Making Thank You Baskets

Saying "thank you" is important in polite society. There are many ways to express gratitude, either through a kind word or with a card, flowers or gifts. When you need something particularly special, however, you may want to consider a thank you basket.

Basket Selection

Available in most craft supply stores, baskets come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, many with cloth liners. When making your selection, consider what you would like to put into your thank you basket. The size of the items will affect the size of the basket. Its contents might also affect whether you choose a basket with or without a liner.

Ideas for Basket Contents

There are endless creative choices for preparing a gift basket. Most of them are appropriate for giving for many occasions, celebrations and to extend special sentiments. Baskets filled with food items such as cookies, muffins, bagels or gourmet food look particularly nice with cloth liners or lined with printed cloth napkins. Baskets of personal items present nicely when lined with a pretty lace doily. Hobby baskets such as garden tools with packets of seeds spread throughout the basket for a gardening enthusiast, or a basket of art supplies or special kitchen utensils or tools would be nicely prepared in a square basket with a handle that could substitute as a caddy. Liners are always optional depending on the contents.

A Customized Showpiece Basket

The ultimate thank you basket, the "piece de resistance," is one I design and refer to as the "Favorite Things Basket." Inspired by the song "My Favorite Things" from the musical "The Sound of Music," this basket is one you might make for a person you know well enough to select individual items that you know are their favorites. This might include a special bottle of wine, cologne, a CD, a DVD, cookies or candy. The content of this basket is only limited by the size of the basket and your budget. A nice touch might be a tag that reads, "I've gathered a few of your favorite things to express my heartfelt gratitude!"

Finishing Touches

You can buy ribbon that coordinates with the contents of your basket at most craft supply stores. Jo-Ann Fabrics sells ribbon with "Thank You" printed on it. Depending on the size of the basket, you might want to wrap it all in cellophane and add your choice of ribbon, or you can wrap individual items in the basket and tie them with specialty ribbons.
Finish by adding a special thank you card or sentiment to your basket full of gratitude.

References

• Sound of Music
• Joann Fabrics and Crafts