Picnic Fun - Tips and Recipes

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas!

Great ideas for procrastinators

Still haven’t gotten all of your holiday shopping done?  It’s getting down to the wire, and shopping malls are guaranteed to be a giant headache from now until Christmas Eve.  Avoid the traffic snarls, lack of parking, pushing and shoving matches and pick pocketing free-for-alls.  Instead, use our holiday gift ideas to pick up what you need online or during your next trip to the grocery store.  We’ve got unique last minute gift ideas for anyone who loves picnics, entertaining, sports or any kind of outdoor fun.

Pair a high quality hostess’ cheese board with assorted cheeses from the supermarket.  3-4 different cheeses will be just right.  When selecting varieties, consider the flavor, consistency and milk type.  Flavors vary from mild to strong, and consistency from soft to hard.  Cheese is typically made from cow, goat or sheep’s milk.  You could also choose a regional theme such as Italian, English or French.  For example, a nice Italian sampler would be Fontina Val d’Aosta, Pecorino Toscano, Gorgonzola and Asiago.  There is often someone in the deli department of the market who can help you choose if you’re uncertain.

Give a wine accessory set or wine carrier along with a nice bottle of red or white.  When shopping for wine, choose something right around the middle of what the store offers, price-wise.  Unless your gift recipient is a wine connoisseur, it’s best to stick to well-known varieties like Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet.  People who love to entertain will especially enjoy this gift!  Whenever you bring wine to a holiday party, don’t expect the host/hostess to open it and serve it immediately – it’s a personal gift for him or her to enjoy on their own time.  Place it in a wine cooler or wrap it with tissue paper or cellophane, and tie it with a ribbon.

Give that BBQ lover in your life a nice set of quality grilling tools along with a bottle of marinade picked up from the food market.  Go with a gourmet or locally produced marinade, to give it a little something extra special.  Choose a BBQ tool set that’s well suited for the recipient – from a basic tool set in a canvas carrier to a tailgater’s dream set that comes complete with a portable grill.

Bring a picnic basket and pack it full of goodies.  There are so many different ways you can do this – from placing coffee, hot cocoa mix and muffins in a coffee and tea set to filling a cooler with chocolates, crackers, pretzels and sparkling cider.  If you don’t have the time to make one up yourself, check out PicnicFun.com’s picnic gift baskets.  They’re all pre-packed with high quality gourmet food and beverage items, and they can be sent directly to your recipient if they live far away from you.

Check out the Quick Ship section at PicnicFun.com and SpecialtyLiving.com .  This is another great source of gifts for recipients you won’t be seeing in person.  Instead of purchasing the gift at a store, adding your personal note and braving the post office crowds to ship it yourself, you can simply purchase it online and have it shipped directly to the recipient with a gift message.

If you’re not sure what to get, a gift certificate is a far better choice than randomly selecting something they may not like.  Gift certificates are a great option for people you don’t know well enough to purchase a personalized gift for.  It gives them the freedom to choose exactly what they want – plus, it’s super easy to give.  With e-gift certificates, you simply provide the recipient’s email address and it’s delivered straight to their inbox.  That’s a lightning fast gift!  Perfect for those of you who are going to wake up on the 24th with the cold realization that you left someone important off your list.  Internet shopping to the rescue!

Pictured from top: Lucerne Cheese Board, Celebration Wine Accessory Set, Fiero BBQ Tool Set, Corsica Wine Gift Pack.

Guide to Green Gifting – Our Tips & Picks

If you’ve just gotten on the eco-friendly bandwagon, you’re not alone.  What was dismissed as a trend a few years ago is now a way of life for many people around the world.  Living in a way that considers how your actions impact your community, the world around you and generations yet to be born is a fulfilling choice – and once you realize how easy and rewarding it can be, you want to share it with everyone you know.  Giving ‘green’ gifts this holiday season is a great way to introduce eco-friendly products to your loved ones – just make sure you’re picking the right stuff.

The number one thing to consider is quality.  Buy eco friendly gifts that are well made, soft, comfortable, and comparable – or superior - to similar, less earth friendly options.  A long-held stereotype about eco friendly goods is that they’re scratchy and unattractive (especially clothing and house wares).  When you buy green goods, think about whether you would purchase them if you weren’t hip to the eco friendly way of life.  You want your gift recipients to be surprised at how luxurious eco friendly items can be.

So, what makes a gift eco-friendly? Consider what, how and who.  What’s it made out of?  Chemical free, rapidly renewable, organic and recycled materials are the way to go.   How was it made?  Products that are hand made rather than mass produced in a factory, or made in small production facilities that utilize eco-friendly manufacturing processes make less of an impact on the environment.  Who made it?  Fair trade means the people who made the items were fairly compensated and work in clean, safe environments.

Here are some of our favorite eco-friendly gifts for picnics, outdoor living and entertaining:

Palm Bay 4 Person Picnic Basket – Any picnic basket is a greener option than using disposables, but this one really takes it an extra mile. This beautiful gift idea includes a hand-woven natural sea grass and bamboo picnic basket filled with enough plates, utensils, cups, and cloth napkins for four people.  Sea grass and bamboo are rapidly renewable materials, and the textiles used are AZO free (meaning they don’t contain toxic dyes and pigments commonly found in conventional textiles and plastics). 

Voltaic Solar Backpack – Now this is one really cool gadget.  Not only is this backpack sharp looking, well made and full of convenient pockets and dividers, it’s a mobile charging station for small electronics!  Built-in solar panels draw in energy from the sun while you camp, hike, fish, or go about your other outdoor activities.  This solar energy, plus energy from the backup Li Ion battery pack, can be used to charge cell phones, cameras, two way radios, PDAs, Mp3 players and more.  The backpack includes 11 standard adaptors for common devices.

FR250 Emergency Radio – Serious sportsmen will love this gift, and it’s a great thing for anyone to have around the house in case of power outages.  This hand-cranked radio allows you to listen to AM and FM radio plus seven shortwave bands, has a built-in flashlight, and can even charge your cell phone – all without batteries or electricity.  It’s compact and lightweight, so it can be taken camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, or anywhere you want to have it close by.  It also has an emergency siren and an earphone jack.

Want to see more cool eco friendly items?  Click here to view the Eco Friendly Gift Ideas category at SpecialtyLiving.com, or view their Eco Friendly product category.

Get more eco-friendly gift giving tips from Specialty Living’s Holiday Buyer’s Guide article, ‘Guilt Free Green Gifting’.  If you want additional info about eco-friendly products, check out their Eco Friendly Buyer’s Guide – it’s chock full of useful facts, ideas, terms and definitions.

Free Shipping Sale!

Forget the mall - you can save big on holiday gifts from the comfort of your armchair!  Today through midnight on November 26th, shipping is FREE on all orders over $100 at SpecialtyLiving.com and PicnicFun.com!  It's the perfect opportunity to load up on gifts like picnic baskets, tailgating gear, wine and cheese gift sets, outdoor living items, scented soy candles and a wide variety of eco-friendly gifts. 

Be sure not to miss the savings going on right now at PicnicFun.com!  For deep discounts on a great variety of gifts, check out their Holiday Gift Sale today.

Need some gift-giving inspiration?  For tips on creative gift wrapping, how to choose unique gifts, last minute gift ideas and the top 10 gift giving mistakes, check out Specialty Living's Holiday Gift Buying Guide.  You can also browse their collection of hand-picked gift ideas. 

Pictured: Lucerne Cheese Board

2007’s Hottest Gifts for Picnic Lovers & Outdoor Adventurers

This year’s selection of hot picnic and outdoor living gifts is better than ever!  If you’ve been trying to find the perfect gifts for those people in your life that love spending time outdoors, we’ve got some great products that you’ll be proud to give.  These stunning & practical picnic baskets, coffee & tea packs, tailgating items and accessories are the cream of the crop. BONUS – all of these items are currently on deep discount at PicnicFun.com for a limited time only!  Check out the whole selection at the Holiday Gift Sale.

Java Journey Backpack for 2 – If someone special in your life loves coffee and enjoys spending time outdoors – whether to take the dog on a long walk, or hike to mountaintops – this picnic set is ideal for a delicious cup of steaming hot coffee miles from a coffee shop.  This super lightweight backpack comes with a brushed stainless steel flask, two stainless mugs, cloth napkins and containers for the cream and sugar.  Save $16 off retail pricing!

Game Day Travel Gas Grill Set – Anyone who’s ever wished for a hot meal out on a trail where campfires aren’t allowed will jump for joy over this gift set.  Hiker’s aren’t the only ones who will love it – it’s perfect for tailgating, scenic drives, outdoor festivals, camping or just a picnic at the park.  Included in the durable carry bag are a propane gas grill, BBQ tools, salt & pepper shakers, a bottle opener, cooking mitt, thermal food compartment and storage for 2 portable propane tanks (not included).  Save $35 off retail pricing!

2 Person Bicycle Picnic Set – This cool picnic pack makes those leisurely days cycling around town so much easier.  Don’t lug a heavy backpack around while biking – let your wheels do the work!  This set attaches to the rack of your bicycle and includes glasses, plates, cloth napkins, flatware, a corkscrew, salt & pepper shakers, a cutting board and a cheese knife.  It’s everything you need for a romantic date or just lunch out on the trail.  Save $31.50 off retail pricing!

Adventure Picnic Duffel for 2 – The compact duffel-bag design of this picnic pack makes it easy for two people to enjoy a fresh meal just about anywhere.  It can be kept in the car for impromptu outdoor meals, or taken along to sporting events, outdoor concerts, camping trips, a fishing day out on the lake or while traveling.  It includes everything you need for 2, from plates and glasses to cotton napkins.  Save $22 off retail pricing!

Mega Picnic Mat – This long-time best seller is now on sale – there’s never been a better time to buy it as gifts or for your own enjoyment.  It’s machine-washable, hypo-allergenic, mildew resistant and stains wipe right off.  It’s got a waterproof backing to keep everyone dry on soggy ground, a hidden pocket and folds up into a convenient portable shape with a  handle.  Save $8 off retail pricing!

Sale ends December 25th – get them while they last!

Gift Ideas for the Chic and Stylish New Mom

Looking for a creative gift idea for a new mom?  Skip the big box department stores, where cookie cutter baby items abound, and remember that Mom needs some pampering, too.  Amidst all the stress, chaos, and disrupted schedules, what any parent of a newborn would really love is a chance to get out into the fresh air for a few moments and just enjoy their baby.  Here are a few unique gift ideas that will make their lives a little easier, and give them more time to take in the joy and wonder of their new family member.

Every mom needs a large, carry-all tote that will hold all of her daily essentials and keep important items within arm’s reach, but moms with style won't want to carry around your typical dowdy diaper bag.  The Chelsea Large Cooler Tote comes in a lovely pink with lime green trim, and has an added bonus – its insulated, waterproof interior.  She’ll be able to carry snacks, baby bottles, and other food items in style with this convenient gift.  Also available: the matching Chelsea Reversible Bucket Hat.

Make family picnics easy and fashionable with the Malibu Riviera Picnic Pack, a cooler that comes complete with picnic service for two.  Any new parents would love to take a trip out to the park for a nice, sunny meal with their baby – and this great picnic pack makes it super easy.  The integrated beverage storage section is perfect for keeping baby bottles cool, too.

When baby gets older and moves on to solid foods, having meals on the go may seem more complicated.  The Bridgewater Baby Basket allows parents to feed their baby or toddler in style, anywhere they like.  The beautiful bunny motif, created by designer Emma Bridgewater, gives the basket a playful, classic feel.  The Bridgewater Baby Basket is also perfect to bring along to Grandma’s house!

A great compliment to any of the gifts above is the Highline Luxury Picnic Blanket, which new parents will be thrilled to have for trips to the park or playground.  A durable waterproof padded backing makes this the perfect blanket for outdoor family fun – it’ll ensure that baby is comfortable and dry while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.  It folds up compact and has a shoulder strap and carrying handle for the ultimate in convenience.

For more family picnic gift ideas, check out the wide selection at PicnicFun.com, where you’ll find hundreds of beautiful and practical picnic baskets, packs, coolers, portable seating and accessories.

Guide to Unique Holiday Gift Giving

We’re all guilty of giving cookie cutter gifts from time to time – the sort that tend to end up re-wrapped and re-gifted to someone else.  Giving unique gifts for the holidays can seem really tough – you want to focus on the individual’s personality without taking it to the extreme.  For example, your cousin Andy might work at a zoo, but that doesn’t mean he wants to receive an endless stream of stuffed animals, tiger printed t-shirts and elephant figurines. 

A great way to start is to think about different personality types.  Consider whether they’re creative and artsy, outdoorsy, a sports lover, fashionista, gadget guru, etc.   Here are a few examples of great gift ideas that are tailored to an individual’s personality type:

The Adventurer

Adventurous people typically love to travel, hike, camp, and often engage in extreme sports like rock climbing.  Rugged durability is key in choosing a gift that they’ll be able to use for every expedition, whether they’re taking a winter stroll through the woods or braving the Appalachian Trail.  A picnic backpack is a great choice – ideally, you should find one that’s waterproof, has strong comfortable straps, lightweight unbreakable dinnerware and plenty of pockets.  The Columbus Picnic Pack for 2 is a best seller for a reason – it has all of these qualities and more.

The Sophisticate

In this fast-paced world, many professionals are always on the go – time is a precious commodity, and they may not get a chance to relax as often as they’d like.  Whether the sophisticate on your list is a lawyer, a fashion editor or just a busy mom with great taste, they’ll all appreciate one of Picnic Fun’s chic and elegant cocktail sets.   The Mini Travel Bar for 2 is a compact, discreet way to have a cocktail party nearly anywhere, but if you’d like to go all out, nothing is more luxurious than the Manhattan Cocktail Set, pictured, which includes everything from martini glasses to a stainless steel jigger, all in a sleek leatherette case.

The Hostess

A good host or hostess is always prepared for guests, and has just the right things on hand for a great impromptu get-together.  You can’t go wrong with beautiful, high quality wine and cheese sets and accessories.  Some fitting, unique gift ideas to consider are a wine accessory set, a fine bamboo cheese board with cutting tools, and a nice bottle of wine inside a chic insulated bottle carrier such as the Hampton Sunset Wine Carrier, which also comes with two glasses, two cloth napkins, a corkscrew and a decorative wine stopper (pictured left).

The Sportsman

Whether they’re into golfing, tailgating, fishing or just tossing a ball around in the backyard, sporty types will love a gift that makes playing, watching, or cooking out during a game more convenient and enjoyable.  Consider a plush stadium seat, a cool portable tailgating grill-cooler combo or even a golf-themed picnic pack such as the Caddy Picnic Backpack for 2, pictured.

The Proud Parent

For many people, spending quality time with their family is the number one most satisfying way to pass the time.  Gifts that the whole crew can enjoy will really make this person’s holiday.  Nothing is more precious to them than building memories with their kids – so why not give them a fun way to do it?  The Oxford Picnic Basket for 4 comes with kid-friendly plastic plates and tumblers in blue and red, enclosed in a classic willow basket.   It will give them endless opportunities for year-round picnics, whether at the beach, the park or spread out on their living room floor.

If someone you’re shopping for seems impossible to pinpoint, with no major interests that come to mind, don’t stress.  A gift certificate is not only easy for the gift-giver, it’s highly appreciated by the recipient – after all, they get to choose exactly what they want!  PicnicFun.com has gift certificates available in a range of denominations that will be a great fit for anyone on your list.

Holiday Giving - Baskets Make Fun and Exciting Corporate Gifts

This year, don’t give the same old unimaginative corporate gifts- pick something that the recipients will be delighted and pleasantly surprised to receive.  Picnic baskets are an extremely original, practical and much-appreciated corporate gift idea that will be enjoyed many times over the years.  There are large varieties of picnic items available, which give you a broad range of choices in various styles and price ranges.  Show your appreciation to customers, clients and employees with personalized gift baskets, wine and cheese sets, coffee and tea sets, or picnic packs.  With such a wide assortment of high quality products, you’ll easily find something that will work flawlessly for your company and the gift recipients.  You can even make your gifts one-of-a-kind – choose from several different types of customization.  It’s a great way to show the recipients that you appreciate them.

In addition to giving your clients gifts during the holidays, customized picnic items can be used to motivate employees, celebrate or congratulate a major achievement, or as an award for a competition winner – all while promoting your company.   Picnic baskets and packs are an extraordinary gift that they won’t soon forget.

Substantial volume discounts are available for large orders, and products are available at a variety of price points to meet any budget.  Picnic gifts range from luxury picnic baskets with fine china and crystal glasses to casual beach backpacks – there is such a wide variety available, you’re sure to find something that’s right for your needs.

Get your logo imprinted on a high quality picnic backpack, cooler, basket or other item in a multitude of ways – engraving on a brass plate, leather hang tags, and so much more.  See your company’s logo come to life in brilliant color with a silk screen or embroidered logo on a beautiful wine and cheese set, or picnic backpack.  Laser engraving turns an ordinary cheese board into an elegant, remarkable gift. 

It’s important to order your corporate gifts early.  Most picnic basket manufacturers recommend placing orders by the middle of November to ensure timely production and delivery, since your picnic items are customized after ordering.  Turnaround time varies by manufacturer, so your best bet is to make a list of items you’re interested in and calling in to check on the details for each individual product.

The picture below shows a great illustration of the kind of quality personalized gifts you can give – and these are only a few examples of the impressive products you can have personalized with your company’s name or logo, to give as gifts this holiday season.   For more information, visit the PicnicFun.com website.  Basket pictured at top is the Catalina Rivera Picnic Basket.

 

Cocktail Sets Make Great Luxury Gifts

Each year, we have the same dilemma when doing our holiday shopping – what to get someone who seems to have it all? We’ve all got a few people in our lives that are difficult to shop for – you want to get them something they’ll really love, but have a hard time coming up with creative ideas.  Get them something unexpected and fun – a traveling cocktail set is a great option.  They’re cool, chic, and make great luxury gifts for sophisticated recipients.

Cocktail sets made for travel have a myriad of uses.  Entertaining friends on a rooftop observation deck, mixing martinis on a romantic date in the city, bringing your own portable bar over to a friend’s house, providing cocktails at a holiday party and treating yourself to a nightcap while on a business trip are just a few.  Whether you just want to give them a classy set of cocktail tools or an entire cocktail party to go, here are a few fun choices:

The Mini Travel Bar for 2 makes a cold mixed drink handy practically anywhere you go.  Inside the insulated canvas case are a full set of stainless steel tools including a hip flask, funnel, collapsible shot glasses, stirrer, ice tongs and a corkscrew.  The loop strap makes it easy to carry, and the leather trim adds a little something extra to its good looks.

The Bar Tool Set is about as masculine of a gift as you can give that doesn’t come from a home improvement or sporting goods store.  This set of bar tools – that look like actual handyman tools – is the ultimate gift for the manly man in your life.  The ‘tool box’ conceals such items as olive pick ‘nails’, a bottle opener ‘hammer’, and a lemon ‘saw’.

If you want the best of the best, the Manhattan Cocktail Set has no competition.  This beautiful, sophisticated set has everything you’d need for a party on the go.  The leatherette case has an insulated velvet interior that comes complete with a full set of high quality stainless steel bar tools as well as two martini glasses and room for two bottles of your favorite spirits. 

For more practical, beautiful and high quality holiday gifts, browse the wide selection at www.picnicfun.com.  You’ll find additional cocktail sets, wine and cheese sets, coolers with advanced technology insulation, stunning picnic baskets and many more great gift ideas.

Unique, Fun Gifts for Dad

Father’s Day is right around the corner - have you picked out a great gift for your dad yet?  In years past, you may have settled on the requisite tie, cologne, wallet, or tool set – not exactly items that he’d be likely to drool over in a store window.  Sure, Dad was grateful for the kind gesture, but this year, why not get him something fun, that he’ll really take pleasure in using?  Choosing a father’s day gift isn’t always easy, but if you focus on what kind of guy your dad really is, and what he enjoys, you can find a gift that he’ll truly love.

Dads who love technology will get a kick out of these two innovative items.  The Radio Cooler Backpack (pictured) is a cooler backpack with padded straps and a built-in radio – perfect for any outdoor activity where he’d like to have some music playing without lugging a bulky stereo around.   The radio has an audio input jack for his iPod, mp3 player or portable CD player, as well as a jack for headphones.  Not only does it have a spacious insulated food and beverage compartment and two cup holders, the bottom unzips to reveal a separate insulated compartment for beverage cans. 

Everyone could use some good portable seating, and this chair is far more interesting than most – it’s a folding picnic chair with a built-in cooler and radio! Your dad will be the envy of every tailgate party, concert, sports game and fishing trip with this fun and practical father’s day gift.   The Radio Cooler Chair folds flat and has a padded carrying strap; the radio has all the same cool features as the Radio Cooler Backpack and the cooler holds 24 beverage cans.

If your father is more apt to enjoy a quiet afternoon in the park, reading and savoring a good cup of coffee or glass of wine, a picnic gift basket will make those afternoons a lot more enjoyable.  Sports enthusiasts would love to receive a picnic gift basket with a hunting, fishing or golf theme.  These beautifully hand-crafted picnic basket sets come complete with plates, utensils, cups, a cooler, and tartan cloth napkins, among other things – they’re sure to impress.  If sports aren’t his thing, an all-around great picnic gift basket for any dad is the Windsor Picnic Basket for 4 (pictured), a suitcase-style traditional wicker picnic basket with navy corduroy lining and deluxe picnic service for four people.

Father’s Day comes at the perfect time of year to get Dad prepared for the summer grilling season.  Throw away those crusty old tools that he’s had since 1987, and get him a set that will make him feel like the king of all cookouts.  The Pyro Deluxe 22 Piece BBQ Set is the ultimate set of high quality grilling accessories.  Light burled walnut graces the durable wood and metal case and the handles of the stainless steel tools.  It comes complete with everything any grill master needs to cook up a perfect barbecued meal – even a set of salt and pepper shakers!

High quality outdoor living items such as picnic chairs, barbecue tool sets, hammocks and coolers are always in style, and PicnicFun.com has a wide selection to choose from, so you can find the perfect gift for any father.

Creating a Custom Gift Basket

How to prepare a memorable gift basket for any occasion

Gift baskets are a great way to show your friends and loved ones that you care.  You can personalize them to fit the personality of the recipient and have total control over what goes into them.  But why just fill an empty basket, when you can fill a fitted picnic basket that they’ll use again and again?  Picnic baskets are thoughtful and popular gifts for any occasion, and filling them with some extras meant just for that special someone will make them even more unique and appreciated.

First, choose a basket that fits the personality of the person you’re giving it to.  Perhaps she is a sporty type, and likes simple items without the frills – or maybe you’re buying for your grandmother, who loves floral patterns and the color pink.  You could be looking for a gift for your husband, who is a businessman with a preference for sophisticated suede and leather.  There are so many different picnic baskets and backpacks to choose from, there’s no doubt you’ll find something that’s just right.  On PicnicFun.com, you can search by material, price, brand, style, and even occasion.  Have a friend who loves going to the beach?  Get him a beach backpack, and fill it with fun stuff that he can use while he’s enjoying the sand and surf.

Some ideas of things to put in the picnic basket or backpack include, but certainly aren’t limited to bottles of wine, cheese, fruit, crackers, and gourmet food items such as cracker spreads, specialty condiments, etc.  Chocolates and champagne would be a nice touch for a romantic basket.  Make a full day of it - pack a basket with a meal that’s ready to go, and surprise her by wrapping it just before you give it to her, and asking her to go on a picnic with you as she opens it.  Starting with a certain ‘theme’ might help you come up with creative ideas – just try to think of something that your loved one really enjoys.  For example, if he loves all things Italian, you could get some gourmet pasta and sauce along with a block of fresh parmesan cheese and a good Chianti, and arrange it in a wine and cheese basket.  For someone who enjoys surfing or swimming, you could pack a beach bag full of sunglasses, sunscreen, magazines and snacks.  Don’t forget to include a nice card or personal note, which is often the most appreciated part of the whole gift.

The creativity and uniqueness of your gift basket is limited only to your imagination.  This is a great way to really enjoy shopping for a gift – have fun!

High End Picnic Gifts

A nice picnic basket always makes a beautiful and distinctive gift, but there are some that go far above and beyond the normal standards of quality and create picnic baskets fit for royalty.  These picnic baskets aren’t a fantasy – you can indulge in a set that includes real crystal, fine bone china, and stainless steel utensils for your culinary outing.  Treat your loved one like a king or queen, and plan a romantic picnic using one of these exemplary sets for such an event as a proposal or wedding anniversary. 

Get a basket made by Optima of England that includes a quality range of ceramics from some of the best known names in English pottery including Wedgwood, Crown Trent, Emma Bridgewater and Cath Kidtson.   The willow used in creating these baskets is of the highest quality and comes from sustainable farmed sources.  Basket handles are covered in a superior quality leather and securely fixed with brass rivets.  These luxury baskets make wonderful holiday gifts for that special someone in your life – the one who deserves the best you can give them. 

The Bridgewater Summertime Tulips basket features hand-painted plates by celebrated designer Emma Bridgewater.  It comes in different sizes for two, four, or six people, so you can tailor it to the recipient’s needs.  This beautiful set will definitely make an impression on your loved one – it will be a gift they’ll want to use with you, again and again!  It comes with china plates and mugs, glass tumblers, stainless steel cutlery, cotton napkins & a cotton tablecloth, and more. 

The Hooker’s Fruit Tea Lovers Basket was designed by William Hooker for the Royal Horticultural Society in 1815.  It has everything you need for a delightful picnic outing for four or six people.  This set will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a time warp and been transported to the breathtaking English countryside.  Imagine that you’re the lord and lady of the manor for the day – this set will surely make you feel special and turn an ordinary meal into a memorable, magical experience.  Classic gingham napkins, plates adorned with a lovely fruit design, real wine glasses and stainless steel cutlery will make this set an instant favorite for any recipient.

Crystal Wine Glass Lover’s Basket – this set is a great gift idea and perfect for any summer event.  It has everything you need to have an elegant glass of wine outdoors.  Real crystal wine glasses make this wine service basket an item that will be treasured by its owner for a lifetime.  Impress a friend or significant other with this beautiful, thoughtful basket.

The Wedgwood Basket is truly the elite in picnic baskets.  No other basket comes quite as close to perfection as this – it is a luxurious gift that will be treasured as a family heirloom for many years to come.  This trunk-style basket includes fine bone china and crisp white linen, sophisticated tartan napkins, beautifully detailed wine glasses, stainless steel cutlery and more to give you the perfect set for the ultimate in elegant outdoor meals.  This basket will provide unforgettable meal experiences for you and your loved ones far into the future.  Choose from two different sizes – medium for up to 4 people, or large for up to 6 people.

Stylish Picnic Gifts

Sometimes, we all have a little trouble picking out holiday gifts for our friends and loved ones.  Trying to determine what a person wants, what they’re going to use, and what they’re going to want to return can definitely be difficult.  The wide range of gifts available to choose from can be overwhelming!  No wonder so many people end up purchasing gift cards.  Before you resort to buying that same old thing, or giving an impersonal gift certificate, take a look at some picnic baskets!  Picnic baskets may not seem like an obvious choice for gift giving, but you’re probably imagining an empty, typical woven picnic basket.  There are so many options available now, that you can find the perfect basket for everyone on your list!

There’s a wide variety of picnic items to choose from!  There are all sorts of lovely picnic baskets, picnic backpacks, coffee and tea sets, and wine and cheese sets available now.  You can get a fully fitted picnic basket that comes with designer cloth napkins, utensils, plates, wine glasses, salt and pepper shakers, cheese boards and more.  Picnic sets in stylish, comfortable backpacks are also available for sporty types, those who would be toting their picnic supplies long distances or people who simply prefer the comfort of soft straps. 

Do you know someone who really enjoys coffee and tea?  Don’t get them another mug – consider a coffee & tea basket or backpack.  These great sets come with stainless steel flasks and mugs as well as little containers for sugar and cream.   That way, your loved one can take their java with them wherever they go, and have it in style!  The best-selling Columbia Coffee & Tea Backpack for 2, pictured, contains everything you’d need for a great cup of coffee in the great outdoors.

Wine and cheese lovers will swoon over the new wine and cheese picnic baskets and packs that are tailored just for them.  These sets often include wine bottle stoppers, corkscrews, high quality wine glasses, insulated wine bottle compartments, cheese boards and cheese knives for an elegant culinary experience in the open air.  Anyone would love to receive a wine and cheese set as a gift!  An especially stylish set is the Vino Wine & Cheese Basket for 2.

Give a romantic picnic set to a newlywed couple, or anyone you know who could use an excuse to get out and spend quality time together.  Consider a wine and cheese basket, or a set made specifically for couples such as the Romance Picnic Basket for 2, pictured.  On PicnicFun.com you can do a search by ‘Romantic Date’ or ‘2 Person Basket’ to get a great selection that would be perfect for gift ideas!

Kids love having picnics!  Having a picnic is a great way for families to connect and bond with each other.  They’ll be able to get out and get some exercise, enjoy watching the kids play, have a wonderful meal and end up with memories that will last a lifetime.  Having these fun family picnics could become a tradition that kids will treasure for the rest of their lives.  Many picnic sets come with kid-friendly plastic tumblers and plates for a durable, safe day out in the fresh air.  Plus, you can find picnic baskets that come in sizes for up to 6 people!  The Oxford Picnic Basket for 4, pictured, is a great choice.

These picnic sets are gifts that will last for a lifetime of enjoyment, and will create lots of wonderful memories for your friends and family!  Just go to PicnicFun.com and browse through the categories, or choose from our pre-selected Perfect Gifts.

Picnic Baskets & Sets as Corporate Gifts

Tired of giving the same old unimaginative corporate gifts every year?  Perhaps you’ve been scouring the internet for that perfect gift item that the recipients will be delighted to receive.  It’s easy to settle on the same old thing you end up giving every year – but there are options available to you that you may not have even thought of! Picnic baskets and other picnic related items are a unique gift idea that will be enjoyed again and again.  There are large assortments of picnic items available, which give you a broad range of choices.  Giving personalized picnic baskets, wine and cheese sets, coffee and tea sets, or picnic packs as gifts is an impressive way to show your appreciation to customers, clients, and employees.  With such a great variety of quality products made to the highest standards of craftsmanship, you’re sure to find something that will work perfectly for your company and the intended recipients.   You can choose from several different choices for customization that will make your gifts one-of-a-kind.  Customized picnic baskets, packs, and coolers are a great way to show the recipients that you appreciate them.

• In addition to giving your clients gifts during the holidays, customized picnic items can be used to motivate employees, celebrate or congratulate a major achievement, or as an award for a competition winner – all while promoting your company.   Picnic baskets and packs are an extraordinary gift that they won’t soon forget.

• Substantial volume discounts are available for large orders, and products are available at a variety of price points to meet any budget.  Picnic gifts range from luxury picnic baskets with fine china and crystal glasses to casual beach backpacks – there is such a wide variety available, you’re sure to find something that’s right for your needs.

• Get your logo imprinted on a high quality picnic backpack, cooler, basket or other item in a multitude of ways – engraving on a brass plate, leather hang tags, and so much more.  See your company’s logo come to life in brilliant color with a silk screen or embroidered logo on a beautiful wine and cheese set, or picnic backpack.  Laser engraving turns an ordinary cheese board into an elegant, remarkable gift. 

• Be sure to order your corporate gifts early.  Most picnic basket manufacturers recommend placing orders by the middle of November to ensure timely production and delivery, since your picnic items are customized after ordering.  Turnaround time varies by manufacturer, so your best bet is to make a list of items you’re interested in and calling in to check on the details for each individual product.

• Just look at these high quality, personalized picnic items – and these are only a few examples of the impressive products you can have personalized with your company’s name or logo, to give as gifts this holiday season.

Browse some great corporate gift ideas today!

Great Wine Bottle Coolers

Modern wine bottle coolers and carriers are stylish and convenient!

Don’t transport wine to your next party in a bulky, hard-sided cooler.  These days, there are so many more options to transport wine in a stable, insulated, high quality cooler or carrier that will keep it at just the right temperature and look great. 

Wine Pouches – Today’s wine totes and pouches are all about style, convenience, and attention to detail.  Features such as soft designer fabrics, brass accents and beautiful colors make this option for wine transport a simple yet elegant choice.  Wine pouches and totes are great to bring along as a houseguest, to a family gathering or office party.  If you’ll only be carrying one bottle of wine and won’t need any extras such as wine glasses and bottle stoppers, this is your best bet.  Pictured is the Windsor Wine Pouch.

Carriers for Multiple Bottles – Need to transport more than one bottle of wine? No problem.  Keep your wine bottles at just the right temperature, and protected from breakage in a multiple-bottle carrier such as the Four Bottle Carrier, pictured.

Carrier Sets with Glasses, Napkins & Accessories – Sometimes, you just want to go all out.  Not only are you transporting wine, but you’d also like to have a portable set of glasses, napkins, a corkscrew, and possibly a bottle stopper or cheese board & knife.  Wine carrier sets that include all these components are perfect for you!  These sets range from casual looks to elegant and luxurious – there’s sure to be one that’s just right for your tastes and needs.  Hampton Sunset Wine Carrier shown.

Elegant Hard-Sided Cases and Boxes – Sturdy carriers such as the Adagio Wine Case shown are a sophisticated option for wine transportation with a sleek, contemporary look.  Often constructed of leather or leatherette (which won’t be affected by condensation from cool wine bottles) and lined with velvet or other luxurious fabrics, hard-sided wine cases come in sizes perfect for your choice of 1 or 2 wine bottles.  They also usually come with a corkscrew and/or a bottle stopper.

Wine Boxes & Display Cases as Gifts – Do you have a wine connoisseur on your holiday shopping list?  There are so many unique wine related gifts out there, but elegant wine boxes and display cases in particular are a wonderful way to show you care.  These elegant wine carriers are an impressive way to arrive at a holiday get together, as well.  The Grenache Wine Box is a particularly lovely choice.

Don’t forget about getting some wine accessories as well.  Not only are they a great way to indulge yourself this holiday season, but they also make impressive stocking stuffers!  Whether you’d like a 4 Piece Wine Tool Set, a Deluxe Bottle Stopper Set, or a Celebration Wine Accessory Set, there’s sure to be some beautiful, useful wine-related gift items that you never even knew you needed!

Picnic Gifts for Sports Lovers

Do you have a sports enthusiast in your life?  Perhaps a golfer, or a fisherman?  After years of buying them everything from ‘Great Catch’ picture frames to golf-themed novelty items, you’re probably starting to wonder what to get them this year.  Look no further – picnic-related items with sporting themes make very original gifts, which will not only be appreciated for their relation to your loved one's favorite sports, but also for their functionality!  Picnic coolers, baskets and backpacks can be used again and again.

Golf Cooler for 2 - The unique and stylish design of the Golf Cooler is ideal for any golf lover. With a generous cooler section and lots of extras, it holds all of the essentials for a perfect day on the course.  Perfect for a celebratory bottle of champagne after the game, or to keep them hydrated and energized while they're playing.  A front zip compartment holds an elegant set of picnic extras, such as acrylic goblets, a cheese board and a corkscrew.

Caddy Picnic Backpack for 2 - The unique and innovative Caddy is perfect for a day at the golf course. This insulated miniature version of a golf bag attaches to most regulation golf carts and comes with all the amenities needed for wine & cheese service for two. The Caddy is protected by Thermo-Guard, which helps keep food and drinks warm/cold throughout a day of golf.

Fishing Tea Lovers Basket - The Fishing Tea Lover's Basket is a fully fitted picnic set that includes everything you need for an elegant meal in the fresh outdoor air.  A whimsical fishing design adorns the plates and mugs, and classic tartan cloth napkins add that touch of rich tradition.

Sports Backpack – Ideal for any sports lover. The stylishly designed Sports Backpack is lightweight and comfortable to carry. Featuring an oversize mesh storage section and a compact cooler, it is perfect for a trip to the gym, the tennis court, or a day at the beach. This backpack is ideal for wet clothing or towels.

The sports aficionado on your shopping list will be thrilled with their gift this year!  Surprise them with one of these great picnic items for Christmas, Hanukkah, birthday, anniversary – or any day that you feel like making them smile.  You could pack it full of food and sneak it into their car as they’re off to golf or fish, and bask in their appreciation when they get home!