Getting a gift basket is almost like getting a Christmas stocking! People just can’t wait to dive in and see what little surprises are in there! More important than what is in the basket, though, is the love and thoughtfulness that the giver put into it! You know if someone took the time to put together a basket specifically for you, then they definitely think a lot of you!!
And from the giver’s perspective, gift baskets let you express your creative side! You can make your own treats to go inside, shop with a theme in mind, or any combination there of!
Personally, I love baskets just by themselves. Whether it is an expensive handmade basket made by native american women, or grass woven baskets made down around Charleston, South Carolina by the locals, I just love them! But it doesn’t have to be an expensive or even hand made artisan basket to be a basket of happiness!! You can easily transform a discount store or even yard sale find into a wonderful gift! As long as it is clean and unbroken, it will work!
A lot of people start with the gift basket itself, and that is fine, but sometimes it is easier to decide what is going in it, first, to make sure you then pick the right size basket. A really great focal point for a gift basket is a great bottle of wine, and for that, you really don’t want to go to the grocery store!
Make your star a special find from a local winery or, even easier (and less expensive, in most cases), get into a quality wine of the month club! I have been a member of Wine Ambassador for a couple of years, and each month I have a box of mixed red and white wines coming to my door. So, I always have some on hand for an unexpected gift need! Or, to cook with, or simply to relax in front of the fireplace with!
These boxes coming direct from vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, with no artificial additives, just can’t be beat! Each bottle would retail for between $60 and $120 dollars, but the whole shipment is $99.99 plus shipping and tax. Even better, I can get free wine and earn money by referring other people to it!
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Some people do themes for their gift baskets, and that can be really fun! One example: if you have movie buff, you could do a basket with a new movie, and snacks and/or beverages to enjoy while watching. For my nephews, this would definitely have to have a Star Wars Motif, lol!
For someone who needs a little pampering, or has a need to relax, consider a spa basket. Again, you control the content, so you control the expense, but some ideas to include are as extravagant as some fluffy bath sheets, or some bath accessories, candles (scented or not, depending on the recipient). Wine and glasses, some quality chocolate are great to add as well. I love to soak in a hot bubble bath with a good book, so this type of thing I love! A good music CD would be nice, too!
And if you like to DIY, there are great options for homemade body scrubs, soaps and shampoos! I have some ideas for homemade products on this page, and check out the Body Scrubbers while you are there!
And, it doesn’t actually have to be basket, to be a ‘gift basket of happiness!’ For the fishermen out there, what about a nice tackle box with some new lures? How about adding some packs of jerkey and other snacks. I say fishermen, but my Granny would have loved that, I think. She loved to fish! She only used a Cane pole, but she could pull them in like a pro!
A beautiful hat box, or a beautiful bowl are some other ideas, depending, again, on who you are giving the gift basket to!
I have seen barbeque themed baskets for the avid grillers or backyard entertainers. These typically include accessories for the grill! But I don’t know a griller who doesn’t love to get new rubs or sauces to try! I found a small company that was founded with family barbeque sauce recipes that your chefs will love!!
Another option for your Kitchen Ninjas–a great stock pot or pressure cooker with some gourmet ingredients and oils, spices etcetera–there really are thousands of ideas that would work! Other kitchen accessories, hand towels, pot holders, even a gift certificate to a meal delivery service would be appreciated by someone who loves to cook but doesn’t have a lot of time! Here is more information on one I have used! Or include some ‘homemade soup mix’ in a mason jar.
And bakers love to get hand crafted flavorings. They are super easy to make! You can see how on my Crafting page! (Scroll down a bit on that page, there are several things there.) A jar of homemade vanilla extract, or almond extract, etcetera, is an awesome gift on its’ own-no basket required!! But if you are doing a baking themed basket, you could include a jar of ‘cookie dough mix’, kitchen towels, measuring cups or spoons, cookie cutters, and more! What goes great with a nice baked good? A nice hot cup of tea!! Check these out!
For this page I got some inspiration from Monique at http://1p83.com/diy-gift-baskets/ .
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