It won't surprise you to hear that I know that gift baskets or flowers are ideal for every gift giving opportunity. There are so many varieties of gift baskets that I can find one to fit everyone's taste and personality.

Obviously, you enjoy giving on the usual occasions: Christmas, Easter, New Years, Chanukah, Weddings, anniversaries and Birthdays.

Maybe there are other times that some of us don't even think about:

* Memorial Day.  Remember the recent passing of a friend's loved one by sending a gift basket.  Or you may want to have a nice flower arrangement delivered to the departed's church.

* Speaking of Memorial Day, any three day holiday weekend provides a goodthree day holiday weekend provides an opportunity to show someone you care. Labor Day, Presidents' Day, July 4th, etc. When a friend invites you to a barbeque, why don't you send them a thoughtful gift of pre-made, heat and serve appetizers. If you're lucky, maybe you'll get to share some of them!

* Do you know someone who's retiring or has recently retired? Send them a basket with gourmet foods and a fine bottle of wine. After all, the company is going to give a watch to someone who no longer needs to worry about the time. Everyone always "needs" great food and beverage.

* Funeral.  Most families are overwhelmed by flowers and other memorial gifts.  Why not send them a gourmet gift basket a week or two later? Most people could use some thoughtful attention at that time. Be sure to follow that up with a phone call every once in a while.

* Housewarming.  A new plant is ideal for someone who has recently moved, including someone who has moved into an assisted living environment and may be a little depressed about it.  (Actually, when I move there, I would prefer a fruit gift basket! I love to eat and hope that I always will.)

* Those of us in the north often get a bit of cabin fever during the winter months. Raise the spirits of a friend with some cheery flowers, preferably sunshine yellow. Alternatively, you could send them a basket of fruit during those times when the world might seem so barren.

* Newlyweds might encounter a bit of a letdown feeling when they return from a honeymoon. It's time for them to get back to normal life, and they may have some catching up to do at work. Wouldn't that be a perfect time to send them already-prepared gourmet meals?

When you're unexpectedly thoughtful to someone...just because...it's more likely to truly brighten their day. I'll bet it will put a smile on your face, too.

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Greg Porter helps run www.99GiftBaskets.US. In addition to gourmet and wine gift baskets, the online store also carries gourmet meals, baby shower gift baskets, fruit baskets, fine desserts and much more, including fresh flower arrangements.