Why Name a Gift Basket?
Posted on February 29, 2008
Filed Under Business Basics
Anabelle asks:
When I see gift baskets in magazines and get ideas for making something similar, do I have to call my basket the same name shown in the magazine, or can I change the basket’s name?
I’m glad you said that you make something similar to the creative influence you see in magazines rather than make the exact same design, as there are plenty of unique touches that you can include to make a basket different than anything shown in magazines or on store shelves.
It’s wise to change your gift basket’s name just as you’ve changed the overall appearance. Theme names aren’t trademarked, except for a few that are owned by huge confection corporations with deep pockets to pay for certain names.
It’s not necessary to know which names are trademarked. Consider your theme and who will buy it. Then give it a name to encourage your target market to buy it often.
For example, you might create your own version of a “Tower of Treats” and call it “Treat Tower” or “Snack Steeple.”
I notice that the most-successful designers name each of their baskets to give it personality. That’s one trait explained by the gift basket professionals featured in The Gift Basket Design Book.
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9 Responses to “Why Name a Gift Basket?”
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[…] 2. “Should I name my gift baskets the same name I see in magazines?” That’s the question I answer today at Ask The Gift Basket Expert. […]
Hello. I just moved to NYC for my job and if it wasn’t for the money I would move back home to Pennsylvania. But I am saving a lot of money and am hoping to buy a home back in PA. While I am here though I was thinking of advertising Amish gift baskets since there is no real good dutch/amish foods offered here. Does anyone have any idea on a name or what you would do to advertise them?
Thank you!
Hi Lori,
Your question has me searching for answers.
Because New York is so metropolitan centered, I’m not sure if a Pennsylvania Dutch reference will sell the baskets (I’m not even sure if Pennsylvania Dutch is on target for the Amish baskets).
Perhaps names that focus on the all-natural aspect of the goods will be beneficial.
One thing that I’m concerned about is the perishability of the products. If you’re selling edibles, the freshness usually expires quickly, and that can be disadvantageous for you.
Please let us know more about your idea so that readers can provide you with solutions.
Hi Lori,
I think you’ve received great advise already and I am from Canada and not sure I am familiar with the Amish enough to help but the first thing that came to mind when I read your question was “names of rennaissance authors, Herman Melville, Penn, (perhaps more Quaker related) but there must be some famous or iconic legendary and historical Amish personalities that are associated with the natural and organic-ness of their products. If for instance, I was naming a Quaker associated basket I may call it the Nantucket, or the Essex or the Whaler. Amish must have similar word associations.
Good luck
Hi Leah,
Paring the Amish baskets with associated names is a terrific idea. I’m so glad you shared this advice.
Shirley
Hi Lori,
I think you can get away with just saying Amish Gift baskets. People will know right off that the products will be related to amish foods, or Amish living. I don’t think you will run into a problem this way.
Using an Amish name (person’s name) will not benefit those who do not know the origin of the name. I personally would not know a particular Amish name is in fact Amish, because I am not familiar with the names of the Amish people.
But!! I do know, if you say the products are Amish I am more than likely to buy it because I can associate with buying from the Amish at street markets here in DC and visiting the Amish country in Lancaster, PA or the market in Philadelphia.
It is always a big thing with farmers’ markets because people (the consumers) know that they are getting great products and definitely your money’s worth.
So I say use your own name and add the words Amish gift baskets. Example: Lori’s Amish Gift Baskets and Gifts
Roxanne,
You’ve also made a great point so that Lori decides on a solution.
It’s wonderful that there are various options to move forward, not only for Lori, but for others facing the same questions on naming their gift baskets.
Shirley
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Thanks, Kumeshan.
Looking forward to reading your ideas on gift baskets and the topics presented here.