Theme Gift Baskets
by: Gary Johnson
For most everyone, gift-giving can be quite a
daunting experience. We would like to find that one
perfect gift, but what do you get for that
hard-to-buy-for person or special occasion?
Gift Baskets are so versatile that they can be used
for any occasion and are sure to please everyone on your
list.
Making gift baskets is an excellent way to provide
personalized gifts for friends and family. They can be
fun to make and receive.
Deciding the theme of the basket is typically the
hard part. It's easiest to focus on hobbies and favorite
interests, although food can also be the focus of the
basket.
Are you looking for a gift for a gardener, a new car
owner, a college student, baby or new Mother? Gift
baskets are an answer to your gift-giving prayers.
What kinds of items should you included in a gift
basket? The sky's the limit, along with your budget. To
provide a smile to a gardener's face, include gloves,
tools, seed packets, terra cotta pots or hat.
You might even include a coffee mug decorated with
flowers and herbal tea to enjoy after working in the
garden. You can put the items for this gift in a garden
basket or even in a big straw hat.
Getting a new car is an exciting event, especially
for the first-time buyer. Help them celebrate the
purchase with a gift of air freshener, car wash,
chamois, tire cleaner and an ice scraper? Add a visor
organizer and a silly item like a pair of fuzzy dice or
a Squirrel tail for their antenna, put it all in a wash
bucket and your new car owner is set for the road.
Sending a friend or family member off to college? Put
together a "care package" gift basket. You can include a
box of homemade cookies, a mug, hot chocolate mix and
microwave popcorn and other snacks for those late-night
study sessions. A framed family picture, compact disc
and a phone card will help ease any signs of
homesickness. Throw in a roll of quarters for laundry
and put it all in a laundry basket.
As you are able to see, ideas for creating gift
baskets are virtually unlimited.
When you have chosen all the gifts for your basket,
it's time for the assembly. Select a container which
will hold your gifts. The container itself doesn't have
to be expensive but, should fit the theme of the gift,
if possible.
If you cannot think of a special container, a laundry
basket would serve a dual purpose. Some other items you
will need for the basket are packing paper, shredded
colored paper, floral picks or even greenery, 24"-30"
clear cellophane, and curling ribbon.
You want the gifts in the basket to be visible, so
you'll need to fill the bottom of the basket with wadded
packing paper. Push the paper firmly in place, leaving
the top forth of the basket exposed.
Add shredded paper to the top of the basket. Shredded
paper is available in many colors and styles at
virtually all craft stores, however if you have access
to a paper shredder you can make your own.
Place the taller items in back, forming a "wall".
Lean the medium-sized items against this wall, and place
smaller gifts along the front rim of the basket. You can
add floral picks or greenery to fill in any empty
spaces, to enhance the overall look of the basket.
Wrap the basket with cellophane. Gather the
cellophane on the front and back of the basket,
overlapping the sides towards the back.
Use a piece of ribbon to tie the cellophane securely.
Tape the sides of the cellophane down. To finish the
basket add a couple more lengths of ribbon, curling the
ends, and attach a card.
About The Author
Gary Johnson is owner and Webmaster of Gift Baskets Center
http://www.gift-baskets-center.info/ offering
the latest information and sources on Gift Baskets.
Permission is granted to use this article on your
site. The author's byline must be included and all
links must be hyperlinked. |
|