Homemade gift baskets are the perfect gift. You just can't go wrong with a basket full of goodies. How many times have you racked your brain trying to think of that "perfect" gift for someone? Whether you know someone well or not, a gift basket is easy to put together and will be much appreciated because a homemade gift basket says that you put thought, time, and effort into a gift.

I love to receive gift baskets, and because of this, I also love to make gift baskets. They are a wonderful way to say "I'm thinking of you", "Get Well", "Welcome to the neighborhood", "Thanks for all your help", "Happy Birthday", "Have fun on your vacation", etc.

Homemade gift baskets can be a wonderful gift for people in your life, like your parents, in-laws, neighbors, friends, children, teachers, or people that provide a service for you like your hair dresser or accountant. You may not know some of these people very well, but you can put several items together in a container of some sort, and all of a sudden, you have the perfect gift that anyone can appreciate. If you want to say thank you to someone like a teacher or perhaps someone from church who helped build your deck, you don't have to get elaborate. For a female, you could puchase a large coffee mug from the dollar store, put in a packet of coffee, a chocolate spoon, a bottle of hand cream, and maybe a few small individually wrapped chocolates. Wrap it all in cellophane, tie a pretty bow on top, and call it a "Coffee and Cream" gift mug. For a man that you may not know very well, you could use an item like a small, soft drink cooler as your container. You could a put a couple of 20 oz. bottles of soda, some snacks and party nuts, and maybe a gift certificate to a local restaurant or a home improvement center.

Simply put some more rustic filler in the cooler like plain brown wrapping paper or excelsior (which is a finely shredded wood product), both available at a craft store or some super-centers that sell craft items. Next, arrange your items in the cooler, using some tape or glue dots to keep your items in place. Finally, you can wrap the whole thing in cellophane if you choose, or you can simply put a bow on it.

For the folks that you know a little better, really try to think about their interests and hobbies. There are so many ideas out there for sports enthusiasts, ice cream lovers, pet owners, newlyweds, nurses, teachers, expectant mothers, kids, and people who love to cook, just to name a few.

Don't overlook your discount stores! There is great potential there to fill a homemade gift basket without spending a lot of money. You can find all sorts of universal items there like toys, books, towels, candles, candy, coffee, "gourmet" food items, luxurious spa items, golf balls and tees, footballs, frisbees, stuffed animals, comfy fleece throw blankets, baby items, etc.

The more you make gift baskets, the more ideas you will have every time you are out shopping. I always like to pick up a few items here and there just to have on hand in case I need to put a basket together quickly. Remember to get creative with your containers as well. You don't always have to use a basket. You could use a planter, decorative tins, fabric covered baskets, mugs, laundry basket, magazine holder, beautiful boxes, a floppy hat, or even a pair of shoes.

Keep your gift simple, keep the recipient in mind, use your imagination, and you'll be making great homemade gift baskets in no time!

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