For more than two decades, Berlee McEwen has been crafting more than just gift baskets—she’s been creating moments of joy. As the owner of Gift Baskets by Berlee’s Fancies in Albany, Oregon, Berlee has built a business rooted in creativity, community, and a deep understanding of the personal touch that makes a gift truly special.
“I love designing gift baskets. This is what I do. It’s my passion,” Berlee shared. And that passion is evident in every ribbon, bow, and hand-selected item she includes in her creations.
A Business Born from Passion and Encouragement
Berlee’s journey into the gift basket business started long before she made it official. For years, she enjoyed putting together thoughtful gifts for friends and family, often picking up items she knew someone would love and setting them aside for just the right occasion. Eventually, those close to her saw something special in her work and encouraged her to turn it into a business.
At first, she wasn’t sure where to begin. “I didn’t know anything about doing gift baskets at the time,” she admitted. But that didn’t stop her. She threw herself into research, joined online groups dedicated to gift basket design, and spent months learning everything she could about the industry.
Then, in an unexpected twist, an opportunity presented itself. She needed to raise money for a mission trip to Mexico and decided to sell gift baskets during Easter. “I now know that Easter is not the best time for gift baskets because most parents and grandparents like to make their own,” she laughed. “But for some reason, they just sold like hotcakes.” That success led her to officially launch Gift Baskets by Berlee’s Fancies in 2003.
A Designer’s Eye for the Perfect Gift
At the heart of Berlee’s business is her passion for design. She doesn’t just assemble items in a basket—she crafts an experience. Every detail, from color coordination to textures and overall presentation, is carefully thought out.
“I love colors, I love textures, I love design elements—that’s my heart,” she explained. This artistic approach, combined with her love for people, is what sets her gift baskets apart. Whether she’s creating a corporate appreciation gift or a personalized surprise for a special occasion, she pours her creativity into every piece.
Some of her favorite moments come when customers react to her work. “The coolest part is when I deliver a gift basket, and the recipient says, ‘How did you know?’” she said with a twinkle in her eyes. “And I get to tell them, ‘I didn’t, but Somebody Else did,’” referring to her reliance on God’s direction as she creates each basket.
Building Relationships Through Gifting
While social media plays a role in her marketing, Berlee firmly believes that face-to-face interactions are key to her success. She is actively involved in three chambers of commerce and two leads groups, which have helped her grow her network and build strong client relationships.
“When I meet people, I find out what their needs are, and I try to provide for them,” she said. “Once you make that connection in person, social media starts to work for you. But if you rely only on social media, it just stays stuck in social media.”
Custom Baskets for Businesses and Events
Although she enjoys making individual gifts, Berlee has found that business-to-business (B2B) clients are the best fit for her company. Corporate clients, such as realtors and event planners, often seek out her services to create memorable gifts for clients, employees, or event raffles.
“Realtors are one of my favorites because they say, ‘I want to really wow these people,’” she said. “And that lets me play and be creative.”
One of the unique services she offers is imprinted ribbon and custom labels, which allow businesses to personalize their gift baskets with their branding. “I take a company’s logo and imprint it onto the ribbon in their colors,” she explained. “It’s really popular, especially for businesses wanting to make a lasting impression.”
The Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
Running a gift basket business isn’t all creativity and fun—it also comes with challenges. From fluctuating supply costs to the time-intensive nature of custom designs, Berlee emphasizes that passion is essential for anyone considering the industry.
“I tell people all the time, ‘If you don’t have a passion for it, don’t even try,’” she said. “It’s a lot of work and a lot of expense. But if you love it, go for it.”
Despite the challenges, she remains dedicated to her craft. “As long as I’m physically able and the prices don’t keep going through the roof, I’ll keep doing what I love,” she said.
A Love for Albany and Community Involvement
Outside of her business, Berlee enjoys the local charm of Albany. She and her husband love dining at Vito’s Trattoria (formerly Gamberetti’s) and Sweet Red Bistro. While she doesn’t have as much time for outings these days, she still appreciates the many community events Albany has to offer, such as the Wine Walk, the Crab Fest, and the Christmas Light Parade.
She also enjoys supporting local fundraisers and trade shows, often donating gift baskets for raffles and events. “If you hear about something new happening in Albany, go check it out,” she encouraged. “You won’t be disappointed.”
How to Order a Custom Gift Basket
For those looking to order a custom or corporate gift basket in Albany, Oregon, Berlee offers an easy way to get in touch. The best way to reach her is by texting (541) 905-2800 or emailing [email protected]. Whether for a corporate gift, a special celebration, or a unique personalized touch, Berlee McEwen’s expertise and creativity ensure that every basket is more than just a gift—it’s an experience.
Featured Place
