A gift basket from Miles Farmers Market provides just the right touch of thoughtful style

By Laura Briedis

Creative. Thoughtful. Useful.

Gift baskets at Miles Farmers Market really do have all the qualities of the perfect gift.

When it comes to unique gifting, this local farmers market is thinking outside the basket. In addition to fruit baskets overflowing with fresh apples, oranges, pears and other seasonal fruits, the staff also puts together different themed baskets that include just about anything you want.

“Our gift baskets seem like they are specifically put together for that special person, because they are,” says Justin Golobek, store manager. “Shopping for a coffee lover? We’ve got a curated gift set filled with the finest roasts and beans. Know someone who loves chocolate? Check out our Chocolate Decadence basket filled with gourmet chocolates. And if you are looking for a house-warming gift, we have a Chef’s Pantry basket filled with hard-to-find ingredients and must-have staples that should be in every kitchen.”

In addition to the dozens of themed gift baskets at Miles, the staff can customize a basket for any budget. “People often don’t know what to get Dad, so we help put together baskets with items like spicy snacks and steaks, and even baskets full of craft beers,” says Justin, noting the market has its own workshop set up in the back of the store where he, the store owner’s son, and employees help assemble gift baskets all month long.

“We mix up the baskets, as we package some in tin buckets, wicker baskets, bushel baskets, old wine boxes and other interesting recycled packaging” Justin says.

They make fruit baskets fresh every morning that you can purchase in the store. On any given day in December, you’ll find about 50 different ready-made baskets in a variety of sizes to choose from. Miles also can personalize baskets with the gift recipient’s favorite items and ship directly via UPS to anywhere in the country or deliver locally in their own trucks.

One of the best-selling gift items is the steak box. The Mr. & Mrs. Steak Box is filled with three Certified Angus Beef strip steaks and three filet mignon steaks, which are hand-cut by the butcher, individually vacuum sealed, and frozen to make sure they arrive safe and sound.

“We also can add seafood, including lobster tails, shrimp and crab cakes, to these gift boxes for the ultimate treat,” Justin says. “We encourage shoppers to get their orders in early so they can get exactly what they want.”

Gift Baskets!
At Miles Farmers Market, the store is packed with gift baskets that are a bit more meaningful and perhaps more practical. Here is just a sampling of baskets assembled in-house with different themes.

• Simply Elegant - One half peck of assorted seasonal fruit that everyone would appreciate.
• Best of Everything - Assorted seasonal fruit paired with cheese, salami, mustard, crackers, shortbread cookies, jam, tea, honey, candy and nuts in a designer basket.
• Ohio’s Best - A basket showcasing locally made products from the buckeye state.
• Italian Feast – A collection of Italian-inspired specialty products including imported gnocchi and aged balsamic vinegar.
• Chef’s Pantry - Must-have items and hard-to-find ingredients that everyone should have in their pantry.
• Spicy Basket – A mix of spicy snacks and gourmet salsa, buffalo wing sauce and more favorites.
• Bucket O’ Brew – An assortment of beers, peanuts and pretzels packaged in a tin bucket that’s perfect for serving beer.
• New Year’s Eve Basket - A fun hostess gift packed with a bottle of bubbly, cheese and crackers.

Miles Farmers Market is located at 28560 Miles Road, in Solon. Visit MilesFarmersMarket.com for store details, and call 440-248-5222 to order gift baskets.