You can find a gift idea for almost anyone in our list of 101 Gift Baskets. We've tried to be innovative and get away from the usual fruit basket arrangement. Many of the baskets are designed around themes and some don't even use baskets at all!
1. Use a large terra cotta plant pot for a "basket." If you like, you can personalize the pot by painting it with acrylic paints. When the paint is dry, spray a light coat of polyurethane over the pot to add a shine. Fill the pot with: - gardening gloves - hand trowel - hand rake - a selection of vegetable and/or flower seeds (go for something unusual) - bottle of liquid fertilizer - a gardening book - a subscription for a gardening magazine
2. Use a large pasta bowl for a "basket." Fill the bowl with: - a package or two of gourmet pasta - tongs - a package of sun-dried tomatoes - extra-virgin olive oil - spices: oregano, basil, garlic powder - a collection of your favorite pasta recipes hand-printed on recipe cards - and/or a pasta cookbook
3. For the golfer, fill a basket or a golf bag with: - golf tees - golf balls - a baseball cap - sunscreen - score cards - a small towel - a can cooler to keep a can of pop or beer cold Of course, don't forget to personalize the towel or baseball cap -- you can stitch on them, use fabric paints, etc.
4. Wine appreciation basket. Fill a basket with: - two bottles of quality wine, one red, one white - corkscrew - 2 or more wine glasses - wine appreciation book - tickets or an invitation to a wine tasting (often held at wine specialty shops or wineries) Extras: add snacks to go with the wine -- fine cheese, fruit, crackers, etc.
5. For the dog lover. Fill the a large dog bowl with: - squeaky toy - rawhide bone - dog biscuits - dog brush - dog collar - leash
6. For the crafter. Use a rubber storage container for a "basket." Fill the container with: - glue gun and glue sticks - acrylic paints - assorted brushes - a craft knife - other craft supplies such as beads, pompoms, wood sticks, buttons, stickers, dried flowers, etc. - craft patterns or how-to books
7. Fill a square basket with:
note cards
envelopes (choose a variety of sizes)
note paper
letter opener
a pen or a pen and pencil set
a personalized seal and some sealing wax
personalized return address labels
8. For the shutterbug. Fill a basket or a camera bag with:
assorted film
coupons for picture developing
filters for his/her camera
lens cleaning solution and cloth
assorted picture frames and/or albums
9. How about a relaxation pack. Fill the basket with:
a gel eye-pack
Epsom salts or bubble bath
aroma therapy oils
scented candles
books on tape (to listen to in the bath)
a hand-held massager
relaxing music on CD or cassette
10. Kids Coloring Kit. Fill a rubber/plastic storage box with:
crayons (get the big package with tons of colors)
non-toxic markets
assorted papers, include a variety of colors and textures
coloring books
assorted stickers
a paint box and brushes
11. For the sports enthusiast, use a sports helmet or hat as a "basket" (e.g. baseball cap, football helmet, etc.). Fill the helmet or hat with:
sports cards
baseball, puck, etc.
shoe, boot or skate laces
for the hockey player, add: lace tightener and some tape
for the baseball player, add: mineral oil, batting glove and gum
a sports video
a subscription to a sports magazine
a poster of their favorite player
12. For the new home owner. Use a tool box as a "basket". Fill the box with:
screw drivers
wrench
hammer
pliers
assorted nails, screws, washers
gift certificate for the local hardware store
do-it-yourself book
assorted odds and ends like: light switch covers, light bulbs, duct tape, paint brushes, knobs and handles, etc.
13. For the guitar player. Fill the basket with:
assorted picks
tuning fork
sheet music
CDs or cassettes of great guitar players
guitar strings
electronic tuner
lesson books
14. For the soap opera fan. Fill the basket with:
tissues
bon-bons
soap opera magazines
biographies of their favorite stars
pictures of their favorite stars
blank video tapes
fan club membership
15. Create a winter fun pack. Fill a toque with:
lip balm
moisturizer
mittens
hot packs
a pass to the local ski hill
hot chocolate
Extras: add a crazy carpet or a sled (although it won't actually fit inside the "basket", you can present it on the side).
16. For someone who is into new age. Fill a basket with:
tarot cards
crystals
scented candles
incense
new age music on CD or cassette
certificates for palm reading, psychic reading, etc.
books
17. For grandparents who are far away. Fill a basket with:
children's artwork
gifts made by the kids
frames family pictures (let the kids buy plain wooden frames and decorate them with stickers)
videos of the family
a long-distance calling card
Extras: fill out the basket with candy, coffee, tea, biscuits, Christmas ornaments, candles, etc.
18. For the craft enthusiast, how about a project in a "basket". Fill a basket or a rubber/plastic box with:
grape vine wreath
dried flowers
pine cones
hot glue gun and glue sticks
wreath hanger
ribbon
19. For the one who loves their car. Fill a basket or a bag with:
tire gauge
litter (or gallon) of oil
wax
chamois
car wash coupons
squeegee for the windows
mileage log and pen
travel mug
20. The sundae basket. Fill a basket with:
ice cream scoop
gourmet sauces
sprinkles
cones
maraschino cherries
assorted nuts
sundae glasses and spoons
coupons for gourmet ice cream
21. Fill a gold fish bowl with:
fish food
aquarium gravel
net
gift certificate for fish from pet store
book about care of gold fish
22. Use a cookie tin for a "basket". Fill the tin with:
your favorite cookie recipes or a cook book
cookie cutters
chocolate chips
nuts
decorator icing set
assorted sprinkles
23. Here's a rainy day basket. Fill a basket with:
deck of cards
cribbage board
find-a-word and/or crossword books and pencil
herbal tea
tea cup
24. Accessories for men. Fill an overnight bag with:
socks
underware
belt
tie
tie clip
handkerchiefs
wallet
watch
25. For the shop-aholic. Fill a basket with:
cushioned insoles
directories for local malls
gift certificates (get a lot of small ones for different stores)
tote bag to carry home purchases
parking pass
list of baby-sitters or volunteer to baby-sit
coupons
26. Create a comedy pack. Fill a basket with:
deck of trick cards
whoopee cushion
chattering teeth
joke books
comedy movies, cassettes or CDs
tickets to a comedy club
27. For the woodworker. Fill a basket or rubber/plastic box with:
assorted sandpapers
chisels
router bits
saw blades
files
varnishes
brushes
paints
patterns and/or instructions
28. For the computer buff. Fill a basket with:
mouse pad
diskettes
novelty or personalized disk labels
anti-static wristband
travel mug (so that things won't spill on the computer)
a list of your favorite Web sites
29. Create a salon pack. Fill a basket with:
salon shampoo and conditioner
hair brush and/or combs
barrettes
combs
scrunchies
clips, bows, pins, twists, etc.
book on hair styles
30. Fill a stew pot or pottery casserole dish with. Fill the pot with:
assorted dried beans: kidney, black, white, navy, pinto, etc.
dried red chili peppers
chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, cilantro
chili recipes
ladle
oven mitts
31. For the teenage girl. Fill a purse with:
a wallet (you can even start it off with a little cash)
key chain
lipstick holder
purse sized perfume atomizer
purse sized hair brush and mirror
32. For expectant parents. Fill a baby's bath tub with:
hooded towel
wash cloth
rubber ducky
baby shampoo
baby powder
baby lotion
Terri sleeper
33. For those who make their own wine or beer. Fill a box with:
wine or beer kit
empty bottles
personalized or novelty wine/beer labels
beer caps or wine corks
caper
recipes
34. For the skier. Fill a tote bag with:
lip balm
sunscreen
goggles
gloves
scarf
ski pass
wax
35. For the executive or the home-office owner. Fill a briefcase with:
daytimer
business card holder (one for the wallet, one for the desktop)
pen and pencil set
newspaper subscription
shoe polish
reference books
desk calendar
coffee mug
36. Create a New Year's Eve party pack. Fill a basket with:
champagne
glasses
party hats
noise makers
sparklers
confetti
balloons
party invitations
37. For the crochet or knitting enthusiast. Fill a basket with:
assorted needles or crochet hooks
assorted patterns
buttons
ribbons
personalized "made by" labels
wool
38. For the writer. Fill a basket with:
lined note pads
an engraved pen
reference books (dictionary, thesaurus, quotes, how-to books)
pocket tape recorder and tapes
style guide
newsletter or magazine subscription
books about how to get published
39. For the music groupie. Fill a basket with:
fan club membership (look for their favorite musician on the Web, many bands now have online fan clubs which also sell tickets, posters, T-shirts and more)
CDs, cassettes of their favorite group
posters of their favorite group
biographies
sheet music
tickets to a concert
band T-shirts
40. Create a night out in a basket. Fill a basket with:
list of baby-sitters or coupons for baby-sitting
restaurant guide and/or gift certificates
movie reviews and/or tickets
or, tickets to a show or a concert
cab fair
lighted key chain
41. For the mystery lover. Fill a deer stalker hat with:
mystery novels
mystery game for computer
magnifying glass
puzzles or brain teaser books
how-to-host a mystery game
42. For the hiker, use hiking boots as a "basket". Fill with:
maps
rain poncho
bear bells or repellent
trail mix
compass
first aid kit for hikers
43. For the vegetarian. Fill a basket, pot or large bowl with:
your favorite recipes hand-printed on recipe cards
assorted dried beans
brown rice
sun dried tomatoes
spices: oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, etc.
mixing spoons
pot holders
44. For the cowboy at heart. Fill a cowboy hat with:
bolo tie
western belt buckle
boot protector
gift certificate for country dancing, horseback riding, rodeo, etc.
45. For someone who like to walk or jog, fill a tote bag with:
pedometer
sweat band
tapes and batteries for the Walkman
shoe laces
sport socks
personal alarm
T-shirt
water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder
46. Use a cosmetic bag for a "basket". Fill the bag with:
nail polish
emery boards
nail clippers
nail brush
cuticle remover
nail file
nail polish remover
cotton balls
47. For the couch potato fill a large basket or box with:
assorted bags of flavored popcorn
other snacks like chips, nuts, candy
pre-recorded movies
TV Guide subscription
TV Remote holder
Comfortable slippers
Cushion
48. Create a stock-the-bar package. Fill an ice bucket with:
shot glasses
bottle opener
cork screw
maraschino cherries
cocktail napkins
jar of olives
fancy toothpicks or cocktail umbrellas
bar guide
49. For the crafter, fill a rubber/plastic container with:
small terra cotta plant pots
flexible stencils
acrylic paints
stencil tape
brushes
spray polyurethane
seeds to plant when pots have been decorated
50. Make a kid's beach pack. Fill a plastic pail with:
plastic shovel
sand molds
beach ball or plastic floatation device (deflated)
beach towel
flip-flops
sunglasses
sunscreen for kids
bathing suit
51. For someone who takes road trips, fill a tote bag with.
maps
travel mug
sunglasses
hotel coupons
tire gauge
beaded seat cover
travel games
recorded music on cassette or CD
car air freshener
52. For the musician. Fill a decorative can with:
reeds/strings/drum sticks/mouthpiece - appropriate for the instrument they play
sheet music
valve oils for brass instrument players
instrument strap
electronic tuner
metronome
recorded music of their favorite artists
53. For someone who likes to BBQ, use an apron with pockets for a "basket". Fill the apron pockets with:
marinade recipes
BBQ sauce
BBQ tools
packages of meat tenderizer
skewers
gift certificate for the local butcher
54. For the collector: Fill a basket with:
reference books
items they collect
display cases, books, etc.
cleaning supplies (special polishes, oils, brushes, etc.)
tickets to a collectibles show
55. Create a bachelor's survival kit. Fill a laundry basket with:
laundry guide
cook book featuring easy meals like casseroles
roll of quarters and some laundry soap
take-out pizza coupons
an iron
room deodorizer
any other cleaning supplies
food staples like macaroni dinners, canned tuna, canned soup and, of course, beer!
56. For someone who like to walk or jog, fill a tote bag with:
pedometer
sweat band
tapes and batteries for the Walkman
shoe laces
sport socks
personal alarm
T-shirt
water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder
57. For just about anyone: Fill a basket with:
teddy bear
coffee mug
hot chocolate mixes
bedtime story books
58. For the student or the home-office owner, use a rubber garbage can as a "basket". Fill the can with:
stapler
tacks, paper clips, pens, pencils
notepads
holepunch
desk lamp
desk calendar
59. For the cat lover use a cat basket as a "basket". Fill it with:
food and water dishes
collar
brush
catnip ball
rubber ball, rubber mice or other cat toys
book on cat care
60. Create a Christmas Decorating basket. Fill a basket with:
nativity set
assorted Christmas ornaments (store bought or hand-made by you)
decorative lights
candles
61. Make a basket full of puzzles. Fill a basket with:
Rubic's cube
3D puzzle
jigsaw puzzle
word-search book
crossword puzzle book
slider puzzles
and any other puzzles you can find
62. For someone who sews, fill a sewing basket with:
needles
assorted threads (stick to basic colors: black, white, navy, cream)
pins
thimble
pin cushion
measuring tape
tracing wheel and paper
sewing club membership
63. For someone who likes to lounge in the sun, use a sun hat as a "basket". Fill the hat with:
sunscreen
sunglasses
lemonade mix
novel
64. Create a gadget collection, for someone who is moving away from home, getting married or moving into a new home. Fill a canvas onion bag with:
garlic press
can opener
jar opener
paring knife (carefully wrapped)
strawberry huller
egg slicer
cheese slicer
mixing spoons
measuring spoons and cups
egg timer
grater
65. For the wood shop owner use a shop apron as a "basket". Fill the apron with:
safety glasses
wood glue
sandpapers
measuring tape
paint brushes
shop magazines
woodworking patterns
66. For the fisherman use a tackle box as a "basket". Fill it with:
assorted lures
leaders
pliers
gloves
guide to local fishing
67. For baby Fill a basket with:
rattle
bib
story book
stuffed animal
sleeper
68. Create a women's accessories basket. Fill a basket with:
a silk scarf
scarf clip
earrings
belt
broach
necklace
perfume
evening purse
69. For cyclists use a cycling helmet as a "basket". Fill it with:
cycling gloves
water bottle
reflectors
sunglasses
odometer
patch kit
70. For the aquarium owner, use a decorative tin for a "basket". Fill the tin with:
fish food
book about aquarium maintenance
algae magnet (you run the magnet up and down the outside of the tank to remove algae inside the tank)
a net
thermometer
ornaments
gift certificate for fish
71. For someone who likes games, fill a basket with:
decks of cards
dice
poker chips
poker rule book
pocket electronic games
plane tickets to Vegas
72. For the painter: Fill a decorative tin with:
paints (acrylic, water color or oil)
brushes
paper or canvas
charcoal
73. For someone who bakes use a cake pan as a "basket". Fill the pan with:
pot holders
decorative frosting set
assorted sprinkles and nuts
baking recipes
cake server
74. For someone who travels by plane a log. Fill a travel bag with:
travel pillow
travel alarm
flight schedules
gum
magazines or novels
toothbrush
75. Create a Christmas box. Fill a decorative Christmas box or tin with:
assorted home-baked cookies
assorted chocolates
Christmas ornaments (better if you made them yourself)
pre-recorded Christmas music
tuck in some candy canes or foil wrapped chocolate santas for a finishing touch
76. Create a night in, in a basket. Fill the basket with:
wine
wine glasses
pre-recorded movie
candle
candle holder
romantic pre-recorded music
appetizers: cheese and crackers, olives, something you've made yourself
77. For the crafter, create a project in a box. Use a rubber/plastic storage box as a "basket".
78. Create a kid's bath set. Fill a basket with:
bubble bath
no-tears shampoo and conditioner
bath crayons (they let kids write on the tub or the wall, then they wash off)
bath toys
bath mitt or decorative face cloth
printed towel
robe
slippers
79. For the teenage girl, fill a cosmetic bag or cosmetic tray with:
assorted makeup in the latest fashion colors: lipstick, blusher, eye liner, mascara
cotton swabs
makeup sponges
nail polish in the latest colors
nail file
facial cleanser
facial moisturizer
eye makeup remover
80. For the computer game player. Fill a decorative box with:
membership to an online gaming WWW site
computer game CDs
joy stick
mousepad
shareware games on diskette
81. For campers, use a backpack as a "basket" Fill the backpack with:
tent pegs
compass
sharpening stone
mosquito repellent
tent patch kit
campers cook set
utility knife of Swiss army knife
campground guides
82. For the lover of spicy foods, use a chili pot as a "basket". Fill it with:
spices: cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, dried red peppers, chili powder, paprika
hot sauces like chili sauce
salsas
hot pickles (pick them up from an Asian food store)
fresh peppers
pepto-bismo
recipes
83. For the sci-fi fan. Fill a basket with:
Science fiction novels
sci-fi movies
collectible figures (you know, the plastic ones modeled after TV and movie sci-fi characters)
Spock ears
books about their favorite shows or authors
tickets to a sci-fi convention
84. For the engaged couple fill a basket with:
wedding planner
unity candle
garter
cake knife
honeymoon travel information or tickets
wedding decorations
wedding album
85. For someone who works out at the gym fill a tote bag :
towel
water bottle
workout tapes or magazines
power bars
sports drinks
sports socks
gym membership
86. For adults only. Fill a basket with:
scented candles
massage oil
lingerie
wine
wine glasses
87. For the jigsaw puzzle lover. Fill a basket with:
jigsaw puzzle
puzzle mat
coffee mug
magnifying glass
gourmet coffee
88. For the naturalist. Fill a knapsack with:
binoculars
bird watching guide or wildlife or wildflower guide
log book and pen
maps
trail mix
89. A small twist on the usual coffee gift basket. Fill a basket with:
gourmet coffees
coffee mugs
novels
chocolates
decorative bookmark (why not make one yourself)
90. For someone who is on their feet all day, use a rubber tub as a "basket". Fill the tub with:
Epsom salts or bubble bath
towel
pumice stone
foot lotion or foot powder
comfortable slippers
nail clippers
91. Create a kid's craft kit. Fill a rubber/plastic storage box with:
colored paper
crayons
stickers
pipe cleaners
buttons
pompoms
white glue
kid scissors
wooden shapes
wobbly eyes
kid sized craft apron
sparkles
92. For little students fill a children's lunchbox with:
pencil toppers
decorated pencils
colored pencils
rulers
plastic stencils which let them draw stars, circles, etc.
stapler
children's scissors
water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder
93. For someone who likes needlepoint fill a basket with:
patterns
canvas
assorted thread
needles
thimble
frames for finished work
94. For the movie buff, fill a basket with:
pre-recorded movies
movie soundtracks on CD or cassette
batteries for the remote control
head cleaner for the VCR
movie tickets or gift certificates
popcorn
95. For someone who like to walk or jog, fill a tote bag with:
pedometer
sweat band
tapes and batteries for the Walkman
shoe laces
sport socks
personal alarm
T-shirt
water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder
96. For the electronics hobbyist. Fill a plastic box with:
resistors
capacitors
wire
pliers
soldering iron and solder
light bulbs
LED lights
printed circuit boards
project books
wire cutters
electrical tape
97. For the chocolate lover. Fill a basket with:
chocolate cookies (home baked is best)
chocolate bon-bons
chocolate sauces
chocolate syrup
chocolate dipped coffee spoons (see the instructions in our project sections)
Hot chocolate mix
chocolate covered coffee beans
chocolate flavored coffee beans
chocolate recipes
98. For the young at heart. Fill a basket or a small toy box with:
silly putty
assorted magnets
magnifying glass
yo-yo
paper airplane kit
kite
kaleidoscope
puzzles
99. For the health food buff. Fill a basket or a mixing bowl:
brown rice (in a bag tied with a ribbon or in a glass jar)
other grains like quinoa, spelt, bulgur, etc.
all-natural candy bars
tofu in aseptic packages (so it doesn’t need refrigeration)
assorted dried beans (black, black-eyed peas, chick peas, lima beans, fava beans, etc.)
assorted spices
all natural skin and body care products (find them at your local health food store)
100. For the someone who never has enough time. Fill a basket with:
coupons for your baby-sitting time
cookbook featuring meals in 30 minutes or less
daytimer to help them organize their time more efficiently
watch
information about or coupons for a shopping service which will do their shopping for them
coupons for other time saving services like dry-cleaning, tailoring, take-out food, car washes, etc.
101. Create a Chinese food "basket". Fill a basket a wok with:
Chinese tea set
package of green tea
cook book
cleaver
chop sticks
package dried black mushrooms
bottle of soy sauce
other sauces like plum sauce, Szechwan sauce, terriaki sauce, etc.
Finishing Touches
Finishing touches actually come into play when you begin to assemble your basket. You can enhance the presentation of baskets, boxes, tins, hats, etc. by first filling them with:
colored cellophane "grass"
crumpled tissue paper
a piece of fabric (try something with a Christmas print)
shredded newspaper or colored paper
straw
raffia
Then carefully arrange your items over top of the filler. Finish up by tucking in:
candy canes
foil wrapped chocolate santas
other foil wrapped candies
small pine cones
a bunch of cinnamon sticks tied with red ribbon
Christmas greenery like the tips spruce and pine branches
Christmas ornaments
lots of small bows
mandarin oranges
nuts in the shell
small scented candles
Christmas baking (wrapped in cellophane)
Wrapping Your Basket
Baskets that are in actual baskets do not need to be wrapped, but if you wish, you can wrap them in cellophane. Simply gather the cellophane around the basket and tie at the top with ribbon. This method also works for "baskets" made with hats, boxes, bowls, pots, plant pots, etc. Decorative boxes and tins usually can stand alone without wrapping. Rubber storage containers can be wrapped in cellophane as above or can be wrapped with wrapping paper. Some "baskets" like tote bags, backpacks, shopping bags, etc. are best left unwrapped. Instead, finish them with colorful bows and ribbons.
Customized Gift Baskets
Courtesy of: www.makestuff.com
You can turn any basket into a great special occasion gift -- baskets with a personalized "theme" will always be a big hit. There are so many different ways to decorate a basket, there's really no limit to what you can do with a simple basket, some ribbon and a few decorations.
Materials:
Wicker basket with handle
Hot glue gun
Ribbon
Dried or silk flowers, leaves, etc.
Thin wire
Wire cutters
Needlenose pliers
Simple bathroom soap basket: Use silk flowers for baskets to be used in a bathroom -- they'll be less susceptible to water/moisture damage. Decide on your color scheme. Measure a length of ribbon to go around the lip of the basket. Twist it into a narrow rope and glue it around the rim. You can also wind matching ribbon around the handle, securing the ends with dabs of hot glue. Take a long-stemmed silk flower with some leaves/greenery and bend it along the curve of the handle. Tuck the bottom of the stem inside the basket and use wire to attach the stem to the handle at the top, middle and bottom. Take another flower and secure to handle about 1/3 of the way down. (I like to buy silk flowers that have multiple stems and then separate them, snipping off the lengths I want with wire cutters.) Secure a shorter length flower 2/3 of the way down. You now have a nice cascading effect along the basket handle.
Make a bow to match your ribbon (or buy ready-made). Attach the bow to the base of the handle or the rim of the basket with wire and/or hot glue.
Line the inside of the basket with plastic wrap, tissue, straw or colored confetti. Then fill the basket with interesting soaps, bath oil beads, scented hand creams, etc.
Gift Basket Ideas:
Lovers' Basket: NOT just for newlyweds! Include several scented candles, a cassette tape with romantic music, a good bottle of wine or brandy, two glasses, a bottle of massage oil, some good chocolates and a cardboard note to hang on the door that says "Do Not Disturb." Include a card with instructions to read "Close the door, turn off the phone. Enjoy together your precious time alone."
Tea Time Basket: Include some interesting teas and a small jar of honey. Add homemade jams or jellies with crackers or a small loaf of homemade bread and a copy of If Teacups Could Talk. Decorate with ribbon and an interesting kitchen utensil attached to the handle (a teaspoon or honey dipper perhaps...).
Gardener's Basket: For the gardener, fill the basket with packets of seeds, garden hand tools, gloves, plant markers. Decorate with flowers!
Gift for teacher: Fill a basket with fun pencils, "reward" toys, erasers, Post-It notepads, award pads, etc. Decorate the basket with a "school" theme -- instead of ribbon around the rim, glue on a row of pink erasers, alternating with some cute large plastic clips.
Coffee Lover's Basket: Get a bunch of the small packets of flavored coffees for the coffee lover to sample. Add some chocolate dipped cinnamon sticks, butter cookies, a special coffee cup, a jar of homemade hot chocolate mix. Dip a spoon in melted chocolate - allow it to harden, wrap in cellophane and tied w/ a pretty ribbon. Attach the spoon to the handle.
"Pamper Me" Bath Basket: Fill a basket with some homemade bath salts, lotions, etc. (visit the Formulas page for bath recipes...), along with loofa, scented candle and a cardboard note to hang on the door that says "Pampering, Do Not Disturb."
The following ideas were contributed by Van Gogh's Severed Ear feanix@unix.asb.com
The Ultimate Chocolate Basket: A package of Hershey's bars, triple fudge brownies, better than sex chocolate cake, red velvet torte, chocolate truffles, German chocolate brownies, 3 different types of fudge, chocolate syrup, Yoo-hoo in the can, a few boxes of chocolate pudding and chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate/fudge butter cookies, homemade hot cocoa powder and a box of Cocoa Krispies.
The Baby Basket: A boo-boo bunny. A baby's first Christmas ornament, a small canister of powder, baby lotion, diaper rash oitnment, baby wipes, washcloths, receiving blankets, a teething ring, a bib and a night light.
The Fantasy/Sci-fi Role players basket: 3 different types of chocolate candy. A 6-pack of the gamer's favorite beverage. A gift certificate for their favorite photo copy store. A couple of sets of dice. Some miniatures or the new supplement they want. I also include a couple of pencils and a notebook.
The Wearable Art Basket: An ironing board cover, some iron ons. Fuseable web, some pretty fabrics for applique, an assortment of fabric paints and pens. Rhinestone studs, metal studs, a box of bandaids and a candy bar.
The New Mom's Basket: A large bottle of aspirin, a picture frame or photo album. A cassette of favorite music, a package of burp cloths, hand cream, chocolate and coffee.
The New Car Basket: A fire extinguisher. A steering wheel cover. Some annoying fuzzy dice. An air freshener. A bottle of car wash, tire cleaner, spot remover and car wax.
The Baker's Basket: A recipe for something that you made that someone liked, along with all the premeasured ingredients (within reason) and a pack of recipe cards -- perhaps a bottle of extract or some food coloring.
The ideas are endless! If you've got a great gift basket idea to share, send it to baskets@makestuff.com and we'll post it here!
Gift boxes of all sizes and shapes can be bought from many card and craft shops at a reasonable price. Once you have added a decorative touch, they can even become a gift in their own right. Materials ListPainted Boxartist's acrylic paints paintbrushwhite craft glue Fabric-Covered Boxfabric to coverwhite craft glueribbonPaper-Covered Boxpaper to coverglue stickacrylic paint stencilstencil brush Making a Painted Box Step 1: Paint the box in colors the recipient will like. You may need up to three coats of paint for even coverage. Step 2: When the paint is dry, glue a figurine to the top of the lid. The homemade figurine we have used is made from papier-mâché. Making a Covered Box Step 1: Cover each box with fabric or paper. To achieve the neatest finish, experiment with the corner folds before you glue them down. Step 2: Decorate the paper-covered box with stencils and allow to dry. Glue ribbon to the lid of the fabric-covered box with craft glue. Push pins are useful for holding the ribbon in place while the glue dries. Tie the ribbon bow and glue it to the top. For contrast, we painted parts of the fabric on the lid with acrylic paint mixed with a little glue. Note: As an alternative, when covering the lid, you might reverse the fabric, if the underside provides a pleasing contrast.
Gift Wrap IdeasCourtesy of www.rdchristmas.com From Homemade Best Made Copyright © 1998, Reader's Digest Association, Inc. Used by permission.
