Top 10 Gift Ideas Under $25

I think the best gift that can be given is a gift from the heart. Sometimes it is hard to find such a gift mass manufactured. The first thing I do is make a list of all the people I will be giving a gift to. Then, I sit for a bit thinking of them and things they like or like to do. After I am satisfied with my notes and information I have accumulated. I go to the Dollar Tree, yes I said it, the Dollar Tree. I buy the basic essentials which consist of:

• Baskets
• Colorful shredded paper (their favorite color if I know it)
• Cards
• Bows and Ribbons
• Either shrink wrap or regular basket wrap

I choose the Dollar Tree for these items because everything is just that a dollar. So far, we have spent five dollars per person. Then I go to my list and pick a person. Here's an example of how I gather what goes in the basket.

My brother is a huge movie buff, so I use a little imagination and creativity. I know he likes movies, and I definitely know he loves the candy at the theatre, so that's my starting point. I know he is very busy and doesn't have time to go to the movie theatre, so I use that to my advantage and look for new releases on DVD. There are endless stores to buy the DVD movies examples are Wal-Mart, Sam's, Best Buy, Target, or even on-line if you can wait for the delivery.

Next, on my list I go find theatre candy either at the theatre or Sam's (which by the way has really good candy choices). After I have gathered all the ingredients if you will, I go home to assemble them.

The movie basket is just one idea; there are endless types of baskets you could make. A few other examples would be:

• Romantic Basket for a spouse could be a wine and lingerie
• Baby Basket a member of your family has a baby
• Garden Basket (my uncle loves to garden so I bought him about 10 or so different packs of seeds he could plant, as well as a few basic garden tools)
• Aromatherapy Basket
• Candle Basket
• Music Basket nowadays everyone is on the go, make a music CD for someone to add to their mp3 player, that always goes over well
• Bath Baskets (now these are fun, any woman would love to receive this type of basket
• Tool Basket everyone has men in their family, lets not leave them out
• Book Baskets are also a big hit for avid readers

Who says baskets are only for Easter. I think they are more personal being that it is supposed to be the thought that counts. There are endless things you can put in them or do with them, so don't be afraid to use your imagination.