Independent designers like Rosalie Howse of Bayside Custom Gift Baskets (410-757-5634) are working hard to give this traditional standby a unique spin. One of Howse’s corporate gifts includes ‘Recipe for Success’ -- a decorative wooden recipe box filled with recipes, flavored coffees or teas, chocolate spoons and dipped gourmet graham crackers. Plus a book on the principles of success.

     Keepsake items, related to the recipients interests, are often used by designers instead of a basket. "In the last few years I’ve seen an increasing popularity in home and garden accessories. It’s nice to be able to give something more personal than just food but it’s really not appropriate for businesses to purchase items like bath products or clothing. Gifts reminiscent of home make a lasting impression without being offensive or tacky," states Kristene Markert, Executive Director of the National Specialty Gift Association.

     Gifts themed with regional items are always a hit with both local and out-of-state clients. Using an oversized basket in the shape Maryland, Bayside Custom Gift Baskets fills it to overflowing with crab note cards, stuffed crab, Maryland trivia fortune cookies, recipes, crab-shaped chocolate lollipops, crab candles and black-eyed Susans. Maui Goose of Hawaii (800-877-6832), owned by chief goose Verna Kuyper, ships fresh flowers as well as island themed gourmet gifts. Her creation ‘Have a Hawaiian White Christmas’ is an island-style basket displaying touches of shells, island foliages, and Hawaii’s favorite white flowers each with a distinctive exotic island fragrance.

      Of course, gift baskets don’t always have to be based on food Creative Gifts to Go in Flagstaff, Arizona (520-774-7629) offers an incredible variety of ‘Survival Kits’ which are great for either one person or a whole office. Custom designed, each kit comes in a decorated gift box with themes ranging from anti-stress to executive. Joyce Reid, owner of Creative Gifts to Go says the kits are on of her best sellers.

     For more great gift ideas visit www.giftprofessionals.com, a web-based newsletter and directory of corporate gift specialists.