101 Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

At the end of the list, you'll find ideas for adding finishing touches to your basket and suggestions on wrapping your basket.

	1.	Use a large terra cotta plant pot for a "basket". If you like, you can personalize the pot by painting it with acrylic paints. When the paint is dry, spray a light coat of polyurethane over the pot to add a shine. Fill the pot with: gardening gloves hand trowel hand rake a selection of vegetable and/or f seeds (go for something unusual) bottle of liquid fertilizer a gardening book a subscription for a gardening magazine
	2.	Use a large pasta bowl for a "basket". Fill the bowl with: a package or two of gourmet pasta tongs a package of sun-dried tomatoes extra-virgin olive oil spices: oregano, basil, garlic powder a collection of your favorite pasta recipes hand-printed on recipe cards and/or a pasta cookbook
	3.	For the golfer, fill a basket or a golf bag with. golf tees golf balls a baseball cap sunscreen score cards a small towel a can cooler to keep a can of pop or beer cold Of course, don't forget to personalize the towel or baseball cap - you can stitch on them, use fabric paints, etc.
	4.	Wine appreciation basket. Fill a basket with: two bottles of quality wine, one red, one white corkscrew 2 or more wine glasses wine appreciation book tickets or an invitation to a wine tasting (often held at wine specialty shops or wineries) Extras: add snacks to go with the wine - fine cheese, fruit, crackers, etc.
	5.	For the dog lover. Fill the a large dog bowl with: squeaky toy rawhide bone dog biscuits dog brush dog collar leash
	6.	For the crafter. Use a rubber storage container for a "basket" Fill the container with: glue gun and glue sticks acrylic paints assorted brushes a craft knife other craft supplies such as beads, pompoms, wood sticks, buttons, stickers, dried fs, etc. craft patterns or how-to books
	7.	Fill a square basket with: note cards envelopes (choose a variety of sizes) note paper letter opener a pen or a pen and pencil set a personalized seal and some sealing wax personalized return address labels
	8.	For the shutterbug. Fill a basket or a camera bag with: assorted film coupons for picture developing filters for his/her camera lens cleaning solution and cloth assorted picture frames and/or albums
	9.	How about a relaxation pack. Fill the basket with: a gel eye-pack Epsom salts or bubble bath aroma therapy oils scented candles books on tape (to listen to in the bath) a hand-held massager relaxing music on CD or cassette
	10.	Kids Coloring Kit. Fill a rubber/plastic storage box with: crayons (get the big package with tons of colors) non-toxic markets assorted papers, include a variety of colors and textures coloring books assorted stickers a paint box and brushes
	11.	For the sports enthusiast, use a sports helmet or hat as a "basket" (e.g. baseball cap, football helmet, etc.). Fill the helmet or hat with: sports cards baseball, puck, etc. shoe, boot or skate laces for the hockey player, add: lace tightener and some tape for the baseball player, add: mineral oil, batting glove and gum a sports video a subscription to a sports magazine a poster of their favorite player
	12.	For the new home owner. Use a tool box as a "basket". Fill the box with: screw drivers wrench hammer pliers assorted nails, screws, washers gift certificate for the local hardware store do-it-yourself book assorted odds and ends like: light switch covers, light bulbs, duct tape, paint brushes, knobs and handles, etc.
	13.	For the guitar player. Fill the basket with: assorted picks tuning fork sheet music CDs or cassettes of great guitar players guitar strings electronic tuner lesson books
	14.	For the soap opera fan. Fill the basket with: tissues bonbons soap opera magazines biographies of their favorite stars pictures of their favorite stars blank video tapes fan club membership
	15.	Create a winter fun pack. Fill a touque with: lip balm moisturizer mittens hot packs a pass to the local ski hill hot chocolate Extras: add a crazy carpet or a sled (although it won't actually fit inside the "basket", you can present it on the side).
	16.	For someone who is into new age. Fill a basket with: tarot cards crystals scented candles incense new age music on CD or cassette certificates for palm reading, psychic reading, etc. books
	17.	For grandparents who are far away. Fill a basket with: children's artwork gifts made by the kids (see our craft projects for ideas) frames family pictures (let the kids buy plain wooden frames and decorate them with stickers) videos of the family a long-distance calling card Extras: fill out the basket with candy, coffee, tea, biscuits, Christmas ornaments, candles, etc.
	18.	For the craft enthusiast, how about a project in a "basket". Fill a basket or a rubber/plastic box with: grape vine wreath dried fs pine cones hot glue gun and glue sticks wreath hanger ribbon
	19.	For the one who loves their car. Fill a basket or a bag with: tire gauge litre (or gallon) of oil wax chamois car wash coupons squeegee for the windows mileage log and pen travel mug
	20.	The sundae basket. Fill a basket with: ice cream scoop gourmet sauces sprinkles cones maraschino cherries assorted nuts sundae glasses and spoons coupons for gourmet ice cream
	21.	Fill a gold fish bowl with: fish food aquarium gravel net gift certificate for fish from pet store book about care of gold fish
	22.	Use a cookie tin for a "basket". Fill the tin with: your favorite cookie recipes or a cook book cookie cutters chocolate chips nuts decorator icing set assorted sprinkles
	23.	Here's a rainy day basket. Fill a basket with: deck of cards cribbage board find-a-word and/or crossword books and pencil herbal tea tea cup
	24.	Accessories formen. Fill an overnight bag with: socks underware belt tie tie clip handkerchiefs wallet watch
	25.	For the shop-aholic. Fill a basket with: cushioned insoles directories for local malls gift certificates (get a lot of small ones for different stores) tote bag to carry home purchases parking pass list of babysitters or volunteer to babysit coupons
	26.	Create a comedy pack. Fill a basket with: deck of trick cards whoopi cushion chattering teeth joke books comedy movies, cassettes or CDs tickets to a comedy club
	37.	For the woodworker. Fill a basket or rubber/plastic box with: assorted sandpapers chisels router bits saw blades files varnishes brushes paints patterns and/or instructions
	28.	For the computer buff. Fill a basket with: mouse pad diskettes novelty or personalized disk labels anti-static wristband travel mug (so that things won't spill on the computer) a list of your favorite Web sites
	29.	Create a salon pack. Fill a basket with: salon shampoo and conditioner hair brush and/or combs barrettes combs scrunchies clips, bows, pins, twists, etc. book on hair styles
	30.	Fill a stew pot or pottery casserole dish with. Fill the pot with: assorted dried beans: kidney, black, white, navy, pinto, etc. dried red chili peppers chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, cilantro chili recipes ladle oven nits
	46.	For the teenaged girl. Fill a purse with: a wallet (you can even start it off with a little cash) key chain lipstick holder purse sized perfume atomizer purse sized hair brush and mirror
	32.	For expectant parents. Fill a baby's bath tub with: hooded towel wash cloth rubber ducky baby shampoo baby powder baby lotion terri sleeper
	33.	For those who make their own wine or beer. Fill a box with: wine or beer kit empty bottles personalized or novelty wine/beer labels beer caps or wine corks caper recipes
	34.	For the skier. Fill a tote bag with: lip balm sunscreen goggles gloves scarf ski pass wax
	35.	For the executive or the home-office owner. Fill a briefcase with: daytimer business card holder (one for the wallet, one for the desktop) pen and pencil set newspaper subscription shoe polish reference books desk calendar coffee mug
	36.	Create a New Year's Eve party pack. Fill a basket with: champagne glasses party hats noise makers sparklers confetti balloons party invitations
	37.	For the crochet or knitting enthusiast. Fill a basket with: assorted needles or crochet hooks assorted patterns buttons ribbons personalized "made by" labels wool
	38.	For the writer. Fill a basket with: lined note pads an engraved pen reference books (dictionary, thesaurus, quotes, how-to books) pocket tape recorder and tapes style guide newsletter or magazine subscription books about how to get published
	39.	For the music groupie. Fill a basket with: fan club membership (look for their favorite musician on the Web, many bands now have online fan clubs which also sell tickets, posters, t-shirts and more) CDs, cassettes of their favorite group posters of their favorite group biographies sheet music tickets to a concert band t-shirts
	40.	Create a night out in a basket. Fill a basket with: list of babysitters or coupons for babysitting restaurant guide and/or gift certificates movie reviews and/or tickets or, tickets to a show or a concert cab fair lighted key chain
	41.	For the mystery lover. Fill a deer stalker hat with: mystery novels mystery game for computer magnifying glass puzzles or brain teaser books how-to-host a mystery game
	42.	For the hiker, use hiking boots as a "basket". Fill with: maps rain poncho bear bells or repellant trail mix compass first aid kit for hikers
	43.	For the vegetarian. Fill a basket, pot or large bowl with: your favorite recipes hand-printed on recipe cards assorted dried beans brown rice sun dried tomatoes spices: oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, etc. mixing spoons pot holders
	44.	For the cowboy at heart. Fill a cowboy hat with: bolo tie western belt buckle boot protector gift certificate for country dancing, horseback riding, rodeo, etc.
	45.	For someone who like to walk or jog, fill a tote bag with: pedometer sweat band tapes and batteries for the Walkman shoe laces sport socks personal alarm t-shirt water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder
	46.	Use a cosmetic bag for a "basket". Fill the bag with: nail polish emery boards nail clippers nail brush cuticle remover nail file nail polish remover cotton balls
	47.	For the couch potato fill a large basket or box with: assorted bags of flavored popcorn other snacks like chips, nuts, candy pre-recorded movies TV Guide subscription TV Remote holder Comfortable slippers Cushion
	48.	Create astock-the-bar package. Fill an ice bucket with: shot glasses bottle opener cork screw maraschino cherries cocktail napkins jar of olives fancy toothpicks or cocktail umbrellas bar guide
	49.	For the crafter, fill a rubber/plastic container with: small terra cotta plant pots flexible stencils acrylic paints stencil tape brushes spray polyurethane seeds to plant when pots have been decorated
	50.	Make a kid's beach pack. Fill a plastic pail with: plastic shovel sand molds beach ball or plastic floatation device (deflated) beach towel flip-flops sunglasses sunscreen for kids bathing suit
	51.	For someone who takes road trips, fill a tote bag with. maps travel mug sunglasses hotel coupons tire gauge beaded seat cover travel games recorded music on cassette or CD car air freshener
	52.	For the musician. Fill a decorative can with: reeds/strings/drum sticks/mouthpiece - appropriate for the instrument they play sheet music valve oils for brass instrument players instrument strap electronic tuner metronome recorded music of their favorite artists
	53.	For someone who likes to BBQ, use an apron with pockets for a "basket". Fill the apron pockets with: marinade recipes BBQ sauce BBQ tools packages of meat tenderizer skewers gift certificate for the local butcher
	54.	For the collector: Fill a basket with: reference books items they collect display cases, books, etc. cleaning supplies (special polishes, oils, brushes, etc.) tickets to a collectibles show
	55.	Create a bachelor's survival kit. Fill a laundry basket with: laundry guide cook book featuring easy meals like casseroles roll of quarters and some laundry soap take-out pizza coupons an iron room deodorizer any other cleaning supplies food staples like macaroni dinners, canned tuna, canned soup and, of course, beer!
	56.	For someone who like to walk or jog, fill a tote bag with: pedometer sweat band tapes and batteries for the Walkman shoe laces sport socks personal alarm t-shirt water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder
	57.	For just about anyone: Fill a basket with: teddy bear coffee mug hot chocolate mixes bedtime story books
	58.	For the student or the home-office owner, use a rubber garbage can as a "basket". Fill the can with: stapler tacks, paper clips, pens, pencils notepads hole punch desk lamp desk calendar
	59.	For the cat lover use a cat basket as a "basket". Fill it with: food and water dishes collar brush catnip ball rubber ball, rubber mice or other cat toys book on cat care
	60.	Create a Christmas Decorating basket. Fill a basket with: nativity set assorted Christmas ornaments (store bought or hand-made by you) decorative lights candles
	61.	Make a basket full of puzzles. Fill a basket with: Rubic's cube 3D puzzle jigsaw puzzle word-search book crossword puzzle book slider puzzles and any other puzzles you can find
	62.	For someone who sews, fill a sewing basket with: needles assorted threads (stick to basic colors: black, white, navy, cream) pins thimble pin cushion measuring tape tracing wheel and paper sewing club membership
	63.	For someone who likes to lounge in the sun, use a sun hat as a "basket". Fill the hat with: sunscreen sunglasses lemonade mix novel
	64.	Create a gadget collection, for someone who is moving away from home, getting married or moving into a new home. Fill a canvas onion bag with: garlic press can opener jar opener paring knife (carefully wrapped) strawberry huller egg slicer cheese slicer mixing spoons measuring spoons and cups egg timer grater
	65.	For the wood shop owner use a shop apron as a "basket". Fill the apron with: safety glasses wood glue sandpapers measuring tape paint brushes shop magazines woodworking patterns
	66.	For the fisherman use a tackle box as a "basket". Fill it with: assorted lures leaders pliers gloves guide to local fishing
	67.	For baby Fill a basket with: rattle bib story book stuffed animal sleeper
	68.	Create a women's accessories basket. Fill a basket with: a silk scarf scarf clip earrings belt broach necklace perfume evening purse
	69.	For cyclists use a cycling helmet as a "basket". Fill it with: cycling gloves water bottle reflectors sunglasses odometer patch kit
	70.	For the aquarium owner, use a decorative tin for a "basket". Fill the tin with: fish food book about aquarium maintenance algae magnet (you run the magnet up and down the outside of the tank to remove algae inside the tank) a net thermometer ornaments gift certificate for fish
	71.	For someone who likes games, fill a basket with: decks of cards dice poker chips poker rule book pocket electronic games plane tickets to Vegas
	72.	For the painter: Fill a decorative tin with: paints (acrylic, water color or oil) brushes paper or canvas charcoal
	73.	For someone who bakes use a cake pan as a "basket". Fill the pan with: pot holders decorative frosting set assorted sprinkles and nuts baking recipes cake server
	74.	For someone who travels by plane a log. Fill a travel bag with: travel pillow travel alarm flight schedules gum magazines or novels toothbrush
	75.	Create a Christmas box. Fill a decorative Christmas box or tin with: assorted home-baked cookies assorted chocolates Christmas ornaments (better if you made them yourself) pre-recorded Christmas music tuck in some candy canes or foil wrapped chocolate Santas for a finishing touch
	76.	Create a night in, in a basket. Fill the basket with: wine wine glasses pre-recorded movie candle candle holder romantic pre-recorded music appetizers: cheese and crackers, olives, something you've made yourself
	77.	For the crafter, create a project in a box. Use a rubber/plastic storage box as a "basket". Go to our Christmas craft project list and select a project you like. Use your Browser's PRINT function to print out the instructions and any patterns that accompany them. Purchase all of the materials need to complete the project and put them in the box.
	78.	Create a kid's bath set. Fill a basket with: bubble bath no-tears shampoo and conditioner bath crayons (they let kids write on the tub or the wall, then they wash off) bath toys bath mit or decorative face cloth printed towel robe slippers
	79.	For the teenaged girl, fill a cosmetic bag or cosmetic tray with: assorted makeup in the latest fashion colors: lipstick, blusher, eye liner, mascara cotton swabs makeup sponges nail polish in the latest colors nail file facial cleanser facial moisturizer eye makeup remover
	80.	For the computer game player. Fill a decorative box with: membership to an online gaming WWW site computer game CDs joy stick mousepad shareware games on diskette
	81.	For campers, use a backpack as a "basket" Fill the backpack with: tent pegs compass sharpening stone mosquito repellant tent patch kit campers cook set utility knife of swiss army knife campground guides
	82.	For thelover of spicy foods, use a chili pot as a "basket". Fill it with: spices: cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, dried red peppers, chili powder, paprika hot sauces like chili sauce salsas hot pickles (pick them up from an Asian food store) fresh peppers pepto bismal recipes
	83.	For the sci-fi fan. Fill a basket with: Science fiction novels sci-fi movies collectible figures (you know, the plastic ones modelled after TV and movie sci-fi characters) Spock ears books about their favorite shows or authors tickets to a sci-fi convention
	84.	For the engaged couple fill a basket with: wedding planner unity candle garter cake knife honeymoon travel information or tickets wedding decorations wedding album
	85.	For someone who works out at the gym fill a tote bag :. towel water bottle workout tapes or magazines power bars sports drinks sports socks gym membership
	86.	For adults only. Fill a basket with: scented candles massage oil lingerie wine wine glasses
	87.	For the jigsaw puzzle lover. Fill a basket with: jigsaw puzzle puzzle mat coffee mug magnifying glass gourmet coffee
	88.	For the naturalist. Fill a knapsack with: binoculars bird watching guide or wildlife or wildf guide log book and pen maps trail mix
	89.	A small twist on the usual coffee gift basket. Fill a basket with: gourmet coffees coffee mugs novels chocolates decorative bookmark (why not make one yourself)
	90.	For someone who ison their feet all day, use a rubber tub as a "basket". Fill the tub with: epsom salts or bubble bath towel pumice stone foot lotion or foot powder comfortable slippers nail clippers
	91.	Create a kid's craft kit. Fill a rubber/plastic storage box with: coloured paper crayons stickers pipe cleaners buttons pom-poms white glue kid scissors wooden shapes wobbly eyes kid sized craft apron sparkles
	92.	For little students fill a children's lunchbox with: pencil toppers decorated pencils colored pencils rulers plastic stencils which let them draw stars, circles, etc. stapler children's scissors water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder
	93.	For someone who likes needlepoint fill a basket with: patterns canvas assorted thread needles thimble frames for finished work
	94.	For the movie buff, fill a basket with: pre-recorded movies movie soundtracks on CD or cassette batteries for the remote control head cleaner for the VCR movie tickets or gift certificates popcorn
	95.	For someone who like to walk or jog, fill a tote bag with: pedometer sweat band tapes and batteries for the Walkman shoe laces sport socks personal alarm t-shirt water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder
	96.	For the electronics hobbyist. Fill a plastic box with: resistors capacitors wire pliers soldering iron and solder light bulbs LED lights printed circuit boards project books wire cutters electrical tape
	97.	For the chocolate lover. Fill a basket with: chocolate cookies (home baked is best) chocolate bonbons chocolate sauces chocolate syrup chocolate dipped coffee spoons (see the instructions in our project sections) Hot chocolate mix chocolate covered coffee beans chocolate flavored coffee beans chocolate recipes
	98.	For the young at heart. Fill a basket or a small toy box with: silly putty assorted magnets magnifying glass yo-yo paper airplane kit kite kaleidoscope puzzles
	99.	For the health food buff. Fill a basket or a mixing bowl: brown rice (in a bag tied with a ribbon or in a glass jar) other grains like quinoa, spelt, bulgur, etc. all-natural candy bars tofu in aseptic packages (so it doesn't need refrigeration) assorted dried beans (black, black-eyed peas, chick peas, lima beans, Java beans, etc.) assorted spices all natural skin and body care products (find them at your local health food store)
	100.	For the someone who never has enough time. Fill a basket with: coupons for your babysitting time cookbook featuring meals in 30 minutes or less daytimer to help them organize their time more efficiently watch information about or coupons for a shopping service which will do their shopping for them coupons for other time saving services like dry-cleaning, tailoring, take-out food, car washes, etc.
	101.	Create a Chinese food "basket". Fill a basket a wok with: Chinese tea set package of green tea cook book cleaver chop sticks package dried black mushrooms bottle of soy sauce other sauces like plum sauce, Szechwan sauce, teriyaki sauce, etc.

Finishing touches actually come into play when you begin to assemble your basket. You can enhance the presentation of baskets, boxes, tins, hats, etc. by first filling them with:

• coloured cellophane "grass"
• crumpled tissue paper
• a piece of fabric (try something with a Christmas print)
• shredded newspaper or coloured paper
• straw
• raffia

Then carefully arrange your items over top of the filler.

Finish up by tucking in:

• candy canes
• foil wrapped chocolate Santas
• other foil wrapped candies
• small pine cones
• a bunch of cinnamon sticks tied with red ribbon
• Christmas greenery like the tips spruce and pine branches
• Christmas ornaments
• lots of small bows
• mandarin oranges
• nuts in the shell
• small scented candles
• Christmas baking (wrapped in cellophane)

"Baskets" that are in actual baskets do not need to be wrapped, but if you wish, you can wrap them in cellophane. Simply gather the cellophane around the basket and tie at the top with ribbon.

This method also works for "baskets" made with hats, boxes, bowls, pots, plant pots, etc.

Decorative boxes and tins usually can stand alone without wrapping.

Rubber storage containers can be wrapped in cellophane as above or can be wrapped with wrapping paper.

Some "baskets" like tote bags, backpacks, shopping bags, etc. are best left unwrapped. Instead, finish them with colourful bows and ribbons.