How to Create a Gift Basket for a Romance Novel Lover

You can easily create a custom gift basket for a romance novel lover. Just think of romantic, feminine items when you are shopping for her, and select a basket that has a delicate weave.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gift Ribbons
• Ribbons
• Tissue Paper
• Greeting Cards
• Journals With Feminine Cover
• Baskets
• Cellophane Gift Wrap
• Decorative Bookmarks
• Gift Bags
• Gift Bows
• Neck Pillows
• Potpourri
• Wrapping Paper
• Flavored Coffees
• Flavored Teas
• Large Coffee Mugs
• Gift Certificates
• Shredded-paper Filling

Choosing the Gifts and Basket

1. Buy "Sweet Savage Love," the romance novel that started it all in the 1970s. Your friend will read it again and again. If she already has a copy, it is most likely falling apart.
2. Select gifts from among the following items: a bag of rose or lavender potpourri; a mini basket for the potpourri; flavored teas; flavored coffee; a large mug with a feminine design; a neck pillow (great for hours of reading); romantic, decorative bookmarks; a journal with a feminine design on its cover; a Fabio calendar; a current best-selling romance novel on audio cassette.
3. Pick a basket style. Look for a delicate weave with one handle, with two side handles or without handles. Make certain the basket is large enough to hold the gifts you have selected.
4. Decide on the color of the basket by choosing one that complements your friend's home decor. If in doubt, choose a neutral color by selecting a natural wicker basket.
5. Use shredded paper filling to make the gifts fit snugly in the basket.
6. Buy a greeting card that a romance novel lover will appreciate (think Fabio).

Packing the Basket

7. Wrap each present with a feminine gift wrap.
8. Put a layer of shredded paper filling on the bottom of the basket.
9. Place the wrapped gifts vertically or horizontally in the basket, as space allows, pushing the filling between gifts to ensure a very snug fit. Cover some of the gifts completely with the filling to create mini surprises when the basket is unpacked.
10. Place the basket in the center of a large piece of clear or tinted cellophane gift wrap. You may need two pieces of the wrap to completely cover a large basket.
11. Bring all sides of the wrap to a few inches above the top of the basket. Secure the wrap by tying it with a long, colorful ribbon.
12. Tape your greeting card onto the wrap.

Tips & Warnings

• Spend as much or as little as you want. Even a small gift basket will be appreciated if it contains some of the above items.
• Remember that the basket will be reused in the home. Look for unusual baskets in arts and crafts stores.
• Discover a variety of paper gifts with feminine and romantic themes in card stores.
• Find colorful shredded paper filling in arts and crafts stores.