When it comes to gifts, it is better to give than receive. As a child, I remember my grandmother saying that, and, as a child, the idea was lost on me as I ripped open my presents with the glee of a child. Today, I am an adult, and I still open presents with the glee of a child. However, I now have a great appreciation for what my grandmother once said. Giving gifts is much better than receiving them - unless it is my anniversary, but that is a whole other story.

Choosing gift boxes is one way I choose to give. I remember back in the 90s when these wonderful presents started getting popular. Each one was a wondrous collage of tidbits and morsels of surprised eliciting awes from the person lucky enough to be receiving such a present.

Gift boxes are a great idea if you think about it! These nifty ideas have a bunch of little things instead of one large thing. One of my favorite types is my Mexican themed one. A large bottle of homemade Tejano sauce was proudly in the middle with smaller goodies such as Mexican candies. Straw was the filler which gave the present an awesome western look and feel. There were even tortilla chips filling the authentic Mexican basket. Absolutely stunning, and I loved the expressions when these were received.

The best one I received was the fresh pecan one. Let me tell you... this was amazing! Let me explain.

First, I had a small container of chocolate covered pecans that was simply awesome, then the honey coated pecans were closely like pralines. I loved them, and so did everyone else in my house. But the kicker was a huge container of fresh Texan pecans still in their shell. Talk about delicious. Of course, I also loved the containers. If you have never had fresh Texan pecans, you seriously have no idea what it is you are missing! Try some today. You will not ever look at other pecans the same again.

What is the different between a gift box and a gift basket? This is a question I get a lot, but the answer is simple: one is in a box and one is in a basket! But the reason for this is a little more complicated...

A box is going to be better for shipping and wrapping. The box format of this means you get to have the items laying flat, and this makes it a whole lot easier to ship, say, glasses and margarita mix without worrying the contents will end up on the postal office floor making a mess. Of course, a basket is great for wrapping with cellophane and giving on the spot. The packaging is not as stable, but if it is an immediate present, you will not need the added stability.

When you are choosing the best gift boxes for your gift-giving purposes, you will find all sorts of edibles and inedibles to keep you going. Choose something they will enjoy by choosing something you would enjoy. And remember, it is better to give than it is to receive. Thanks, Grandma!