Make the Perfect Gift with Ease!
When you need to find a gift for that 'impossible to buy for' someone, a handmade gift basket is a creative and thoughtful way to give. With a few hand-picked items, you can please anyone: the person who has everything; the new girlfriend or boyfriend; or a loved one who just doesn't have any specific hobbies or tastes.
Gift baskets are fun to make, and a pleasure to receive. It's like getting ten presents instead of one!
Anyone can create interesting and delightful gift baskets on any budget. Read on to learn how to create a gift basket, selecting items, arranging your gift items, as well as some tips for wrapping and decorating your baskets. If you're not sure what to buy, learn to create a gift collage, with many examples of themed gift baskets for any occasion, including some great gifts for the Christmas season.
Choosing a Basket
Here are some examples of great baskets for gifts:
Picnic Basket
These are great for food themed gifts, and can hold a lot. There's enough room for a bottle of wine and a designer table cloth to make the basket extra special.
You don't have to purchase expensive gourmet foods like caviar to make a great food basket. A thoughtful selection of snacks and treats is the perfect gift for a Boxing Day or New Year's Day luncheon.
Dinner Roll Basket
Long baskets for holding baguettes and other breads are nice for small items and home décor themed gifts. Line it with designer kitchen towels instead of tissue paper for that extra special touch.
Bread baskets make great gifts for anyone who loves to bake or entertain at home. Gourmet spices and grains are a great gift idea, or a nice olive oil and vinegar set.
Wicker Serving Tray
You can find these at kitchen supply stores in different sizes and styles. These extra wide baskets are great for large packages or heavy items.
They're also great for a breakfast in bed themed gift. Fill one with jams, cloth napkins, gourmet coffee and a great book!
Vanity Basket
A useful basket for a house warming gift. Fill it with home decor items like towels and candles.
If you're buying for someone who's just moving out for the first time, include some essentials such as dish soap, wooden spoons, salt and pepper shakers, or a cookbook!
Fillable Baskets for Everyone
To learn more about the basket you like, simply click on the picture.
Banana Leaf Picnic Basket
Perfect for a wine and cheese selection. Add crackers, sausage and maybe some caviar, and your gift is complete!
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 01/09/2009) 
Pfaltzgraff Napoli Bread Basket with Warmer
A great gift for a young lady. Fill it with candles, teas and exotic beauty creams!
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
Woven Rattan Rectangle Basket with White Ceramic Casserole Liner 13"L x 7"W x 3"H
If you know someone who loves to bake, fill this basket with kitchen linens and a new cookie recipe book.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/09/2009)
Bamboo Waste Basket by Whitney Design
Decorative and functional, this basket makes a great housewarming gift for someone stylish.
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
Amerock C54013-MB-26 Wire Organizer Mesh Basket, Chrome
Treat a work-at-home parent to some designer stationery and goodies in this unique basket.
Amazon Price: $24.43 (as of 01/09/2009)
Putting Your Basket Together
The size and shape of all the items will determine what works best for each project.
Here are some tips to help you make beautiful gift arrangements:
Lining
Use 2 or more sheets of colored tissue paper to line the bottom of the basket. Place additional sheets of paper over the mouth of the basket, then press down and 'fluff' the edges to create a leafy appearance.
You can also use a stuffing material such as shredded paper or Easter grass. A great way to make your basket eco-friendly is to make your own grass stuffing with left over wrapping paper.
If you prefer a more eco-friendly basket, use a cloth item that fits the theme of your basket, such as a bath towel, table cloth or even T-shirts. Fold the items neatly to line the bottom, or place one over the mouth of the basket and press it down into the edges before adding gifts.
Contents
Place the largest items in the basket first, and place tall items towards the back. Taper packages or objects so that the highest point is at the back-center of the basket. Fit smaller items around your design, or sprinkle them on top. Make sure that everything will stay secure in the basket without spilling.
You can use tape to fix smaller items around packages and gifts, or place loose items together in boxes or bags. You can even create your own custom gift boxes from Christmas cards.
Wrapping
You can wrap the basket in foil cellophane to keep the contents a surprise, or simply dress up the basket with a bit of ribbon to reduce packaging.
If the basket is small, fit it into a reusable gift bag and seal it with a bit of tape. Don't forget to attach a card or tag with warm sentiments. You can make your own gift tags with printed paper.
Make It Beautiful
Pacon Spectra(R) Assorted Color Tissue Pack, 12" x 18", 25 Colors, Pack Of 100 Sheets
Use tissue for colorful stuffing. It will help keep gifts from moving around inside the basket.
Amazon Price: $4.98 (as of 01/09/2009)
2" Metallic Star Bows
If you'd rather not wrap the entire basket, a few decorative bows can help make it more festive.
Amazon Price: $13.38 (as of 01/09/2009)
Glitter Organza 1.5" Ribbon 10 yards, White w/ Silver Glitter
Attach a ribbon to the basket handle for a personal touch.
Amazon Price: $5.49 (as of 01/09/2009)
Cavallini Glitter Holiday Birds Die Cut Gift Tags in Keepsake Tin ~ 36 count (6 designs)
Don't forget to sign a card and address it to the person who will be enjoying your hand-picked gifts.
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
Choosing the Contents of Your Basket
For example, a jams and jellies basket wouldn't be a big hit with someone who doesn't enjoy long, sit-down breakfasts. However, if they enjoy puzzles and games, a basket full of crossword magazines, pens and bookmarks will be a joy.
For new family members, friends of friends, or others that you are still getting to know, you can use a generic theme like bath products or gourmet foods. Putting together your own selection of gifts is a thoughtful gesture to open up a new friendship.
Gift Basket Themes
Each person on your list will have different tastes and styles that will help you to decide what their perfect gift basket will be.
To help get you started, here is a list of possible themes and a few gift ideas that you can add your personal touch to:
Basket Themes
Christmas Goodies Basket
Butter mint candies
These smooth and delicious candy drops are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.
Place an entire box in your gift basket, or buy them in bulk and wrap them in decorative bags.
Christmas Cookies
Either decorated or fresh from a gourmet bakery, everyone loves a festive cookie or pastry man.
Even if you're not a master baker, you can create four delicous and beautiful styles of Christmas cookies from one simple recipe. Visit Easy Christmas Cookies for ideas. And for some great gingerbread recipes that anyone can make visit Gingerbread
Hot Chocolate
Some delicious instant cocoa is great for cold winter nights.
Place a few packets into a mug, or make your own mix and seal it in a jar with marshmallows.
Shortbread
Pick some up from your favorite bakery, or buy a packet from the cookie aisle of your grocery.
You can also prepare your own shortbread from scratch for an extra special touch.
Desert Wine
A small bottle of ice wine is a great compliment to chocolate treats.
Frosty and Friends! Christmas Holiday Gourmet Food Gift Basket
A great example of how you can create a memorable holiday gift basket with just a few festive embellishments.
Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
Pirate Fan Basket
- Jolly Rogers
Anything and everything with a skull and crossbones on it will be sure to please a pirate lover. - Booty
Pirates love gold and jewels. A decorative home decor item that would look at home in a treasure chest will please any sea dog. - Pirate Lore
There are hundreds of books available about the history of sea pirates. Make sure to pick something with plenty of great pictures. - Model Ships
Building a tiny ship will keep a pirate enthusiast busy for hours. Search for these at game and comic shops.
Pirate Booty
Arrrr!
The Pirate Primer: Mastering the Language of Swashbucklers & Rogues
This English-to-Pirate dictionary is perfect for anyone who loves to roleplay.
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 01/09/2009)
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
The film that inspired many a pirate-lover!
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
Pirates Tattoos (Temporary Tattoos)
A great stocking stuffer for kids of all ages.
Amazon Price: $1.50 (as of 01/09/2009)
Pirateology: 2009 Wall Calendar
One of the most popular coffee table books of the decade is now a fantastic calendar.
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 01/09/2009)
Pirate Treasure Chest Full of Gold (Chocolate Coins)!
Delicious and decorative!
Amazon Price: $9.90 (as of 01/09/2009)
Home Office Basket
- Paper Clips
There are dozens of varieties of clips and clamps for organizing papers. From plain and functional, to wacky novelty items, they're sure to be a useful item. - Sticky Notes
No home office would be complete without a deck of notepaper. Some are even decorative. Try to purchase note pads made from recycled paper. - Pens
Whether you grab a box of Bics, or go for a set of quills, new pens are always a delight for writers and jotters. - Framed Photo
Ask a friend of family member for a sentimental photo, and pop it into a decorative frame for the desktop. - Desk Calendar
One of the best things to ever happen to the office is the Page-a-Day calendar. There are hundreds of styles and themes to choose from!
For The Chocolate Lover
- Belgian Seashell Chocolates
These are the Cadillac of chocolate. Look for them in gourmet shops and delis, or in the imported foods section at your grocery store. - Instant Cocoa Mix
The fancier the better! Put it inside a new mug to be enjoyed right away. - Gourmet Cookies
Anything chocolatey or chocolate covered will do. Pick your favorite, or ask for a recommendation from the staff where you shop. - Marshmallow Topping
For a bit of variety, this sweet treat is great for dipping cookies in or adding to chocolate ice cream!
Delicious Chocolate Novelties
Silver Milk Chocolate Coins, 1 lb. bag, 91 coins
Foil wrapped candies like these make a nice decoration for any gift basket.
Amazon Price: $12.00 (as of 01/09/2009)
Ritter Sport Peppermint Chocolate 100g
Imported and gourment chocolate doesn't cost much more than your regular fare, but adds a lot of luxury to your gift.
Amazon Price: $2.59 (as of 01/09/2009)
Robert Rothschild Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeye Dip
A true chocolate lover will enjoy trying out a new taste sensation in the kitchen.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/09/2009)
Chocolate Whipstick Lip Balm by LUSH
For a chocolate treat without the calories, flavored lip gloss does the trick any time of day.
Amazon Price: $8.75 (as of 01/09/2009)
Arranging Chocolates
These ideas are also great for other small gifts and foods for any style of gift basket that you would like to make.
For The Coffee Lover
- Gourmet Coffees
Whether it's special roast or flavored, buy vacuum sealed packets that will fit in your chosen basket. Choose your favorite brand, or something with decorative packaging. - Sugar Sticks
Specialty food shops or candy stores will sell swizzle sticks coated with sugar crystals. These are a nice novelty addition to any hot drink theme. - Vanilla and Mint Syrup
A delicous way to flavor any coffee to everyone's tastes. Smaller bottles will fit will into any arrangement. Add designer stirring spoons, too! - Nutmeg
A delicous topping for coffee, cocoa and other hot drinks. Include a bottle of dried ground nutmeg, or fresh nutmeg and a handheld grater. - Designer Mugs
A pair of matching mugs can hold chocolates, candy or biscotti to round out any drink themed basket.
Espresso Yourself Coffee Lovers Gift Basket
Get creative with your wrapping, like this burlap coffee bag gift basket!
Amazon Price: $34.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
For a New or Expecting Mom
- Chamomile and Green Teas
Relaxation and energy in a cup, teas are delicious and soothing for stressed out ladies. Buy your favorite brand, or choose one with decorative packaging. - Citrus Shampoo
New moms do a lot of showering on the go, so an exotic, energizing shampoo will help make the most of the short time they have to recharge. - Eye Mask
Another great stress reliever that's easy to use, and is safe for moms and babies. - Comfy T-Shirt
A funny or sentimental garment that can survive lots of trips to the washing machine will be a welcome addition to her wardrobe. - Foot Cream
Include a coupon for one free foot rub!
Quality Indulgences for Moms
Nature's Gate Mandarin Orange + Patchouli High-Shine Shampoo 12 oz
An envigorating shampoo that's better for the environment, and safer for families.
Amazon Price: $5.62 (as of 01/09/2009)
Cucumber Eye Care Kit
An eye mask is the ultimate way to relax at home. Especially for new moms who aren't getting their usual eight hours of sleep.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
Fair Trade Foot Lotion by LUSH
A comforting foot massage can relieve stress, and if it's a fair trade product, you get peace of mind as well.
Amazon Price: $19.50 (as of 01/09/2009)
Bella B Tummy Honey Cream - 4 oz
A great moisturizier for a shrinking tummy.
Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 01/09/2009)
Burt's Bees - Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash, 8 oz
A fun shampoo for the whole family to use. Burt's Bees products are eco-friendly, and use beeswax where many other companies use petroleum.
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
Creating a Spa Basket
The instructor in this video uses foam packing peanuts in her design. That's Creative recommends using an eco-friendly alternative such as face cloths, or recycled paper.
The Asian Picnic Basket
Chop Sticks
Kitchen supply stores or Asian delis usually sell a good selection of unique chopsticks in different colors.
You can include a package of basic wooden chopsticks, or a few sets of decorative chopsticks with unique patterns.
Oolong and Green Teas
Either fresh tea, or teabags in attractive packaging are a great gift anytime. Don't forget the teacups!
If you're preparing a large gift basket, you can also include a miniature teapot for preparing your tea selections.
Sushi Dishes
Asian tableware is beautiful and makes a great gift all on it's own. Many specialty food shops and home décor stores carry a selection.
If you're familar with your recipient's decorating, try to purchase dishes that will match their colors and style.
Prawn Crackers
These crispy treats are a great side for rice dishes. You can purchase them in pre-popped form, or in already prepared packages.
Pick up a packet from the imported foods section of your grocery store. Include a topping such as teriyaki smoked oysters.
Red and Black Candles
If you're buying for a couple, this makes a nice romantic touch to the meal you've prepared.
You could also include table linens with an Eastern motif, or a CD with some great dinner music.
For the Scrapbooker
- Hole Punches
Craft supply and teacher supply stores carry a wide selection of specialty paper punch tools with interesting designs such as teddy bears and flowers. - Origami Paper
A nice variety of colors and designs will please any scrap book lover. - Decals and Stickers
The possibilities are endless! Just about any store that carries art supplies, stationary or toys will have a variety of sizes and designs to choose from. - Photofinishing
Grab a gift certificate from a local print shop to top off the basket.
Paper Goodies for Crafty Gifts
Eco-friendly Gift Basket
- Retractable Clothesline
Drying your laundry outdoors saves energy and makes your fabrics smell fresh! Easy to install clotheslines are great for houses, and apartments, too! - Recycled Notepad
Sometimes you need a scrap of paper to write on, and a recycled, non-bleached notepad is the best thing to reach for. Many gift shops sell notebooks made by local artists from recycled paper. - Biodegradable Soap
Health food and eco-friendly shops sell all natural soaps that are phosphate free, and contain no added dyes or fragrance. - CFLs
Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs are an energy efficient alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. Not only are they great for the environment, but they help you save money, too!
Guides for Green Living
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: An Easy Household Guide (The Chelsea Green Guides)
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 01/09/2009)
Living Green: A Practical Guide to Simple Sustainability
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 01/09/2009)
The Lazy Environmentalist: Your Guide to Easy, Stylish, Green Living
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 01/09/2009)
For the Green Thumb
- Wind Chimes
Select a set of wind chimes that matches the theme of the garden for an even more thoughtful touch. - Gardening Gloves
You can never have to many pairs of gloves for playing in the dirt. A home improvement store or garden centre will have a good selection of gloves for different types of yard work. - Seed Packets
Ask the staff at your local garden centre about what can be planted in the coming weeks to select seeds that can be used right away. - Farmer's Almanac
Most stores that carry books or magazines will have a copy of the latest Farmer's Almanac. You can also find great magazines about gardening and landscaping. - Orange Oil Soap
This ultimate hand cleanser if a favorite of mechanics. It removes dirt and grime quickly without harming the skin. It's great for those who like to get down in the dirt.
Just for Kids Basket
- Books
The possiblities are really endless when selecting books for kids. Story books are always a favorite, but kids also enjoy activity books and children's non-fiction. Ask at your local bookstore for popular titles. - Felt Markers
Coloring and drawing never goes out of style. Scented markers are an instant favorite, and don't forget to include drawing paper! - Disposable Camera
Kids love to take photos, and disposable cameras are an inexpensive and risk-free way to let them explore photography. Include a gift certificate for photo-finishing. - Movie Tickets
A gift certificate to a theatre that shows family films is sure to please even the most finicky kids.
Happy Birthday Fashion Fun: Tween Girl Birthday Gift Basket ~ Ages 8-13
A gift basket is great for kids of all ages - it's so much fun to discover each new treasure within!
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
Decorative Baskets
Badger Basket White Wicker Nursery Basket with White Waffle Liner and 4 Ribbons Set of Two
A wonderful basket idea for a baby or wedding shower.
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
Lambs & Ivy Basket Espresso
A great kitchen basket for a food or home decor gift basket.
Amazon Price: $7.70 (as of 01/09/2009)
Storage Basket with Handles - Rectangular Brown Woven Fiber
This basket would look wonderful in an office or den. Try filling it with magazines, movies and more!
Amazon Price: (as of 01/09/2009)
Medina French Market Basket (Natural)
A wonderful way to display spa gifts for gourmet foods is in a lovely decorative basket like this one.
Amazon Price: $36.00 (as of 01/09/2009)
Basket 3-pc. Set with White Liners
A set of baskets is great for a variety of gifts. Use a different theme for each one such as candles, soap and candy.
Amazon Price: $31.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
The Joy of Gift Baskets
Perfect the Art of Gift Arrangement
Bountiful Baskets: Creating Perfect Gifts for Any Occasion
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 01/09/2009)
Decorating Baskets: 20 Original Projects for the Home and Gift-Giving
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 01/09/2009)
Gift Baskets for All Seasons: 75 Fun and Easy Craft Projects
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $14.35 (as of 01/09/2009)
How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business, 4th (Home-Based Business Series)
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 01/09/2009)
The Business of Gift Baskets : A Guide for Survival
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $23.95 (as of 01/09/2009)
Family Gift Ideas
If you have kids, or an entire family to buy for, check out some of these top picks for family-friendly fun. These popular gifts come highly recommended, and will be sure to please parents and kids alike.-
Kid Lit! The Very Best Story Books
-
Reading to children is a wonderful activity and past time that both parents and teachers enjoy. Seeing their rapt, excited faces when there's a mystery to be solved, a surprise twist, or a happy ending is all the reward one needs. Not only are story...
-
The Top Ten Tabletop Games
-
Entertain your family this Christmas holiday with some classic board games! In a world dominated by cell phones, video games, and Facebook, it seems as if we're even less connected. To bring family and friends together, face to face, there's nothing...
-
The Top Ten Christmas Movies
-
One of the most wonderful things about the Christmas season is sharing traditions with friends and family members. Though there are thousands of different ways to make the holidays special, many families always make time for some classic Christmas fi...
The Joy of Giving!
What's in Your Dream Basket?
If you have a great idea for a gift basket theme, or a memory of the perfect collage gift, let me know!
Please feel free to leave feedback about That's Creative, and don't forget to rate Unique Gift Baskets.
If you're not already a Squidoo member, join today and create your own lens!
enslavedbyfaeries wrote...
You've done an amazing job of sparking some inspiration for really wonderful gift baskets. I love the pirate theme!!
Posted December 07, 2008
1Penny2 wrote...
I love to make and get gift baskets. When my oldest son was getting ready to move out, I made up a basket of little kitchen essentials. There were pot holders, wooden spoons... None of the items alone would have qualified as a gift but together... he loved it.
Great lens
Bj
Posted December 01, 2008