The Enchanted Gift Basket: Specialty Toys, Custom Baskets in Braintree

Braintree native Diana Nessralla says she's in the "feel good business." The owner of The Enchanted Gift Basket on Washington Street in Braintree specializes in putting smiles on faces whether it's with her custom gift baskets or selection of specialty toys.

"I love making a basket for someone and making their day," said Nessralla, who has been in her Braintree store for about a year.

Prior to moving to a storefront, Nessralla ran The Enchanted Gift Basket out of her home. Having a store allows her to carry more products like Braintree and South Shore specific merchandise.

The Enchanted Gift Basket isn't the first Braintree-based business Nessralla has owned. She ran a dance studio in town for seven years, before leaving dance for gifts.

Nessralla worked as the head of personal shopping and gift basket design for F.A.O. Schwarz when she stopped teaching dance. The departure came when she realized she was enjoying buying toys for her waiting room as much as she liked teaching.

When the Boston location of F.A.O. Schwarz closed a decade ago, Nessralla went back to running her own business.

"Like most things, it was founded on a need," said Nessralla, who started the company eight years ago.

Nessralla said former clients were seeking her out to make Easter baskets after F.A.O. Schwarz closed. Easter baskets turned into other children-related baskets and eventually The Enchanted Gift Basket was formed with a full slate of baskets ranging from sympathy to gourmet food and everything in between.

The Enchanted Gift Basket carries pre-made baskets, but customers can also hand pick items they'd like in a basket or give Nessralla a budget and details about the recipient and set her to work.

Baskets are usually made in a day or two and are delivered free in Braintree. There is a small fee for delivery on the South Shore and Boston. Baskets outside of the area are shipped through UPS.

Nessralla takes a hands-on approach to her business, probably a product of her teaching background.

"I have played with every single game or toy in my store," Nessralla said, adding she's tried all the gourmet food and smelled all the candles.

Nessralla also works with corporate clients for her gift baskets and toys. On the toy side, she operates a business within the business called the Traveling Toy Box. The Traveling Toy Box provides children's toys for company parties. 

A website for The Enchanted Gift Basket is coming soon, more information about the Traveling Toy Box is available at thetravelingtoybox.com.