Making a Gift Basket in 5 Easy Steps

Gift baskets are my favorite way to give gifts. They are a fun and versatile gift for just about any occasion. They are only limited by your imagination. They are perfect for baby and wedding showers, housewarming gifts, birthdays, Christmas, Easter - you name it. It can be classy or funky, sentimental or whimsical. Best of all, anyone can make one.

Here's what you'll need:

Basket (or other appropriate container)
Filler
Various small gifts (depending on the theme of your basket)
Small accessories
Cellophane wrap (found in with wrapping paper or in craft stores), or other wrapping materials
Ribbon and Bows
Gift tag

Here's a few easy steps to completing a gift basket.

1. Find your container. Have fun with this. Don't let your options be limited to a basket. I've use casserole dishes, metal buckets, bath tubs for babies, just to name a few. Whatever you decide to use, be sure that it's not so big that your basket is too heavy to carry.

2. Next, you need a base for the inside of the basket. Fill the bottom of the basket with your filler. Shredded paper is a good choice. It is inexpensive and comes in several different colors. Other options might be (but definitely not limited to) tissue paper, Easter grass, soft, or cotton batting covered with some beautiful material.

To make your decorative fillers go further, you can place a block of styrofoam, packing peanuts or other light material to take up some space. Just be sure that your basket is filled about 1/2-3/4 full.

3. Then comes the fun part. Get all of your small gifts together. Your tallest items need to be toward the back of the basket in the center. Make sure they nestle firmly into your filler, since they will be the support and back drop of your arrangement. In front of your tall items, I usually have one item that serves as a centerpiece. Arrange your remaining items around your center so that is visually pleasing to you. The best part is that there really is no right or wrong way to do this.

Your gifts don't have to cost a fortune either. If you put a little thought and effort into it, you can find lots of great items that add a personal touch. Think of the person you are giving it to, and tailor your items toward them.

4. Accessorize. This is an optional step, but it can add a lot of character to your basket. Depending on your theme, find some small, decorative items that accentuate. Use your imagination. You can use almost anything, really. Only one thing to remember about this - less is more. Don't go too overboard or your basket may look cluttered. A few good accent pieces are plenty.

5. Wrap it up. I use cellophane most of the time, but you can use lots of materials. Tulle, organza, or other sheer fabrics are also good choices. Lay out your cellophane and place your basket in the center. Pick up the ends and pull them up to the top of the basket. Be sure that they are even. Adjust if needed. Then, gather and tie it up with ribbon at the top. Attach your bow and gift tag and you've got a professional looking gift basket.