A Candy Bouquet is a sweet gift for any occasion BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer JEFFGRANIT At Candy Bouquet, gift baskets and arrangements are custom made with sweet treats for every event worth celebrating. If you're looking for a unique, festive and unusual gift for a friend, relative or special someone, think sweet thoughts and then call the Candy Bouquet shop in Howell. Owners of the Candy Bouquet franchise, Jim and Joanne Maury, say they can create a gift that can match the personality, hobby or interest of the person it is intended for. According to Jim, he and his wife have owned the Howell business for more than two years. They say their gifts are different and can be tailor-made for you. The Maurys create gourmet baskets and arrangements that can brighten up anyone's day and feed their sweet tooth as well. Looking for a gift for a sick male friend? Pick a sport, an interest, or a hobby and the couple will make a wonderful treat sure to help in the healing process. If he loves cars, there's a Nascar arrangement or a red Corvette filled with gourmet candies. There are also sports mugs and Harley Davidson mugs filled with goodies as well. There's also a get-well basket that includes chocolate aspirins, Band-Aids and bandages, all arranged in a doctor's bag. How about a special treat for your little one's dance or music recital? Candy Bouquet carries numerous baskets specifically designed for children to enjoy. They can keep and play with the container used for the arrangement later on. Children will enjoy the vast array of arrangements crafted especially for them. Colorful candy necklaces, candy sticks and smile face lollipops are included in the arrangements. The candy sticks even come in flavors children love, like bubble gum, cotton candy and sour apple. Add some old-fashioned candy buttons, gummy hamburgers and jelly beans made by Jelly Belly, and you've got one happy child. Candy Bouquet even stocks Harry Potter "Every Flavor Beans," made famous in the Harry Potter movies. Work in some Willie Wonka Bars, some Nerds and some Pixie Sticks, and you're all set. The candies used in the basket arrangements are brought in from countries such as Holland, the United Kingdom, Israel, Argentina, Switzerland, and of course, there's some made in the USA, such as Gertrude Hawke, which is made in Pennsylvania, according to Joanne Maury. Candy Bouquet is a national franchise with many locations throughout the United States. According to Joanne, the company is based in Little Rock, Ark., where the main corporate building still stands. In fact, she made a trip there for a one-week training in how to create the special Candy Bouquet arrangements. There are themed baskets which even include chocolate playing cards and poker chips. If your teenage daughter is turning 16, give her a Sweet Sixteen arrangement that any young girl will love. The sweet treats come all wrapped up in a Thunderbird. If you're looking for something unique and out of the ordinary for new parents, Candy Bouquet creates a keepsake rocking horse arrangement, filled with goodies like chocolate baby booties, jelly beans, candy sticks and other gourmet treats. And if you're a traditional kind of guy, you might be interested in a bouquet of beautiful chocolate roses or sunflowers for your special lady. According to the Maurys, there are even special arrangements created for housewarming gifts. A house-like container comes filled with goodies which are color coordinated to the season in which the house was purchased. Joanne said they also make a great "Thanks a Million" bouquet for just about any occasion. This arrangement includes green and silver chocolate money. The Maurys say their Candy Bouquet arrangements are a delicious gift alternative for special occasions or for no occasion at all. "It's a gift that won't fade, wilt or die," Jim said. The candy bouquets are all handmade so no two are exactly alike. Gifts can be shipped directly from the store to just about anywhere in the continental United States, according to Joanne. If you have access to the Internet, you can get more information by visiting www.24hrcandyshop.com. Whether you are shopping for a birthday, an anniversary, a baby or bridal shower, a new baby, a wedding or just because, Candy Bouquet can provide you with just the right gift. The business also creates wonderful seasonal arrangements for the holidays. Jim added that Candy Bouquet fills a gap that has been missing until now, in gift giving for men and children. For more information or to order a special Candy Bouquet, call the shop at (732) 364-5369, or visit the shop and see the displays for yourself at 514 New Friendship Road in Howell.