL football). Make sure to stock up on corresponding colors to accompany sports-related themes, such as navy blue, light blue, smoke blue, white, and golden yellow for the Grizzlies; and navy, Titan blue, white, and red for the Titans. Also, the Grizzlies display a bear for their mascot, which could go over well with younger gift basket recipients.

To prepare a Discover Tennessee gift basket, you could pull ideas from some of the famous natives and residents associated with the state. In the world of poker, Chris Moneymaker hails from Knoxville, and has made quite a name for himself on the celebrity poker circuit. A gift basket highlighting a Poker Night theme makes great Father’s Day, birthday, and retirement gestures.

In the field of music, the soulful Isaac Hayes and the bubbly Dolly Parton are connected to Tennessee. A “Working 9 to 5″ gift basket (paying homage to Parton’s comical 80s flick) filled with coffee, tea, and snacks would make a great gift for the newly hired. Heavy hitters in the film industry include Samuel L. Jackson and Quentin Tarantino, which would make great movie theatre-themed gift baskets. Popcorn, beverages, and candy make great accompaniments for a basket including the popular Tarantino movies, Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction (which also starred Jackson).

Additional Tennessee themed gift basket ideas to consider may include the usage of state symbols. To get the creative juices flowing, you should know that the state bird is the mockingbird, the state flower is the iris; and the state animal is the raccoon.

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Tennessee visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/Tennessee/

When I think of making soap I always think of granny from the Beverly Hillbillies stirring up a big pot of Lye soap out back by the swimming hole.

Well if you ever made your own soap at home it is sort of like that. I wanted to learn how to make soap so I read a book at our local library and decided to give it a try.

I bought the materials I needed, Lye, distilled water, and I decided on using lard. Now before I go any further a word to the wise. Make you soap outside. Lye is some pretty corrosive stuff. I got a little on my kitchen counter top and it does not shine any more.

Do not use an aluminum spoon like I did. It will eat it up. Do not pour your water into the lye. It may explode all over your kitchen like I did. Are you starting to see a pattern here? Soap making can be fun but I would read a bit more about it before you ever attempt your first batch.

Well my first batch as you can imagine was a total disaster. I did not want to admit defeat so I tried again and my 3rd batch came out really nice. I now experiment with different ingredients, oils, colors and scents. You can get really creative with your soaps, making molds for them and other different decorative ideas. It really is a lot of fun once you get the basics down.

I have now found a much easier and safer way to make soap at home. It is called the melt and pour technique

I bought some soap base for melting at the craft store and brought it home. You can either melt it in you microwave or a double boiler. It is a whole lot safer than messing with lye.

Once it is melted you can add your fragrances or coloring. Then you just pour into your molds and let it harden. If you have excessive bubbles on the top of your mold you can spray it down with rubbing alcohol. In a few hours you can remove it from the mold and you are ready to use it.

Lately we have been making big batches of our soap. We put them in a nice decorative basket and take them down to the local craft show or flea market. We have been selling out every time. This has not only been fun but has created a nice little income.

Mike D Tucker is a self employed Internet entrepreneur and product reviewer. If you would like more tips and info on soap making Visit http://www.rave-reviews.net/Making-Soap/

As you brainstorm for gift baskets ideas to create a Rhode Island-themed arrangement, you will need to find elements that showcase the New England-region beauty and pride of the smallest state located in the United States. Historically, the state is the first of the 13 Original colonies to declare its independence from British control, which ultimately led to the beginning of the American Revolution. Ironically, Rhode Island would become the last of the original colonies to ratify the Constitution. Although the name suggests otherwise, the state is situated on the mainland with a few locations comprised of islands. Notable towns to keep in mind when creating baskets include Middletown, Newport, and Portsmouth.

Historically, a nautical-themed gift basket can alert locals and tourists to the exploits of the famous Italian navigator, Giovanni da Verrazzano, who became the first European to visit any part of what later became the state of Rhode Island. Inside, an assortment of Italian meats, cheeses, and snacks should be included.

Rhode Island is a rather large per capita consumer of coffee and in Providence, the area is considered to feature the highest number of coffee and doughnut shops per capita throughout the country. The state is also home to more than 100 Dunkin’ Donuts locations. With special attention paid to the beverage, small gift baskets filled with flavored creamers and sugars make the perfect compliment to the savory blends offered in Rhode Island.

Gift baskets introducing the official state drink to tourists should be a hit. In Rhode Island, coffee milk is a popular treat, which is made by mixing milk with coffee syrup. This unique beverage was invented in the state, which has been bottled and sold in most grocery stores for years. The tasty delicacy has even has found a place in some of the cafeterias throughout Rhode Island schools.

The state flower of Rhode Island is the violet, which provides a beautiful color scheme and theme for get-well gift baskets showered in splashes of lavender, lilac, and purple. A gift basket offering the tools and seeds to allow consumers to prepare their own gardens of violet may strike a chord with beginner gardeners.

In the area, well-known colleges and universities are scattered about the state of Rhode Island. When decorating a line of higher learning gift baskets, don’t forget to keep in mind the colors and mascots associated with Brown University (seal brown, cardinal red, and white; brown bears) and Providence College (black and white with silver accents; friars), which will attract the masses of families visiting the area looking for care package ideas and graduation gestures.

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Rhoad Island visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/Rhode/

Joining Manitoba and Alberta, the province of Saskatchewan serves as the middle region within the section of Canada known as “the Three Prairie Provinces.” Within this interesting stretch of land, the largest city, Saskatoon, boasts a population close to 250,000 with other major cities trailing behind, such as Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, and Swift Current. As a gift basket business owner, there are plenty of ideas to tap into when it comes to exploring the culture, arts, and history of Saskatchewan.

Historically, the land serving as home to Saskatchewan was populated by an array of Native American groups that occupied the territory before European settlement took place. Prior to the first European to step foot on Saskatchewan soil, Algonquian, Sioux, and Cree tribes inhabited the vicinity during the late 1600s. To explore the beauty of the Native American culture, gift baskets may include an assortment of pearls, precious and semi-precious stones that allow consumers to create their own necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces of jewelry. A do-it-yourself guidebook coupled with a finished piece may also accompany the arrangement. This kind of basket would make the perfect unique bridesmaid gift or graduation gift for a student.

In Saskatchewan, the centennial of the province was celebrated in 2005. To pay homage, the Royal Canadian Mint issued a commemorative 5-dollar coin that displayed the wheat fields of the country. Wheat is seen as a strong symbol of Canada, also making an appearance on license plates throughout Saskatchewan in the form of three stalks. Today, a boost in wheat-related products has made strides in promoting a healthier outlook on diet. A gift basket with wheat pasta, fruit and nut wheat breads, wheat crackers, wheat bran, and flavored shredded wheat stands to turn a profit.

Hockey is also a popular aspect of Saskatchewan, as it is one of the top provinces to send the most players per capita to the National Hockey League (NHL). Signature pucks, stuffed animal mascots, and colorfully decorated snacks are just some of the ways to fill a hockey-related gift basket.

When it comes to golf, Saskatchewan is probably not one of the first places to come to mind when it comes to courses. Throughout the province, there are almost 250 golf courses scattered about the area, which is said to possess more courses per capita than any other location in the world. Obviously, there must be enough golfers in the province to keep these establishments thriving. Gift baskets offering tees, novelty golf balls, stuffed animals in golfing attire, and even golf-themed pasta could prove quite beneficial.

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Saskatchewan visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/Canada-Saskatchewan/

The United States boasts five Mid-Atlantic States and the illustrious state of Pennsylvania is one with an interesting past, once serving as a central force amongst the original Thirteen Colonies. Its location and economic distribution at the time earned the nickname of the Keystone State. With industry that accommodated and matched both the North and the South, Pennsylvania was known for producing wagons, rifles, fiber, and tobacco.

During colonial times, Pennsylvania was also referred to as the Quaker State, coming from the first threads of government established by William Penn. Of course, how can you resist preparing a Quaker Oats gift basket to pay homage to the building blocks of government that the state followed in its early stages? Quaker produces a wide range of products that appeal to consumers, including breakfast cereals (Life and Cap n Crunch); breakfast foods (Quaker Oatmeal on the Go, grits, and Aunt Jamima products); Quaker Snack Bars, Quaker Soy Crisps; and Rice-o-Roni.

Showcasing a little more than 50 miles of coastline kissing Lake Erie and close to 60 miles of shoreline along the Delaware Estuary, the largest city in the state (Philadelphia), offers an array of major seaports and shipyards on the Delaware River. Marine themed gift baskets may find a place in your business as you market towards the family and friends of those looking for the perfect present for the retiring seafarer.

When it comes to the current economy of Pennsylvania, you will find that the tourists flocking to the main attractions, sights, and cities of the state provide an ongoing influx of income. In Philadelphia, visitors head for Independence Hall, the Franklin Institute, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the infamous Liberty Bell. Gift basket decoration can thrive from the Liberty Bell theme, as there is a wealth of souvenirs to build satisfying arrangements. Decorative trinkets, such as silverware, the Colonial Bear, Philadelphia photo books, Poor Richard’s Almanacs, tin whistles and of course bell replicas.

The Poconos of Pennsylvania is a well-known hot spot for honeymooners, making passionate gift baskets filled with chocolates, wine glasses, champagne, decorative bubble bath, roses, and bath beads a great thought for a romantic night out in town. The area also opens up for golfers and fisherman, where activity-themed baskets will certainly catch the eye of visiting outdoorsmen and women. As you venture towards the Delaware Water Gap, the area blossoms with boaters, hikers, and nature lovers. Snack and picnic baskets geared for the outdoors may include trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, juices, pretzels, cheese and crackers, jams and jellies, and in some cases binoculars for sightseers, first aid kits for the more adventurous, bird call manuals, and flower/plant/tree identification booklets.

Pennsylvania also serves as the home to the first zoo established within the United States (the Philadelphia Zoo). The state also offers access to the Erie Zoo, Pittsburgh Zoo, and Claws ‘n Paws. Stuffed animals, Beanie babies, animal-shaped snacks, animal crackers, and stationary decorated with popular zoo inhabitants will make enticing gift baskets for both animal lovers and children.

Museums are quite popular in the Pennsylvania area. A pretty cool site to build a unique gift basket from includes the Houdini Museum, which centers on the world-renown magician. Tricks, cards, metal mind bogglers, and other magical trinkets and material produce the perfect platform for an endless creative display. Need more ideas? The state is filled with exclusive characteristics, allowing the following gift basket ideas:

* Assorted pretzel and potatoes chip baskets showcasing flavored items from area companies, Sturgis Pretzel House, Herr Foods, Wise Snack Foods, and Snyder’s of Hanover.

* Cartoon character, Marmaduke and other dog gift baskets for kids, which pay homage to the state dog, the Great Dane.

* Chocolate Chip Cookie gift baskets in honor of the state cookie.

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Pennsylvania visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/Pennsylvania/

With scenery such as the southern Great Plains and the Eastern Woodlands, the state of Oklahoma has earned an assortment of nicknames, such as the “Sooner State,” “Native America,” and “the American Heartland.” Locations, such as Oklahoma City, which is the largest city and capital of the state will make a great starting point for someone looking for gift basket ideas to explore. The history of Oklahoma is also marked with many significant details, including serving as a haven for freed slaves, accommodating the second largest Native American population in the United States, and showcasing a blossoming oil economy during the early part of the 20th century.

Since an assortment of Native American tribes is situated within the state, some of the best collections of American Western, South American, and Central American art and artifacts call Oklahoma their home. Gift baskets highlighting shades of turquoise and orange can offer an exploration into the world of homemade jewelry making that may include samples of multi-colored stones, gems, and other minerals.

In November of 2006, can you believe that Oklahoma became the last state in the United States to legalize the practice of tattooing? To pay tribute to this ground-breaking addition to the law books, a gift basket filled with body paints, fake tattoo stickers, and henna paint sets may attract consumers looking for a nice gag gift for a loved one who might be contemplating a tattoo, but could very well settle for the alternative.

To create a Discover Oklahoma gift basket, you may draw some of your ideas from the natives and residents who have connections to the state. This may include a Happy Days Sundae gift basket filled with ice cream toppings, syrups, and hot fudge to pay tribute to actor and director, Ron Howard. Lon Chaney Jr (who played in many monster movies) could be a historical subject to build a Halloween-themed gift basket filled with ghoulish treats that showcase some of his many infamous characters. The ever-popular Brad Pitt, who was born in Shawnee, could be the focus of a movie theatr- inspired gift basket that offers some of his films, accompanied by an assortment of popular edibles.

The state also has connections to a host of country stars, including Reba McEntire, Toby Keith, and the 2005 American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood. During American Idol fever, a sweet treat-filled gift basket decorated with glitter and sparkles may use her popularity to attract customers. The fact that six Miss Americas have also come from Oklahoma may give way to an assortment of gift basket ideas.

The state is also filled with an array of symbols that could give gift basket arrangements significant meaning to Oklahoma, such as bison stuffed animals (state animal); milk (state beverage); white-tailed deer; mistletoe accents (state floral emblem); strawberry preserves and other flavored treats (state fruit); and honey products in honor of the state insect (the honeybee).

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Oklahoma visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/Oklahoma/