I absolutely LOVE gift baskets! I’ve been making them and giving them as gifts for years. I also admit I love receiving them! They’re so much fun for the gift-giver because he/she is able to really focus on the one the gift is for: what the recipient likes, etc. and they’re fun for the recipient, too, because they just “keep on giving”! I’ve loved the look on the faces of those I’ve given them to. They just keep digging and finding more and more “stuff”, as opposed to one single gift. Someday I hope to have a Gift Basket Business but in the meantime, I’ll just keep making them for family and friends!

Here, I thought I’d go over a few details about gift baskets, from choosing the theme, to choosing the container (they don’t have to be baskets, you know!), to assembly, and presentation. (I’ll include a few ideas at the end of the article.)

*First, Select a theme. What is the basket for? A new baby? A birthday?

*Next, you need to purchase (or find) a container that is appropriate for your theme. For example, I’ve used actual diaper bags for “new baby” gift baskets. They’re perfect!

*The really fun part is finding the items to fill the basket. Make the basket as truly unique as your recipient is. This is where creativity comes into play, also. If you’re using a regular wicker basket for example, you might choose one item that’s larger than the others and anchor it in the center (tie to handle), off to one side, etc. as a focal point. Then arrange the other smaller items around this one.

*Purchase and assemble the items you need to decorate and complete the basket for gift-giving such as: cellophane wrap, shrink wrap or gift basket bag (I love these!), double-sided and regular tape, glue dots (for raising items for display), filler (like Styrofoam shapes found in the floral dept., packing peanuts, newspaper, etc. for example.), and to top it off, either colored tissue paper or colored shred. You’ll also need a good pair of scissors, and if you use shrink wrap, you’ll need a hair dryer unless you happen to have a shrink wrap machine.

*Finally assemble your gift basket. Arrange all the items you plan to use in your basket so they’re easy to access. Use your imagination as far as design. We’ll use a “New Baby” gift basket as an example. As was mentioned earlier, if you have one large item, for example a 5 of 6” teddy bear, you can anchor that in the middle, by tying it to the handle. Next, arrange other items such as a baby bottle, a blanket, pacifier, etc. around the teddy bear. Use either your double-sided tape or glue dots (these are really nice for anchoring) to anchor items to each other, so the basket contents are stable. You can also use floral picks to raise items up by taping the item to the pick. Once your design is how you want it, wrap it in the bag or wrap of your choice. If you are using shrink wrap, or a shrink wrap bag, you’ll need to place the basket inside the bag and pull the top of the bag up, tie it off, and then begin shrinking it, by using a hair dryer aimed at the bottom of the basket first. Use a sweeping motion all the way around the basket. Then, move up a level, and repeat till you are completely done shrink wrapping the basket. Make sure you are steady all the way around, or your bag will be lopsided. I love shrink wrap because it looks professional, it keeps the items in place and is very easy to use. Finally, top your creation off with a great big bow! Have fun!!

Suggested Basket Themes:

New Baby

Teddy bear or other toy

Baby bottle

Receiving blanket

Little items such as shampoo, body wash,

Baby oil, diaper medication

Fingernail clippers

Teething toys, rattles, etc.

Pile all the items into a nice diaper bag for mom! Top off with a big bow or even a balloon!

Golf Lover’s Basket

Golf club covers

Towel

Tees

Practice Balls

Water bottle

Sunscreen

Gardener Basket

Watering can or huge pot for basket

Seed packets

Spade and other gardening tools

Gloves

Knee pads

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Bug spray

Pretty floral picks you find in the garden section at the store

Spa Basket

Loofa or Sponge

Body wash, lotion etc. same scent

Candle

Stuffed animal

Candy, Chocolate

Coffee or tea for relaxing with

A favorite music or serenity sounds CD

Nail kit

New Pet

A new pet bed for the basket or pet carrier

Care Book on type of pet (dog, cat, etc.)

Treats

Bowls

New collar

Fluffy toy

Ball

Leash

Small girl for birthday

Hair ties

Her favorite character items such as Dora

Pencils, Crayons, coloring books (depending upon age)

School supplies

Toys

Play make up

So much more-use your imagination!

Small boy for birthday

Race cars like Matchbox

Yo-yo

Crayons, pencils, etc. (depending upon age)

Blocks or little soldier men

Use your imagination!

Snack Attack (great for college student)

We did this one for our cousin who went off to college. He said he loved being able to just grab something and he always thought of us when he did!

A large basket or other container

Several packages of chips, nuts, candies, cocoa, cookies, etc. for those late-night study sessions

Throw in some wash money-most college students need change!

A phone card if they don’t have a cell phone

Maybe throw in a movie, or other college related items!

New Home

(Did this one for my mom when she moved into a new apartment and she loved it!)

New large dish drainer for the basket

Spatulas, tongs, big wooden spoons, measuring spoons, measuring cups

Sink stopper, Soap dish, potholders, kitchen towels, dish rags or sponges,

Just moved cards & pens

Favorite Fisherman (Or woman)

Minnow bucket or tackle box or creel

Lures, hooks, fish hook remover

Tape measure

Filet knife

Small cutting board

Sunscreen

Bug spray

Wipes