Gift baskets have grown in popularity in recent years mainly because their versitility makes them a perfect gift. They can be practical, luxurious or delicious depending on the recipient you have in mind. You can of course choose from a huge selection of ready made ift baskets OR you could make your own gift basket. Have some fun and save some money!
When thinking of making a gift basket the first most important thing you should consider is the basket or container itself. You want it to be unique but it also should accommodate the number, size and shape of items to be placed in it adequately. If a gift basket is going to have the WOW factor it should appear to be brimming over with gifts and goodies.
When you make your own gift basket try to find a container that goes hand in hand with the theme. It may be the colour for example a pink basket or container for a gift for a baby girl. The contents can also be baby pink and white with everything from clothing and baby toiletries to the mandatory pink cuddly toy. You may decide on a color purely because it is a particular favourite of the recipients and build your gift sket round this.
Hobbies are another great theme to pick up on when making your own gift basket and if you use your imagination you can come up with some really great ideas for containers to use. For someone who loves cooking and kitchen gadgets something like a large mixing bowl, a shiny large colander or a color coordinated serving dish would make an awesome container a gift basket. The occasions which a gift like this can be given are numerous too! It could be a wedding gift, a house warming gift, a going to college gift – make the contents practical with maybe a couple of treats like a bottle of champagne for the bride and groom or a few bottles of beer for the new student and it is sure to go down well.
For a keen gardener you could perhaps choose a decorative pale or planter maybe even a watering can. This gives the recipient a useful item for planting or looking after their plants long after the contents have been removed. Similar things can be done for golf, fishing, even needle work or knitting – a lovely basket to keep threads and other items in would be most definitely appreciated.
Children too love to receive a whole load of goodies in a container which they can later play with – how many times have they received a gift then played with the box? Here you can really have fun! You could fill the back of a dumper truck with goodies or a small dolls pram or cradle. It will keep them busy for hours!
If you would like to try to make your own gift baskets for corporate functions or as a means of showing your appreciation during the holiday season you could present business associates with gift baskets they will remember! Try using a container connected to the business – for example an organizer of some type which could later be used in their office.
The choice of containers is vast. Even if you decide to use a basket it doesn’t have to be dull. Do you want something wicker, rattan, chrome or even wire. Do you want one with handles or without? You can also use trays made of the same materials as the baskets which have sides and handles.It is most important that you constantly keep in mind the type of items you want to place in the container and purchase one which is suitable.By this I mean is the basket strong enough? Do you require one with a handle which will support heavy items such as bottles of wine?
If you have decided to make your own gift basket because you are on a tight budget you should still be able to get a suitable container. Reuse an old wicker basket – spruce it up by swirling it around in some soapy warm water and allow it to dry thoroughly. You could visit your local fruit market or shop, some fruits tend to be shipped in oval shaped baskets which have metal handles. If you are lucky the trader may let you have one free of charge! Of course you could recycle other containers. A large popcorn bucket makes a brilliant container for a gift basket to give to a movie buff.
Before you begin thinking of filling your gift basket there is one other thing you will need – some kind of filler. This need not be expensive. To fill the bottom of a deep container scrunched up paper or oasis(used in flower arranging) is ideal and will help to hold your gift items in place. The second type of filler you will need is used to add decoration to your basket. Again the choice is enormous. You could use something simple such as shredded colored paper or straw. However to give your basket a more luxurious look and to fit in with the theme you may want to choose something like silk flowers, small clean sea shells, colorful, wrapped sweets. Small amounts of these items can be placed between the gifts in the basket once you are happy with your arrangement.
If you would rather have a basket which is put together for you visit Design It Yourself Gift Baskets where you can choose the contents and container for your gift basket from our large selection and let the professionals do the rest!
