I just love gift baskets, don't you? They are so much fun! They make a very nice presentation and can cost so little. Put them together for any occasion--new baby, new bride, new home, Christmas, birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any special day.

A special package of happiness specially put together for your special person.

First--select a basket or some other container to gather your goodies in! I find many of my baskets and containers at yard sales or thrift shops for under $1.00. If they are a little worn or scratched, they can be spray-painted any color you choose. Think creative when looking for containers!

Next, fill the basket, box, tin, colander, flower pot or hat with shredded paper, a square of fabric hemmed or trimmed with pinking shears, cloth napkins, a towel, colored cellophane "grass" or crumpled tissue paper.

Basket Ideas

For the craft...use a plastic storage container for a "basket" and fill with a glue gun and glue sticks, craft glue, acrylic paints and assorted brushes, paint, small nails, small hammer, wooden items to paint and other craft supplies such as beads, pom-poms, wood sticks, buttons, stickers, dried flowers, craft patterns or how-to books.

Fill a small "desk basket" with...note cards, note paper, a variety of envelopes, note paper with matching envelopes, letter opener, a special pen, a personalized seal and some sealing wax or personalized return address labels.

Do you have a new neighbor? What about a family who has just moved into a new home? Instead of Mom having to search through boxes for everything she needs to cook a meal, why not fix up a special bag? All you need is a paper grocery sack with a 2-liter drink, paper plates, paper cups, napkins, plastic forks, pizza coupons, home-baked cookies and maybe even $20 for pizza. Maybe some of the other neighbors will help with this.

Bath Time Basket...filled with a neck pillow, a gel eye-pack, scented bath salts or bubble bath, aroma therapy oils, scented candles or relaxing music CD, special soaps, lotion or powder.

Children's Coloring basket...fill a plastic storage box with crayons, non-toxic markers, stamping markers, assorted paper with a variety of colors and textures, coloring books, assorted stickers, a paint box and brushes, one of dad's old dress shirts or an apron.

A Grandma's Basket...fill a basket with children's artwork, letters, children's current photographs in a brag-book, gifts made by the children, framed family portraits, family videos, a long-distance phone calling card, plus other fun items like candy, cocoa mix, coffee or tea.

These are just a few ideas--use your imagination and share a basket of happiness today!

Reprinted with permission.