Learn How to Create Your Own Gift Basket

Gift baskets are, as the name implies, baskets that contain more than one gift. These baskets may contain items that are themed for the season or for a particular recipient. For instance, an “Easter” gift basket may be shaped like the basket the Easter bunny brings along, and it might contain easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, and other sweets for the season.

These baskets come in different sizes and shapes – the combinations of gift items, baskets, and decorations are endless. Choosing the perfect basket of gifts can be a challenge in itself, but it's definitely easier than having to scour the entire mall for a collection of gift ideas that will only leave you stressed out at the end of the day.

Where to find them:

It's easy to find such baskets when you go looking for them. Supermarkets and grocery stores often have entire sections devoted to bundled food items, which can make great year-round presents. These food baskets often come at a discount, too, so it's definitely worth considering. Other baskets contain beauty items (for a die-hard fashionista, maybe?) or a collection of baby items (something new parents would appreciate).

During most holidays, shops often devote a few shelves for their gift basket lineups. Holidays are great times to hold discount sales, as buyers are sure to come looking for presents to buy. Offering baskets full of a shop's products is one way of offering their goods at lowered prices. Even bookshops do this often – giving the entire lineup of Harry Potter books can enchant a young reader for months. If she's a little older, thrill her with all four Twilight books.

There are also shops that offer gift baskets as their main product line, and these baskets often come in a dazzling variety. It wouldn't be difficult to find something your recipient would like (in addition to some you'd like for yourself, too!). For the most unforgiving shoppers, most of these gift basket shops also offer to customize or put a basket of presents together. Just let them know what the recipient is like and what you have in mind to give them, and they'll do the rest.

Customizing your basket:

Every person will appreciate certain presents more than others, but you'll be surprised at how even the simplest things can make people smile. For instance, someone who likes computers can be a difficult person to buy a gift for, but they'll appreciate a basket full of computer supplies. A book, some monitor wipes, a small storage drive, and maybe a motivational poster to hang behind the work desk can be a thoughtful gift for any mouse potato.

Many of the better gift shops out there can customize your basket for you. You can give them your instructions, such as which items, basket, wrappings and dedication to use, or you can ask them for suggestions. Customizing your basket may require a few extra dollars, but the value of a well-thought and well-prepared gift is so much more. A customized basket can have an appeal that generic and run-of-the-mill baskets will never have.

Of course, if you have the time and talent, you can create your own gift basket from scratch. All you need is a few gift ideas, a good basket, and some appropriate wrappings, ribbons, and/or dedication cards. You can even think outside the box, so to speak, and come up with your own innovative design for your basket. Your recipient would be thrilled.

What makes a great basket:

Of course, making your own gift basket takes quite a bit of skill and planning. You can't just throw in a few unrelated gifts into a basket and expect it to make a big impact – the gift items should convey a message. The items should match each other in terms of use – for instance, if you're giving something for a coffee lover, you might want to combine a shiny new mug, a coffee table book, and a bag of Starbucks' best beans.

While secondary to the gift items, the presentation can also make your gift basket more meaningful and memorable. It's easy to find a good basket or any other standard container, but one that's created with your own hands will be more appreciated. How you wrap your basket will also give a sense of anticipation – a cleverly-wrapped gift basket will leave your recipient guessing what's inside.

It'll also help to write a good dedication. A simple card has enough writing space to write a short message in. Remember that your recipient will read your dedication first – maybe even out loud – before opening your gift basket, so make sure that you take the time to write a heartfelt message. You can also use your message to give clues as to what's inside the basket, making the gift even more memorable.

It doesn't take much to make people smile:

People also aren't aware of how a basket full of office supplies – that's right, office supplies – can make a young professional's face light up. This is especially helpful for people who are starting their own small business. More and more people are working at home these days, since it's becoming a more commercially viable venture than commuting to a job they don't know they'll hold for long. Giving them a present of notepads, pens, planners, rolodexes, and business card holders can give them the jump-start they need to finally get their business going.

Startup entrepreneurs may also appreciate books that can point them in the right direction when it comes to starting their own businesses. You can give them a basket of business-related books, like the ones written by Robert Kiyosaki and Stephen Covey – very powerful gifts that your recipient can love for the rest of their lives. These are gifts they'll keep in the bookshelf behind their desks when they've reached the top of the heap.

Know someone who's learning how to bake? Give them cookbooks, aprons, mittens, and baking utensils. Show them that you support their own endeavors, and they'll appreciate your gift even more. You should get ideas for gift basket combinations wherever you look. As mentioned before, the possibilities are endless. Personalizing and customizing your own gift basket will make it even more meaningful.