Savor The Frosting

One of my favorite things to give someone is a gift basket.  People love to get them as much as I love to give them.  The options for baskets are only limited by your imagination.  They work for housewarmings, hostess gifts, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, teachers, coworkers…you name it, they work for it.  Once you pick a theme, the fun begins.  Here is a list of  my top 5 favorite gift baskets:

1. Family night

Board game

Deck of cards

Jigsaw puzzle

DVD

Netflix gift certificate – even if the recipient has an account, it can be used towards their next payment(s)

Popcorn

Movie candy

Hot chocolate packets (include Peppermint Schnapp’s for the adults)

Packaging idea: Put the items in a basket that can be used later for games or dvds, or a big popcorn bowl. Pop a bag of popcorn and use as basket filler.  Just use unbuttered popcorn or it becomes a greasy mess.  Found that out the hard way.

2. Spa Day

This is one where, with so many choices, you can spend a bundle fast.  To narrow down the choices, decide on the mood – stress relief, energy, sleepytime, romantic, or a combination of one or more.  Then pick your favorites from these options:

Bubble Bath or Bath Salt

Body lotion or cream

Body scrub

Mani/pedi set

Hand & foot cream

Bath scrubber

Mesh sponges (these can be very inexpensive, so get more than 1.  They work as great space fillers and come in lots of colors)

Cozy socks (I’ve seen scented socks at Bath & Body Works that are amazing!)

A fluffy robe (if you really want to add pizzazz)

A relaxing cd or iTunes gift card

Small box of chocolates

Herbal tea

A book or magazine

Scented candles

Packaging idea: Put all of the items in a tote bag,  bucket or basket.  You can find some great plastic and metal baskets that really give you a spa feel. Don’t forget your mesh sponges for filler!

3. Coffee Lover

Coffee  - Think about 3 or 4 sample sizes over 1 or 2 regular bags for a fun variety.

Fun coffee mugs – I’m obsessed with ceramic travel mugs right now. The ones in the photo above are from World Market.

Flavored syrups (regular or sugar free). My favorite brand is Torani - TONS of flavors.  If you don’t want to commit to the big 750 ml bottles, you can  find the basic flavors in a mini size, perfect for gift baskets.

Cookies, biscotti or scone mix

Milk frother – these can be very inexpensive (under $20) and are awesome!

Mexican chocolate

Caramel syrup

Gift card from your favorite coffee house

Coffee drink recipes (hot or iced). If you need help finding recipes, look online.  www.torani.com is a great place to start. Handwrite or print the recipes on card stock, punch a hole in one corner, put a ribbon or string through, and tie to syrup bottle or basket handle.

Packaging idea: If you are making a small basket, use coffee beans as filler.  They look fabulous and they smell fantastic!

4. Breakfast

Perfect for housewarmings, hostess gifts and anniversaries, nothing says love and friendship like a great breakfast basket.

Waffle or Pancake Mix – Look for multi-grain, whole wheat, or sourdough flavors.

Scone or muffin mix

Wooden spoon or spatula

Coffee

Tea

Jams & jellies – so many flavors, so little time…

Syrup – Pure maple is wonderful, but so are blackberry and blueberry.  Get creative!

Relaxing CD or iTunes gift card

Book of crossword puzzles

Packaging idea: Put everything in a basket or large mixing bowl.  Use kitchen towels, pot holders and oven mitts as space fillers.

5. Summer’s here!

Sunblock

Beach towels

iTunes gift card or cd (you can stick with the theme and think Beach Boys or Jan & Dean)

A book for the beach or poolside

Sunglasses

Flip flops

A frisbee

Water guns or water balloons (because really, do we ever outgrow those?)

Summer drink mixers – margarita, sangria, mai tai and cosmopolitan are popular varieties…they can be used for both alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages.

Colored sugar for decorating the drink.  Check out these by Cocktail Candy .

Cute swizzle sticks, cocktail umbrellas, or crazy straws

A classic summer movie on DVD – Fun choices include anything with Annette Funicello, The Sandlot (my kids’ all-time favorite), and The Flamingo Kid.  Click here for a great selection from Amazon.

Packaging idea: Put everything in a tote bag or galvanized metal tub (they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and the best price is usually at a home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowe’s).  Both can be reused for the beach or backyard bbqs. For filler, crumple or shred road maps. You can also use a hula skirt or grass skirt from a party supply store.

These are just 5 of the endless ideas for gift baskets.  I’d love to hear some of your favorite themes!

Regards,

Amy