| Gift baskets have become very popular gifts. They | | | | baskets or for anyone who loves popcorn. This is a |
| can be practical as well as delicious and beautiful. And, | | | | great gift idea for teenagers or students going off to |
| you can make them yourself and save some money. | | | | college. A pizza pan is another nice container for |
| Selecting the best unique containers is a good place | | | | younger people; simply place a kitchen towel on the |
| to begin when planning to make gift baskets. Choose | | | | pan and place pizza making ingredients on the towel; |
| a container that is suitable for the number and type | | | | wrap it in cello paper or other heavy gift wrap tied |
| of items you plan on placing in the container. Keep in | | | | with lots of curly ribbon. |
| mind that the ideal gift basket appears to be | | | | And then there are baskets: wicker, chrome, wire, |
| overflowing with gift items and other goodies. | | | | and rattan. Some have no handles, others have two |
| Get your creative juices flowing and choose a | | | | small handles, and some have one large handle |
| container that fits with your theme or the special | | | | centered above the basket (which can be stationary |
| occasion the gift basket is intended for. You may | | | | or moveable). Trays made of wicker with sides and |
| also want to use all one color such as the recipient's | | | | handles at each end are yet another option. Think |
| favorite color. Or, if you are making a spa gift basket | | | | about how you will place the items and then choose |
| all one fragrance. For example; use a lavender or | | | | the empty basket that best suits your needs and |
| white container for a gift basket full of lavender | | | | your budget. |
| soaps, candles, and other personal items. | | | | If you have a limited budget, refresh a nearly-new |
| Pails, tubs, and basins work well for themes such as | | | | wicker basket by swishing it in warm, soapy water; |
| barbecue, fishing, sports, or for a housewarming gift | | | | then rinse and allow to thoroughly dry. Another frugal |
| basket. These containers are rugged and the larger | | | | idea is to keep your eyes open for wooden slat-type |
| sizes can hold several cans or bottles of beer, soda, | | | | of crates. Some fruits, such as grapes, are shipped in |
| or other beverages. Later on, the recipient can use | | | | wooden slat oval baskets with a wire handle; you |
| these unbreakable containers to chill beverages. | | | | might get one at no charge from a person who |
| A planter, decorative pail, watering can, or a miniature | | | | handles fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| wagon would each make a great container for a | | | | Let's talk a little about filler products as they go |
| gardener or anyone who enjoys plants. This could be | | | | hand-in-hand with containers. There are two functions |
| as a birthday gift, hostess gift, get well gift, as well | | | | for fillers. One is inexpensive (floral foam or crumpled |
| as for any holiday or other special occasion. Great | | | | paper) and is used as a base to hold your gift items |
| idea for grandparents who share the enjoyment of | | | | in place. This is necessary when your container is |
| gardening. | | | | deep and your gift items will not be visible. The other |
| Sand pails, dump trucks, lunch boxes, toy wagons, or | | | | filler will give your gift basket a decorate look. |
| small doll furniture pieces (cribs, carriages, strollers, | | | | Purchased shred, straw, peanuts or mixed nuts in the |
| etc.) are all suitable containers for young children. | | | | shell, small silk flowers, and colorful wrapped candy |
| Serving bowls, mixing bowls, colanders, casserole | | | | are all good choices. Simply place small amounts |
| dishes, bundt cake pans, and similar items are | | | | between the items in your finished gift baskets. |
| wonderful containers for food gift baskets such as | | | | TIPS: |
| pasta, baking, and other cooking themes. These gift | | | | If you plan to include heavy items, make sure the |
| baskets make nice gifts for bridal showers, | | | | container has a sturdy bottom. |
| anniversaries, weddings, holidays, and many other | | | | Use a paper shredder to make your own decorative |
| special occasions. | | | | filler materials by shredding brown paper, bags, old |
| For business related gift baskets a letter tray or | | | | maps, sheet music, comics, etc. |
| other organizer would be useful containers. It's nice | | | | Choose a container with a handle when including a |
| to use shredded pages of the business section for | | | | bottle of wine or other beverage. Anchor the bottle |
| filler materials to hold the gift items in place. | | | | by attaching twine, ribbon, or raffia to neck of the |
| Popcorn containers work well for movie theme gift | | | | bottle and also to the basket handle. |