The main thing to remember is there has to be something out there for them. Each person has an interest, hobby or special ability...our gifts to them should either reflect or encourage that. This brings me to the gift basket industry. I am not saying you have to go out to your nearest specialty gift shop to buy a custom made gift basket. Anyone can make up a very interesting and functional gift basket...all you need are a few points to keep in mind.

First of all, think of who the gift is for. Consider their interests, hobbies and even their lifestyle. Make note of things they may have said they wanted or liked. Do they enjoy working with tools? Instead of a basket, you could put an assortment of tools, screws, nails and different tapes in a small plastic or metal toolbox. Add a steel tape measure, a small can of WD-40 (any handy person can use this), and perhaps a gift card from their local hardware store.

Next, set a budget...and stick to it! It is quite easy to start filling a basket only to find you have spent two or three times the amount you initially intended. When doing up a basket for a new baby, it is not uncommon to buy this because it’s cute or buy that because it is what babies need. If you decide to fill a laundry basket with things for baby and you don’t want it to appear empty, crumple some tissue paper and place the items among it. A package of diapers is also a great way to fill the basket...and no parent can ever have too many of these with a new baby.

Third, be practical. There is no point going through all the work and expense of putting together a basket for someone if they are not going to utilize the contents. It is pointless to fill a basket with gardening paraphernalia and give it to someone who dislikes gardening. If you must give a gift to someone you know very little (it happens occasionally, such as a thank yougift for a client or an acquaintance who has been hospitalized), a safe choice is a fruit basket.

Last but not least, have as much fun with the presentation as the basket filling itself. You do not necessarily need to use an actual wicker basket. As stated above, things like toolboxes and laundry baskets may be used. Any item can be used, depending on your gift, budget and theme. A coffee mug could be filled with coffee, biscotti, a coffee shop gift card and a chocolate dipped spoon then wrapped with cellophane and tied with a ribbon. A metal or plastic bowl could be filled with packages of microwave popcorn, popcorn seasonings, a couple cans or bottles of soda and a movie or two. It is wise to wrap any gift basket withcellophane no matter the container if it is an open top. This prevents the loss of contents and dust or dirt getting inside.

The first gift basket is always the hardest. My advice is to start with a small one and go from there. They are fun to make up and even more fun to give. If you have children, get them involved in the process as well...it’s amazing what neat ideas they come up with.