Bags, Baskets & Balloons
New Astoria Store Specializes in Special Occasions

Go the Extra Mile: Jeanne Winslow has been making so many gift bags and baskets that her family asked her to move out! This former home-based business has recently relocated to the end of 11th Street in Astoria. In the works are employee thank you's, personal pamperings and soon, tourist-focused offerings.

Jeanne Windsor is originally from Las Vegas. She moved from there in 1997, after being robbed at gunpoint, to give her son a safe place to go to high school. Upon leaving Las Vegas, she also left behind a ten-year tenure and job as a vice president of a software company, her benefits, and her friends. "It was hard," she said," but some people ended up moving here with me, sort of like 'Mutiny on the Bounty,' I guess." Since the move she has been managing The Logger restaurant in Knappa and one day she received a thank you in the form of a candy gift bag. "I took it apart," continued Jeanne, "and decided I could do that. It let me incorporate a long-time desire to open a gift basket business."
Jeanne began making gift bags out of her home, and her first sale was a gift bag for a 40th birthday party. It included "over the hill" novelty items, candies and a balloon. That was in July, 1999 and the business has grown since then. It has grown so much that her family insisted she move all of her bag and basket business out of the house. On April 1, 2000 she opened Beyond Baskets near the waterfront on 11th in Astoria. The under 1,000 square foot space was formerly a karate store, but more commonly known as the former location of Arlie's Cafe. With the move, she is expanding her scope to include business applications such as promotion or going away office parties, as well as weddings, party favors, anniversary gifts and real estate "welcome home" baskets. This summer she plans to add tourist-related items from local merchants and has just ordered her own tank to fill helium balloons. "Holidays are the most fun," said Jeanne, "and last Halloween was awesome." Goodies may come in a bag, basket or other holder and follow themes such as fishing, Mother's Day, Winnie the Pooh, Chocolate or Coffee Lovers, Honeymoon pampering items, and more. Prices range from $15 to $150.00 and she will ship worldwide or deliver locally. (Local delivery fee $5.) LCB

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