Message in a Basket

Tolucan Times
December, 2005

by Nicole Borgenicht

FanciFull Gift Baskets is an eighteen year-old business owned and operated by founders Terry and Wally August. FanciFull is spelled with two "l's" because the baskets are both "fancy and full" as described by the Food Network. Walking into their store near Paramount Studios on Melrose Avenue is entering a land of large-scale human elves. Twelve to thirty-five employees bustle around a long wood table in back of the shop. FanciFull helpers wrap a myriad of baskets, cradles, wire objects and baby tubs. Multi-colored cellophane decorates an array of holiday, thank you, congratulatory and deal-sealer gifts.

The company treats executive giants as well as people purchasing small gifts with equal respect. Presently they are working on baskets for the Bushes, Clintons and Travoltas. Recently, Terry designed a basket for a ninety-four year old woman who likes Budweiser. Terry says, "At ninety-four, if that's what she wants...so we went out and got her Bud. We're not snobs. Someone who has ten dollars or five or six thousand dollars can come and get something terrific. That's what keeps me excited about the business. Our job is to make people happy."

The Augusts taste one hundred lower and upper end wines before choosing the best. Even simple cookies are sampled, including the buttery La Madeleine d'Armor for their French basket which also includes freshly made French truffles. Once the selections are complete, FanciFull presents a wine tasting event four to five times a year.

Wally describes their business as "sending a message to somebody else. The person who is buying it isn't ordering it for themselves; it's a message of thank you." Terry further explains, "We try to duplicate the interest" of a recipient. Food baskets are very popular and a good gift for people you don't know well. Wally expounds, "You can be reasonably sure everybody eats!"

Each basket is a cohesive gift nestled in an appropriate vessel. Delicious fresh bruschetta topping, good cheese, crackers, nuts and sweets come in a picnic basket with a lid. Complete romantic moments are accessible through champagne, candles, candle holder and a CD. A booming line of baby tubs with bathrobes and silk diaper bags will float anywhere or Radio Flyer wagons tote children's toys. One may choose from shelves of merchandise in the store at 5617 Melrose Avenue, place a phone order through 800/350-4437 or view many gifts on line at www.fancifull.com to send the message in a basket!