By Mandy McFarland Editor
NAPPANEE — With the holidays coming, Wa-Nee area residents have the option to give the gift of elegance, thanks to one family-owned business that is just a short drive north on C.R. 7 between C.R. 46 and C.R. 48.
Of course, Baskets of Elegance owners Mervin and Ruth Ann Bontrager offer more than just holiday gifts. Their basket arrangements are also suitable for get well gifts, birthdays, secret pals and more. While owning a home business comes with its own unique sets of challenges, the couple enjoys being able to be home with their children. They also enjoy being able to be a part of putting a smile on someone’s face.

“The thing I enjoy is seeing a happy customer,” Ruth Ann said. “Someone who went out of their way to brighten someone’s day.”
The baskets are custom-made, and so their contents vary from order to order. However, some examples of items that a recipient may find inside include apple butter, fruit, cheese, honey and, of course, plenty of chocolate. The Bontragers even have the option for sugar-free chocolate, in case a recipient has certain dietary needs.
All of their gift items are locally-produces. In fact, the only thing that is not made within Elkhart County are the Philadelphia Chocolates, which are actually made in South Bend. However, even this is a family-owned business.
They also like to put soups and crackers in their baskets and small, fun, non-food things like crossword puzzles.
Throughout the year the Bontragers get a variety of orders. Around the holidays, a lot of their customers include businesses wishing to do a little something special for their employees. During the summer months, they get a lot of requests for Secret Pal and other types of creative gifts. Order sizes vary, and of course some times of year are busier than others.
“One month we might have a couple baskets, then the following month we might have none,” Mervin said.
Another option Baskets of Elegance offers are balloons. These can come as single balloons or as bouquets and are suitable for most occasions. Keeping up with all of the different holidays and occasions people celebrate can be its own kind of challenge.
“We think we have something for every occasion, then someone pops a new one on you,” Mervin said with a laugh.
If owning a gift basket business was not enough to keep the family busy, they also recently opened their own baking business. Roll-N-Dough Bakery is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and includes different kinds of pies, cookies, breads and their specialty item, jalapeno and cheese. They also take requests for certain items.
This, along with daily farm life, keeps the Bontragers busy, but not too busy to enjoy quality family time. With their kids starting to reach graduation age (in the Amish community, this is eighth grade), there are plenty of hands to help out wherever they are needed.
“The children enjoy it too,” Ruth Ann said.
While they have not had any orders for Roll-N-Dough items in a Baskets of Elegance basket, Ruth Ann is sure it is almost a matter of time.
Baskets of Elegance is open all week (except Sundays) with flexible hours. Roll-N-Dough is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both are at 69852 C.R. 7.