Creating a graduation gift basket can be a great gift for a high school grad that is unique and a little more personal than the usual money in a card stand-by. While making your own gift basket may seem intimidating at first, it is a great way to give them the things they need for starting college the next semester.

Here are some ideas for making your own gift basket and what to include in it:

1. Choose a Container: There are many different things you can choose to use as a basket. You can use a laundry basket or tub, a large college crate, or other appropriate container. Choosing something useful will give it a dual purpose for the new college student's dorm room.

2. Pack Dorm Necessities: There are many things one will need if living on campus next semester. You can pack things such as school supplies, decor or storage items, or other college dorm essentials.

3. Decorate/Wrap the Gift: There are many creative ways you can wrap the gift. You can use gift wrapping paper or gift basket plastic wrap available in most craft stores and retailers. Attaching a bow or ribbon can be a nice added touch.

Here are some ideas for different things you can place in the gift basket:

College Dorm Foods: Indivudual serving mac and cheese, noodles, snack crackers, or anything that can be made in a microwave and is non perishable is a great choice for future college students.

Tool Sets: Many college students will not think about how useful it will be to have things like a screw driver, pliers, tape measure or other basic tools that will be handy at college. These can all make great gift basket items.

School Supplies: Notebooks, pens, stationary, stamps, organizers, and other school supply basics can all make for great things to include in a gift basket for college dorms.

Bath Totes: For the upcoming college freshman, a tote for carrying bath items and stuffed with things such as their favorite soaps and lotions can also make for a great and inexpensive graduation gift that will be sure to get used.

The possibilities are endless for the things you can include in a gift basket for a high school grad planning on going to college next year. With a little creativity, you're sure to make a gift that will be sure to meet any budget and be used.