If you are creative and like to create beautiful looking things, then a gift basket business might be the ticket for you as a WAHM to make some additional income for your family. Gift baskets are in great demand – there’s nothing nicer than that feeling when you get a beautifully created basket for your special occasion. Gift baskets come in all shapes and sizes – it’s not just body care, but also gourmet foods, coffee, chocolates, and cookies. You can target one specific market niche, or provide a variety of baskets for a many occasions.

Of course if you’re going to start a gift basket business some knowledge of the business is critical, and experience in creating the baskets is helpful. You’ll also need to establish working relationships with wholesale companies. Creativity is important, as you’ll need to have some flair and ingenuity in constructing them. Organizational skills are also important. You’re going to need to keep track of your inventory, wholesalers, orders, and customers.

To successfully run a gift basket business you’re going to need to have large quantities of supplies. A spare bedroom, basement, or your garage are good options for you to store these items. You’ll also need a variety of baskets, bows, and cellophane (shrink) wrap. If you’ll be shipping the baskets you’ll also need shipping boxes and packing materials (bubble wrap, peanuts and tape). Don’t forget a large area where you can construct the baskets and wrap them.

You’ll also need marketing materials, such as flyers, business cards or brochures. If you’re willing to ship your baskets then a web site is also necessary.

Before beginning this business check out the legal issues that might arise. If you’re going to be doing a lot of shipping out of your home is there a problem with local zoning laws? You will also want to contact your insurance company to get business insurance or a business rider for your homeowner’s policy.

A gift basket business requires time and creative thinking. Try to think outside the box when creating baskets for your customers, and they’ll keep coming back when they need that special gift.