Food gift baskets are always welcomed by family and friends. Consider the tastes of the lucky people on the gift list and make a homemade gift basket simple or fancy by tailoring the following item lists to suit any budget. Everybody loves to eat, especially if the food is delivered in a homemade gift basket designed just for them.
The Italian Eatery Basket for the Italian Food Lover
- small gingham tablecloth with napkins
- red wine with glasses
- penne, linguine or fusilli pasta (spaghetti works, too!)
- homemade (if you know how) or good store-bought sauce
- chunk of parmesan cheese (include the grater, too?)
- loaf of garlic bread
- Dean Martin, Al Martino, Tony Bennett or instrumental music CD of traditional Italian songs
The Sunday Brunch Basket for the Lazy Sunday Morning Person
- fresh bagels or croissants
- plain or flavored cream cheese
- favorite jelly or jam
- bottle of real orange juice
- bottle of baby champagne (to make mimosas!)
- hot beverage mugs with packets of coffee or tea
- cloth napkins
"The Grandparents Took The Kids For The Night" Basket for the Busy Parents
- gourmet chocolates or truffles
- small unusual cheeses or uncommon cheeses
- bunch of fresh grapes, container of strawberries
- crackers (for the cheese), package of sugar cookies (perfect with the fruit)
- wine or other favorite beverage with suitable glasses
- romantic DVD date movie or a certificate to rent one
- coupon for a future overnight of babysitting services
The Lady's Day of Pampering Basket for the Special Lady You Know
- bath beads, bath oil, scented soap
- scented candle, candle holder
- hair band and inflatable tub pillow
- body lotion, body spray
- matching face and hand towels
- magazine with a favorite subject like fashion, travel, crafting, show biz, etc.
- CD of classical or instrumental music or one with sounds of nature
The Manly Man Basket for the Special Man You Know
- favorite wine or liqueur
- favorite snacks
- leather driving gloves or a golf glove
- car fresheners, car safety kit
- scented sachets for the closet or dresser drawers
- pocket-sized flashlight
- desired destination city map; some place the receiver wants to visit (most North American city maps are located at your local AAA or AMA office)
The Tough Teen to Shop For Basket for the Picky Teenager
- subscription for a favorite magazine with a purchased copy
- favorite DVD or a new CD
- favorite soda and snacks
- cell phone minutes and/or new cell phone battery
- pair of earphones
- assorted hair products (If not sure what to buy, check with a close friend or family member; most teenagers use some)
- a photo of a hideous outfit or piece of clothing you know the recipient would intensely dislike, just to prove you knew better than to buy it
Homemade Gift Baskets Can be Thank You Baskets, Hello Baskets or All Occasion Baskets
Almost everyone knows someone who loves a good puzzle. Did a business friend provide you with some truly valuable, helpful advice? Perhaps the young couple with their new baby would appreciate a gesture of assurance and support. All occasions can be handled by a theme gift basket with the right ingredients.
"And Baby Makes Three" Basket for the New Baby
- fancy frame for a new baby photo
- "Baby on Board" sign for the car
- matching coffee mugs
- baby book
- certificate or coupon towards a family portrait
- bottles of his/hers eye drops
- coupon for babysitting service for an evening out
- fleece or flannel receiving blanket(s)
The All Business Basket for a Business Friend
- daybook or deskpad calendar
- business card holder
- pen and pencil set
- paperweight
- coffee mug, coaster
- small real/artificial potted plant
- tissue box with a cover/holder and a box of tissue
- mousepad
The Brain Teasing Basket for Almost Anyone
- mechanical pencil, erasers
- Agatha Christie novel or an Alfred Hitchcock-directed DVD
- word games magazine
- book of riddles
- coffee mug with a saying (i.e. The questions are easy, it's the answers I have trouble with!)
- coffee for staying awake while problem-solving
- Tylenol, Excedrin or other headache remedy
Filling Your Gift Basket to Make it Special
Whenever it's appropriate to include a tablecloth, towel or blanket, try lining the basket with it. Place all of your contents inside and then fold the ends up over the top, like a basket of warm bread rolls on a table. It's such a treat to pull back the covering and discover the collection of items within.
Note: Be careful when including wine or alcohol in a gift basket, particularly if the recipient is a business associate. Wine baskets delivered to offices are generally frowned upon as inappropriate.
Perhaps you'll want to consider filling a basket that isn't a basket at all! What about a tall pasta pot for The Italian Eatery Basket or maybe a small bassinette or a roomy diaper bag for the "And Baby Makes Three" Basket"? All of the items in The Manly Man Basket and even the Lady's Day of Pampering Basket would all go nicely in a gym bag or shoulder bag respectively. The All Business Basket would be great in an ordinary file box used as a gift box instead.
Homemade Gift Baskets are for Special People
Remember that how much is spent means very little with a gift like this. It's the combination of items and the time taken to gather them that will make the impact. These homemade gift baskets are perfect for Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or any other special occasion.
For more homemade gift basket ideas, try:
How to Make Creative DIY Gift Boxes or Baskets
Deborah Read - A writer on movies, music and their history for 35 years, Deborah IS trivia. Her 27+ years of decorating work has put her consulting ...
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