Creative Mother's Day Gift Baskets

There's a beautiful, large gift basket at the store that costs $40.00. It would be nice for Mom but peek beneath the pretty wrappings to find there is very little that she would actually use or enjoy. No worry, you can create your own personalized gift basket or container for a Mother's Day Gift.

First think of a theme. What is a specialty with your Mother's Day lady? Is she a gardener, crafter, baker, stay at home, sports active, game playing, movie or television fan, on and on. Is there something she loved to do and has set it aside as she put family first? Does she just simply need a BREAK. Take out a piece of paper and write down your theme. Think of some goodies that your Mom would like that fits this theme. Write these on your list.

Next pick a container, gift basket is a title. There are wonderful baskets out there but you can also use a container that matches your theme. Here are some ideas for containers, themes and possible items to add in.

Magazine Is there a magazine your lady would enjoy? For example, does she watch birds? Birds and Blooms or a National Audubon Society magazine would be nice. There are many themes to be found in the magazine aisle. A basket or nice magazine holder from super discount, dollar or office store would be your container. Wrap in plastic wrap with a tied ribbon and 'bird' from the craft store. Taste of Home or other cooking magazines can be wrapped the same with a tiny whisk in the ribbons. If she is a puzzler buy a few puzzle magazines. Wrap with plastic wrap and decorate with ribbon and pencils tied in.

Gardener Fill a plant watering container with a garden trowel, shears, gardening magazine, SPF lotion, gloves and a cute protective hat. Wrap in plastic wrap and tie up with a pretty piece of ribbon with a stem of silk flowers. In another direction your container could be a set of little pots for a window 'garden' for herbs
Reader The container can be a flat basket or lap desk with a couple paperbacks from her favorite author or gift certificate tucked in from the bookstore she loves. Wrap in newsprint and top with a couple of bookmarks and curly ribbon.

Older mom on budget Groceries Are there things your Mom or Grandmother won't buy for themselves at the grocer? Set a price and pick up several treats like a can of crab meat, specialty tea, coffee, crackers, soups, cheese etc. Add in a couple of the cloth bags to support Green shopping too. You can use a basket or a shopping tote for the container. The bags are about $1.00 at several stores at this time.
Entertainer Is the focus of your Mother's Day Gift Basket the woman who everyone goes home to? How about filling a beautiful serving bowl with mixed treats from the store, bakery or specialty shop? Wrap in plastic wrap and decorate with pretty kitchen towels or potholders.

She needs a BREAK. Have fun filling a pretty basket with a candle, chamomile or flavored tea, coffee, a china cup and saucer, bath oils etc. How about baking an over-sized cookie, carefully 'break it in pieces' by piping chocolate icing in a broken zig zag pattern all over it. Pipe with white piping "Need a Break?" Make her out a certificate for 2 to 3 hours of alone time. If she has children offer to take them for pizza or a visit to a playground. Every mother needs some time to herself for relaxation and rejuvenation. Wrap basket in nylon tulle or cellophane wrap. Tie with gold curly ribbon for a royal time to herself.

Use your imagination to make up a wonderful gift basket for the woman you want to recognize for Mother's Day. You can do it!