2014-12-02

There is nothing that says “Christmas” like a tailor-made present.  I have put together for you 14 themed gift basket ideas to get your creative juices flowing for the holidays. It’s so fun to see what kind of collection of goodies you can gather to make a one-of-a-kind gift for people you love.



Why Gift Baskets?

As a person who likes to make some of my gifts, I find that sometimes I just don’t have time to make as many as I had planned, and themed gift baskets are a great semi-homemade gift that can be tailored to the recipient and really be meaningful to them.

You may not like to make any gifts, but you might like to give a themed basket to someone special on your gift list this year.   It can be a way of making someone feel loved and appreciated because you took the time be so specific with the gift.

Gift baskets are also an excellent way to give a group gift for an entire family or couple, and really end up spending less then if you had purchased gifts for every family member. You can also simplify many of these 14 themed gift basket ideas, to just a few things in a small basket. The idea is to give something that is geared toward the personality of the people who will receive the basket.

14 Themed Gift Basket Ideas

Gettin’ Winter Cozy

If you know someone who likes to read, a basket with this theme can include a couple of books by an author that you know they like. Find a pretty basket. You can make a throw or an afghan in their favorite colors if you know how to crochet, knit or sew. Place this at the bottom of the basket and add the books, a mug with packages of cocoa mix and some cookies. They can be home-made or you can find a particular type that you know is a favorite. This is a great gift idea for a cozy evening at home in front of the fireplace.

For the Avid Gardener

Baskets come in a variety of styles. If you are looking for one for someone who enjoys working in the garden, see if you can find one with flowers or vines painted on the outside. Make sure it is large enough to hold a straw hat. Turn this upside down and inside the hat place some gardening gloves, a trowel, some pocket snips or pruners and some packages of seeds. If you like, you can add a couple of small decorative stakes that can be used to place in the ground to mark where they plant the seeds that you included.

For The Car Lover

Just about every family has someone who loves their ride. They take pride in keeping it in the best shape possible. This gift basket does not even have to be an actual basket. It could be any type of container that can be reused in the car. Some great gift ideas are chamois cloths for waxing and polishing, a frame for the license plate, a travel mug for keeping coffee hot and a coupon for a car wash. You can make your own coupons for a free car wash instead of purchasing them.

A Breakfast Basket

A wicker basket or even a small picnic basket would be perfect for this gift. Place some cloth napkins in the bottom. If you make your own jams or jellies, this is one of the items that you can add to the basket. Add a coffee mug and some coffee. Home-made muffin recipes are another idea for this basket. Simply put all the dry ingredients together in a mason jar. Attach a label with directions for making the muffins. Top it off with a bow and you have just created the perfect breakfast basket.

Game Time Basket

Fall is the season for football and within your circle of friends and family there is very likely a fan or an entire family of fans. A wonderful gift basket idea for the holidays can include snacks to enjoy while watching the game such as popcorn, peanuts and pretzels. A cap with the logo of their favorite team and cups with the logo will be appreciated as well. A football can even be added to the basket if you choose.

Movie Night Gift Basket

This gift basket can include some of the classic Christmas movies that are enjoyed by everyone each year around the holidays. Some of the classics such as A Christmas Story or Scrooge are perfect. Add some snacks such as microwave popcorn, some of the same types of candy found at movie theaters, chips and dip. To make this basket even more special, you can make movie tickets with the name of the movie and print ‘Admit One’ on each of the tickets.

Pamper Her Basket

A basket containing bath salts, soaps and candles for relaxing in the bath can be a thoughtful gift. It is even more special when the items are homemade. Many people make homemade soaps and other items for the bath. Candles add a relaxing touch and you can purchase a loofah or massage scrubber to add to the basket. The items can be color coordinated, especially if you know the recipient’s favorite color. Find a pretty bath towel set and roll the bath towel, hand towel and wash cloth and place them in the corners of the basket.

Classic Games Basket

If you know someone who likes games, the basket idea can be centered around this theme. Find a couple of games such as Monopoly, Scrabble or Yahtzee. You can use the classic games or choose a couple of new ones. Card games are also popular. Add supplies to the basket – notepad for keeping score, a couple of pens or pencils, a dictionary if Scrabble is one of the games chosen and a timer if chess is included. You can add snacks such as microwave popcorn, chips or nuts. This is also a good idea for young children. Games that are more suited to their age can be part of the gift basket. They will enjoy Go Fish, Chutes and Ladders and other age-appropriate games.

Crafts Basket

Do you know someone who loves to do crafts. From crocheting to needlepoint, knitting, cross-stitch and embroidery, you can put together a basket with a variety of ideas. If their talent lies in another direction; for example, drawing or painting, there are supplies that can be found for this idea as well. For the painter or artist a book with drawing by some of the great artists can be added to the basket. If you know someone who loves to put scrapbooks together, there are all kinds of supplies for this idea. This is another good idea that can be adapted for kids using a variety of craft supplies.

Music-Themed Gift Basket

Almost every family has someone who loves music. Whether it is a particular group they follow (young girls and their boy bands) or a certain kind of music they enjoy, you can make a gift basket that is centered around this theme. Some of the items that can be given in the basket include CDs, posters, t-shirts featuring the group or individual, magazines with pictures and articles about the group and even tickets to an upcoming concert. Teenage girls will also enjoy being a member of their favorite group’s fan club. A fan club membership can be added to the basket. A MP3 player that they can use to load with their favorite music is a very affordable idea that could be part of this basket.

Pasta Themed Basket

If someone you know loves pasta, here is a simple way to create a basket. A pasta bowl can be placed in the basket and loaded with spices, a wooden spoon, tongs and a couple of different types of pasta. Some people grow their own herbs. If they are the type used for making sauce, they can be packaged and placed in the basket as well. If you have favorite pasta recipes, they can be written down or printed out and added to this basket. If you do not have recipes, consider finding a pasta recipe book and place this in your pasta themed basket.

Gift Basket for Skiers

There are so many activities that people enjoy doing. Putting together a basket for their interests is a personal gift that will be appreciated. A skiers basket is one. It can include a nice scarf and gloves. If you knit or crochet, you can make these yourself. Other items that will be used by those who love to ski include lip balm, sunglasses or goggles, hand warmers, lotion, insulated socks and other items to help keep them warm while enjoying their favorite activity.

Gift Basket for Bachelors

Is there a confirmed bachelor in your family? If so, a gift basket is the perfect idea for him. This basket can include a variety of things that he can use. A cookbook featuring easy to make recipes is one. Cookbooks with microwave meals as well as regular ones are available. It depends on whether the bachelor likes to cook or prefers easy meals. Make a couple of coupons for dinners at your home and add to the basket. If you can or preserve food items grown during the summer, a couple of jars of jam, jellies, tomato sauce or anything else you make can be part of the gift basket.

Fisherman’s Gift Basket

For someone who loves to fish, this is a basket that is easy to create and is very affordable. There are all kinds of items that can be used by those who fish. From lures, to hooks, floats, weights, fishing lines, artificial bait and more, you will find several items that will be perfect. A flashlight and small tool kit can be added to this gift basket. A cap with a fishing related logo and sunglasses are a couple more ideas. A fishing vest is another.

I hope these 14 themed gift basket ideas will give you some inspiration for creating your own tailor-made presents for someone special this year!



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