Gift baskets galore

[sunshine]

Gift Baskets Galore
by Brenda Spagnola-Wilson

Homemade gift baskets can be a great way to save money or to put
together a last minute gift. They can be personalized for specific
occasion (like a wedding) or a basket everyone could enjoy (a family
night out basket). The best things about them are that they are easy
to make and you don't have to go out and buy all of the items at
once. Pick up things here and there when you find them on
clearance. Dollar stores are one of my favorite places to find items
to use for just about anything. It can take some time, but weeding
thru the "junk" can reveal some real treasures. Mix and
match with things you have made yourself (soaps, bath salts, sachets,
etc.) and / or picked up cheaply, and you have a champagne gift at a
beer price! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

For Men

Sports Baskets – some of their favorite snacks / drinks;
mug/glass with their team logo; t-shirt or cap with team logo; a
coupon from you to watch the kiddos when they want the house to
themselves to watch a game. And you can always find odds and ends
for sports lovers – just keep your eyes open.

Mechanic / Woodworker – duct tape, electrical tape, wrenches,
hammer, screwdrivers, hand wash, towels, screws, nails, saw, etc.
Throw in a t-shirt with a cute saying or a little plaque. (I have
seen ALL of these items at dollar stores!)

Family Baskets

Game Night – deck of cards, set of dice, pads of paper, box of
pencils, Hoyle Cards game book, any board game, kool-aid mix, pack of
snacks and plastic cups.

Movie Night – family oriented movie, popcorn, drinks/sodas,
candy, and gift certificates to a theatre or a place where they can
buy a movie of their choice. Line the basket with washable napkins!

Kids

Rainy Day – coloring books, crayons/markers, silly putty,
watercolors & paint brushes, activity tablet, craft book, cards,
games. The list is endless. Line the basket with a smock or an old
men's shirt!

Anyone

Stationary Basket – paper, envelopes, labels, pens/pencils,
postcards, stickers, book of stamps. Put it all in a box (for
storage) that you decorate with wrapping paper or fabric scraps!

Baby Basket – this is a great one for the dollar stores and
thrift stores! Bibs, booties, pacifiers, bottles, burb cloths,
safety pins, diapers (cloth and disposable), wipes, washcloths, baby
powder, baby bath wash, baby shampoo, clothes, gift certificates,
coupons (from local papers), coupons to babysit or cook dinners or
help out around the house. Put all of this in a diaper bag or other
container that can be reused – like a laundry basket, storage
container, diaper holder, etc.

Sewing Basket – needles, thread, buttons, scissors, patterns,
fabric edging, etc. Check local fabric/craft and discount stores to
see when they are having a sale. Include coupons for both
traditional walk-in stores and online stores!

Meal Basket – all the ingredients (plus the recipe) to make
dinner, including side dishes. This is a great housewarming gift for
those moving into their first apartment or home. You can make it
specific if you know a particular type of food they like, such as
Italian or Chinese.

Bedtime Basket – another great one for kids, this can be used for
anyone. Fantastic if someone is going into the hospital!
Hairbrush/comb. Toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, lotion, travel or
regular clock, pajamas, slippers, small pillow, throw blanket.

"Be Good To Yourself" Basket – this is a great one if you
make some of the things yourself, gives it that really personal
touch. Soap, body wash, bubble bath, bath salts or bath oils,
massage oils, towel and washcloth set, candles, loofah or sponge.

As you can see, the possibilities really are endless. And just
because they are called "baskets", don't limit yourself.
Use unusual containers to place your items in – like laundry
baskets, back packs, cooking pots, etc. Its all the better if they
can use the "basket", too! Many items can be found at low
prices just by shopping around. Check dollar stores, thrift stores,
garage sales, even your own attic and basement. It's amazing
what you can find to use. Lastly, don't be afraid to give a
homemade gift. The time and effort you put into making it is sure to
be appreciated as much as the gift itself.

[thrifty gal]

Thanks!! You just gave me some great ideas for Christmas gifts!

[SewCrafty]

Thanks Denise, I always make up at least one gift basket every year and I needed some new ideas!

[canadian gardener]

thanks Denise. You mentioned thrift stores, and that is one thing I see TONS of every time, no matter which charity store I'm in, whether Salvation army, Penny Pinchers, Downtown Mission, the hospital thrift shop, St Vincent de Paul

they ALL have tons of cheap nice baskets.

If you don't like the colour, refurbish with a quick spritz of spray paint, to go with the colour of the basket items you are putting together.