A tisket, a tasket: what to put in that gift basket?

[MrsPinecone]

Alcohol themed 'basket':

Use an ice bucket to hold it all. Fill with:
2 glasses of the type to make whatever drink you like- champagne, margarita, martini
mini cutting board
small knife
swizzle sticks
margarita salt
jigger
wine opener
****tail shaker
bar recipe book
etc.

Movie basket:

Large bowl to hold
popcorn
salt
candy bars
canned soda
Blockbuster gift card
Fleece blanket

Coffee basket:

Line with dish towel
Coffee filters
Mug(s)
Bag of gourmet coffee
Chocolate spoons
Chocolate covered coffee beans
Flavored creamer
General Foods Intl coffee

Bread Makers:

Large wooden or plastic bowl
Dish towel
Yeast
Flour-- maybe whole wheat or rye for variety
Dried fruit
Rolling pin
Bread cookbook

For a housewarming or wedding-- uses lots of stockpile items!:

Laundry basket -- I use the .98 Sterilite ones from WM
All purpose cleaner
Windex
Dish and/or dishwasher detergent
Laundry detergent -- usually put in a 'free & clear' variety to avoid allergies
Fabric softener liquid or sheets
Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner
Wipes of various kinds
Hand soap
Cheap washcloths for cleaning
Sponges/scrubbers
Mr. Clean magic eraser
Roll or two of paper towels -- these take up space nicely!

Baking basket:
Hand mixer
Large bowl-- I used stainless steel
Cooling rack
Pyrex measuring cup
Rubber spatula
Baby rolling pin
Variety of Betty Crocker cookie and muffin mixes-- put in about 6 of them

[2dles]

Whenever a friend gets married in my core group of friends we put together a basket for them for their wedding night. I usually get a wicker laundry basket from Michael's when they are around $2 or less. We add all kinds of things.

Bottle of Champagne and glasses
Couple different 2 liters of pop
Pretzels
Chips
Candy Bars
Mints
Gum
Pop Tarts
Pudding
Microwave Popcorn
and whatever else we know the happy couple likes to munch on.

I know it was great for us when we got up to our Bridal Suite after the wedding and wanted something to eat because we were starving. It was a nice touch to just let the newlyweds know we were thinking about them and wishing them all the best.

[cutenirish]

good ideas :) I might start making these for bday's and xmas :)

[Kristen.C]

One of the most useful things I ever received was for my highschool graduation.

It was a rubbermaid storage container filled with notebooks, pens, pencils, paperclips, paperclip dispenser, staples, stapler, tape dispenser, tape refills, thumbtacks, a ruler, post it notes, etc...

EVERYTHING one could ever think of needing when being away from home at school for the first time.

When I moved away for the first time the same people gave me a small toiletry bag with mini shampoo bottles, soap, body wash, qtips, a sewing kit, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, deodorant, mini shaving cream, small toothpaste, dental floss, travel toothbrush, small bottles of tylenol, mini first aid kit, etc. It was also stuffed and I still use it to this day whenever I travel away from home. It made a great moving gift!

[MissChele]

Looking for ideas for baskets for "tween" girls that come to our church. Most of them are left to fend for themselves - they are fed and housed by parents - but things like hygiene, nutrition, etc and definitely not being taught. (One of the mothers wants to put her kids on a bus Sunday mornings to go to another church so they will be gone an extra 90 minutes on Sundays) The teacher knows I stockpile a bit now and asked me to put baskets together in the next couple of months. I have shampoo (Thanks CVS) but I wanted some other ideas and maybe some deal leads. My ideas are - bodywash, deodorant, nail implements, comb, brush, dental items, facial care, lotion...
Any other ideas?


MissChele

[MrsPinecone]

Granola bars
Fruit cups

[BzyBee]

How about some of the cute items in the Target $ spot? Certainly when it goes 75% it would be easy to stock up...or school supplies...it is the right time of year to get that stuff as well? If the parents are somewhat hands-off regarding parenting...you might be able to find some inspirational stories of people who came from similar situations...often times giving hope of a promising future is the best thing...but the hardest too.
It is kind of you to look after the girls in this way.

[MaineSuse]

Hair Notions (barettes, scrunchies, tiny clips), lightly tinted lip balm, clear or very pale nail polish.

[Jusk]

Skin care wipes (ponds, clearasil etc)........purell sample size, small cosmetic bags, small wallets or change purses, stickers with positve "girl power" messages, deoderant, deoderant, deoderant!!! (tweens start really smelling and if they arent being looked after too much at home, someone may not tell them!)
Find someone that sells avon and ask for free samples of different products.
Mini pads???? ( some girls don't even know how to ask their parents for their first supply).......

Along those same lines...you could start a "closet" at church and ask members to donate NEW items such as bras, underwear, pajamas, socks....for girls to choose from on an as needed basis........I currently have 2 bras that someone gave me for my DD13 that were found on a clearance rack for next to nothing and they are too small for her.....I would be glad to ROAK them to you and could send them cheap in a padded envie.......PM your info if you want them.

[YouPdWhat]

TEEN AGED GIRLS

Small to medium sized basket, line with pink tissue paper or raffia grass. Add a sampler pack of flavored lip gloss, powders, lotions, makeup kit, a light sporty fragrance, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, and necklaces. Arrange artistically & Wrap in colored cellophane & tie with a bow.


TEEN AGED BOYS

Place a couple of their favorite cd's in a basket along with a pocket comb, cologne, & skin care products designed for males.


SMALLER CHILDREN

Use a medium sized basket, use a thin soft blanket as a liner. Arrange dolls, stuffed animals, cars, or whatever toys the child might enjoy.


OLDER CHILDREN

Kids are love cartoon pencils, erasers, stickers & trading cards. Add small games (like a Game Boy along with accessories) & a book they've been wanting.



INFANTS AND BABIES

Use a soft receiving blanket as the filler, add in socks, onesies, teething rings, rattlers, small plush toy, baby brush sets, clippers, bottles, & pacifiers, Or make a basket only filled with baby skin products & diapers.


WINE LOVERS

Buy a couple bottles of wine add cheese, crackers, a cork screw, a pretty bottle top cork, & a couple of wine glasses.


BBQ FANS

Make up a batch of your famous BBQ sauce & put it in a pretty jar. Add bags of chips, beer &/or cokes, homemade potato salad, big soft cookies wrapped in colored cellophane. Line the basket with red gingham cloth napkins, add a package of rolls & a can of baked beans.



TEA OR COFFEE LOVERS

Place gourmet tea or coffee in a basket along with cookies, tea cups or coffee mugs, pretty cloth napkins, a ceramic tea or coffee pot, add sugar cubes & flavored creamers. If the person you are giving the gift to likes music or reading throw in a cd or a good book.


FRUIT AND BREAD BASKETS

Buy an assortment of various fruits & create a basket filled with fruits & nuts. Add homemade breads, rolls, cookies, candies, or other goodies.


SWEETHEARTS

A romantic gift idea would be sexy lingerie, massage oils, flowers, scented bubble bath, a soft jazzy cd, candles, a bottle of champagne & two wine glasses.


ARTISTS

Fill basket filled with art supplies including paint brushes, different types of paints, markers, pencils, & a sketch book.

[queenofthehivemomof5]

When school supplies are on back to school sales I like to stock up for art gift baskets. I get a rubbermaid type file box, decorate with stickers (free) and the childs name in perm. colored marker. Inside I tuck in crayons, markers, water colors, homemade play doh, papers, sissors, glue, glitter, pom poms, pipe cleaners, and what ever craft supplies I find on clearance around town. This is always a big hit with the kids.

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Not really a gift basket, but here is a nice site that shows you with pictures (ala stevebass does) a recipie for making a diaper cake.

Diaper Cake (http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Diaper-Cake)

[YouPdWhat]

I have these on file but do not remember where I got them ( borrowed )


Coffee and Tea Mix Recipes


These mixing & serving directions only apply until you get to the dotted divider line. To prepare the following coffee recipes: mix in food processor or blender until you have a fine powder.

For all the coffee recipes except the cafe' au lait, use 1 to 2 spoonfuls to one mug of hot water (to desired taste)


BAVARIAN MINT
2/3 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. dried mint leaves
2/3 cup nondairy creamer

CAFE' L'ORANGE
2/3 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. dried crushed orange peel
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

CAFE' MOCHA
2/3 cup instant coffee
3 TBS. unsweetened cocoa
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup nondairy creamer
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk

CINNAMON-N-SPICE
2/3 cup instant coffee
1 1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice

TOFFEE COFFEE
1 cup instant coffee
1 cup nondairy creamer
1 cup brown sugar

CAFE' VIENNA
1 cup instant coffee
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 1/3 cups nonfat dry milk
1 tsp. cinnamon

CAFE' ORANGE CAPPUCCINO
1 cup instant coffee
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups nonfat dry milk
1 tsp. dry orange peel

SWISS MOCHA
1 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
2 cups nonfat dry milk
4 tsp. cocoa powder

CAFE' VIENNA MIX
1 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cups nondairy creamer
1 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk
4 TBS. cocoa

CAFE' AU LAIT
1 11 oz jar nondairy creamer
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup instant coffee
dash of salt
(use 1/4 cup mix to 2/3 cup hot water for the cafe' au lait)
NIGHT CAP COFFEE

2/3 cup nondairy powdered coffee creamer
1/3 cup instant coffee
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Use one heaping TBS. to 1 cup hot water.

CHOCOLATE MALT COFFEE CREAMER
1 cups instant hot cocoa mix
2/3 cup nondairy powdered coffee creamer
1 cup malted milk mix
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

RASPBERRY COCOA MIX (Cherry would be good too)
3 cups instant hot cocoa powder
1 pkg. unsweetened raspberry Kool-aid (0.13 oz size)
Use 2 heaping TBS. to 1 cup hot water.

FORGET-ME-NOT TEA (hot or cold)
1 15 oz jar orange tang-type mix
1 cup sugar
1 cup unsweetened tea mix
1/2 cup sweetened lemonade mix
1 package cherry Kool-aid (0.14 oz, unsweetened)
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg

To serve, stir 2 heaping tablespoons tea mix into 8 oz. hot or cold water.


RUSSIAN TEA
1 cup instant tea mix (unsweetened and no lemon)
2 cups dry tang powder
1 pkg. lemonade, unsweetened powder
1 cup sugar
1 TBS. nutmeg
1 TBS. allspice
1 TBS. cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together and store in air tight container. To use, place 1-2 rounded teaspoons of dry mix to 1 mug of hot water. (can use a shot of whiskey or spirits for hot toddy.)

RUSSIAN TEA - UTAH STYLE
2 cups tang powder
1 TBS. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup sweetened lemonade powder (country time)Mix together and store in cupboard in an airtight container. When ready to use, add 3 TBS. mix to 1 cup hot water. --

[hotcouponmama]

I think the movie basket in the microwave tub works really well too!

[cutenirish]

I think the movie basket in the microwave tub works really well too!

I've done that and it does work nicely!

I think i'm making gift baskets for ppl for xmas- i'll be spending some time in this thread!

[hotcouponmama]

My MIL does inexpensive gift baskets for her neighbors.

I do a HBA stocking for my teenage nephews. I get them all the razors, shaving stuff, lotions and soaps, as well as a new toothbrush and tube of toothpaste. Then I also put GCs in there for blockbuster and McD's, as well as some stocking stuffer candy and fruit. I have done that for them for several years and they really enjoy it, and best of all, it's basically free.

I have a stocking here on hand for them I fill, then transfer it over to a gift bag that I saved from xmas morning.

I do HBA baskets for my two single cousins who still live at home with their mom- tons of lotions and bath stuff and expensive razors they wouldn't buy for themselves, shampoos and makeup. That basket is almost completely free - I actually do it in a pretty gift bag and then tie the bag shut with the string of a loofa or bath scrubbie. I usually put a few other things in it - little mini-picture frames, candles, handmade soaps from craftfairs, etc.

[cutenirish]

NICE WORK! I was going to do that last year for some of the guys in the family but I know they'd all think it was stupid and not appreciate it so i give it to my Dad and Brother :) They get "free bags" from me every few months just cause :) I could probably supply three men with deoderant for 18 months each LOL!

[queenofthehivemomof5]

I just did a cookie baking gift for my DD's teacher. I bought a nice heavy duty baking sheet. On it I artfully stacked a box of parchment paper, a cookie dough scoop, some cookie cutters, 3 bags of betty crocker sugar cookie dough mix, and 3 other flavors of BC cookie dough mix (Choc chi, PB, oatmeal) and some cake sprinkles. I wraped it in celophane and tied with a bow. She seemed to think it was cool.

[chanfu]

I just made a couple of mini gift baskets for a Christmas party I'm going to that is having a $5 gift exchange.

Mini Gift Basket #1: Movie Lover's:

One plastic popcorn container from Target's Dollar Spot: $1
3 packages of Deerfield Farms microwave popcorn from Walgreens @ 3 for $1: $1
One box of Junior Mints from Target: 89¢
One pack of movie trivia cards from Target's Dollar Spot: $1
One DVD of Christmas episodes of classic TV shows from Target's Dollar Spot: $1
I also threw in a free sample of ActII microwave popcorn that I got from Wal-Mart and a printable Blockbuster rent-one-get-one-free coupon.

Mini Gift Basket #2: Hot Chocolate Lover's:

One Christmas mug from Walgreen's, on sale at 2 for $1: 50¢
3 packages of Land O'Lakes hot cocoa mix from Hy-Vee @ 79¢ each: $2.40
2 Hershey's Cacao Reserve Squares from Walgreens @ 2 for $1: 1
One 99¢ package of Pepperidge Farm Chocolate Chunk cookies from Target: 99¢
One tiny ceramic cannister with a tiny wooden spoon from Walgreens, on sale @ 2 for $1: 50¢
I filled the above with cinnamon sugar. Walgreens had a large bottle of it for $1; this provided me with way more than I needed to fill the cannister.

I love making gift baskets!

[jdeere]

For friends this year for Christmas I bought small wicker baskets from Dollar General on clearance. Some were lined in red check or others in solid muslin. I put in a can of chow chow I canned this summer from our garden, along with a bag of dried peas, a bag of BC cornbread muffin mix(a bargain from Kroger about a month ago). I also plan to include a jar of my homemade salsa and a Xmas dishtowel.

[love2cook]

When I have a friend move into their first apt or a house or something, I usually take a laundry basket and fill it with odds n ends: cleaners, towels, hot pads, kitchen gadgets, etc.

Also food baskets are good.

Candles are always nice too!! You can get some of these cheap at DG!!

[taxchyk]

I did tiny baskets last year for some of the people who go out of their way to make my life easier... like my doctor's nurse. She does the follow up when appointments are needed, calls with reminders to do bloodwork, etc. I got a small wicker sleigh and put some bath salts, a tiny candle in a jar from Michaels that I'd bought for $.20, some chocolate, a cup, some cocoa mix and told her she deserved a minivacation.
She was overhelmed that someone would think about her for a change.

[toppincl]

I LOVE making gift baskets!!

We're doing HBA & Household supplies baskets for family this year for Christmas--we're both tired of spending $$$ on things that our families may never use. So this year, each 'family' (My parents, DH's mom & stepdad, Dad & stepmom, and both of his married brothers & their wives) are getting either a sheet set or a comforter set (depending on Black Friday sales :D) and a laundry basket filled with HBA and household items from our stockpile. They'll end up with a gift worth at LEAST $100, and we'll have easier shopping AND be assured they'll actually use the gifts. Everyone wins.

I usually make a diaper cake for baby showers, too. Each layer is a different sized diaper, with the top being the smallest size, so they can take it apart in that order. I usually use a blanket wrapped over cardboard as the 'tray', then include pacifiers, any small baby samples I have on hand, socks, pacifier clips, baby nail clippers, etc. I also usually either add some things to the cake for mom--shampoo, soap, lotion samples, tea bags, etc--or make a separate 'mommy' gift basket. I have friends having a baby in the spring, and I think I'm going to try to put together a 'hospital' basket for the two of them--just soaps, razors, deodorant, etc for BOTH of them for the hospital stay, since our hospitals encourage dad to room in. That way, they won't have to worry about packing for themselves.

Speaking of hospitals, both times I've had babies I've made up a gift basket for the nurses on the maternity floor. The first time it was halloween candy, as our little one was born on Oct 28. This time, it was bagels from Panera and a smaller container of candy. Just a little something to thank them for changing my babies' diapers and bringing me ice at 3 am :D I'm already putting together some Thanksgiving baskets, too, mostly for the police officers, 911 operators, and nursing staff at my grandmother's nursing home who will be working the holiday. Just something to let them know they're appreciated, so homemade cookies, hot chocolate mix, tea bags, etc.

[love2cook]

I LOVE making gift baskets!!

Speaking of hospitals, both times I've had babies I've made up a gift basket for the nurses on the maternity floor. The first time it was halloween candy, as our little one was born on Oct 28. This time, it was bagels from Panera and a smaller container of candy. Just a little something to thank them for changing my babies' diapers and bringing me ice at 3 am :D I'm already putting together some Thanksgiving baskets, too, mostly for the police officers, 911 operators, and nursing staff at my grandmother's nursing home who will be working the holiday. Just something to let them know they're appreciated, so homemade cookies, hot chocolate mix, tea bags, etc.


I am a 911 dispatcher - I wish more people were as thoughtful as you! Thanks for doing that for your local dispatchers. We are so often forgotten!!

[wannabefree]

I read that baskets can be put together and covered with window tinting film b/c it can be blow dried and thus "shrink wrapped". Has anyone tried this?


What are some ideas for the container other than a basket? I was thinking cookie tin, trash can, bucket, etc depending on the recipient.

Please help me be creative. I want to share some of the goodies for Christmas gifts from my stockpile without looking like I burglarized a CVS store!:hysterical::hysterical::hysterical:

Thanks a bunch!

[wly]

LOL. Im in the same boat. I just went to Ross and got some baskets. I did have a good site somewhere on basket ideas.. hm. Gift Baskets (http://www.angelfire.com/biz5/marlene/GiftBaskets.htm) That's a great site. Im just doin the original italian/pasta basket and a movie night basket. Oh and some wine baskets! Do you have pics of any baskets youve made before? I really need some help on makin' these suckers look good! Im also making salt dough ornamets and painting them, placing them at the top where I would put a bow.

[wannabefree]

So HAS anyone used the window film to shrink wrap the basket????? I was hoping to get some feedback on that.
:shrug7:
Thanks

[stevieswife]

I have never tried the window tint for shrink wrap, but have PAID for window tint a few times( for DH & myself to apply) and it is expensive! It doesn't "shrink" when blow dried for faster drying on the windows, it stays true to the size it was cut. So , not sure if it would for a gift basket, not to mention it is a pain to try and seperate the backing from the actual tint.

Dollar Tree usually has the shrink wrap. Much cheaper and less work. IMO.

[love2cook]

What are some ideas for the container other than a basket? I was thinking cookie tin, trash can, bucket, etc depending on the recipient.

Please help me be creative. I want to share some of the goodies for Christmas gifts from my stockpile without looking like I burglarized a CVS store!:hysterical::hysterical::hysterical:

Thanks a bunch!


A laundry basket, dish pan, mixing bowl, flower pot, cookie sheet, cake pan, hmmmmmm - :hysterical:

[toppincl]

I have never tried the window tint for shrink wrap, but have PAID for window tint a few times( for DH & myself to apply) and it is expensive! It doesn't "shrink" when blow dried for faster drying on the windows, it stays true to the size it was cut. So , not sure if it would for a gift basket, not to mention it is a pain to try and seperate the backing from the actual tint.

Dollar Tree usually has the shrink wrap. Much cheaper and less work. IMO.

Hmm ... I'm not sure, but I don't think she meant the tint, but rather those storm windows that shrink to fit? And to be honest I feel silly--we used those things every year in our old house, and it never once occurred to me to use those instead of the bags from the $$ tree for gift baskets!! I bet they would work, though . . . .but I don't know how you'd seal the seam.

[chevy_chick95]

great ideas! thanks!!

[wannabefree]

The idea site talked of sealing the stuff with packing tape underneath the basket then using a blowdryer to shrink it up.

I forgot exactly what it was called. Thanks for clearing that up for me too!!!
She said it was pretty cheap so I may give it a try. Can you buy it at Walmart etc or do you have to go to Home Depot for it???

TIA

[stevieswife]

I read that baskets can be put together and covered with window tinting film b/c it can be blow dried and thus "shrink wrapped". Has anyone tried this?


What are some ideas for the container other than a basket? I was thinking cookie tin, trash can, bucket, etc depending on the recipient.

Please help me be creative. I want to share some of the goodies for Christmas gifts from my stockpile without looking like I burglarized a CVS store!:hysterical::hysterical::hysterical:

Thanks a bunch!


Hmm ... I'm not sure, but I don't think she meant the tint, but rather those storm windows that shrink to fit? And to be honest I feel silly--we used those things every year in our old house, and it never once occurred to me to use those instead of the bags from the $$ tree for gift baskets!! I bet they would work, though . . . .but I don't know how you'd seal the seam.


The idea site talked of sealing the stuff with packing tape underneath the basket then using a blowdryer to shrink it up.

I forgot exactly what it was called. Thanks for clearing that up for me too!!!
She said it was pretty cheap so I may give it a try. Can you buy it at Walmart etc or do you have to go to Home Depot for it???

TIA

I was hoping that it wasn't the window tint for the sheer cost of it.

It would cost more for the tint than the contents of the basket! LOL!

I have no idea what a shrink to fit storm window is, but I am glad someone does! Good luck on your hunt for finding it!:Wave2:

[wly]

If you use shrink wrap, can you use a hair dryer to shrink it or only a heat gun?

[wly]

Ohhh and please post some pics of the baskets youve made please!! :beg2::thanks3:

[toppincl]

You can buy them at walmart--in fact, i got several boxes there a couple of years ago on clearance fo dirt cheap . . . I think we used them all, though. The kind I buy are only a couple of dollars for a box of two, regular price. The kit contains two plastic sheets, probably about three feet wide and five or six long, not sure, as well as a roll of double sided tape. You put the tape around your window, attach the plastic sheet, then use a hairdryer to 'shrink' it. It pulls all the wrinkles and such out of the plastic, and you can barely tell it's there. It's a quick and easy way to weatherproof your home for the winter, especially if you have older windows.


The idea site talked of sealing the stuff with packing tape underneath the basket then using a blowdryer to shrink it up.

I forgot exactly what it was called. Thanks for clearing that up for me too!!!
She said it was pretty cheap so I may give it a try. Can you buy it at Walmart etc or do you have to go to Home Depot for it???

TIA

[Cynthiabutterfly]

So HAS anyone used the window film to shrink wrap the basket????? I was hoping to get some feedback on that.
:shrug7:
Thanks

I think I just thought up another use for my foodsaver....:biggrin:


That would be perfect for a "box" gift, using a gift box or a shoebox covered with wrapping paper. I've seen candle gifts, fancy soaps, stationary, perfume, etc. wrapped this way.

[MrsPinecone]

I recently made a pedicure basket for a friend.

Used a plastic dishpan (for foot soaking) to hold it. I lined it with an inexpensive towel, and then filled it with things like foot soak, lotion, a pair of cotton socks, a little pumicey thing, orange sticks, cuticle trimmers, nail clippers, toe separators, and a couple of colors of nail polish.

She LOVED it.

[eisor]

I saw a ton of slippers on clearance at Walmart for $3. They'd make a great "big" item for a spa gift basket.

[emily26505]

I have been slowly gathering a *huge* stockpile of various items from CVS and definitely don't need all of it for myself and my boyfriend. I was wondering if anyone can share any ideas on what items they put together to make a nice gift basket for someone. Or if anyone has any creative ideas on what to do with all of it that they don't use I would appreciate it. Even though we don't need all the things I get, I figure that someone else could probably use it, so I keep stockpiling things. Thanks!

[extechy]

If you know someone who's going off to college next fall, a HBA gift basket including laundry detergent, would be a great gift!

Much needed and much appreciated to boot!

[lorinlucy]

I agree with the health & beauty stuff:

For co-workers, friends,....I've done some makeup, shampoo, conditioner, hair color, skin lotion, asst facial stuff in a basket. Added a few candies as well.

I've also done gifts for the kids teachers: Glade candles, air freshener, pencils, candies. I will frequently put in a $5 GC to Starbucks, Target, CVS.. etc

Great idea for the college bound folks from the pp. You could probably sneak in some lysol cleaners & stuff if they're living off campus.

[heartse]

I am planning on giving a couple gift baskets for wedding shower presents this summer... laundry detergent/softeners, dishwashing detergent, candles, sprays, soaps, various cleaners, and nice towels in a laundry basket kind of thing. Basically, a bunch of household stuff. I hope they like them... :smile:

[buddysmom]

I've made lots of the college bound gift baskets. I usually use one of the plastic "milk crate" things that they sell.
Laundry supplies, paper towels, Pledge dusters, Febreze, microwave popcorn, poptarts, soup @ hand, Chex mix, gum, candy, fruit snax, toothbrush, toothpaste, deo, body wash, shampoo, tissues, Advil or Tylenol, cough drops, cough medicine. I made these for my son & his friends when they started their freshman year last year. They loved them. I've already started gathering things to make them for the guys again this year. If you are buying early - just make sure the exp dates of things are later on in the year.

[lovemy2girls]

I did a gift basket last May for a friend's daughter who was going to college. I put shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, trial sized tide, lotion, tooth brushes, toothpaste, deodorant and i know some other stuff i am forgetting. Since it was for an incoming college freshman, I went to our local steve and barry's and got her two college shirts to go with all the free stuff.

[funnyface09]

These are all wonderful Ideas! There are some very imaginative and talented people on this site. I think I like it here..:smile:

[nyc_girl_90210]

how bout for a gardner or some one who enjoys plants

[cheynesnana]

Also.. for babies.. use a baby bathtub.. fill it with a towel.. washcloths.. onesies.. maybe jammies.. a rubber ducky of course.. :)

[cheynesnana]

For a gardener...hmmm.. use a flower pot or watering can.. put some gloves.. seed packets.. a couple of gardening tools..

[andi6]

I did a gift basket last May for a friend's daughter who was going to college. I put shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, trial sized tide, lotion, tooth brushes, toothpaste, deodorant and i know some other stuff i am forgetting. Since it was for an incoming college freshman, I went to our local steve and barry's and got her two college shirts to go with all the free stuff.


Last month I gave my 19 year old niece a a basket similar to this. I made a tote bag and used it for the "basket" and put in razors (the good ones!) shave creams, lotions, shampoo and conditioner, lip balm, polish, toothpastes and brushes, and Warm Delights. Not only did she love it but her 15 year old sister told her mom she hopes she gets the same stuff for her birthday next month. Don't tell her.... but she will!

I'm doing similar type gift bags for my 5 sisters-in-law, cousin, mother-in-law, aunt, 4 nieces and 2 daughters this year. The guys are always the hardest!

[DebK1013]

I just put together for my niece who is moving into her first apartment a basket full of household items. Cleaning products, paper products, medicines and bath stuff. I picked up a beautiful basket from Christmas Tree shop. She will love it.

My nephew just bought a house so I am putting together a gardening basket with a gift card from Home Depot so he can pick up something they may need.

I love putting stuff like this together. It's fun!

[beth119]

Great thread!

[robynvandyke]

Loving all of these ideas....can't wait for Christmas now!!

[oceanbreeze]

Speaking of hospitals, both times I've had babies I've made up a gift basket for the nurses on the maternity floor. The first time it was halloween candy, as our little one was born on Oct 28. This time, it was bagels from Panera and a smaller container of candy. Just a little something to thank them for changing my babies' diapers and bringing me ice at 3 am :D I'm already putting together some Thanksgiving baskets, too, mostly for the police officers, 911 operators, and nursing staff at my grandmother's nursing home who will be working the holiday. Just something to let them know they're appreciated, so homemade cookies, hot chocolate mix, tea bags, etc.


That is really sweet! Having worked holidays in nursing homes, you have NO idea how much your thoughtfulness is truly appreciated!!! It is nice to know some ppl care about the folks 'holding down the fort' on big holidays:giggle2:

[terrortoys]

Last year for X-mas my father in law wanted car cleaning supplies.. so I bought a plastic bucket (to hold water or soap to wash a car) as the "basket" and put in some armour all items that we found on sale and a boxed kit that was about $9.99. We also threw in some detail brushes and cloth diapers since they don't leave a residue. I had to buy all of it because I didn't have any of this stockpiled, but it was cute and he loved it.

[mamahen35]

I'm making my dad a fishing gift basket this year. A new tackle box filled with lots of fishing goodies (bought on clearance of course). Some power bars and small snacks. I'm not sure what else yet. Maybe some deodorant so he wont come home with that fishy smell. lol
And I also like to make mommy baskets for babyshowers. I take a laundry basket full of goodies for the baby of course but I also get a smaller basket and fill it up with carbonated flavored water, crackers, a jar of pickles, chapstick, hard candy, tylenol, lotion, antacids... Just little things to help with all of those cravings,upset tummies and dry skin. And to let my mommy friend know that she is special too.
OH! And for Halloween last year the boys and I took latex balloons and made round pinatas, covered them in orange crepe paper, glued on jackolantern faces, left a hole in the top to stuff in candy, small toys, Halloween pencils, stickers etc. Then rolled up a piece of green paper like a tube and pushed it in the top for the stem. Then we gave them to our "special" trick or treaters. They could either smash them (which is really fun!) or just pull the stem out of the top and shake the goodies out.

This is a great thread. I'll have to come back and look for more ideas!

[LakelandLady]

My oldest just started Kindergarten and I would like to give her teacher a little gift bowl with movie related things in it- I've got some candy, popcorn, soda but what my question is

where is the thread that has the idea in it?

I remember reading it once upon a time and thought it was here in stockpiling but maybe not.

anyone have a clue?

[mamahen35]

My oldest just started Kindergarten and I would like to give her teacher a little gift bowl with movie related things in it- I've got some candy, popcorn, soda but what my question is

where is the thread that has the idea in it?

I remember reading it once upon a time and thought it was here in stockpiling but maybe not.

anyone have a clue?


I found this thread. Hope it helps http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/daily-living/148208-need-some-gift-ideas-teachers.html

[JCausby]

This was such a cute party favor, I got one when I was in Kindergarten and I still remember it - 20 years later. At the party, the mom had taken cheap plastic drinking cups (not the disposable kind), but the kind you can get a sleeve at Walmart for around a dollar. She used a paint pen to write our names on our cup and then filled it with a pencil, some candy, some stickers. It didn't matter what was in the cup, because I used the cup for years to come, because it had my name on it!

[cmricha2]

Do you find that everyone likes the gift baskets? I ask because I am thinking of putting together one for my mom but she is so picky. She only likes to use HBA stuff from AVON (not free for me). I have this random planter/box thing with angles on it (she loves angels) I was thinking about using but I have no idea what I could use to fill it. I was thinking putting some razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes in (don't think AVON sales it), but I need some help. Any other ideas what I could add?

[JCausby]

What about a pair of bedroom slippers, her favorite candy, bag of coffee? It could be more like a relaxation or indulgence basket. Sometimes CVS or Victorias Secret has the slippers marked way down and maybe she likes the Werther's Caramels we always have a coupon for? :)

[mamahen35]

You could give it a bedtime spin with a facial scrub, a loofa, your razors and toothpaste, maybe you can get a bottle of avon lotion or body wash on sale (or ask for samples!) a pretty mug, some chamomile tea, a book or a journal (sometimes Dollar General has some surprisingly good paper backs for a buck) with the slippers and caramels...(mmm..ask her if she'll share)
Or you could give it a Goodmorning sunshine theme with a flowery mug, coffee, some little debbie muffins, a magazine, soap or lotion with a citrusy or cucumber scent.

I think most people like gift baskets. I do. I think the best ones are personal. My mom knows I like to do crafts so for christmas she found me a huge basket (I use it to hide the kid's toys in the living room) and she filled it with scrapbook supplies, a glue gun, glue sticks, pipecleaners, buttons, feathers...everything. And I loved it. It was one of my favorite christmas presants ever. You found her a planter box with an angel so you took the time to think about what she would really like. Incorporate a favorite color or a favorite smell. Try to think of things that she could use or that she would like but maybe would never buy for herself. And if it's a deep box, stuff it with tissue paper or newspaper then tissue paper so that your items sit up higher. It makes it look bigger and fuller ;) I hope this doesn't sound as scattered as I feel! lol. I have two little ones fighting for my lap as I type! Hope someone here helps a little!

[robynvandyke]

My neighbors are leaving on thier honeymoon in a few days to Mexico. I got 4 single boxes of those space bags for traveling....you know the ones you roll and all the air squeezes out? Well I got those at the dollar store. I put in some sunscreen, chapstick, a bottle of coco butter lotion and some aloe vera gel. I also added some tums and some Tylenol for those hung over mornings! I found some travel size packages of toilet seat covers at my WalMart. LOL Some travel soaps and some Wet Ones wipes. And a pink and blue beach towel to finish it out!!!

[katasia]

I love all of the ideas! They are great! I have to start separating my stuff into piles. I have nine brothers and sisters, as well as parents and step parents to divide for. :)

[tn_native]

Well, I found a new CHEAP basket fill. I was at the Dollar Tree on Sunday and, yes, they had basket fill, but it was in a very small bag and I'd have to buy at least 4 bags to do what I needed, BUT they also had 3M brown Postal Paper rolls. I hacked it into 4 pieces (without unrolling) with a long serrated knife and then took my OLD strip shredder and away we went. Took less than 5 minutes for it all to be strip shredded and I ended up with two grocery bags full of strip cut brown paper for basket filler.

I'm quite happy with the results.

tn_native

[newatthis]

My family plays bingo every year and one of my bingo gifts this year is a health and wellness basket. It has over a $50 value (min value is $25) so I think it is a pretty nice gift. What do you think? I think practical gifts are the way to go! (the other pictures are of my dd 18 mths with our dog Tucker) 2849

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(click on the pics to enlarge them)

[harmons89]

That's nice! Everyone can use those items and usually when you need them you don't feel like going to the store to get them! That is a great bingo prize!

[DebK1013]

We are doing the same thing tonight! I am using my basket as the "jackpot" of coverall. I have another basket filled with items they can choose from for the reg bingo and misc games of the evening.

I did this a couple of weeks ago when I had my co-workers over for a holiday party and they loved it!

Have fun!

[hcwhcw]

newatthis, your Health & Wellness Gift Basket looks really good! I have been reading up on other HCW-ers ideas for gift baskets made with stockpile items. And I am feeling inspired to start shopping and stockpiling with the aim of making gift baskets in the future. So, it really helps to get some visual and creative inspiration - thank you for sharing your pics and idea!

Some questions for you. What did you write on the card or paper that went with it? Did you label it as a "Health & Wellness Gift Basket"?

Where did you get the metal tin and how much did that cost? Did you end up adding some cellophane paper and ribbon, or leaving as-is? I think it looks good as-is, but the cellophane paper and ribbon presentation seems popular.

And if you don't mind my asking (or if you feel like bragging a little! ;-)) how much do you think your total actual cost was for the whole gift basket, versus the actual value? (Please PM me if you don't want to post publicly, i.e., gift recipient may be reading thread and you're not sure you want them to know exactly how much.)

Thanks again for posting the pics and idea.

[dliver316]

I LOVE your gift basket, but more importantly....your little girl is ADORABLE!!! She takes a great picture!

[MrsPinecone]

bump

[arasic]

how bout for a gardner or some one who enjoys plants


For last Mother's Day I made one for my grandma using a small tool bag. I baught a couple of flowers to pot and put them inside the bag, and the outside had all of these little pockets, so I put some gardening gloves, little gardening tools(mini shovel, rake thingy (don't know what it's actually called) and some snips) and some seed packets in them, she loved it!

[natandnick]

I'm putting together a beach/pool bag for my neice. I'm including a beach towel, sunglasses, frisbee, water bottle, sunscreen and flip flops. All items were clearanced earlier this year at Joanne's, rite aid and old navy.

My other neice is getting a nail care basket with 15 various nail colors, (Wags RR deal), emery boards, cuticle cream, polish remover, nail scissors and nail stickers.

I saw a bunch of great baskets at a fund raiser last year. I wish I would have wrote all the ideas down but the 3 I remember are:

Taligate Basket:
Cooler
Beer
Portable Grill
Charcoal and lighter fluid
Chips, Pretzels and dips

Family Game Night: (great idea with all those Target deals going on)
various board games
card games
popcorn
soda

Bar-b-quer's Basket
Grill
B-b-q utensils
seasonings
b-b-q sauces
apron and hot pad