The Perfect Gift Baskets

[aprilgail2]

I had a basket from the perfect gift for my mom on our cruise a few weeks ago and she loved it.....it was a "reading basket" so Shirley put in 4 books that my mom likes, root beer and other assorted snacks for her to eat while she was sitting on the verandah reading.....It really was very nice and I would not hesitate to order from there again for our next cruise...

[we3luvdisney]

Just wondering .......

If you ever ordered a basket through The Perfect Gift, what items have you requested. I'm looking for ideas for my DW (40 something, but in my eyes she's 26) and DD (8 1/2, going on 24). What items did you get in your baskets? Any information would be helpful.

Thanks in advance

[Mjasp]

I ordered the sand pails for my DD's. I ordered 2 of them and each one was filled with soda, juice boxes, snacks, and some candy. They were a HUGE pail with of course a shovel and about 2 or 3 sand castle molds. Shirley wraps them in the cellophane paper and taped tehm together so we only had one fee to pay. Give her a call and see what she says. IMHO I think you will be very happy. I left the pails and molds on board and asked our room steward to please give them to another family who had 2 children on board.

He said no problem and so I hope we made 2 kids happy.

[shoes99]

Our basket had Snapple, jucyfruits, chocolate bars and Macadamia nuts. DH was thrilled that he had his favorite snacks and I didn't have to carry them on board. We sailed on the Wonder 5/16...

[Amous]

I ordered a colorful gift box from The Perfect Gift this week for my DS (12). He likes trading cards quite a bit, and just started collecting Harry Potter cards. The wonderful staff at The Perfect Gift found HP cards to include in the gift box.

I also ordered a beach towel and his favorite snacks/soft drinks. And I also mentioned that Goofy is my DS's favorite Disney character.

Have fun shopping! I know the crew at The Perfect Gift will provide a wonderfully memorable gift for your family!

Have a great cruise!

Amy (aka Amous)
Southern California

[keenercam]

I ordered two baskets last year--one for our family and one for the other family we were traveling with. Their basket had all sorts of snacks, including stuff for the vegan dad (almonds & salsa and non-cheese tortillas) as well as small toys, maybe coloring books and crayons? Mickey chocolates too. I think it also had a bottle of sparkling cider and plastic glasses, though I don't exactly remember.
Ours was mostly stuff for our DD12 and DS7--shirley found talking beanies of their favorite disney characters. they also got snacks and candy and sunglasses, I think. It was all in a beautiful box that looked like a cruise ship, I think, and it had brightly colored ribbons and was wrapped in celophane.
For your wife, I would definitely suggest some of the following: shower gel, massage oil, hand lotions, favorite chocolates or nuts or other snacks. Shirley will even put something in it that you send to her, if you'd like to give your wife some small gift of jewelry, perhaps?!! (YOUR DW owes me if you do!! :D )
I have posted on this subject many times before, and perhaps too exuberantly sometimes, but I want to emphasize that you can leave it all to shirley and her gang. They are so sweet and thoughtful and will come up with great ideas.
Have fun!:cool:

[Loveysmommy]

I want to get a basket for us (me and hubby) and one for my 6 yr. old daughter. I love the idea of the sand toys so we don't have to pack our own - and thought that the idea of leaving them for another family was BRILLIANT!!

I will definitely do that - thanks for the idea (I'll make sure to include something in the basket that DD can take home with her too!)

[SC Minnie]

I also ordered the sand bucket for DD7 when we sailed in Jan. She loved it! It was filled with juice, candy, and snacks. I ordered on for DH and me also. It was a box filled with snacks- cheese, crackers. etc.- and a bottle of Asti. Shirley even included two plastic champagne flutes. DH is a Donald Duck fan so I asked her to add something Donald and she found a beanie. DH and DD were both very surprised and I was pleased with how they turned out.

Give Shirley a call and tell her kind of what you had in mind and for who. She is very good at giving suggestions and personalizing your basket.

[joellen2]

Hi there. We just sailed the Magic on 4/27/02, and I ordered two baskets from The Perfect Gift. I ordered the Mickey Mouse backpack (the one with the ears, not he stuffed animal one), and they filled it with all of my son's favorite treats. My son loves the backpack, and it is even useful when you go to port (for snacks, drinks, toys while on excursions.) I also ordered a basket for my husband who is watching his sugar intake. Since he is not a diet coke fan, Shirley's group was able to get a bunch of diet root beer (husband's favorite) and sugar free candies. What a treat! These baskets were the perfect start to a memorable vacation. Give them a call, they will do there best to find what you need (they even searched all over the place looking for roller coaster stuff for my son.) They are great! Good luck.

[TX Shelly]

My DH birthday will be celebrated on our Magic June 1st cruise. I had searched The Perfect Gift website and did not find a basket that fit him. I called and talked with Joanne who was wonderful. I just decided to put things in the basket he liked--his favorite snacks and drinks. I know he will really be surprised when he sees the basket in the room. He thinks his family is not doing anything special other than a cake at dinner.
The Perfect Gift will help with suggestions. Think of the things your wife and daughter like.

[snelsonbrown]

Dear Dylan'smom,
First I want to sincerely apologize that you were not happy with your basket - the basket you described just doesn't sound like something we would have done without some input - when I go in tomorrow, I plan to look it up and find out what happened for I never want anyone to walk away thinking that we do not care and that is the God's honest truth - please call me at the shop Tuesday at 800-950-4559 as for the baskets we fix, I always try to make sure that they are the very best before they go out - we do a great deal of looking, searching etc for special things people want without charging for the looking etc - many times Norm and I have spent going from shop to shop or making calls to see if we can fill the wishes especially if it's children's wishes -
I sincerely feel awful that you were so disappointed and this is why I would appreciate your call.
Meanwhile thank you for at least letting me know now instead of not saying anything at all.
Always,
Shirley

[bennytobunny]

I am a big fan of the perfect gift, I order baskets for both my husband and my son Ryan 3 at the time, there were brilliant. Shirley helped me add all sorts the price was very reasonable especially for what I got. If there was anything I had forgotten or would complete the baskets Shirley let me know.
I come from the U.K and I was so suprised of the level and the quickness of the service from my first e-mail until the day we sailed and to this date we are still in touch with Shirley and ever greatful of our baskets from Mickey Mouse, it made my sons cruise.

I would whole heartidly say they were well worth the price and the fact my son thought it was from Mickey really made him feel special.:bounce:

[CRB#33]

Hi Shirley,

We'll be sailing towards the end of June and I would like to order a few baskets. How far before our cruise should I call you?

Thanks!

[snelsonbrown]

CRB - hello - just call the shop at least a week before sailing unless we have to find something special - also I try to remember to tell anyone that calls that if they have anything they want to send to include in the basket, we will do so without any charge - we have put in expensive jewerly for wives - special keepsake for husbands - memory maker for the children - just don't make it too big that it would take Norm a day for him to walk it to the ship :D
We really try to make every one that calls to feel special - believe it or not we do not make that many baskets for the ships, BUT that would matter since we try to treat everyone as if they were the only one - I want everyone to feel (and NO they do not have to order anything from the shop) to know that someone here in Cape Canaveral cares and to know that if they are in need, both Norm and I are here to help anyway we can - we are just friends that haven't met yet.
anyhow chat with everyone soon and everyone have a WONDERFUL fun filled Memorial Day and remember those that gave their lives so we could be.
Always
Shirley

[natsmom125]

I have ordered several baskets from Shirley and have NEVER been disappointed.

On our first cruise..after learning about Shirley's operation...I ordered one for dd that was the Mickey head. I don't remember what was in it...it was tooooooo long ago..lol And one for dh and myself with cheese, crackers, wine, it had two plastic wine glasses in it...both were exceptional.

This past year for dd....who is crazy over horses and is heavy
into her ballet....Shirley did this theme for me. Plus a 6 pack of
Dr. Pepper!

We are cruising on 9-5...and since it's my birthday...I get to order
one for MYSELF...can't wait to see what I come up with!!!

Shirley and her girls do the most magnificent job and I would never hesitate to call her.

Phyllis
:cool:

[Familyof6]

We just got back from our 4-day cruise last Thursday and I had arranged to have baskets made by The Perfect Gift. Both Shirley and Joanne were wonderful! I wanted a basket for each of my 4 children plus one for dh. Shirley was wonderful in explaining that she would put them all together to avoid the new delivery charge for each basket. She just tagged everything with names so there would be no confusion.
My 11 and 9 yr old got a "message in a bottle" kit. It's really neat. You can mail it or perhaps toss it overboard, but I'd be careful that it's not considered littering. It's just fun. They loved it. Also, each of my kids got a small character beanie. My 9 yr sort of lost out on this one...the Minnie Mouse had been tagged for her and the Donald for my 2yr old...well, the 2 yr old laid claim to BOTH the Minnie AND the Donald. (I owe my 9 yr old a Minnie Mouse beanie!;) ) Funny thing, the Goofy beanie which should have been labeled to "Sean" was labeled to "Goofy". I just told Sean that they knew him all too well! :p Everything was put into the HUGE sand castle pail...along with a smaller pail and shovel for my 2 yr old and a small package of sand molds. We also had a Disney coloring book and a box of 64 crayons (not the little 16 or 24 count thing!:D ) I had requested no snacks because we were in a suite and I knew the kids wouldn't go hungry. I had already gotten cameras for the kids, but it was suggested. Bubbles...I had, but were suggested also.
For dh I asked for some French Vanilla coffee creamer since there's just plain coffee on the ship and we drink FV at home. That request was met wonderfully! Also, I had them put in some Fig Newtons...his favorite! And a couple of wine coolers. I also requested one of those little airline sized bottles of Bailey's Irish Creme...MY Favorite! (but I didn't want to over do;) )
Finally, I had read online about adding Sea Safe to the basket. One call to Joanne and that was done! BTW, we didn't need it. It poured on CC and we didn't swim. (so I have a whole bottle unopened!)
Anyway, that's some of what was in our basket. If I remember more, I'll add to this post.
The Perfect Gift was just PERFECT!!:D

Lisa:)

[bennytobunny]

Just remembered what we had in our baskets, Ryans was biggggg, we had a mickey that played two songs he loved it, a mickey head bucket and spade, towel, juice and sweets and a cup with mickey skating it was wicked he loved it for my hubby there was his fav beer, nacho's nuts a bottle of wine and glasses, and alsorts of edible goodies. No complaints from us, and we will certainly be ordering another on our next cruise.

[Ashley24]

Has anyone ordered a Christmas theme basket or even a small Christmas tree? We are booked for the Christmas 2003 cruise and would love some decorations in our room!

[snelsonbrown]

Hello Ashley,
Yep we have done decorated Christmas trees with lights for the rooms - they were about 24 to 36 inches tall - wrapped them in cello and they made it to the rooms without a hitch - we also added a Christmas sleigh filled with goodies for the children -
We didn't do any this past year, but we did the year before - We have decorated them with sea shells etc - I understand the kids loved it -
Anyhow do not remember the prices on them at this moment - senior moments I experience every so often :D
Have a great time getting ready for your cruise - and happy memories forever.
Always
Shirley

[Ginny]

I ordered a basket for my 7y/o dd and a surprise one for DH on our Halloween Cruise 01. DD still thinks hers came from Mickey and Minnie!! We took lots of pictures before we let her dive in!!

Both baskets were extraordinary. I asked Shirley for all sorts of things and................to be honest, I was going over the top on DD's. And, Shirley told me so in the nicest way!! Imagine a businesswoman who cares so much for her clients that she tells them when she thinks they are going overboard!! I genuinely appreciated her honesty!

She found DD binoculars (which are really classy binoculars), an underwater camera, a beach towel - you name it, she went from store to store looking for what I had requested. And, DH's was just as special!! But, what really touched me was that in the bottom of DD's big basket was a little box just for me. You see, Shirley wanted to make sure that I had a little something special, too.

The presentation of the baskets was just as spectacular as the contents. A decorative Mickey and Minnie box with colorful cellophane and lots and lots of ribbons. Let me tell you, it was so much better than the stapled Disney Cruise Line bags thrown on the bed from Magical Treasures!! So, needless to say, I know where I am going for my next cruise - no questions asked!!

[Auntienee]

need help- can someone please post the website name for the perfect gift?

[Ashley24]

Shirley,
I think the Christmas tree idea would be great! Just wondering if you could also do something with Christmas stockings...either stockings you purchase or send mine to you and have them filled with goodies..is it possible to have the gifts hidden (in the closet?) until Christmas morning? I suppose I could enter the room first and hide anything before the kiddos enter. Have you ever done anything like this before?

[joellen2]

Auntienee - Their website is

http://theperfectgift.cc/

[punkin']

Shirley, Norm & Staff are wonderful. We sailed on the Magic 4/27/02 and Shirley did everything perfect. We had a few requests that we weren't quite sure if they could be filled and Shirley went out of her way for us.
We actually got to stop in the store the day prior to sailing and meet Shirley and the gang and she made you feel like one of the family.
Our baskets and goodies made for a truely "magical" cruise. We will always make sure that "The perfect gift" becomes a part of our "perfect vacation".
Thanks Shirley,
Margaret from NY (guiness)

[lynr]

My kids baskets had, beach towels, underwater cameras, sun screen, candy, soda etc. They were great.

[snelsonbrown]

Man oh man - I just don't know if this screen is big enough to say everything I want to say to each of you - first and foremost I want each to know that you do not have to order anything from us in order to ask for any help or information in any way while you are here so far from home - I consider each of you a very special person that I was blessed to meet in someway - sometimes during times for thinking (like Norm in the hospital and waiting for him to come out) --I think of you so that when Normy comes out, I can greet him with a smile - God has been very good to me --and now that I have tears in my way I will just say thank you for caring ---------I luv ya mucho.
Always
Shirley

oops ps
Ashley --we can do anything sweetie with the tree and also you can send anything down and we will incorporate it with the baskets - Housekeeping will help by keeping things in their department until you want it delivered to your room - you can call me and we will talk about it.
Take care and thanks for writing back.

Always
Me

[pal2pluto]

For our DD(10), we ordered the Mickey backpack....canvas with ears that store little stuff. She loves it. It's the perfect size to take along in the car and stuff with reading books, small handheld games, cards, pollypockets, etc. She uses it almost daily! And what a great way to remember the cruise! Thanks Shirley, it was one of our best purchases!