I love to give gifts, especially at unexpected times. But I often don't know someone's size or their favorite color scheme. That's one of the reasons I think gift baskets make the perfect gift. Plus they now come in such a wide variety.

Obviously, you enjoy giving on the usual occasions: Easter, Chanukah, Kwaanza, Christmas, New Years, Birthdays and Anniversaries.

Maybe there are other times that some of us don't even think about:

* Memorial Day is a time when many of our veterans remember those friends lost a long (or a short) time ago. Why not send a fruit basket to your favorite veteran and send another to a veterans' hospital.

* Speaking of Memorial Day, any three day holiday weekend provides a good holiday weekend gives us an opportunity to show someone you care. Labor Day, Presidents' Day, July 4th, etc. When a friend invites you to a barbeque, why don't you send them a thoughtful gift of pre-made, heat and serve appetizers. If you're lucky, maybe you'll get to share some of them!

* Retirement.  Let the boss provide the gold watch or the clock that has to be dusted.  Provide some party food, and maybe they'll invite you to come share it.  Or order some for yourself and help them celebrate at your home.

* For a funeral, instead or in addition to a thoughtful gift of flowers at the time of the service, wait a month to send something to let the family know you're thinking of them. And don't forget to call every once in a while, too. Write it on your calendar so it doesn't slip your mind.

* A lovely plant makes a wonderful traditional housewarming gift. On the other hand, if they are still in the process of putting things away and discarding boxes, take them some gourmet, easily prepared food. After all, they probably don't have much time to cook, especially if they can't find their pots and pans!

* Those of us in the north often get a bit of cabin fever during the winter months. Raise the spirits of a friend with some cheery flowers, preferably sunshine yellow. Alternatively, you could send them a basket of fresh fruit during those times when the world might seem so barren.

* Newlyweds might encounter a bit of a letdown feeling when they return from a honeymoon. It's time for them to get back to normal life, and they may have some catching up to do at work. Wouldn't that be a perfect time to send them already-prepared gourmet meals?

An unexpected act of kindness may be just the thing to brighten someone's day.  Maybe even yours!

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Greg Porter helps run www.99GiftBaskets.US. In addition to gourmet and wine gift baskets, the online store also carries gourmet meals, baby shower gift baskets, fruit baskets, fine desserts and much more, including balloon bouquets.