- Start the movie gift basket with a DVD movie you know the recipient will enjoy. If you aren't sure about the child's movie interests, add a gift card from a local movie rental shop. If you know the child has a microwave in the home, include a package of microwave popcorn. Add a box or two of movie-style candy, such as M&M's, Milk Duds or Boston Baked Beans; a package of cherry or strawberry licorice; and a couple of juice boxes or individual containers of soda. Arrange the items into a popcorn bucket-shaped container and wrap with clear cellophane. Seal the top with a festive gift bow.
- You can make a unique personal gift for a child by building a special stuffed animal at one of the special build-your-own stores. Choose an animal the child loves or create an animal of your choosing. After the animal is made, pick out clothing to suit the child's interests. Soccer outfits, dance clothes and trendy duds are available for the stuffed animal to wear. Most places also allow you to create a "birth certificate" and you can name the animal after the child and give them the same birthday.
- If you know the child with the special occasion enjoys jewelry, go to a local craft store and design a one-of-a-kind gift for her. You can pick out a selection of beads in her favorite colors and styles. Most craft stores have workers who will help you create a unique bracelet, necklace or set of earrings on-site. Most towns also have local make-and-take jewelry stores that will help you design a special gift.
- For a special gift that also allows you to spend time with the gift recipient, consider taking him to a make-your-own pottery store. The child can pick out a mug or picture frame and decorate it with his favorite colors. The store workers will help him paint the chosen item and will then glaze and fire it into its finished form. This option does double duty by creating a special memory and a take-home gift at the same time.
- Build a gift basket around a theme that suits the child. If he likes collecting cars, purchase pajamas, a t-shirt and a selection of small cars to put into his basket. If he likes action figures, buy an action figure, a notebook and a DVD of his favorite action figure movie. If the recipient is a girl, consider buying a selection of inexpensive make-up or jewelry to put into her basket.
