How to Make a Christmas Lover's Gift Basket

While Christmas is the favorite holiday of many people, there are a select few that get absolutely giddy this time of year. They start shopping while still wearing shorts and sandals, begin decorating the house before Thanksgiving and don't blink at the thought of hosting a dozen people for holiday dinner. Give that Christmas lover a unique and fun gift basket that will add even more joy to their most beloved time of year.

Be Creative When Choosing a Basket. A plain wicker basket is always a wonderful choice, but you can make it even more festive by spending a few minutes adding some decoration to it. Use a hot glue gun to affix small pine cones, bunches of berries and wooden cut outs of Santa, reindeer or holiday gifts. Your gift basket recipient can then use it at a later time for displaying holiday cards or as a table centerpiece. Instead of a basket, you can use a large Christmas stocking, a galvanized tub, red laundry basket or a dark green tote bag to hold your gifts. Have an idea of the number and size of gifts you want to include and choose your receptacle accordingly.

Choose a Fun Basket Filler. All gift basket items should be nestled on soft material. Cotton batting can be used to symbolize snow and keep the more breakable items safe. Red or green paper can be run through a shredder to make a festive basket filler. Holiday dish cloths or pot holder, or novelty Christmas socks can also be used and offer the recipient a few extra goodies as well.

Fill the Basket with Tons of Christmas Spirit. Every item in your basket should have the holiday theme. Strands of lights and tree ornaments should be included as well as DVDs of classic holiday films and Cd's of Christmas music. A box of seasonal cards and a book of stamps is also a great addition. Not only do these items can always be put to good use during the holidays, they will also save the gift recipient a bit of money as well. A pretty holiday mug filled with gourmet tea bags, coffee singles or hot chocolate will give your Christmas lover a nice treat to enjoy on a cold winter evening. A hat, scarf and glove set will keep your loved one warm while out cutting down their holiday tree. A holiday themed novel or book of poetry will offer your gift recipient a nice break from the holiday frenzy. Add as many items as space and your budget will allow.

Finish Off the Basket in Style. Once all your gifts are safely packed inside, add a little bit of panache to the final product. Wrap a wicker basket in colored cellophane and tie off with a festive ribbon. Use a glitter pen to write the recipient's name on the white cuff. Use a thick piece of wired ribbon to tie the loops of the tote bag handle together. Wrap jute twine around the galvanized tub and tuck tiny pine cones under it at even intervals. Give whatever receptacle you chose a bit of flair to make the gift presentation truly spectacular. Include a card wishing your loved one a very happy and healthy Christmas season.

Your Christmas loving friend or family member will surely treasure this gift and appreciate the thoughtfulness and creativity behind it.