A gift with the personal touch is the best type of gift to give to family or friends. Creating your own gift basket is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. By choosing to make your own gift basket, you are showing the recipient that they are worth your time and are very valuable to you.
Begin your basket by considering the hobbies and interests of the recipient. Also, think about the occasion at hand. You will want to prepare a Christmas gift basket in a different manner than you would a gift basket for a baby shower.
Let us begin by looking at some basic themed gift baskets. Does the recipient have a favorite hobby? Maybe that special someone collects NASCAR items and memorabilia. Start your project by purchasing a medium to large basket. Using a glue gun, tack a piece of themed material to the inside bottom and sides of the basket. Allow an inch or two of fabric to drape over the rim to the outside of the basket. This little touch adds a dash of style to your gift. Include items in your basket such as collectible die cast cars. A checkered flag or favorite driver wind sock would be a unique addition to the gift. Top off the package with a screen print tee shirt or NASCAR cap. Give your basket a professional look by arranging the items nicely in the basket and wrapping the container with shrink wrap. Use your blow dryer to tighten the shrink wrap. Your basket can be gift wrapped or finished with a decorative bow.
For someone who enjoys playing the lottery, give them a gift basket with various scratch off lotto tickets. A smaller basket may be useful for this particular gift. This basket is a nice idea for someone who has everything. You can never have too much money.
In the bottom of your basket place a similarly sized piece of Styrofoam. Cover the foam with colored, artificial grass or Spanish moss. These items can be found at Hobby Lobby. Pick up a variety of assorted sized plastic card holders from your local florist. The business card sized picks hold and display the smaller scratch off tickets very well.
Travel to your local lottery vendor to purchase a wide selection of tickets. Try to choose styles that are of various sizes and colors to add an interesting look to your gift basket. Arrange the lottery tickets in the basket at varying heights and angles for a nice visual effect. Place larger sized cards all the way toward the back with smaller cards to the front, or try arranging them much like you would arrange a silk flower decoration.
You may want to add the shrink wrap to this gift, especially if you will be traveling far. This will protect your hard work during the arrangement process.
A book basket is an excellent idea for anyone on your list. Children and adults love books. Choose a special hardback book, or several paperback novels. Consider a Harlequin book basket or Dr. Seuss collection. To your basket you may want to include a gift card to your local book store. A fancy or whimsical bookmark is always a nice touch.
Let the recipient take a break with the “Pamper Yourself” gift basket. Again, begin with a medium to large basket. Add to your project anything that seems relaxing. A fluffy pair of comfortable slippers makes a nice focal point. Choose soothing bath products to allow the loved one to relax in the tub. Include a gift certificate for a day at the spa or a manicure. A mug with a packet of soothing tea or instant hot cocoa is a nice accent to this gift.
Think outside the box, or basket. Be creative and design your own festive containers. Use your imagination to drum up a gift that will act as a basket. A favorite of mine is the “Chef’s Basket”. Use a large oval crock pot from Rival as your basket. A stainless steel family-sized soup pot will also do the trick. Fill the container with chef essentials. Pick up a wisk or pizza cutter to add to the contents. Plastic ladle and spoons are perfect for this gift. A cookbook, such as one by Betty Crocker, would be a perfect centerpiece. Throw in a pair of oven mitts or dish towel. Maybe you can include some food items. Flour and yeast are great additions for the baker in your family.
If you choose to purchase the crock pot, be certain to include Reynolds slow cooker liners. This product helps to make cleanup of your slow cooker quick and easy.
Finish off your “Chef’s Basket” by wrapping it in shrink wrap or decorating it with a fancy ribbon made from material.
If you think that gift baskets are for girls, then think again. A Plano tackle box makes the perfect gift basket for any fisherman on your list. Fill the container with new fishing line and hooks. Spoons and Mr. Twister Twin Tails are always a necessity. Include some weights and bobbers for the line. A pocket knife would be a nice addition to this gift.
Don’t leave fido or Fluffy out. Give a gift to your pet. Celebrate your pet’s birthday or adoption date with a special gift. Use a pet bed for your basket. Fill the bed with pet bowls and favorite treats. Your cat will love some catnip or a new collar with bell. Give your pup a Nylabone and a new coat to keep her cozy warm in the winter.
For those specific occasions, such as a wedding or baby shower, a gift basket will certainly fit the bill and warm the heart. Give the bride to be a laundry basket filled to the brim with household essentials. A family just starting out needs to stock their entire house. Kitchen and bathroom essentials are a great place to start. Stock the basket with items such as Reynolds Wrap and aluminum foil. Johnson and Johnson first aid products are always a fabulous idea. A first aid kit and a bottle of Tylenol is always a plus. Toss in some salt and pepper for the kitchen and Mrs. Dash. Think of the little things that add up in cost, but would not be on a gift registry list.
A basket of this kind is also perfect for the college student heading off to class. Throw in a few of his or her favorite snack foods for those late night munchies while cramming for the big exam.
A baby shower gift can be so much fun to make. You can fill a car seat with goodies or use a diaper pail. A pint-sized hamper or diaper bag makes a terrific gift basket. Fill your chosen container with all sorts of baby supplies and essentials. Consider some items geared to a baby that is slightly older than a newborn. Mothers are showered with gifts just before and right after the birth, but three months later, they are on their own. Try picking up some Size 1 Pampers. Pick up some baby spoons and a box or two of cereal. Include a plastic washable bib for feeding time. A receiving blanket or booties may be handy, but typically the parents will be overwhelmed with such items. A book for baby is always a special idea. Parents can start reading to baby right away. You will help promote a life long love of books. A gift card for a nice dinner would be a thoughtful touch. Busy moms and dads need a break. Treat them to a night out with baby or for just the two of them. Offer your babysitting services for the evening.
Whatever the occasion, a gift basket can be created for that special someone on your list. You will find that making a gift basket is a lot of fun. Whenever you need a gift with that personal touch, make a gift basket and let the recipient know just how much you care.
Reference:
- Check out Barnes and Noble for some fantastic books to add to your bookworm basket. www.barnesandnoble.com For more information about Reynolds slow cooker liners, visit: www.reynoldskitchens.com Need to find a Plano tackle box? Look at: www.bizrate.com For all your pet needs check out JB Pets at: www.jbpet.com Stock up on baby supplies from Babies R Us by visiting: www.toysrus.com
