Homemade Holiday Gift Basket Ideas

The holidays are a time for giving. For those of us struggling for gift ideas, gift baskets are great for anyone on your list. Many stores offer ready made holiday gift baskets, but can be too expensive and not worth the money. Here are a few ideas for holiday gift baskets for the special people on your holiday shopping list.

For the baskets themselves, craft stores or dollar stores in your area offer a wide selection of colors, sizes, and styles of baskets. Depending on the type of holiday gift basket you’re making, you can use the decorated boxes from a craft store also instead of a wicker or wooden basket for a different touch. There are so many ideas, I’ve decided to break them down by who you’re shopping for.

For kids:

Holiday gift baskets can be great for kids of all ages. Toys have become very expensive over the years, especially if the child has so many toys already. It doesn’t seem worth the money. Dollar stores can be a great starting point. Many offer cheaper versions of things in the higher priced stores. Art supplies are great for all ages, and can be found in almost every dollar store. Crayons, markers, fun glitters, beads, and other craft things can fill a portion of the basket. Pads of paper, colored or white, even lined paper along with the coloring pages will give kids unlimited artistic fun. Be creative, and tailor the items in the basket to the child you’re shopping for. For girls, hair ribbons or bows and small dolls can be used while for boys, toy cars, dinosaurs, or a toy ball are great ideas. Small snack packs can be used also and are available in a variety of foods like crackers, popcorn, or fruit snacks. Making homemade cookies or snacks can save money in that area as well. Remember to make the baskets and their contents colorful and fun. Tying small balloons or fancy ribbons around them, and personalizing them with the child’s name are extra special touches.

For teens:

Teenagers are always difficult to shop for. They usually look for the latest gadgets, clothes, or money for their presents on the holidays. Holiday gift baskets can also be made for them without spending a fortune. For girls, I usually go for bath soaps, lotions, and toiletries. Chose sweet fragrances in a few different scents allowing them to chose their favorite. If you feel extra crafty, you can make your own bath soaps with recipes found online. I found this great website for several types of different soaps, http://www.millersoap.com/. This site gives tons of ideas for soaps and the recipes worked better than other sites I tried. Bath salts can be made also. If the bath idea works well for you, there are a few other things besides soaps and salts for the basket. try a washcloth, towel, or hand towel with a special design or pattern on it. Also, instead of a basket, you can use a handbag. Place the goodies inside the handbag sticking out slightly for a basket look. Remember too to chose things you think your teen will like. For boys, chose maybe a sport he likes or his favorite team as the theme for the basket. If he’s into computers, skateboarding, or another type of activity chose that as the theme and include items in the basket that follow. Of course, snacks for girls and boys always go over well. If you’d like, include a small gift certificate to a local FYE or music store where they can look forward to shopping on their own. Key chains and rubber cause bracelets also go over well.

For adults:

Whether shopping for a single adult or a family, adult gift baskets have unlimited possibilities. Here are a few ideas that work well for any adult. Coffee and tea holiday gift baskets are simple, easy, and inexpensive. Michaels, Joann Fabrics, and other craft stores carry mugs or cups you can easily personalize. Using acrylic paints, you can paint on the outside of two mugs with the family name, or his and hers type decorations. Include in the basket different types of coffees, teas, and snacks or desserts to fill the basket. Personalizing the holiday gift basket with a cookbook or other type of book can make it special. Soup baskets are another idea. On http://www.nikibone.com/recipe/gifts_in_a_jar.html you can find a variety of “gifts in a jar” recipes. From cookie and cake mixes to soup and bread mixes, almost anything can be placed in jars for cooking later. These recipes are easy to make and cost effective. Placing dish towels, cheap dish ware, or candles in the basket add spice to any basket. If you’re making a holiday gift basket for soon to be parents, include things like diapers, washcloths, and a small blanket. If you are able to crochet or sew, making booties or a small blanket yourself can be cheaper than buying one already done for you. Rattles, bibs, and socks can be found at most dollar or savings stores in your area. For newlyweds or soon to be married couple, picture frames, and keepsake ornaments are ideas to fill their basket. Craft stores often sell plain bulb ornaments that can be painted or personalized for a new family. Place their name and the year on them with a small holiday theme decoration for a simple and long lasting gift.

For pets:

For those of us who are animal lovers, holiday gift baskets can be made for pets also. They are certainly not limited to humans. Chew toys, biscuits, and other animal favorites can be found at pets stores and also Walmart for cheap. There are also recipes online at http://gourmetsleuth.com/index.asp . This site gives tons of recipes for both dog and cat food and treats. Also, you can chose to add a tennis ball, chew toys, or even a small doll or stuffed animal as a play thing for your cat or dog. Man’s best friend will not be left out this holiday season. No matter who it is on your list, holiday gift baskets can be tailored to just about everyone.