With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to think about Christmas presents. This year, however, consider the themed gift basket. A themed gift basket is the best way to give a unique Christmas gift that is both personal and creative. This article will show you how to put together a personalized gift basket and will offer several creative gift basket ideas you may not have thought of.
Choosing a Theme for the Gift Basket
The first step is to come up with a theme. It seems simple enough, but this is what drives the rest of the gift basket. Think about the person’s interests, hobbies, and taste in entertainment. A common gift basket is the “Wine Connoisseur’s Gift Basket,” but if the person doesn’t care for wine, this particular idea would be inappropriate.
Also, it’s a good idea to stay away from the person’s job when generating gift ideas for Christmas. The last thing an accountant wants is a basket full of accounting gifts.
Finding the Individual Christmas Presents
Once you have a theme, brainstorm the kinds of presents that fit the theme. While simply walking up and down store aisles, looking for things that satisfy the theme might work, it’s unlikely to yield the best results.
Make a list of everything you can think of that relates to the theme. Don’t worry if it seems like a stretch; the packaging will tie everything together. A golfer’s gift basket could include golf balls, a book about golf, a golfing computer game, club warmers…even tea (a play on the term “tee time”)!
This is also a great opportunity to include a homemade gift. By including a homemade item, the whole gift basket is even further personalized. If you can make a simple fleece blanket, look for material that satisfies your theme. If you like to bake, bake cookies into a shape that fits the theme. It isn’t difficult, and it makes the package that much more special.
Bringing It All Together Into a Unique Christmas Gift Basket
With all of the elements in place, it is time to assemble the gift basket. Keep in mind, that despite the term “gift baskets,” a basket doesn’t have to be involved at all. Any sort of container will work, and it may even be easier to wrap than the awkwardly shaped basket. If the present’s theme is coffee, for example, find an oversized coffee mug.
Even though it’s just the thought that counts, it is worth putting the extra time into making the whole package look nice—and it’s fun! Decorate the package with ribbons and cellophane. You are limited only by your imagination.
Some Gift Basket Ideas to Get You Thinking
Here are just a few ideas for great themed gift baskets.
- The Puzzle Basket: Include books filled with crossword puzzles, word searches, and Sudoku games. Be sure to supply plenty of pencils!
- The Book Basket: If the person likes to read, their basket might include a copy of a recent best-seller, a gift card to a local bookshop, and a homemade bookmark.
- The Science Basket: For the science nerd, a fun gift basket could include a recent issue of science magazine like Scientific American, a popular science book, and a homemade pencil/pen holder that looks like a chemistry set.
- The Wine Basket: An appropriate basket for a wine lover would have a couple bottles of exotic wine, a new corkscrew, and a small book about wine throughout the world.
