Gift Baskets by Shirley!!! We need ideas and pictures!!!

[JSClemsonFan]

After reading all the reviews here, I was so excited about ordering our basket. But after it was delivered, I felt it was a bad investment to our cruise fun.

I spoke with Brooke when I ordered. The first thing I told her was that we lived in Florida and had plenty of sand toys. However, I wanted the boys to have a few for Castaway Cay. I told her that I would leave the toys behind for other kids to play with b/c we have so many at home. I just didn't want to spend Disney prices for their sand toys...and I didn't want to lug sand toys in our bags. Brooke said they had a wonderful dump truck for the sand that would make an awesome base. (I agree, it did.) And it had some sand toys in it. While we were talking, I felt as if Brooke may not have heard the beginning of the conversation b/c she was talking about the sand toys in the truck. So I again, said I didn't want a ton. She said this was awesome and my kids would love it.

Next in the conversation, I had made a list of things my husband, my kids, and myself would like. After reading her the list, she said I would be at $150. I was trying to stay around $100. So I removed items that were for me. We got the basket down to $135.

So when the basket came, you can imagine my disappointment. It looked like an Easter leftover...sorry...but it did. The truck had an Easter egg in the driver's seat with an old lollipop. The truck had a ton of sand toys -- not what I wanted. There were Ninja silly bands...off brand I might add to the actual Silly Bandz and what does Ninja have to do with a Disney cruise? There was one plastic rabbit...again, felt like an Easter leftover. Brooke had mentioned a water bottle was already in the basket and she'd add a second one. I asked her not to...I didn't want to pay for something additional and I knew we wouldn't use them. Well, look...we got two water bottles...so again, not what I ordered. I left them in the stateroom this morning...well, never use them. Plus, they were a cheap type plastic from Oriental Trading (the sticker was on the back).

Things I did ask for that were included...a Golf Digest for my husband, 4 pirate tatoos, 2 glow necklaces and 2 boxes of "movie" candy, bubbles.

I had asked for Smarties (my kids favorites)...but there weren't any. Crayons and coloring books for the boys -- one of each and an off brand crayon. You can buy a box of 24 Crayola for $1. I didn't think this would be the quality when spending $100++ for a basket. Plus, I thought there would be a book for each boy.

I know it wasn't purposeful for me not to like the basket...but it wasn't the quality I thought it would be. I guess if I had wanted a load of sand toys that I'd be happy...but if you remove the sand toys from the basket (b/c I didn't want that many). $100++ was A LOT to pay for what we got...and I do mean A LOT!

My plan for our next cruise is to pack my own basket and ship it to the cruise weeks ahead. I'll get the quality I want, items I want, and it will be less even with the shipping.

Here are photos of what we got:

And now you can see the load of sand toys. The Easter egg was also in the drivers seat of this with old candy.

the bottles that I asked not be included b/c I would have preferred to spend money on something else.

Non Disney & off brand silly bands and what appears to be a leftover Easter rabbit.

And then two boxes of movie candy. I was hoping for something to "knock my socks off" like the reactions other were giving. But it didn't happen for us.

 

[mousejunkie98]

I ordered a pirate basket for some friends who were on the 5/5 Dream cruise and they were THRILLED with it! They loved it so much, in fact, that I just ordered a tote bag of goodies for my own family's 5/22 Dream sailing. I can't wait to see their faces Brooke is amazing to work with - so friendly and very helpful. The basket I ordered for my friends had to be nut-free and they were more than happy to help. I'll post pics when we get back (even though I'll be sooo sad to be home, lol).

 

[snelsonbrown]

I would like to share with you a little about Brooke - When Norm started having so many health issues, I knew that I needed help and to find someone that could fill those shoes, it would take someone very special for they would have to feel about people as I do - anyhow Brooke came into my life a very strange and unexpected way and I was to learn right from the beginning that she is the most amazing and positive young lady I have had the pleasure to meet and work with - She is honest and very loyal - she has been a single mom that raised her two children and kept a strong heart and belief in order for her son Chris to survive cancer on 3 different occasions - Brooke still keeps a smile on her face, a happy attitude and her son Chris - oh my gosh what a great young man of 15 years old - He has come in on occasions to hang out and he is so wise beyond his years.
LOVE THAT KID like he was my own grandkid - thanks for all the kindness shown to Brooke and now you know the real story and nope she nor I will ever lie to you, cheat you and will always be fair BUT we are human and can and do make mistakes so please just give us a call if we do ok? promise we will work it out -
Hugsssssssssssssss

 

[whamma]

I am glad that this forum is here to share opinions about our experiences with this vendor. I also want to encourage everyone to contact Shirley and her staff directly if you are dissatisfied with their service. I feel like lately Shirley has had to defend her business on this forum--which is a choice she makes--but I also hope that the problems posted here about The Perfect Gift have already been shared with Shirley and her staff so they have the opportunity to make things right.

Just saying...

 

[snelsonbrown]

I am glad that this forum is here to share opinions about our experiences with this vendor. I also want to encourage everyone to contact Shirley and her staff directly if you are dissatisfied with their service. I feel like lately Shirley has had to defend her business on this forum--which is a choice she makes--but I also hope that the problems posted here about The Perfect Gift have already been shared with Shirley and her staff so they have the opportunity to make things right.

Just saying...

Hello whamma,
Thanks for your post, but in respect, its ok - folks have the right to express their feelings - the little rabbit was put simply because it was sorta of a puzzle and it was at no cost - it is like a puzzle, I didn't want to throw it away and looked at it as maybe an entertainment if for only a little while - there was no charge for it - I do a lot of shopping for folks that takes a lot of time and thought (AND NO NOT AT A DOLLAR STORE) - I wish folks would call us but I am ok with the posting for everyone has the right to express their thoughts one way or the other - as I have said so many times, perfect we are not, try to do the right thing? OH YES -Thanks again for the kindness - it is appreciated
Hugssssssssssssss to all
PS the reason I posted about Brooke is that I just wanted to share with everyone what a neat, brave and kind young lady she is and a blessing not only to the shop, but Norm and I as well. She could make the devil feel shame. Norm and I are not only blessed with her, but the many wonderful friends we have made over the past 10 years.

 

[JSClemsonFan]

One of the reasons I love this forum is that people can post the good and the bad. I am one of the people not pleased. But after pages and pages of posts that people have made with positive comments, I know I'm in the minority. Like I said in my post, I didn't get the vibe that Brooke was hearing what I said about the sand toys. I even called the day before my cruise to verify everything was okay and to see if she had any questions. She said it was all set. I did everything I could on my end. It is just $135 that I personally wish I hadn't spent. That said --> I shared my experience so that others can learn about how to be as specific as possible so they too won't be disappointed. This is something I was really looking forward to. I know that Shirley is on these forums. I was sharing my experience for both the customer and the provider of the product. What good does a phone call do to Brooke except possibly make her feel like she needs to apologize?? After all, I stated I don't think it was intentional. It was a misunderstanding that caused my disappointment. I would never want to call as it would put Brooke in a situation to feel she had to apologize or refund or discount my order. I'm not looking for any of that. So I'm very thankful for a place like this forum to be able to express both sides of the basket purchases.

 

[acomasdiaz]

Any recent pics of Shirley's baskets? Thinking of ordering one next month.

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

I am looking for ideas for 2 DS(15,13)...has anyone had a basket done with items other than food for this age?
It was mch easier with sand toys, glw sticks, stickers...

 

[LuvEeyore]

I am looking for ideas for 2 DS(15,13)...has anyone had a basket done with items other than food for this age?
It was mch easier with sand toys, glw sticks, stickers...

What about an underwater camera, bandanas or Disney ball caps and snacks, favorite sodas, pirate gear, magazines, beach towels, etc

 

[pearljammer]

I certainly understand that this isn't for everyone and a majority of people order these for mere convenience and I certainly get that as I've been tempted. But after seeing more pictures, I'm just convinced I'm getting more bang for my buck by doing my own. Just thought I'd throw out ideas of what I'm doing for my DD (4) for our trip.

Blue sand bucket w/shovel (large) - $1.00 at Michaels - .50 after 1/2 off coupon
Mickey pirate plush from Disney Store online w/20% - $10.36
mickey's treasure chest w/various goodies from disney store w/20% $16.76
glow in the dark bracelets (get a whole tube for $1.00 at Michael's will use 50% coupon) - .50
Will buy M&M's (large bag for all of us or smaller bags) - $2.50 to $3.00
perhaps a few more snacks he likes.

Total thus far = $32.00

For us, the cruise in itself is a enough but to make a bit more special, we just want to tailor it to the cruise so he has momentos from this experience. We may also have an ear hat which is another $13 (with 20% off) which would bring it to approximately $47.00 (not including personalizing ears).

Now he's not getting trinket stuff as he has enough toys/trinkets but more substantial mementos for the money.

Nothing against Shirley and what she does by any means, just letting you know what can be done on your own and put more $$ in your pocket. I also plan on getting something "dream" on board to commemorate our trip.

 

[Mythicalbee]

How can we (basically) send ourselves a gift basket? Can we include alcohol, and will our basket be waiting in our room or would we need to pick it up from somewhere?

Guessing we'd need an address and directions on how to instruct the staff as to our cruise date and stateroom.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Tink rules]

Call Shirley and tell them what you want and they will do their best to get it to the ship for you!!!

 

[mickeyfan1]

How can we (basically) send ourselves a gift basket? Can we include alcohol, and will our basket be waiting in our room or would we need to pick it up from somewhere?

Guessing we'd need an address and directions on how to instruct the staff as to our cruise date and stateroom.

Thank you for your help!

Shirley will deliver the basket to the ship early and it will be waiting for you in your room. She delivers to all ships at Port Canaveral, check out the website and about 2 weeks before, call and place your order, You can tell her what type of alcohol you want, sodas, snacks, etc, and the dollar amount you want to spend. I ordered one for a 3 night cruise last May and it was way way way too much food for just me. I used a lot of the snacks for FE gifts for the few kids that were in the FE group.

 

[DisneyAngel05]

Hi all

I just wanted to write something about Shirley and her team. It's been a long time since I posted on here - living so far away I feel I rarely have anything to add, but I love to lurk.
I ordered 2 baskets from Shirley way back in '07 when my then-23 yr old fiance and I were travelling on the Wonder in celebration of him entering remission from cancer.
The support and personal service I received from Shirley and her understanding that I wanted to make it the best holiday I could was just amazing and I truly believe she is an angel

I think it's the attention to detail that really adds that pizazz to the gift baskets - yes, they can be an expense, but it is worth it as Shirley does all the organising and for someone like me, living so far away it is worth it and more.

I don't have pictures to add, as I'm at work, but I just wanted to say a very belated thank you to Shirley - we would not have had the amazing time we had on our cruise without her!!

 

[LuvEeyore]

I am cruising December 15,2012 and drink caffiene free diet Dr Pepper. We will be celebrating 3 birthdays (2-18th B-days that will be in October and Mine in Jan 2013 and the cruise is an early Graduation present. I will call Shirley about Thanksgiving or the Monday after and give her the info, names, #baskets needed and some ideas and what celebrations we are having. Things I might request are Diet Dr Peppers(so I can have 1 day or so) underwater camera's etc and a few snacks, gum, maybe sunscreen(things I might forget to pack that we need or I dont want on the plane or train) and let Shirley do the rest. She did really well the last time I called.

I love you and what you do for us Diser's I especially appreciate thethread you created and keep updating on POrt Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. Thanks Shirley!!

 

[HappyGilmore]

Wanted to add my opinion about Shirley and the Perfect gift.....
Remember that old commercial, from what was it... Mastercard??

Disney Cruise $2500.00 - $5000.00 Dollars (estimated range)
Souviners purchased on the trip $400.00
Bar tab and tip for two sail away drinks $12.00
Bottle of suntan lotion $10


Gift basket from Perfect Gift : customized to the exact brand of products you request -- some hard to find items, arranged beautifully and with pride, arrived on time to the proper destination and in one piece, filled with hope and intent to bring big smiles to the intended recepient and wrapped with 100% genuine care and LOVE because that is just how Shirley and Norm are .......
$ PRICELESS!

 

[frangi]

I've used Shirley twice and will again this Thanksgiving!!! Her baskets were amazing!!!

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi all

I just wanted to write something about Shirley and her team. It's been a long time since I posted on here - living so far away I feel I rarely have anything to add, but I love to lurk.
I ordered 2 baskets from Shirley way back in '07 when my then-23 yr old fiance and I were travelling on the Wonder in celebration of him entering remission from cancer.
The support and personal service I received from Shirley and her understanding that I wanted to make it the best holiday I could was just amazing and I truly believe she is an angel

I think it's the attention to detail that really adds that pizazz to the gift baskets - yes, they can be an expense, but it is worth it as Shirley does all the organising and for someone like me, living so far away it is worth it and more.

I don't have pictures to add, as I'm at work, but I just wanted to say a very belated thank you to Shirley - we would not have had the amazing time we had on our cruise without her!!

I have a journal and many years ago, I started writing in that special journal .
I share my feelings with my "friend" about all the interesting folks I have spoke to over the many years - I share with my "friend" prayers and good wishes for those that I have spoke to with struggles, losses and most of all. winners - so many times I have thought about those that I have lost contact with, but when I open my "friend" up during my quiet time and read about what has made me feel so blessed, I know it was never about business, it was the out pouring love that I got from so many -many of my pages have tear stains because of the heartache some of the families suffered, I have written about the good, the bad and the ugly and I also know and written down when I have messed up and disappointed someone, but in all reality, but if I face it all, I would do it all again (Just be a little more careful) for the shop gave me the chance to meet some of the most beautiful people in the world - Yes Disneyangel - I do remember you very well and I am so glad that your sweetie stayed well - you are one of the many, I still asked to be blessed.
You know John and Pete who started this whole things many years ago is owed so much for because of them and DU, they made it possible to open up a world we would have never known - it a world that has brought so many close to each other and we are really so blessed so thanks to John, Pete and staff for blessings so many without even knowing you have. Here is many for giving so much to so many.
Thank you for taking the time to write - many blessings to you and your love

 

[mousejunkie98]

Just chiming back in about our basket - we loved it! My two boys and my husband were so excited when they saw it, they pounced on it and I never got a chance to take a picture before they tore into it I do have some photos of them opening it, I'll dig those out and post them. Ours had everything I asked for - and a couple of extra surprises.

 

[mousejunkie98]

Okay, here's my attempt to post the photos of my guys opening the basket. I'm not very adept at this so hopefully it work, lol: