The pre-maid cheese gift baskets included processed cheese spreads. We were concerned about how long some of the baskets had been sitting around. We thought that if we made our own baskets the cheese would be of higher quality and we could choose varieties that we knew our friends liked.

We went to an import store and found wicker baskets to place the cheese in. The store had inexpensive cheese cutters so we purchased one to place in each of the cheese gift baskets. We then went to a local deli. This deli wraps the meat and cheeses in paper. We did not want this for the gift basket. We decided to go to the supermarket and purchase large rounds of four cheeses.

We were making four cheese gift baskets so we would quarter each round and wrap the wedges in clear plastic wrap. We also purchased boxes of specialty crackers to place in the baskets. We went to a paper supply store and bought shredded paper to use in the bottom of the baskets as filler. We also bought curling ribbon to decorate the handles of the baskets.

We brought our purchases home and cut and wrapped the cheeses. I placed the filler in the bottom of each basket then arranged the cheeses, cutters and crackers in each. I used several strands of the curling ribbon and tied the strands to the handles. The cheese gift baskets looked very nice and we knew that the cheese was high quality and fresh.

Each of our neighbors was very pleased with the gift basket. They all like entertaining during the holidays and so the cheese would be served at their gatherings. My husband and I decided that we are going to make similar baskets for our brothers and sisters. This is a gift that can be assembled quickly just prior to giving it so that freshness and storage do not become an issue.

We simply purchase the baskets in advance and then the day we are giving the baskets we purchase and cut the cheeses. We decided we could also include a bottle on wine and other goodies for those people that we want a larger present for.

Family and friends will welcome the arrival of this delicious Thinking of you basket. Cracked pepper crackers, Lanzetti salami, La Region des Vignobles Camembert cheese spread, cheese knife, cinnamon tea, dry roasted macadamia nuts, candies, Ghirardelli double chocolate hot cocoa mix and more are beautifully displayed in this informal arrangement.

Reviews from past customers:

“I sent this Thinking of you basket to my sister for her birthday, she said it arrived exactly on her birthday and that everything in the basket was wonderfully packaged and tasted great! Would definitely order again for a gift or for myself. Thanks for a great product.”

“I purchased this product for my mother who is very fussy with food. Upon receiving this product she was impressed with the presentation and even more impressed when she tasted the variety of Cheese & Chocolates. Anyone wishing to buy this product can do so with confidence.”

“I sent this gift basket to two (2) different friends as an appreciation gift. They were both delighted with the beauty of the basket and the quality of the food. Based on their responses, I would not hesitate to order it again.”

“I sent this Thinking of you basket to my mom for Mother’s day and she loved it. It arrived right on time and she said that everything looked great. She said that all of the food and candy was fresh and tasted good. From what she told me, what I saw in the picture and what they claimed would be shipped and how it would be delivered were right on the money. Great job!”

“I had this Thinking of you basket as a gift to my boyfriend for Valentine's. Though it arrived too soon for Valentine's, my boyfriend and his family love it. It's a great gift and great deal.”