How and Where to Choose Containers and Gifts for a Gift Basket

Are you still struggling to find the perfect gift for your boss, your friend at the office or your mother-in-law? Perhaps the answer isn't "a" gift but a gift basket! Whether for a birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, other holiday or special occasion a gift basket can combine a number of simple, easy to figure out gifts to create a big impression. While you might not know a lot about a person's interests you likely know at least a minor thing or two about them. Making themed gift baskets is a lot easier than you might think.

A Gift Basket Doesn't Need to Be in a Basket?

First off a gift basket need not be in a basket at all. It can be in just about any container or even no container at all. You can make a gift "basket" in a coffee mug, a tin, a magazine rack, a shower caddy, a popcorn bowl, a decorative bag, a laundry basket, a book, a flower pot - just about anything that can hold something else in or on it will do the job.

The Dollar Store, Really?

Don't dismiss these stores as sources for things to put into your gift "baskets." Remember, many things are made in China anyway whether you buy them at Wal-Mart, Target, Macy's, Big Lots, Dollar General or Dollar Tree. You may as well be kind to your budget and save some money while shopping for gift components. Dollar and discount stores are a great source for the basics like colorful cellophane bags in special occasion and holiday themes as well as packing materials like sizzle pack, paper shred, colored tissue, gift wrap and excelsior. Dollar stores can be a good place to buy ribbons, bows, gift tags and inexpensive ornaments as well. You can also find containers such as coffee mugs, popcorn bowls, flower pots, gift bags, Christmas stockings, decorative tins, laundry bags, inexpensive holiday themed platters and bowls, makeup bags, dish drainers, bathroom or kitchen caddies, or yes, even baskets. You can pick up scented candles, cleaning supplies, stationary, tools, art supplies, pot holders, cooking utensils, hot chocolate, office supplies, microwave popcorn, spices, candy, cookies, crackers and other snack foods there, too.

Adding a Touch of Class

You can tactically add a few classier items into your creation with a visit to a gourmet market, specialty liquor store, bookseller, restaurant, mall, Movie Theater, department store or even a hardware store. Some nice add ins you might pick up are gift cards to a favorite restaurant, fashion chain, video rental store, bookseller or cinema. A fine bottle of wine, a preferred liquor, fancy chocolate or other high end gourmet food can serve as a centerpiece for your gift. For those you know better you can choose an item of clothing, fragrance, tools, books, artwork or hobby item.

The Personal Touch

For something truly custom and special you can add a homemade delicacy like cake, cookies or fudge. You can add a craft-work you created with your own hands or you can add a handwritten love note or poem for that special someone.

How to Choose the Contents

You can't just choose a random assortment of "stuff" to go into your gift "basket" and expect it to do the job of a perfect gift. Without cohesion your gift might express your love and care but it isn't going to wow anyone.

Start with one or two key items you know the recipient will like. For instance, a gift "basket" for a reader might start with a Barnes & Nobles gift card. From there you can choose directly related items such as a book light, a bookmark, a pair of bookends and a book bag to serve as your "basket." To fill it out you can add in indirectly related items, things a person might use while reading a book. For a woman you might go with a bath pillow, a scented candle, bubble bath or other bath items as many women like to read in the tub. For a man you might add on a pair of slippers or perhaps a robe. For either gender some good indirectly related items might be a coffee mug with a few literary quotes on it, a magazine, a warm throw, hot cocoa or tea, or some nice bonbons.

Be creative, be personal, and have fun!