Picking a theme can make a gift basket more personal.
Picking a theme for your gift basket is a great way to show the recipient you know what he or she likes, and it can enhance the visual impact of the basket. Instead of a simple basket with shredded paper as filler, consider choosing a container and filler that relate to your theme. The number of themes to choose from is endless, but the following ideas should help get you started.
Gardening
Use a terracotta pot instead of a basket so the gardener can reuse it for a favorite plant. You can partially fill it with potting soil and maybe even a plant or two. Around the edges of the pot, add gardening gloves, seed packets and small gardening tools (like a hand spade or pruning shears). Make a bow from garden twine and add the rest of the spool to the basket.
Cooking
Start with a large mixing bowl or stockpot. You can use pasta or dried beans as filler. Add standard kitchen utensils like spatulas or wooden spoons or look for something more offbeat, like an avocado knife or a corn zipper (which removes the kernels from the cob). Add other items like brightly patterned pot holders and towels. Consider adding a cookbook or, for a more personal touch, add some of your own recipes.
Sports
Use a small plastic or metal tub that can be used later to chill drinks. Use shredded sports pages as filler. If possible, include tickets for the recipient's favorite team. Add a t-shirt, hat, plastic cups or glasses with the team logo. Check with local businesses for a free team schedule (these are often printed on refrigerator magnets). You can also add a subscription to a sports magazine.
Spa
Instead of a container, fold a thick terry cloth towel in accordion pleats, then wrap it into a circle, and secure with a safety pin. Stick the other items in the folds of the towel. Add a loofah and pumice stone. Include mud masks, deep conditioners, scented lotions, candles and other spa favorites. You could add a gift certificate for a local spa as well.
Housewarming
You can use a small cardboard box for a housewarming gift basket and Styrofoam peanuts as filler. Include items that new homeowners will need, like a variety of picture hooks and picture nails, a small hammer, a small level and felt dots to prevent furniture from scratching floors and walls. If the recipients are new to the area consider adding a guidebook or a subscription to a local newspaper. You could also include new address labels or an ink stamp with the recipient's new address.
Tags: gift basket, more personal, other items, Picking theme