Gift Baskets for Guys: Make Your Own

Just can’t decide on what to give the guys this Christmas, or for birthday, an anniversary, or Valentine's Day? How about a gift basket? Think of what they enjoy doing and base your gift accordingly. A lot of small gifts can make for an awesome collection!

Many of these baskets might also be appropriate for ladies. I’m not trying to be sexist here! I, myself, am an avid angler and former hunter!

If you choose to place all your items in a large basket instead of some other container, fill the bottom with wood straw or shredded paper. Arrange your items, then place the entire filled basket in a large clear or transparent plastic bag. Suck most or all of the air out, and gather the top into a ribbon. Add a big bow, and viola! You have the perfect gift.

Fishermen: Use a bait bucket or a small cooler to hold your gifts. Add fishing line, artificial baits, weights, a fillet knife, some floats, angling sunglasses, antique lures, wire leaders, a hook remover, a minnow net, an aerator, and some batteries. Roll up a few fishing magazines, tie them with a festive ribbon or bow, and add to the stash.

Bird hunters: Use one of those bucket seats for the container – you know, the kind that has a swivel seat atop an insulated bucket. Add shotgun shells, a nice thermos, a gun-cleaning kit, some warm gloves, some insulated socks, and a camo cap. If the recipient tromps through heavy brush on his hunts, add a pair of snake-proof chaps.

Deer hunters: It seems that hunters can never have enough coolers, so use a large one to hold your offerings for the deer hunter on your list. Throw in anything in camo: Warm ski masks, a cap, gloves, pants, shirts, hoodies, etc. You can also add some buck lure, hunting boot laces, rattling horns, a day-glo vest, a venison recipe book, a nice knife, and a whetstone. Find out what caliber rifle he shoots and include some cartridges.

Runners: Hmmm…let’s see. How about some high quality shock-absorbing anti-friction socks, some cushioned insoles, compression leg sleeves, a foot spa, a runner’s photo frame, a clip-on micro L.E.D. light, some flavored power gel, a few energy bars, a running log, some sport lip balm, sunscreen, foot lotion, a hydration pack, a shoe odometer, a workout towel,and some blister prevention like BodyGlide.

Card players: Got someone on your list that enjoys playing poker or other card games? Make up a gift basket that includes cards, poker chips, score pads, card holders, coasters, travel sets, a card shuffler, and chip holders. You could also include some gourmet or homemade munchies for your card-playing friend to munch on during the game.

Alcohol drinkers: Purchase a large basket and add a bottle or two of his favorite liquor. Add a mixing kit, an official bartender’s guide, some drink mixes, some margarita salt, a jar of olives, fancy drink picks, and an assortment of glasses – for old fashioneds, margaritas, hurricanes, martinis, highballs, and shot glasses.

Beer drinkers: Buy a cooler and include a wide selection of bottled imported and high-end domestic beers – maybe one of each. This will give him a chance to explore new flavors. He might even discover a new favorite! Toss in some pretzels, beer nuts, and other snacks for good measure.

Sports fans: This one’s a no-brainer. Find out his favorite team and buy stuff with the team logo: a thermos, coffee cups, throws, key rings, ornaments, caps, visors, shot glasses, plastic tumblers, tee shirts, pajama bottoms, insulated beer mugs, and/or tickets to a game. Place everything in a cooler or a tote with the team logo.

Golfers: Make up a basket of golf stuff for your favorite golfer: golf balls, tees, ball markers, club covers, score pads, golfing DVDs, visors, an iGolf GPS, a golf scope, a divot tool, an impact indicator, golf towels, club cleaners, and golfing gloves. Another cute idea is to buy chocolates in the shape of golf clubs and golf balls. You can find these at many candy shops and online. I also found a pair of bedroom shoes online that look like golf shoes!

Tennis players: What do tennis players like or need? Wrist bands, headbands, tennis balls, a new racquet, cushioned socks and lo-cuts, a tennis player bottle holder, tennis player tree ornaments, tennis player mugs, a tennis towel, a tennis calendar, a tennis ball picture frame, a how-to-improve-your-game DVD. Throw in a six pack of sports drink. Now, place everything in an athletic bag and place a big bow on top!

Car enthusiasts: Most car enthusiasts love their automobiles and like to keep them in immaculate condition. Use a bucket for your “basket.” In it, place car washes, tire cleaners, scrub brushes, car wax, windshield cleaner, whitewall cleaner, sponges, and the latest water hose attachment for directed spraying. A nice addition would be some vintage car magazines.

Boaters: This one’s a little tougher. As a former boater, however, I have a few ideas. Boaters always need coolers, so I suggest placing everything in one of them. Include a boat clock, a floating key fob, boat cup holders, nice sunglasses, boating flags, a marine watch, caps and visors, rain gear, a boat barometer, a large thermos, a Leatherman tool, boat shoes, a beach towel embellished with gamefish, and a Nantucket blanket with a carrying bag. Another good idea is a waterproof case for an iPod, digital camera, or cell phone.