Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

Christmas gift baskets are seen everywhere when the holiday season hits us. You can often find numerous gift baskets to purchase at shopping malls, warehouse and retail stores but some of these baskets can cost us much as the new drill your husband wants. So, instead of spending cash on a pre-made, typical Christmas gift basket try getting a little creative and make your own.

When you go shopping for gift basket supplies, keep in mind that you are saving money because you can buy in bulk. If you have a warehouse type store such as Sam’s Club, you can really save by buying pretty large quantities. How much you buy depends on how many baskets you are going to make. For example, if you are buying things such as coffee or cocoa, buy it in bulk and divide it between cellophane bags and tie them up with holiday ribbons.

Unfortunately, the baskets tend to be the most expensive part of gift basket making. You may want to start in the summer and begin collecting baskets for the holidays. You can often find baskets at garage sales, thrift stores and don’t miss a sale at the local craft store. There may be some good deals if you have the coupon.

Now that you have the supplies, start thinking of some ideas. If you have a football loving teenager or brother-in-law in the family consider finding a big chip bowl and stock it with candy, popcorn, sodas, or their favorite adult beverage, and a calendar of the game days for their team.

If you have a mom to be in the family, she probably needs anything that she can use for the new baby. Line the basket with a baby blanket or use a diaper bag. Fill it with all the essential baby supplies such as bibs, burp cloths, powder, lotion, oil, diaper rash ointment, toys and diapers.

If there is a coffee lover in the family, then this one is easy. Stock the basket with their favorite flavored coffee, cinnamon sticks dipped in chocolate, stirring spoons dipped in chocolate, biscotti, and a new coffee cup.

If you have someone that really needs a break consider a relaxing basket. Line the basket with a nice soft bath towel. Add a candle, bath oil, bubble bath, salts, a magazine and a “Do Not Disturb” sign.

Have a teenage girl in the family? Send her a nail polish basket with all the essentials for a manicure or pedicure. Stock the basket with nail polish, emery boards, clippers, polish remover, cotton balls, lotion, cuticle cream and a nail buffer.

Everyone loves a gift for their pet. If you have one animal lover in particular in mind consider filling a large dog bowl with a ball, chew toys, rawhides, a leash, a new name tag and a brush. Wrap the whole thing in cellophane and tie with a big bow. For the cat lover, use a litter box with catnip, cat food, poop scoop, name tag and a rubber mouse.

These gift baskets are sure to make that special person feel special and they will love it even more because it is personalized and made by you.