By Mari D’Albora Dattolo
Who hasn’t admired the uniqueness of a beautifully created gift basket? Gift baskets are a personal, distinctive, and individualized present to give this Christmas season. Learning the secrets of creating them need not be difficult or expensive.
Themes and designs for your gifts are limitless. In the spirit of giving, homemade treats are always a favorite. They may include canned fruits or preserves, jellies, jams, cookies or candies. Although treats from the kitchen are often warmly appreciated, a combination of gifts in any theme can be artistically assembled. A breakfast basket might include pancake or muffin mix, assorted fresh fruits, a pound of a favorite coffee or assorted teas, and a selected gourmet syrup. For hard-to-shop-for teens, a non-alcoholic beverage with a variety of snacks and candy might put a smile on their faces. Share some holiday cheer with the party entertainers on your list. A sampling of wines, cheeses, crackers, nuts, candies, and gourmet goodies makes the perfect gift for your favorite host or hostess. If you’ve been collecting an assortment of small or inexpensive gifts, they too can be attractively displayed together in any variety of containers.
To find basket contents, consider where to buy high-quality items at an affordable price. The best retail locations for high-end products at low prices are clearance outlet stores. Be careful about what you purchase, however. These discounted items are usually discontinued merchandise nearing the end of their shelf life. Before your purchase, be sure to check the packaging for expiration dates.
Add a keepsake that won’t be consumed. For example, a basket could include a pair of wine glasses or mugs to complement their beverages. Another option is a favorite scented candle or personalized ornament. Some products may also display more attractively outside of their original packaging. Accents such as floral sprigs, assorted wrapped candy pieces, or simple holiday ornaments can also dress up your gift basket’s contents. If you are shopping for many people with similar tastes, buy products in bulk and change up the containers or color schemes to individualize each basket.
Having the components for your gift basket begins the process of constructing it. Options for your container are endless. You can use baskets, gift boxes, pots, or even waste cans. Let your resources fuel your imagination! The positioning and placement of your contents are vital. As a rule, larger products should stand as a backdrop with smaller items stacked and placed towards the front.
The next step begins with lining your container with newspaper or kraft paper. Bringing the lining up to the rim allows all the products to be fully visible to the viewer. As pieces are built up and stacked, they will require discreet adherence with either package glue dots or cellophane scotch tape. As an added decor, one to two colors of shredded tissue paper can help to coordinate the overall package. Clear cellophane or stronger polypropylene film wraps your package with a window into the treasured contents! After tying your wrap with ribbon or string, the icing on the cake is a handmade wire ribbon bow that coordinates with your selected packaging. If you’re new to bow-making, most craft or hobby stores sell pre-made bows in their floral departments.
Designing beautiful handmade gift baskets can be a hobby, a craft, or a favorite pastime. Gift baskets can be as rewarding to make as they are to receive. Give yourself a chance to enjoy the process. Break out your favorite wine, put on some holiday tunes, and let the magic begin!
