By
eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Choosing the Gifts and Basket
Step1
Select from the following items: new mystery novels (soft and hardcover), videos of classic Alfred Hitchcock films, the playing pieces from the classic board game "Clue" (wrap them in a small box and give the game board later), mystery magazines, spooky gag gifts, audio cassette renditions of mystery novels, and a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys book, for the memories.
Step2
Include a large coffee mug and coffee beans to keep your friend as alert as the heroes and heroines.
Step3
Pick a basket style. Your choices include those with one handle, with two side handles or without handles. Make certain the basket is large enough to hold the gifts you have selected.
Step4
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.
Step5
Use shredded paper filling to make the gifts fit snugly in the basket.
Step6
Buy a mysterious greeting card.
Packing the Basket
Step1
Wrap each present with a colorful gift wrap.
Step2
Put a layer of shredded paper filling on the bottom of the basket.
Step3
Cover each gift completely with filling to create suspense and surprise as the basket is unpacked.
Step4
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.
Step5
Bring all sides of the wrap up to a few inches above the top of the basket. Secure the wrap by tying it with a long, colorful ribbon.
Step6
Tape your cryptic greeting card onto the wrap.