| You don't have to be a gift basket designer to | | | | newspaper or tissue paper and put it in the container. |
| create a nice gift for someone special. If you have a | | | | Top with shredded paper of your desired color. Place |
| little extra time to do some shopping and some | | | | your items in the container as described above, so |
| downtime at home to do the creating, personalized | | | | they are all visible at the top of the container. Don't |
| gift baskets are a wonderful way of expressing | | | | be afraid to use some tape or glue dots to hold |
| yourself to someone special for any occasion.There | | | | things in place. Many professionals use floral foam on |
| are many benefits to creating your own, personalized | | | | the bottom and skewer the items into place with |
| gift. One being, you can select the perfect products | | | | wooden sticks, although this is not necessary.Wrap |
| for your basket and even include personalized items, | | | | your basket with cello wrap or use cello basket bags |
| such as a framed picture. I've even had clients give | | | | and tie off with a nice ribbon and bow. Most craft |
| me hand knit items they made to include in custom | | | | stores carry cello wrap and bags, the latter being |
| gift baskets.The key to creating a pleasing gift | | | | much simpler to use. Add a personalized card by |
| basket is to find one focus item and place it in the | | | | hole-punching the corner and tie on with the ribbon. |
| center of the basket. If you are looking for a | | | | You're all set!Creating a gift basket definitely takes |
| professional look, find several items that somewhat | | | | time, patience and creativity. Many gift basket |
| match in color and theme and place them around the | | | | professionals charge anywhere from $10 - $40 per |
| main item. Go for a balanced look, with items on | | | | hour to create custom gift baskets! In the interest of |
| either side, in front and/or behind the main | | | | saving money, try it yourself. If your interest lies in |
| product.Adding embelishments is a fun way to dress | | | | saving time or you need the gift shipped, you may |
| up the gift basket. Many craft and discount stores | | | | opt to buy a unique and affordable basket from the |
| have plastic flowers, fruits, and many other items | | | | gift basket professionals.Elizabeth Smith is the owner |
| that you can easily add to your baskets to make | | | | of Crafty Gift Creations, a gift basket business with |
| them look nice.Now that you have the basics of | | | | a variety of gifts for all occasions. Sign up for her |
| what to put in the basket, here's a simple and | | | | newsletter to receive gift giving tips and ideas. Visit |
| inexpensive way to put it all together. Find a nice gift | | | | her blog Topics, Tips & Tangents for some fun and |
| basket, or any "container" type of item, such as a | | | | interesting reading. |
| flower pot, colander or gift box. Bunch up some | | | | |