The Basics of Preparation and Gift-Giving

Gift Basket Ideas

Baby Basket ~ Spray paint a basket white and line it with a baby blanket or use a diaper bag. Fill with bibs, baby oil, baby lotion, baby powder, diaper ointment, a teething ring, burp cloths, wipes and a rattle.

Baker's Delight ~ Line a large mixing bowl with a dish towel. Add cookie mixes, hot chocolate mixes, brownie mix, muffin mix, a package of walnuts, measuring cups and pot holders.

Car ~ In a large bucket, place fuzzy dice, air freshener, wax, car wash, chamois, tire cleaner, a car trash bag, a key ring, ice melter for cars and an ice scraper.

Cat ~ In a cat litter box, place a catnip toy, cat food, a pooper scooper, a leash, a name tag and a little rubber mouse.

Chocolate Lover ~ In a basket, add Hot Chocolate Mix, brownie mix, chocolate peanut butter cookie mix, party mints, Mexican hot chocolate mix and a small package of marshmallows.

Coffee Lover ~ In a basket, include flavored coffee packets, cinnamon sticks dipped in chocolate -- wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon -- cookie mix or cookies, flavored powdered creamer and a coffee cup.

Cookie Delight ~ In a basket lined with tissue paper, add two cookie mixes in cellophane bags or jars tied with ribbons, Russian Tea (also in a cellophane bag or small jar tied with ribbon), cookie cutters, a teacup and two pot holders.

Dog ~ In a dog bowl, place a ball, old sock with a knot tied in it, dog bones, rawhides, a leash, a name tag and a brush. You might include a picture of a mailman with "the enemy" written on it.

Family Night ~ In a large bowl, add a puzzle or game, popcorn, candy bars, soda, hot chocolate mix and mugs.

Fisherman ~ In a tackle box or fish bowl put hooks, bait, line, hot chocolate or sodas, trail mix, gloves, fishing magazines and a fish pillow.

Fruit Basket ~ Line a basket with tissue paper. Add apples, oranges, hot chocolate mix, various teas and dried fruits (like figs or raisins). Sprinkle nuts on top of everything.

Football Fan ~ For teenage boys, brothers, fathers and brothers-in-law! Fill a large bowl purchased at the dollar store with candy bars, bags of microwave popcorn, sodas, chips, dips, a favorite football flag or hat and a calendar of game days.

Ice Cream Lover ~ Place tissue paper on the bottom of a basket. Add sundae dishes, an ice cream scoop, nuts, hot fudge sauce, butterscotch sauce, chocolate syrup, maraschino cherries and a gift certificate for ice cream.

Nail Polish Basket ~ In a pretty bucket or basket, add a variety of nail polish, plastic toe spreader, emery boards, nail clippers, polish remover, cotton balls, hand cream, cuticle cream and a nail buffer.

Relaxation Basket ~ Line a basket with a hand towel. Add a lavender candle, bath oil or bubble bath, bath salts, a favorite magazine or book, a poof and scented soap and a "Do Not Disturb" sign. (Make one out of a piece of cardboard.)

Soup Basket ~ In a basket, stock pot or bean crock add large soup mugs, seven-bean soup, cornbread mix, cookie mix and oyster crackers wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with a ribbon.