The first thing you should do is decide what type of things the recipient enjoys. Take a piece of paper and write down the things you can think of that he or she likes. You might even jot down a few stores that you would like to visit for gift ideas. One of the most important things to remember is to personalize the gift basket specifically for him or her. The people who really love you probably are not looking for expensive gifts, just a reassurance that you are thinking of them and love them.
For supplies, you should be able to get a reasonably priced basket at the local Wal-Mart or crafts store. If you check their clearance section, you should be able to find some nice ribbon to wrap around the basket and fabric to line the bottom of the basket. You can even search online to learn how to make attractive bows from fabric or ribbon. Wal-Mart has a section of inexpensive gift cards, but if you are handy with the computer, you can print your own. Look in the office supply section for blank cards with envelopes and print your own specially made birthday card.
There are no rules saying all the items in your basket have to be new. Go to local garage and estate sales to search for good bargains. If you find something used, but in good shape and at a great price, go ahead and get it. Sometimes you can even find new items with the tags still on them at these sales. Also, remember that if you find something for someone at a good price, but his or her birthday is still months away, go ahead and get it. You can always store it away until it is needed.
For some ideas, let’s say your mother likes to scrapbook. She may also love getting pictures of her grandchildren. Perhaps while she scrapbooks, she loves to drink flavored coffee. For her basket, you can go to the local crafts store and purchase some scrapbook supplies. If you have a camera (digital works best, but you can use a regular camera too), you can take some new photos of your children and have them printed out so she can use them when she scrapbooks. Finally, visit the grocery store for the flavored coffee. You can purchase a large bag of her favorite flavor or several small bags of different flavors. Top off the basket with a nice handmade birthday card from the kids and you have a basket your mother is sure to love!
If it is your best friend’s birthday, but you do not have a lot of money to spend, do not worry! You can make a great gift basket for under $35. Most towns have a dollar store and they have items that will work well for a birthday basket. You might pick up a few picture frames and fill them with pictures of you two at a special occasion (a wedding or party). Or, find a special quote about friendship online. Copy and paste it in a word processor, change it to an attractive font, print it out and put that in the picture frame. The dollar stores usually have cute figurines, hair accessories, notepads, bubble bath, nail polish, and candles – tons of things you can use to fill a gift basket.
For your husband, you can focus in on his hobby. Does he like to go fishing? You can purchase some small fishing items to put in his basket. To make it extra special, print up some “Go Fishing Anytime” coupons. Or, if he asks you to go with him, but you never do, print up a “Take Me With You” coupon. Find a red ribbon to wrap around the coupons; place them in the basket with his other fishing items, throw in some of his favorite snacks and you will have a nice gift basket. You could also make your husband or boyfriend a “Lover’s Gift Basket.” Purchase some of your favorite bubble bath, lotions, chocolates (to feed him), a bottle of wine, and print up some love coupons to go in the basket.
With a little planning and creativity, you can create a great gift basket that will not break your bank! Additionally, the recipient will love it, because it will be a one of a kind gift that shows how much you care.
