D-I-Y Theme Gift Baskets For All Occasions

Italian Food,Special Lady,Busy Parents,Picky Teen,New Baby,Business

Jul 23, 2009 Deborah Read

Want to give a special gift but can't find anything to match the special someones on your list? These DIY theme gift basket ideas are special gifts that anyone can make.

Food gift baskets are always welcomed by family and friends. Consider what the tastes are of the lucky people on your gift list. You can make a theme basket as simple or as fancy as you like, just by tailoring the following item lists to suit your budget. Everybody loves to eat, especially if the food is delivered in a gift basket designed just for them.

The Italian Eatery Basket for the Italian Food Lover

small gingham tablecloth with napkins
bottle of red wine with glasses
pasta such as penne, linguine or fusilli (spaghetti works, too!)
container of homemade (if you know how) or good store-bought sauce
fresh parmesan cheese, ready for grating (include the grater, too?)
loaf of garlic bread
mood music; a CD of Dean Martin, Al Martino, Tony Bennett or an instrumental recording of traditional Italian songs

The Sunday Brunch Basket for the Lazy Sunday Morning Person

bag of fresh bagels or croissants
container of plain or flavored cream cheese
jar of favorite jelly or jam
bottle of real orange juice
small bottle of baby champagne (to make mimosas!)
pair of hot beverage mugs with packets of coffee or tea
pair of cloth napkins

"The Grandparents Took The Kids For The Night" Basket for the Busy Parents

box of gourmet chocolates or truffles
variety of small, imported cheeses
bunch of fresh grapes and/or a container of strawberries
package of crackers (for the cheese) and a package of sugar cookies (perfect with the fruit)
bottle of wine or other favorite beverage with a pair of suitable glasses
DVD of a romantic date movie or a certificate to rent one
coupon with a to-be-decided-upon date for another overnight of babysitting services

The Lady's Day of Pampering Basket for the Special Lady You Know

bath beads, bath oil or scented soap
scented candle and candle holder
hair band and inflatable tub pillow
body lotion or body spray
matching face and hand towel
magazine with a favorite subject like fashion, travel, crafting, show biz, etc.
CD of classical or instrumental music or one with sounds of nature with falling rain, birds singing, ocean waves, etc.

The Manly Man Basket for the Special Man You Know

bottle of favorite wine or liqueur
package of favorite snacks
pair of leather or driving gloves; perhaps a golf glove
car fresheners and a car safety kit
scented sachets for the clothes closet or dresser drawers
pocket-sized flashlight
desired destination city map; some place the receiver has always wanted to visit (most North American city maps are located at your local AAA or AMA office)

The Tough Teen to Shop For Basket for the Picky Teenager

subscription for a favorite magazine with a purchased copy to start
favorite DVD and/or a new CD
bottle of favorite soda and snacks
cell phone minutes and/or new cell phone battery
pair of earphones
assorted hair products (If not sure what to buy, check with a close friend or family member; almost all teenagers use some of these)
a photo of a hideous outfit or piece of clothing you know the recipient would intensely dislike, just to prove you knew better than to buy it

Gift Baskets Can be Thank You Baskets, Hello Baskets or All Occasion Baskets

Almost everyone knows someone who loves a good puzzle. Did a business friend provide you with some truly valuable, helpful advice? Perhaps the young couple with their new baby would appreciate a gesture of assurance and support. All occasions can be handled by a theme gift basket with the right ingredients.

"And Baby Makes Three" Basket for the New Baby

fancy picture frame for a new baby photo
Baby on Board sign for the car
pair of matching coffee mugs for the new parents
baby book
certificate for or coupon towards a family portrait
bottles of his/hers eye drops for tired eyes
coupon for babysitting service for an evening out
fleece or flannel receiving blanket(s)

The All Business Basket for a Business Friend

daybook or deskpad calendar
personalized business card holder
pen and pencil set
paperweight
coffee mug and coaster
small real or artificial potted plant
tissue box with a cover/holder and a box of tissue to fit
mousepad

The Brain Teasing Basket for Almost Anyone

mechanical pencil with erasers
book by Agatha Christie and/or an Alfred Hitchcock-directed DVD
word games magazine
book of riddles
coffee mug with a saying (i.e. The questions are easy, it's the answers I have trouble with!)
large container of coffee for staying awake while problem-solving
container of Tylenol, Excedrin or other headache remedy

Filling Your Gift Basket to Make it Special

Whenever it's appropriate to include a tablecloth, towel or blanket, try lining the basket with it. Place all of your contents inside and then fold the ends up over the top, like a basket of warm bread rolls on a table. It's such a treat to pull back the covering and discover the collection of items within.

Be careful when including wine or alcohol in a gift basket, particularly if the recipient is a business associate. Wine baskets delivered to offices are generally frowned upon as inappropriate.

Perhaps you'll want to consider filling a basket that isn't a basket at all! What about a tall pasta pot for The Italian Eatery Basket or maybe a small bassinette or a roomy diaper bag for the "And Baby Makes Three" Basket"? All of the items in The Manly Man Basket and even the Lady's Day of Pampering Basket would all go nicely in a gym bag or shoulder bag respectively. The All Business Basket would be great in an ordinary file box used as a gift box instead.

Gift Baskets are for Special People

Remember that how much is spent means very little with a gift like this. It's the combination of items and the time taken to gather them that will make the impact. These theme baskets are good for anytime so keep them in mind for Christmas, birthdays or any other time it feels right.

If you don't see the idea you're looking for, you may want to try:

How to Make Creative DIY Gift Boxes or Baskets

The copyright of the article D-I-Y Theme Gift Baskets For All Occasions in Crafts is owned by Deborah Read. Permission to republish D-I-Y Theme Gift Baskets For All Occasions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Gift Baskets For All Occasions	A gift box or basket always welcomes chocolate	Fresh fruit is a favorite in a gift box or basket
A DVD is a very good item for a gift box or basket