Choosing Containers for Gift Baskets

For gift baskets, find something that goes with the theme. The "basket" does not have to be an actual basket but can be anything that will hold the contents, i.e. a watering can for a gardening basket or a bowl for a kitchen basket. Be creative but also be practical. The great thing about gift baskets is that everything is practical, useful or consumable.

Use your imagination. Tins, pretty boxes, plastic storage containers, laundry baskets, wastebaskets, buckets, anything that is reusable and will hold the items. Shop all year at garage sales for containers.

Fillers for Gift Baskets:

To finish your gift baskets use some of the following fillers to give it a festive look.

• colored cellophane or waxed paper "grass"
• crumpled tissue paper or newspaper comics
• a piece of fabric (try something with a Christmas print)
• shredded newspaper or colored paper
• straw
• raffia
• brightly colored towels

After carefully arranging your items stick in some other goodies

For Christmas Baskets:

• candy canes
• wrapped candies
• small pine cones
• cinnamon sticks tied with red ribbon
• greenery - spruce, pine, cedar, holly
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• Christmas ornaments
• small bows
• Mandarin oranges
• nuts in the shell
• scented candles
• wrapped baked goods

For other occasions:

• small toys
• wrapped candies or other treats
• seasonal decorations
• other useful small items i.e. lip gloss, votive candles

The great thing about gift baskets is that they really need no wrapping. You can take colored cellophane and cover the top to disguise the contents. Just tie on some colorful ribbons.