How to Make a Christmas Basket - Gift Giving for Teachers, Neighbors, Hostess Gifts

I love making and giving Christmas baskets.

You can purchase your gift basket at a local craft store, Big Lots, Wal-Mart and decorate it with several items. This gives the receiver a variety of practical and tasty things to enjoy over the holiday season.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gift basket
• Selection of items
• Cellophane to wrap basket
• Curling ribbon
• Shred - Paper or Cellophane

1. SELECT YOUR GIFT BASKET
   
   Select your gift basket at a local craft store, or discount store. You may put as much, or as little into this purchase as you would like.
   
   Some stores have Christmas fabric and you could cut a swatch of fabric and cover the basket with this fabric.

2. FIND YOUR GOODIES
   
   Find your goodies to put in your basket.
   
   You are limited by your imagination and wallet.
   
   Here are some ideas: Cocoa, tea, 1 pound of coffee, jelly, hand lotion, stamps, cookies, candy, popcorn, gift card, ornament, christmas jewelry, coffee cup.

3. MAKE YOUR GOODIES
   
   I make chocolate and add this into the basket as well.
   
   You can easily make: chocolate lollipops, chocolate dipped spoons (excellent for stirring cocoa), chocolate dipped marshmallows, bark - a wide variety.
   
   If you are a baker, add your cookies, small loaf cake/bread.
   
   Get some bags at your local craft store with Christmas decorations and wrap up your homemade goodies so they will last for a while.
   
   Again, this is limited by your skill level.

4. ARRANGE AND WRAP
   
   You will need to arrange your gifts and food in the basket. You can jazz this up with a filler, mix up paper and cellophane for a pretty basket.
   
   Wrap your basket and tie with curling ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do prepare food - tell your recipient how long the goods will last without being refrigerated on frozen.
• Be confident to give a gift anyone will enjoy with a personal touch.

Resources

• eHow Article by Desula - How to Make Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows
• eHow Article by Desula - How to Make S'more Chocolate Candy
• eHow Article by Desula - How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Muffins
• eHow Article by Desula - How to Make Toffee Thins
• eHow Article by Desula - How to Make Easiest White Chocolate Candy Bark
• eHow Article by Desula - How to Make Chocolate Lollipops
• eHow Article by Desula - How to Make Chocolate Saltine Crackers
• MSNBC Article - Gifts Not to Give Teachers

[Susanh]

on 12/30/2008 Baskets are one of my favorite gifts to give and receive. 5*****

[sneedc]

on 11/30/2008 I can do this, and will take your words of wisdom! thanks

[markhenry]

on 11/24/2008 This gift is a great idea for Christmas. Thanks.

[ShannaFuentes]

on 11/20/2008 This is a great idea! Thanks for the tips!

[LilacGirl]

on 11/19/2008 A terrific idea for Christmas this year, and every year, because you can use your creativity, and put whatever you want in the basket. Good article.