Now, gift basket businesses across the nation are joining together to solve the stress of shopping. The TeleGift Network, a private organization established by the National Specialty Gift Association, will make the delivery of gifts as easy as picking up the phone. Anyone looking for an easy alternative to shipping a gift can simply call NSGA to find a member in that area or contact their local TeleGift member, to do the footwork for them.

     Executive Director, Joni Damico comments, "TeleGift is really a grass-roots version of the traditional floral wire service. What makes us different is that members are not limited to mass-marketed, pre-designed gifts. They all have exciting original ideas and specialize in doing custom work, so we let them showcase that. Creativity, quality and customer satisfaction are the driving force behind TeleGift."

     Each business participating in the TeleGift Network offers a variety of affordable gifts from traditional and custom gift basket creations, to party favors, balloons, floral and more. And old-fashioned service, like hand delivery, is standard. "In this day and age of juggling work and family TeleGift is a necessity. You no longer have to worry about packing and shipping anything, paying expensive overnight postage costs, or even picking out a gift! Our members will handle all of that for you…it’s like having your own personal shopper, image consultant, and designer all rolled into one," states Damico.

     Less than a year old, TeleGift already has over one hundred and fifty members in forty states, with plans to go international by next Spring. An extensive directory of participating businesses can be found on the TeleGift website www.giftprofessionals.com --along with information on holiday traditions, party planning tips, plus gift ideas for both personal and corporate. A toll-free hotline will soon be available.