How to Create a Gift Basket for a Mystery Novel Lover

Creating a gift basket for a mystery novel lover is fun. From different media, select items that involve mysterious goings-on and hide them in a basket for your friend to discover, one at a time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gift Ribbons
• Ribbons
• Tissue Paper
• Hardy Boys Books
• Greeting Cards
• Mystery Novels
• Baskets
• Cellophane Gift Wrap
• Gift Bags
• Gift Bows
• Wrapping Paper
• Coffee Beans
• Coffee Mugs
• Mystery Magazines
• Gift Certificates
• Shredded-paper Filling
• Clue Board Games

Choosing the Gifts and Basket

1. 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.
2. Include a large coffee mug and coffee beans to keep your friend as alert as the heroes and heroines.
3. 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.
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 mysterious greeting card.

Packing the Basket

7. Wrap each present with a colorful gift wrap.
8. Put a layer of shredded paper filling on the bottom of the basket.
9. Cover each gift completely with filling to create suspense and surprise as 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 up to a few inches above the top of the basket. Secure the wrap by tying it with a long, colorful ribbon.
12. Tape your cryptic greeting card onto the wrap.