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In early December 1891, Dr. James Naismith, a minister on the faculty of a college for YMCA professionals (today, Springfield College) in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, sought a vigorous indoor game to keep his students occupied and at proper levels of fitness during the long New England winters. After rejecting other ideas as either too rough or poorly suited to walled-in gymnasiums, he wrote the basic rules and nailed a peach basket onto an 10-foot (3.05 m) elevated track. In contrast with modern basketball nets, this peach basket retained its bottom, so balls scored into the basket had to be poked out with a long dowel each time. A soccer ball was used to shoot goals.

Dr. Naismith’s handwritten diaries of the time indicate that he was nervous about this invention, which incorporated rules from a Canadian children’s game called “Duck on a Rock”, as many had failed before it. Dr. Naismith himself was originally from Canada.

Naismith’s new game is quite similar to the game of team handball, which had already been invented in the early 1890s.

The first official basketball game was played in the YMCA gymnasium on January 20, 1892 with nine players, on a court just half the size of a present-day National Basketball Association (NBA) court. “Basket ball”, the name suggested by one of Naismith’s students, was popular from the beginning.

Women’s basketball began in 1892 at Smith College when Senda Berenson, a physical education teacher, modified Naismith’s rules for women.

Basketball’s early adherents were dispatched to YMCAs throughout the United States, and it quickly spread through the USA and Canada. By 1895, it was well established at several women’s high schools. While the YMCA was responsible for initially developing and spreading the game, within a decade it discouraged the new sport, as rough play and rowdy crowds began to detract from the YMCA’s primary mission. However, other amateur sports clubs, colleges, and professional clubs quickly filled the void. In the years before World War I, the Amateur Athletic Union and the Intercollegiate Athletic Association (forerunner of the NCAA) vied for control over the rules for the game.

Basketball was originally played with a soccer ball. The first balls made specifically for basketball were brown, and it was only in the late 1950s that Tony Hinkle, searching for a ball that would be more visible to players and spectators alike, introduced the orange ball that is now in common use.

Dribbling, the bouncing of the ball up and down while moving, was not part of the original game except for the “bounce pass” to teammates. Passing the ball was the primary means of ball movement. Dribbling was eventually introduced but limited by the asymmetric shape of early balls. Dribbling only became a major part of the game around the 1950s as manufacturing improved the ball shape.

Basketball, netball, dodgeball, volleyball, and lacrosse are the only ball games which have been identified as being invented by North Americans. Other ball games, such as baseball and Canadian football, have Commonwealth of Nations, European, Asian or African connections.

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Source by Billy Bonds

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Everyone knows someone that has a dog that is part of their family. This year, consider giving a Christmas Dog Basket? It is an excellent gift for the dog and the owner will certainly appreciate that you remembered their little one during the special time of year. So often, during the holidays everyone rushes out to buy everyone gifts, but sometimes we fail to truly take the time to buy something that is meaningful for the receiver. By including the dog with a gift, you are making a huge impression on the owner. Of course, the dog will also be impressed with the quantity of treats and chews that await him or her inside the basket.

Many dog owners also buy a Dog Christmas Basket for their own pooch because they know what their dogs love. Opening the basket, and then showing the dog what’s inside is thrilling for any canine and their owner. Of course, you can add anything you want to the basket and then give it to your dog on Christmas, and yummy treats are always much appreciated by dogs as is pure meat items such as freeze-dried treats. Dogs will go crazy over their baskets and next year for Christmas, they may even begin expecting their gifts each year!

You have a long list of people to buy presents for, but don’t forget about your little four-legged friend, he or she will appreciate receiving a Christmas Gift Basket. Moreover, you can get the gift baskets in many sizes, designs, colors, and with everything you want in them. Many clever dogs baskets rather than having the stuffing that typically comes in many human gift baskets, will have a dog bowl as the bottom part of the basket. You can be as creative as you want, and many companies together produce very stunning gift baskets for dogs. Of course, you do not just have to give your dogs treats in his or her basket, you can fill it with toys, new clothes, and even a new collar and leash.

One of the coolest aspects to the Christmas Dog Basket, is it allows you to be as creative as you wish. This is the reason gift baskets in general are one of the hottest selling items around the holidays. It allows the one giving the gift to include as many items as they wish and the prices for dog baskets are as varied as they are for people baskets. Obviously, the bigger the basket and the more expensive items you have in the basket, the more it will cost.

Finally, dog owners all over are finding that dog Christmas baskets are not only popular but they are a way for owners to give their pooch something special for the holiday, and of course, the gratitude you get for the basket is all the thanks you need.

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Source by Jennifer Marshall

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It is very common nowadays to celebrate the purchase of a new home with friends and family by having a housewarming party. For the host, this could mean gifts and presents but to the invitee, it could pose a headache as you ponder what to buy. How much should you spend? Will they already have it? Will someone else bring it? It’s very easy just to take a bottle of wine. However, there are many housewarming gift ideas which make great alternative presents. Whether you are a casual acquaintance or know these friends intimately, you can be unique with your gift giving. This article highlights some great ideas which I hope you will find useful.

The most common and easiest option is to take a bottle of wine. However, you can be different with your housewarming gift by choosing other wine related gifts such as coasters and wine ID tags. These are both unique and will definitely be put to use now or in the future. If you are willing to shop around, there are many funky and interesting coasters and wine tags available.

Picture frames are also very common housewarming gifts. To some, picture frames may seem boring and too predictable. You could consider personalized popart. These are unique, classy and thoughtful gifts and are guaranteed to stand out. Personalized art can be expensive. However, there are many different types of personalized art from Silhouettes to Retropop art that are less pricey. Sizes can also make a big difference to the price. So with careful searches, you will be able to find a personalized gift to suit your budget. Another idea to bear in mind when cost is an issue is to contribute to a group housewarming present whether it is for a co-worker or a friend.

Home décor gifts are also very popular but be careful especially when you are not sure if the gift will fit into the whole scheme and taste of the new home. Certain items such as candles are considered safe. However, mood glow candles are more interesting than traditional candles. Furthermore, why not take some home products that are bound to be welcomed and used such as olive oil, organic soaps, coffee or teas. If the host loves gardening, fix up a gift basket of seeds of his or her favorite veggies or flowers and throw in some gardening tools and gloves.

Some people like to send flowers. I would prefer a gift basket of some sort. A selection of his or her favorite chocolates, fruits or goodies would make a nice housewarming gift. At least you can be sure that your gift will be enjoyed for a few more days longer.

Finally, if you are unsure what to get, why not get a Gift Certificate from his or her favorite store or even from a gift shop where they can spend towards buying gifts. If they like to wine and dine, why not get a dinner for 2 at a hip restaurant in the neighborhood or if they like to cook, a cook book with a personal message would make a very meaningful housewarming gift.

Don’t be afraid to be a little creative and adventurous with your gift ideas and give them a gift that will always make them smile and think of you!

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Source by Alice Duong

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Baby showers are always great occasions to attend, and everyone loves celebrating the birth of a new baby boy. It’s also customary for every guest invited to a baby shower to bring a gift for the new baby or his parents, and it can be pretty tricky to find the best possible gift to give. There’s always the nagging question whether or not your gift would be appreciated, and there’s also the worry of walking into the baby shower carrying the same gift as another guest.

It’s easy to come up with a totally original gift for the little guy. Instead of looking for a single gift item, look for several and prepare a nice gift basket. Gift baskets contain several closely-related gift items bundled into a nice basket, which can be decorated with ribbons, gift wrappings, banners, etc. There are countless possible designs for a gift basket – all you have to do is decide what you want yours to look like.

Of course, baby boy gift baskets should look different from baskets for baby girls. It would be downright wrong to theme a basket for a baby boy with a pink color, and it’s a sure way to sour the mood at any baby shower. Here are a few helpful tips to help you prepare a suitable gift basket that the parents – and all the other guests – would love you for.

Tip #1 – Try to use a masculine or neutral color. Blue is the most popular color for baby shower gifts for baby boys, but green, brown, white, and purple are acceptable colors too. Avoid pink and yellow, since they’re mostly “girl” colors. Keep colors in mind whenever you shop for items like towels, sleepwear, bibs, and bottles – in other words, items that the little guy will be using for a long time after receiving them.

Tip #2 – Try using alternative containers for the gift items. While wicker baskets are the most common and acceptable kinds of containers (owing to their usefulness after the party), you can also try hampers, baby bathtubs, and wagons. Wagons make great toys when the little guy gets bigger, and you can even design your gift basket as a welcome wagon. If you’re walking into the baby shower with a very young companion, you can let him/her pull the wagon into the party – it should make an interesting entrance!

Tip #3 – Don’t use too much decoration on the gift basket. Using too many ribbons, gift wrapping, and other ornamentation may make the basket look a tad bit feminine, so keep it to a minimum. Baby boy gift baskets are much better presented with banners, flags, and slogans than with ribbons and buntings. Take the opportunity to decorate the gift basket with a message for the little guy – for instance, if you’re planning to prepare a basket filled with star-shaped cookies, you could include the sign: “A Star Is Born!”

Tip #4 – Stuffed toys are actually fine. Some might argue that stuffed animals are for baby girls only, but they make for good cribside company for the little guy. Certain animals, such as “jungle” animals like lions, giraffes, and hippos, are very suitable for a baby boy’s crib. But it might be a good idea to fill the gift basket with stuffed sports items, such as small basketballs and footballs, instead. To make it more fun, give your gift basket a theme that matches the parents’ sports preferences.

Tip #5 – When giving “baby” items like shampoos, talcum powder, and baby lotion, try to be a little extra thoughtful and fill your basket with “travel-sized” bottles. This would be a gesture to the new parents to go out and take the little guy out every now and then. Any parent would appreciate the idea that they don’t have to be cooped up in the house.

Tip #6 – If you want to make things a little extra special for the new mom and dad too, don’t be shy about throwing in a bottle of wine or some good apple cider (if the mother is nursing). Taking care of a new baby boy is hard work, and the new parents would appreciate a little something to enjoy at the end of the day.

Remember, though, that many baby showers take place a little before the baby boy is born. In such baby showers, it’s also a good idea to include some gift items for the mother in your gift basket. Naturally the mother is going to be sitting still for most of the time, she’ll appreciate a good book or two. If you can find books that will help make the waiting a little more bearable, then you’ll definitely be doing her a favor.

Most baby showers have themes to them, so an invitation should clue you in on what the party’s going to be like. You can make things a little more fun by preparing your gift basket in the same theme as the baby shower, too.

Preparing a gift basket for a new baby boy can be fun, and it’s pretty easy to come up with a pretty one. But if you think you don’t have that creative streak in you, you can go ahead and buy a baby boy gift basket off the shelf. Many gift basket shops have some pre-made baskets specifically made for a new baby boy or his expectant parents. For a little extra cash, these gift basket shops can even prepare, customize, and personalize the gift basket to make it more memorable.

It’s also a shame when you realize the baby shower is scheduled on a date and time when you’re unavailable. Besides missing a great party, the parents of the little guy will definitely miss you. But that’s okay – you can still have a nice basket prepared by a basket shop, and then ask them to deliver it to the new parents’ doorstep. It would be best if they can deliver the basket during the baby shower itself – it’ll be a very welcome surprise.

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Source by Mary Westbrook

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Gift baskets are popular for all occasions. They allow you to customize a special occasion gift to truly reflect the recipient’s likes and dislikes. Beauty, bath and spa items are favorites when putting together gift baskets, especially for women. If you’re putting together a custom gift basket for your sister, wife, mother or best friend, here are some suggestions that can help you create a fabulous basket of beauty goodies she’ll remember and enjoy for a long time to come.

Beauty Gift Basket Themes

The first step in creating a gift basket is to decide on a theme to pull it all together. Some popular themes that include beauty and cosmetic items might be a luxury spa basket, a basket of skin care products or a pampered bath gift basket.

Think outside the box here. A college student struggling with bills will probably truly appreciate a basket of funky cosmetics that she can’t afford. Items like the Beauty Addicts Pocket Six cosmetic brush set, Senna Kabuki brush, Sheer Cover Ultimate Face Collection will be a guaranteed hit.  A busy executive or waitress could be bowled over by a basket that includes luxury foot care products to soothe those aching feet. The Elizabeth Grant Foot Care Collection, pedicure set and a foot basin would make a wonderful gift basket.

Set a Gift Basket Budget

Decide how much you can afford to spend, and then work to find items that fit into your budget. One way to do that is to choose one expensive luxury item and fill in around it with lower-priced necessities that coordinate. Another way to stay within your budget is to check the clearance racks and discounted items where you can often find some real bargains. And of course, you can always buy cosmetics or beauty items in gift sets or collections, and repackage them in your own gift baskets.

Designing a Beauty Gift Basket

One of the joys of giving gift baskets is that the recipient can reuse the basket for other purposes. You might package cosmetics in a fancy cosmetic bag, for instance, or stash a collection of bath and spa items in a beautiful reusable basket. Put a collection of nail care products into a lavishly decorated keepsake trinket box, or package up a winter care skin collection with a hat and scarf set. Get creative and you’ll find some surprising gift containers that everyone on your gift list will cherish even after the contents have been used up.

Choosing Beauty Gift Basket Brands

Brands make a great theme for beauty gift baskets, especially luxury or specialty brands in beauty products. Choose a luxury name in skin care, cosmetics or spa and bath collections, then pick out specific items to fill a delicious basket or bowl with them. You’ll find great skin care products made by Intelligent Nutrients, and Skinn Cosmetic and Isomers, spa and bath products made by Mastic Spa and Borghese, hair care products made by Steve Lococco and Neil George and nail care products by Bella Pierce.

Put together a Head to Toe Beauty Gift Baskets

Instead of focusing on one aspect of beauty or skin care, put together a head to toe basket made up of several products that each take care of one part of your body. You might include a special shampoo and conditioner, a facial masque, a nail conditioner and manicure set, a body mist and body wash and a bottle of foot spray to energize those aching muscles and tendons.

How to Save Money on Beauty Gift Baskets

If you shop carefully online, you can find some of the best known names and products for the lowest prices possible. In addition, many websites that sell beauty products offer special discounts if you buy online, or may offer special Web-only discounts for those who shop online. Take the time to shop around before you buy so that you are sure you’re getting the best deal on the best products.

Gift baskets are among the best-loved and most well-received presents for good reason. Every gift basket is a whole collection of gifts, not just one. Choosing the items for a gift basket can be nearly as much fun as receiving one yourself, but if you want the best of both worlds, take advantage of special discounts and buy-one-get-one deals to ensure that you get a share of the goodies too!

Gift baskets are fun to put together and can make friends and family feel truly valued and appreciated. If you take a little time to consider what kind of beauty items the people on your gift list need or want the most, your gift baskets will be a guaranteed hit.

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Source by sara Stewart

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If you want to give a unique gift that is guarantee to be used an enjoyed by the recipient, consider a fruit basket. Fruit baskets are fabulous ways to provide your friend, family member, neighbor, co-worker, or client with a delicious-and healthy-treat that looks like a million bucks, but is actually budget friendly. When looking a fruit basket, you can either choose to purchase one pre-made or make your own to save you some of your hard-earned cash. Regardless where you get your fruit basket, carefully consider the contents and personalize the gift to the recipient.

The most important thing about a fruit basket is indeed the fruit itself. When looking for what fruits to add to a fruit basket, consider these popular options:

• Apples: This hearty fruit is a fruit basket favorite. Most everyone loves an apple, so you do not have to worry about less adventurous tastes avoiding the goodies. Also, apples tend to travel or ship well and have a long shelf life, so you do not have to worry about the fruit in your basket arriving spoiled or crushed.

• Pears: Like apples, pears are another fruit basket favorite. However, due to the more delicate nature of the pear, they may need a bit more protection-especially if the basket is to be shipped. Most pears are purchased in some protective covering, usually either a plastic container or foam wrapping, so consider leaving this protection in place when assembling your fruit basket.

• Citrus: Oranges, grapefruits, nectarines, tangerines, and clementines are perennial favorites in a fruit basket. In addition to adding a fantastic color, these sweet treats are favored by most individuals. However, keep in mind that some citrus, mainly oranges and grapefruits, are large in size and heavy in weight. If you plan on adding many of these juicy delights, ensure your basket is of the appropriate size to handle the fruit.

• Pineapples: Usually, the thought of fruit baskets and pineapples go hand in hand, as these elaborate fruits add a tremendous punch to the baskets appearance. Before you throw in a pineapple “just because,” consider also purchasing a pineapple cutting, a small, inexpensive device that will allow your guest to enjoy the delicious meat of the fruit.

• Grapes and Berries: More delicate fruit, including grapes and berries, should be added judiciously. Since these fruits generally do not ship well, you should reconsider adding these fruits to baskets going great distances. In addition to their fragility, these fruits do not have a long shelf life, meaning they can potentially be spoiled upon arrival of the gift.

• Unique Fruits: Depending on the type of basket you are assembling, you may decide to include unique fruits. Usually tropical in nature, consider adding kiwi, star fruit, plantains, and even coconuts if the recipient will enjoy this more unusual fare.

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Source by Garret Wong

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THIS YEAR VALENTINE’S DAY FALLS ON A SATURDAY, AS A RESULT WE ARE UNABLE TO DELIVER ON THAT DAY AUSTRALIA WIDE. SATURDAY DELIVERIES WILL ONLY BE MADE IN OUR LOCAL GOLD COAST AREA. ALL OTHER DELIVERIES WILL BE MADE PRIOR TO VALENTINE’S DAY IN A BOX MARKED ” THIS IS A VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT, DO NOT OPEN UNTIL FEBRUARY 14th”. IMAGE THE ANTICIPATION OF OPENING THE BOX.

Our Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets and hampers are a real treat! The perfect gift for your love one or soon to be loved one. Valentine’s Day fall on February 14th every year.
We specialise in creating gifts with a difference. See our range of Valentine’s gift ideas below, you will be impressed with the range. From chocolates roses, naughty gifts to classy Champagne gifts we have a great selection to you to choose from.

We select the finest gourmet foods, Champagnes, chocolates and wines to add to our gift baskets. You want your gift to be enjoyed and appreciated, Basket Basket gives you the peace of mind that your gift basket has been carefully put together.

Buying and sending the right baby gift basket will reveal a lot about you and your company. While any gift will be received with much appreciation, not all newborn gifts will be received equally.

Will your gift be the one shown to all friends and family? Will your gift make its way to the baby or baby’s room? or will it make it to the back of the cupboard. Will your baby gift be used in a month’s time, will it be used in a year’s time. Or will it be forgotten as quickly as flowers wilt.
How do you choose the right baby gift basket to buy? Well the aim is to find a gift which is different, unique, thoughtful and practical.

Our Valentine’s day range includes a great selection teddy bears, chocolate gifts, personalised gifts, bath robes, wines, gourmet hampers, pamper gifts as well as flowers and traditional gift basketss. All our Valentine gift baskets are beautifully presented.
All orders can be delivered throughout Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Newcastle, Woolongong, Darwin, and any other town in Australia.

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Source by Lionel Smitka

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An expectant mom is soon to give birth, having a new baby is a life changing event for her. Family member and friends are expecting too, and perhaps they want to give memorable gifts for the coming of the newborn child. However, it isn’t always as easy to find ideal gifts – especially for an infant – that are not common, or shall we say “unique” that can make a favorable impact. With so many varieties to choose from, it is a real challenge as to how and what to pick. Consider the following helpful gift ideas:

Personalized Gifts

Personalized infant products and supplies are always best. Most parents as well as parents’ friends and other family members think of giving personalized items to welcome a child, because of the fact that these gifts are not just practical, but can also give a sense of thoughtfulness and adoration. You may think that finding personalized gifts can be very tough, but if you find fun and enjoyment while shopping for cute and clever newborn pieces, chances are you will find what you are looking for. Most of personalized babies’ stuff are found at specialty stores, but you could also shop at online stores for a wider selection.

Different choices for personalized items await you, from very simple to very exquisite. You may find personalized newborn clothing like shirts, beddings and blankets, bibs, socks, hats and other layettes. Consider a Personalized Organic Thermal Baby Blanket that can make a beautiful, healthy and personalized blanket, and a sweet gift to warm your precious one. Other clothing options are personalized infant caps, monogram sweaters, burp cloth sets, pillow and blanket sets and more.

Another personalized gifts for newborn babies are personalized furniture like theme flip stools, personalized stuffed and teething toys, picture frames, feeding wares and the like.

Baby Gift Basket

A baby gift basket is another great option to welcome a child with a more fun and festive atmosphere. Gift baskets are abundant surprises not just for the baby alone but also for the parents. A usual baby gift basket is filled with different products and supplies for infants. It can have a compilation of clothing, baby food, toys and the like. Although gift baskets are known to be made from a real basket, you could also use other container options to hold numerous gift items, such as laundry baskets, medium size plastic jars, pail or a baby bath tub, or even a bucket.

Gift baskets can also include special treats for mom and dad. Apart from their infant’s supplies, you can also add spa products to pamper the strained body of the new mom. Also, books and magazines for good parenting are ideal, where new parents are guided with reliable articles and advices for their new role in raising their child – an ideal new mom gift. You may opt for a Maie Baby Girl Gift Basket to greet a baby girl! A festive present with a delicate floral design that gives classy and upscale appeal for your pretty little girl. It features different unique essentials from popular Baby Dry Goods line.

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Source by Janet R.