It seems like “gift giving season” is never ending. From birthdays to holidays, graduations to anniversaries, it’s hard to keep coming up with original ideas. When all else fails, I turn to gift baskets.
Auntmildreds.com said, “Everyone loves receiving a gift basket that shows you’ve put some thought into their present.” The fun part? Any container can serve as the “basket” and can be filled with a combination of purchased and handmade items. Let your creativity run wild!
Check out my list of the best 6 gift basket ideas of 2016 for inspiration:
Wine
A wine basket makes a great gift for an anniversary or an adult birthday. Include a bottle of quality vino and a set of fancy glasses for a romantic celebration. An assortment of gourmet cheeses with crisp crackers are the go-to accompaniment for most wine gifts, but an often overlooked addition is chocolate. When giving Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, or dessert wines, pair with milk chocolate, while a top-shelf white chocolate goes nicely with Chardonnay or Muscato.
Baby
Gift baskets are a great way to celebrate the arrival of a new baby. If you knit or crochet (or know someone who does,) include a handmade layette or crib blanket. Handcrafted gifts are always cherished and quickly become family heirlooms. Instead of buying diapers, add a gift card. It’s more practical, new moms usually end up with too many or not enough of each size. Some babies outgrow newborn diapers within a week.
When picking out gifts for the new baby, don’t forget Mom! Remember to include a few candles with a relaxing scent, soothing bath salts or maybe a CD of meditative music to ease the stress that comes with becoming a new mother.
Newlywed
Of course, you can always go with the traditional basket, filled with fun gifts for the new couple, but for a fun approach, try filling a laundry basket with inexpensive kitchen gadgets, dish towels and cook books.
Another option is to use a brightly colored bucket to be filled with household repair needs, like a giant roll of duct tape, removable wall hooks or a toilet plunger. Don’t forget, regardless of which option you choose, add plenty of tissue paper and bows to dress it up. You could even sprinkle a little glitter inside!
Coffee
Everyone knows a caffeine addict who would enjoy a coffee themed gift basket filled with a bag of their favorite freshly ground brand, or a personal sized grinder paired with a bag of coffee beans. The addition of sample sized bags of different flavors will add an international feel and can usually be found, reasonably priced, at popular closeout stores.
To compliment the coffee, dunkable cookies like biscotti or scones will satisfy any sweet tooth and can be tucked inside a quirky, oversized mug.
New Pet
To many, the addition of a new pet is like adding a new family member. Celebrate by showing up with a gift just for them. The “basket” can be a pet bed, pet food container or large water bowl. Include treats, toys and accessories, depending on the pet.
For rabbits and guinea pigs, use a natural basket for your container. They love to chew them and climb in and out.
Use your imagination!
Local Specialties
When sending a basket to friends and relatives who live far away, it’s fun to include locally produced food and craft items. A basket from the South may include home canned jellies and jams or a commercially produced jar of “moonshine.”
If you live in Maine, fill a basket with a few cans of clam chowder, a small jug of maple syrup or apple cider. A basket from California may contain citrus fruits or one from the Northwest may contain dried salmon or a jar of caviar.
Gift baskets are a fun way show someone how much you appreciate them and while they may require a little more work than the traditional “off the shelf” gift, they are exciting, unique and always appreciated.
