How To Make Creative DIY Gift Boxes or Baskets
Chef, Needleworker, Gardener, Writer, Pet Lover, Card Player Baskets
Oct 2, 2009
DIY (or do-it-yourself) personalized gift baskets have such a homespun feel. The lucky recipient knows there was special time and effort put into making it just right. Better still are the gift boxes or baskets tailored to suit an individual's special interest. These are gifts that will be long remembered.
The lists offered here are suggestions of what could be included to make a special gift just right. Items can be adjusted, added or deleted to suit the budget. Keep an open mind, though, as specific items that could only be for the lucky recipient just make the gift basket or box even more individualized.
Gift Baskets or Gift Boxes Can Relate to a Hobby or a Profession
The Chef's Kitchen Basket will encourage the budding cook to try new recipes and gain cooking confidence. The Green Grower's Basket will have the green thumb in your family itchy to get in the garden and start digging. The Stitching Sampler Basket will have needleworkers delighted with its thoughtful touches.
A special dog or cat person will be bowled over with the The Furry Friends Basket. The resident writer will enjoy the care it took to put The Author, Author Basket together and any card or poker player won't be able to resist putting The Main Table Basket to use right away.
The Chef's Kitchen Basket
- medium to large stockpot for capturing the "basket" items
- set of wooden spoons in various sizes and shapes
- strong silicone rubber spatula
- set of metal measuring cups and/or spoons
- recipe card holder
- meat thermometer and/or candy thermometer
- apron and/or set of oven mitts/potholders
- good bottle of cooking wine (*see note)
- cookbook for the aspiring gourmet
- book of cooking terms definitions (i.e. braise, caramelize, fold, etc.)
- spice reference guide book
The Green Grower's Basket
- medium to large planter or plant pot for capturing the "basket" items
- hand shovel and/or pronged weeding tool
- one or two sets of garden gloves
- set of seedling plant pots
- garden markers for labelling rows
- packages of tulip or daffodil or hyacinth bulbs
- packages of assorted vegetable or flower seeds
- reference book for planting in the recipient's region
- sun hat and bottle of sun screen
The Stiching Sampler Basket
- a sewing box or basket to contain all the items
- sewing scissors and case
- seam ripper, needle threader, thimble, pin cushion
- card of sewing needles in various sizes
- card of specialty needles for darning, upholstery, leather repair and more
- small magnifying glass
- assorted embroidery floss and organizer
- roll of aida, hardanger or linen fabric
- plastic canvas or perforated paper
The Furry Friends Basket (Dogs or Cats)
- pet bed or large eating bowl to hold all the items
- chew toys or catnip toys
- fancy collar and/or leash or harness
- packages of treats
- bag or box of pet food
- sleeping blanket (to minimize pet hair on furniture)
- pet brush or comb
- pet bath soap
- hair ball remedy
- T-shirt for the owner that says "Love me, love my cat/dog"
- pet coat or sweater (depending on the climate)
- small record book to track weight, veterinary visits, allergies and more
The Author, Author Basket
- plastic file tote to contain all basket items
- several easy-to-carry hardcover notebooks with pens/pencils
- copy of latest Writer's Market guide book
- eyeglasses case
- paperweight
- a supply of inexpensive, homemade business cards showing the writer's name and contact information excluding home address if the writer doesn't already have these (can be made with a simple office software program)
- software program for writing scripts/plays/novels
- set of headphones (for blocking outside noise while writing)
- large coffee mug
- subscription to Writer's Journal or Writer's Digest magazines with an included copy to start
- T-shirt, desk plaque or framed hanging with a clever writer saying (i.e. My Way is the Write Way!; Writing is not about the words but about how you feel when you write them; I've always known my destiny, write down the line - or another saying of your choice)
The Main Table Basket
- strongbox to contain all items (can be used as a safe place for the player buy-ins during play)
- sets of poker chips
- set of various items (like Monopoly pieces) that can be used for card protectors
- sets of tournament chips
- several sets of regulation playing cards
- automatic card shuffler
- dealer button and dealer visor
- copy of Basic Poker Etiquette Rules
- frame-ready scroll of the House Rules including a few personalized rules for fun (i.e. It is the duty of the player on the button to compliment the host's hair; All players must enjoy themselves at all times, etc.)
- poker room menu with gag items and charges (i.e. Item 1: A Drink - Cost: Let the host win the hand; Item 2: A Second Drink - Cost: Refer to Item 1 - or other items of your choice)
- sign with a poker room name, either using the recipient's first or last name (i.e. Smith's Place, Johnny's Cellar) or a clever phrase (i.e. Chips & Tips, The Hi-Lo Room, The Shark Tank - All Fish Welcome, etc.)
Use Your Imagination When Creating Gift Boxes or Baskets
All ideas here suggest alternates to baskets but that doesn't mean a basket won't work and it is possible to keep costs down by using them. Whenever possible, keep in mind the recipient's taste in color and style.
*While appropriate for The Chef's Kitchen Basket, wine should always be carefully considered as the recipient may not be comfortable with it, particularly if the basket is for a business associate. Wine baskets delivered or baskets with any alcohol delivered to offices are generally frowned upon as inappropriate.
Just be sure to have fun putting any personalized gift box or basket together and Happy Gifting!
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