tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32264699784011321902024-02-06T23:23:38.673-05:00HOMEMADE GIFT BASKET IDEASWhether you're new to making gift baskets, or an old pro...This site is sure to give you some great ideas for wonderful homemade gift baskets.Homemade Gift Basket Ideashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03535231412325047718noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226469978401132190.post-68298281105163557062009-08-26T21:57:00.008-04:002009-09-23T00:52:21.943-04:00Food -Themed Homemade Gift Baskets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikziPbcmVlFD7g60EN3CVg-RW9kZEBBNm7SlCNP39yDobc4dnmwFT7IJftwLFYotEtTPFd2A9RPmJI04vZ_aMxxd2mcKpBg2Qpo5S5auGHnQA-W5LovHBx0dRAfMz4MTJ8KuE84p1YRts/s1600-h/gifts+in+a+jar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikziPbcmVlFD7g60EN3CVg-RW9kZEBBNm7SlCNP39yDobc4dnmwFT7IJftwLFYotEtTPFd2A9RPmJI04vZ_aMxxd2mcKpBg2Qpo5S5auGHnQA-W5LovHBx0dRAfMz4MTJ8KuE84p1YRts/s400/gifts+in+a+jar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374488057567694786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORB6EL2GEAw_4Qg1f1qv5HYYNV5ymkFiwdaXN83VlD2jwqaPFYinWHkjek_rFssqVObQ541xdPO7GP23EmftEN98eFB0uRYRcbw2axTGH_uGDT2mJQXDza49ZetaOcyi2-Axav9LXq00/s1600-h/italian+gift+basket.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 111px; height: 95px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORB6EL2GEAw_4Qg1f1qv5HYYNV5ymkFiwdaXN83VlD2jwqaPFYinWHkjek_rFssqVObQ541xdPO7GP23EmftEN98eFB0uRYRcbw2axTGH_uGDT2mJQXDza49ZetaOcyi2-Axav9LXq00/s400/italian+gift+basket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374487599716360290" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">One of the great things about </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >homemade gift baskets</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> is the endless possibilities of items to include. When it comes to food-themed gift baskets....count me in! I love to receive baskets of goodies to play with, and I've been introduced to foods that I might not have otherwise tried myself.<br />Another great thing about </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >homemade gift baskets</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> is that they really fit any budget. If you don't care how much you spend---great! But if your budget is tight---this type of gift will work well for you also.<br />I'm going to give you ideas here for any budget, and your recipient is sure to love any of these </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >homemade gift basket ideas!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">For those of you on a tight budget,</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><span><span>I highly recommend the dollar store to find a container and other items.<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />An Italian food homemade gift basket:<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">A colander as your container. (Yes, you can find these at the dollar store....sometimes even a stainless steel variety.)<br />Line it with a dish towel from the dollar store<br />Put a couple boxes of spaghetti in, a jar of more "gourmet" looking sauce. (In other words, probably something other than Ragu or Prego.)<br />Include a hunk of cheese like Romano or Parmesan<br />A wrapped loaf of Italian bread or a French baguette, and...Presto! A great dinner in a basket and you can get all of this for around 10-15 dollars, max.<br />Wrap the whole thing in cellophane and tie it with a pretty bow....maybe a red and white checkered bow to make it look more like a little Italian restaurant in a basket.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mexican Food Homemade Gift Basket:</span><br />Choose a container like a wooden crate or a rectangular basket. You can find wooden crates at any craft store or you might be able to pick one up at the grocery store. Sometime fruit deliveries come in wooden crates and your grocery store might be getting rid of them for free.<br /><br />Line the crate with a dish towel that is colorful or has a chili pepper design.<br />Fill the basket with a jar of salsa, cheese dip, black bean dip, etc.<br />Include a small packet of rice and some spice mixes for tacos or fajitas.<br />Add a bag of tortilla chips and you're set.<br />If you'd like, you could include a bottle of margarita mix and a couple of cactus glasses. I have a couple of cactus shaped margarita glasses that I found at the dollar store....just look around, you're sure to find something.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Chinese Food Homemade Gift Basket:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I think you're getting the idea by now that you can do this with anything....<br />Your container could be a small wok or a Chinese-Style take out container. I saw some of these containers at Michaels craft store. They come in all sizes and colors.<br />Put some filler in the bottom of the container, and then put your food items in.<br />You could put a package of rice, a bottle of soy sauce, some Chinese Five Spice, (found in the spices section of your grocery store) a piece of ginger root, (found in the produce section of the grocery store) a head of garlic, and a couple pairs of chop sticks.<br />If your grocery store has an ethnic foods section, look around. There are lots of jars of sauces and ingredients that you could include as well.<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >With this particular gift basket, you'll want to be sure to give it right away if you are using fresh ginger root and garlic because those items will go bad over time.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gifts in a Jar Homemade Gift Basket:</span><br />A very inexpensive way to make a great <span style="font-weight: bold;">homemade gift basket</span> is to use homemade food gifts in jars, such as brownie mixes, cookie mixes, cocoa mixes, hot tea mixes, etc.<br />All you need to do is get a basket, line it with an inexpensive dish towel from the Dollar Store, and assemble the jars inside. You could include a brownie pan or a couple of cute mugs depending on what's inside your jars and you're done! Canning jars are usually easy to find. You could check ebay or your local freecycle. People are often giving them away for free or cheap. If you can't find any, you could use any jar you have, just make sure it's clean and sterilized before you add items.<br /><br />Here are a couple of recipes but if you search for gifts in a jar recipes for your homemade gift basket ideas, you'll find many more.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Homemade Gift Basket Butterscotch Cookies in a Jar: </span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Ingredients:</b><br />1/2 cup butterscotch chips<br />1/2 cup crispy rice cereal<br />1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />3/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/4 teaspoon baking powder<br />1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />1/2 cup butterscotch chips<br />1/2 cup rolled oats<br />1/2 cup white sugar<br /><br /><b>To Make the Layered Jar Gift:</b><br />Layer ingredients in a one quart mason jar, in the order given. Screw the jar on the lid, and cover with a circle of fabric or a paper doily, held down with a rubber band. Cover the rubber band with yarn or ribbon and tie a bow.<br /><br />Print a Butterscotch Cookies Label, include the directions and tie on as a gift tag, or glue to the front of the jar.<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter or margarine. Add 1 egg and 3 to 4 tablespoons of water. Add entire jar of butterscotch cookie mix and stir until blended. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookies sheet. Bake for 12 minutes in 350 degree F. oven. Remove from oven and cool.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" >Homemade Gift Basket Hot Chocolate in a Jar:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br />1½ cups skim milk powder<br />1½ cups white sugar<br />¾ cup unsweetened cocoa<br />¾ cup non-dairy creamer<br /><br /><b>To Make this Jar Gift:</b><br />Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir well. For a finer mix, combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix well.<br /><br />Store in an air tight container.<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br />Place 2 or 3 tablespoons in a mug and add boiling water.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Homemade Gift Basket Apple Crisp in a Jar:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> A favorite of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Homemade Gift Basket Ideas</span><br /><br />8 Graham cracker squares, crushed<br />3/4 c brown sugar<br />1/2 c rolled oats<br />1/2 c flour<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 tsp nutmeg<br /><br />Sift together the flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Place in the bottom of a large (quart) canning jar.<br />Put in the rolled oats, then the brown sugar. The graham crackers go on top.<br />Put the lid on, and place a small square of cute fabric on top, screw the ring on, then tie a ribbon around it with the label.<br />On the label write the following instructions:<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >Apple crisp: </span> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >1/2 c butter or margarine, melted.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >4-6 large Granny Smith apples</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Slice apples and arrange in the bottom of an 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish. Pour the contents of the of the jar over the apples. Add melted butter to the mix, covering it thoroughly. (You can add a 1/2 tsp of vanilla to the butter if you'd like for a little extra flavor.)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Hopefully you'll find some great uses for these great </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >homemade gift basket</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> ideas to make your loved ones very happy and very full!<br /></span><table bg="" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="2"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><br /></span></td> <td width="338"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><b><a target="_blank" href="http://mixesinajar.com/mixes/desserts/applecrispinajarlabel.htm"><br /></a></b></span><p> <span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span>Homemade Gift Basket Ideashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03535231412325047718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226469978401132190.post-31509355959690263512009-08-25T23:32:00.001-04:002009-08-25T23:32:51.633-04:00Privacy PolicyFor each visitor to our Web page, our Web server automatically recognizes no information regarding the domain or e-mail address.<br /><br />We collect aggregate information on what pages consumers access or visit.<br /><br />The information we collect is used for internal review and is then discarded, used to improve the content of our Web page, , disclosed when legally required to do so, at the request of governmental authorities conducting an investigation, to verify or enforce compliance with the policies governing our Website and applicable laws or to protect against misuse or unauthorized use of our Website.<br /><br />With respect to cookies: We use cookies to record user-specific information on what pages users access or visit.<br /><br />With respect to Ad Servers: To try and bring you offers that are of interest to you, we have relationships with other companies that we allow to place ads on our Web pages. 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If you are concerned about how your information is used, you should check back at our Web site periodically.<br /><br />If you feel that this site is not following its stated information policy, you may contact The DMA's Committee on Ethical Business Practices at mgoldberger@the-dma.org.Homemade Gift Basket Ideashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03535231412325047718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226469978401132190.post-45654891630900083132009-08-25T22:08:00.009-04:002009-08-25T23:29:05.576-04:00Homemade Baby Baskets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qeL-XFqPP0Uvt7HRyJ5pifvMz_b4Hp9od35g6XkRtNsjOJvKc59NMVCmJCMISdjUpXPoraYBy957SIWVcipqKrZKCtag0t1tTZziTFDqtPPZqxyVmUYbQeCWXo5YYCmM26NR6uqix4I/s1600-h/baby+gift+basket.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qeL-XFqPP0Uvt7HRyJ5pifvMz_b4Hp9od35g6XkRtNsjOJvKc59NMVCmJCMISdjUpXPoraYBy957SIWVcipqKrZKCtag0t1tTZziTFDqtPPZqxyVmUYbQeCWXo5YYCmM26NR6uqix4I/s400/baby+gift+basket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374108455769097010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEkmyc6uDurgcsQfOIBixSMPf_j7i4tdeL1f8NwGuyYSfLbO_Sx_MwyQITBBy5W_9WffK3qJOUCjGUsjqkxtMucpfGW5H33okHWe_CJvrBD4_K2uum0sWvb8ZIqNf42udWQbHpsxtduc/s1600-h/baby.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEkmyc6uDurgcsQfOIBixSMPf_j7i4tdeL1f8NwGuyYSfLbO_Sx_MwyQITBBy5W_9WffK3qJOUCjGUsjqkxtMucpfGW5H33okHWe_CJvrBD4_K2uum0sWvb8ZIqNf42udWQbHpsxtduc/s400/baby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374108142001604162" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Making a </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >homemade gift</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> basket for the arrival of a new baby is probably one of the easiest ones to make with the abundance of baby products out there.<br />Sometimes, you have the opportunity to attend a baby shower before the baby is born, but other times you'll be giving gift after the baby is born. For after the baby is born, you may want to ask the mother if there is anything she needs that she didn't receive at the shower.<br />I like to give consumable gifts in my </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >homemade baby gift basket</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> because the expense of these items will add up over time for the parents, particularly if they have other kids.<br /><br />Possible containers for your </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >homemade baby gift basket</span><span style="font-size:130%;">:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UWHJS4?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000UWHJS4">Baby carrying basket</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000UWHJS4" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> with hood<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000U404Q6?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000U404Q6">Nursery basket</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000U404Q6" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> with a fabric liner<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013FVL5O?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0013FVL5O">Moses basket</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0013FVL5O" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />Diaper pail<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GBGO26?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000GBGO26">Baby bath tub</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000GBGO26" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> (this one that I've linked to is very nice because it adjusts in size all the way to toddler.)<br />Diaper bag<br />Wicker basket that could double for toy storage<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QF7HLE?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000QF7HLE">Walker Wagon </a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000QF7HLE" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> or the classic <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006NDB6Q?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0006NDB6Q">Radio Flyer Little Red Wagon</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0006NDB6Q" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Add your filler to the bottom of the container so that your products will be visible at the top.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Fill with any assortment of items like:<br />Baby shampoo<br />Baby oil<br />Baby lotion<br />Washcloths<br />Burb cloths<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJH51C?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000QJH51C">Baby bibs</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000QJH51C" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> ( I like these bigger ones that have a pocket to catch dropped food)<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H65AQQ?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000H65AQQ">Photo and Footprint Baby Book</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000H65AQQ" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GS3G1U?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001GS3G1U">Baby Tooth Memory Book</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001GS3G1U" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />Receiving blankets<br />Clothes<br />Diapers<br />Quilt<br />Teethers<br />A hooded towel<br />DVD's for babies like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Y789QQ?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000Y789QQ">Baby Einstein </a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000Y789QQ" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />Rattles<br />Mobile for over the crib<br />A personalized baby gift with the name and birth date monogrammed.<br /><br />The list is endless for a </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >homemade baby gift basket.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Just be creative and mom and dad (and baby, of course) will love it!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >I also like to remember mommy too. When I had my first son, people told me "it's all about the baby now". So I like to be sure to include some lotion or scented bath salts and maybe some chocolate for mom, perhaps wrapped in a separate little cellophane bag inside the </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >homemade baby gift basket</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Also, just a personal note.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">..if the mommy is a single mom, be as generous as you possibly can be. I know a lot of single moms and it's a very tough thing. Money is always tight and the gifts are so appreciated.</span>Homemade Gift Basket Ideashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03535231412325047718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226469978401132190.post-16162173600112326562009-08-06T09:34:00.010-04:002009-08-10T23:25:20.504-04:00A BASKET OF COMFORT<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqS_Fsu68BA4XG7quawtJgPnPJMFY4MFl2RkwCWVlTG27GA17AqgVJ8Rz9_r6sRHEbl2U4rovjL4Pvuk6qlRWy8zSJ-RGyGtPqkVZe4j50RGzUJ0c2sB2o-YwjU2UC-sEQzohge2uzbA/s1600-h/get+well+basket.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 116px; float: right; height: 89px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366865222873099090" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqS_Fsu68BA4XG7quawtJgPnPJMFY4MFl2RkwCWVlTG27GA17AqgVJ8Rz9_r6sRHEbl2U4rovjL4Pvuk6qlRWy8zSJ-RGyGtPqkVZe4j50RGzUJ0c2sB2o-YwjU2UC-sEQzohge2uzbA/s320/get+well+basket.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Being sick is no fun...aches, pains, sneezes, fever....all you want is to be comforted and feel better. There's nothing like a <strong>homemade gift basket</strong> packed with amenities to lift the spirits of a convalescing loved one.<br />Here are some great ideas for a <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Get Well" homemade gift basket</span>. As you know, baskets are wonderful containers, but I also like to deviate from the norm. Instead of a basket you could use a </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BFJE7Y?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BFJE7Y"><span style="font-size:130%;">VINTAGE MEDIC BAG</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="border: medium none ; margin: 0px;" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000BFJE7Y" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> and fill it with:<br />Herbal tea<br />Packets of instant soup; or if the person lives close to you, you could make some homemade chicken soup and put it in a quart canning jar. (Don't forget to tie a cute ribbon around the lid of the jar.) </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Soup mug<br /></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O9NHBQ?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000O9NHBQ"><span style="font-size:130%;">Lavender aromatherapy</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="border: medium none ; margin: 0px;" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000O9NHBQ" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> microwaveable heat wrap (these are great...they smell so good and are very soothing!)<br />Box of soft tissues<br /></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BVXXS4?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BVXXS4"><span style="font-size:130%;">Comfy socks</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="border: medium none ; margin: 0px;" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000BVXXS4" width="1" border="0" height="1" />....a must have! </span></div><span style="font-size:130%;">A small bed side <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ECQ5WK?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001ECQ5WK">vaporizer</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001ECQ5WK" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> (these work wonders!)</span><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Soothing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BCLOV0?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001BCLOV0">sinus and eye gel mask</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001BCLOV0" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Assortment of over the counter medications</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Homemade loaf of banana bread</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;">Jars of assorted jams or jellies</span><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Crossword book or other puzzle books and a pencil<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" >If you are using a the medic bag, fill the bottom of the bag with a filler material. You could use crumpled up brown packing paper or craft paper so that the items will be visible at the top of the bag. On top of the brown paper, you can use a more decorative filler like shred or colorful tissue paper. Assemble the items and wrap the whole bag in cello wrap if you'd like. (See my "Gift Basket Supplies" entry further down in this blog for tips and how-to's.) You have to see this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BFJE7Y?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BFJE7Y">MEDIC BAG</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000BFJE7Y" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" />. If I were sick, I'd love to receive this <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Get Well Gift Basket"</span>!.....Hint hint to all my family and friends.....<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;">Like I said, you could use a basket instead, or perhaps a large soup mug to put some items in. Just get creative and your <span style="font-weight: bold;">homemade "Get Well" gift basket </span>will bring a smile to someone's face!</span><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Another occasion where someone will need comfort is when they lose a loved one. It is often very difficult to find words to express your sympathies adequately, but perhaps you could provide a <span style="font-weight: bold;">homemade</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">gift basket </span>of thoughtful items to provide some small measure of comfort during a difficult time. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Keep in mind that during the bereavement period, there are likely to be a lot of visitors to the home, so it might be nice to provide some things that guests could help themselves to.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">SOME IDEAS FOR A "<strong>Sympathy Gift Basket</strong>" MIGHT INCLUDE:</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Variety of herbal teas</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Home baked quick breads or coffee cake</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Packets of flavored coffee</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Crackers and cheeses or cheese spreads</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Variety of jams or jellies</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Jam spreaders</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Fruit</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1558749020?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1558749020">book</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1558749020" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NOUQ2U?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000NOUQ2U">poem</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000NOUQ2U" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> on loss of a loved one</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A gift certificate for a massage or to have nails done. Sometimes when grieving, people don't make time to pamper themselves. A gift certificate to a spa or salon could be the perfect little pick-me-up...and perhaps provide a brief respite from grief.</span><br /><br />Your <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sympathy Gift Basket</span> will be much appreciated, especially when homemade with love.<br /><br /></span></div>Homemade Gift Basket Ideashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03535231412325047718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226469978401132190.post-60403821752789326132009-07-24T00:14:00.006-04:002009-08-10T21:12:32.400-04:00THE WEDDING BASKET<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHAEL0HL5mBlvW_iWF7-PiLZ38vn5LadCVbef4FckoaQRu654OG6ttomlKqgeFwv0fZ3ibA4S9TeXAlOpjrUSiHLNM1dJDG7YBdeqPfb3aWWj7Idu5RTZyy5Q8qLYs1G7X-CrPPNgMtI/s1600-h/top+hat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 86px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHAEL0HL5mBlvW_iWF7-PiLZ38vn5LadCVbef4FckoaQRu654OG6ttomlKqgeFwv0fZ3ibA4S9TeXAlOpjrUSiHLNM1dJDG7YBdeqPfb3aWWj7Idu5RTZyy5Q8qLYs1G7X-CrPPNgMtI/s200/top+hat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361889883090696386" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvzIDvQYfL-sUk2aWiwOaQRmiOS75H1dgpYE1Nnrz16xWGEHBi_xklCpyQAg16F_SoRZ-1vswqy4qcb7Ir_zPg5nZ-_CYHZyIeB9Dj3Ld0zev6ddH9v16D_MciiH_Kdi6g3bggVJXYNU/s1600-h/wedding+basket.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvzIDvQYfL-sUk2aWiwOaQRmiOS75H1dgpYE1Nnrz16xWGEHBi_xklCpyQAg16F_SoRZ-1vswqy4qcb7Ir_zPg5nZ-_CYHZyIeB9Dj3Ld0zev6ddH9v16D_MciiH_Kdi6g3bggVJXYNU/s200/wedding+basket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361889572250755810" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The Happy Couple is sure to receive lots of appliances and dishes, but what about a beautiful homemade gift basket?<br />There are so many cute and practical things for newlyweds, it would be great to put some together in a fabulous gift basket.<br />I really love the black and white thing...a perfect match for the wedding day!<br />Here are some great homemade gift basket ideas for that special day.<br /><br />For the container you could use a white picnic basket, a black top hat, a large ice bucket, or a beautiful box.<br />For the filler, I would recommend white tulle or shred.<br />Fill the container with any combination of the following:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J1RXQ4?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000J1RXQ4">"Hugs"</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000J1RXQ4" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> salt and pepper set<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WHH0O0?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WHH0O0">A Wedding Wish </a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000WHH0O0" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" />poem<br />Cute <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JD4C84?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000JD4C84">Mr. and Mrs. </a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000JD4C84" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" />coffee mugs (you have to see these)<br />A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/078686477X?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=078686477X">Book of Us</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=078686477X" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> journal<br />Vera Wang <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F4TVY2?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000F4TVY2"> Toasting Flutes</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000F4TVY2" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />Bottle of champagne or sparkling cider<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001T8J31E?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001T8J31E">Marriage Blesings </a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001T8J31E" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" />prayer plate<br />Wedding <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000E6NLD?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000E6NLD">time capsule</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000E6NLD" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> gift<br />Gourmet coffee packets<br />Gourmet white and dark chocolate<br />A jar of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LQYVWG?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000LQYVWG"> Caviar </a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000LQYVWG" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NCZ0XW?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000NCZ0XW">Massage oil</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000NCZ0XW" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414320604?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1414320604">devotional for couples</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1414320604" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1841729647?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1841729647">cookbook</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1841729647" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> for newlyweds<br />Gourmet food for the first meal as a married couple<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Wrap the whole package with clear cellophane and tie black and white ribbons around the top.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">You can also use black and white to make a bow at the top.</span><br /><br />You could also do a breakfast basket and include:<br />Package of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DZSWNE?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000DZSWNE">pancake mix</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000DZSWNE" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />Flavored <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AVINNK?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000AVINNK">syrup</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000AVINNK" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />Gourmet coffees and teas<br />Coffee mugs<br />Jams and jellies<br />Fruit<br />Banana bread loaf<br />Small cutting board<br />Jam <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007R8CUQ?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007R8CUQ">spreaders</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0007R8CUQ" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><br />I hope these wedding gift basket ideas have inspired you to get creative for that special couple!</span>Homemade Gift Basket Ideashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03535231412325047718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226469978401132190.post-57644403195661025722009-07-19T20:37:00.010-04:002009-08-25T23:52:17.398-04:00GREAT GIFT BASKET IDEAS--SUPPLIES<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPs-tFzcSsk9oo0u5aFIYWn7qw47HDWXxq_X_6_7a69f8T345Wwh-zxkSUfR5cZGSMsuNCRtVyH0Fzqtk7wwgY4tnq8TmtLE_qJ77nf4U1hi9yV6EeVx-6yyCuaHPMMyxmoOZrcJrqig/s1600-h/Solid_Tissue.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPs-tFzcSsk9oo0u5aFIYWn7qw47HDWXxq_X_6_7a69f8T345Wwh-zxkSUfR5cZGSMsuNCRtVyH0Fzqtk7wwgY4tnq8TmtLE_qJ77nf4U1hi9yV6EeVx-6yyCuaHPMMyxmoOZrcJrqig/s200/Solid_Tissue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360505315250082322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCCSIdP6nElQoxrOv2iA7EeP08B4CLsh69PPBOPhYQL04GGiaf1-rlruIbsxZZ9pExJoU-ty2yaog2N0r5fri_jNNsQVc_66YGDoeGjBl42MP_IhpVA9CBP0Yd80lzf6O-dTf5TqkftY/s1600-h/Basket-Shred.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCCSIdP6nElQoxrOv2iA7EeP08B4CLsh69PPBOPhYQL04GGiaf1-rlruIbsxZZ9pExJoU-ty2yaog2N0r5fri_jNNsQVc_66YGDoeGjBl42MP_IhpVA9CBP0Yd80lzf6O-dTf5TqkftY/s200/Basket-Shred.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360505102385291954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:130%;" >GETTING STARTED!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />For all of your great gift baskets, you'll need to keep a few fundamentals on hand. Here is a basic list of items you will need to start making exciting gift baskets.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >A Container</span><span style="font-size:130%;">:<br />You can use a basket, of course, but there are all sorts of other possibilities for containers.<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:130%;" >Tins, Colorful Chinese Take-out Style boxes, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TJ7DYC?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001TJ7DYC">Fabric covered baskets</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001TJ7DYC" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" />, Gift bags, Hat boxes, Soft vinyl bags, Tea pot, Cooking pot, Stainless steel strainer, Beach bag, Floppy hat, Extra large tea cup, and the list goes on.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Filler</span><span style="font-size:130%;">:<br />Colorful </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:130%;" >SHRED</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> is a very common filler. It comes in many different varieties like shredded cellophane, tissue paper shred, or typical Easter basket grass. You can find some thicker varieties of shredded paper, or even raffia is appropriate. If you have a paper shredder, you can shred your own news papers, comics, brown package wrap, etc.<br /><br />You can also use colorful <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IDZ5?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006IDZ5">TISSUE PAPER</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00006IDZ5" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">that is crumpled up and stuffed into the bottom of the container and around the products in the basket. Colorful filler adds a lot of dimension to the basket, but if you're making a wedding basket, you may want to use white tissue paper or shred.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">STRAW OR <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019CZJH2?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0019CZJH2">RAFFIA</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0019CZJH2" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /></span> would be a great filler for more rustic gift baskets like a cabin-themed basket, or a basket for an outdoors man. Some coffee themed gift baskets or even a wine and cheese basket would be great with a more rustic type of filler.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">EXCELSIOR</span> also is a great filler for a more rustic basket. Excelsior is a natural, very finely shredded wood. You can find it at craft stores or a store that sells packing materials.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">TULLE OR NETTING</span> can be a great filler for a wonderful gift basket as well. It is pretty cheap per yard, comes in all varieties of colors, and goes a long way in a basket.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wrap</span>:<br />Most often a clear, colorful <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KI9PPS?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000KI9PPS">CELLOPHANE WRAP</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000KI9PPS" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> is used to wrap the whole package. You can get plain wrap, or there are lots of wraps available that have designs on the cellophane, like flowers, baby items, birthday themes, etc. You can purchase cellophane bags, but you can also purchase it in rolls or sheets.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">SHRINK WRAP</span> is great for making sure everything stays put. To use shrink wrap, you simply surround your container with the shrink wrap, secure the top with ribbon, and use a heat source like a blow dryer to shrink the cellophane. Once the cellophane cools, the cellophane will tighten, keeping all items secure. Note that only cellophane marked as "shrink wrap" will actually shrink and tighten. Regular cellophane will not.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">TULLE OR NETTING</span> can be used to wrap your container as well. If you are using a basket, you can either put the whole basket onto a piece of tulle and lift the sides, securing at the top with a ribbon. Or you can put the gift items in the tulle and then place them inside the container.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ribbons and Bows</span>: This is pretty self-explanatory. There are all sorts of colors, sizes, textures, and patterns of ribbons to use when securing your great homemade gift basket. I personally like to use wired ribbons because they hold their shape beautifully. Bows can be pre-bought or you can make your own.<br /><br />A few other things to make sure you have on hand are <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">TAPE</span>, or <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00161UBTW?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00161UBTW">GLUE DOTS</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00161UBTW" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" />,<br />SCISSORS</span>, and <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">DOWEL RODS</span>. I use dowel rods taped to the back of an item that you want to stand higher in the basket. You'll notice in great gift baskets that items in the back have more height and a great way to achieve this is simply to tape a dowel rod to the back of the item and stick the long end of the dowel rod down into the basket or container. If you have a more shallow container, you can use a piece of dry floral foam that is taped to the bottom of the container to put your dowel rod into. This will provide more stability for the dowel rod and product.<br /><br />With these basic supplies on hand, you'll be ready to start making GREAT HOMEMADE GIFT BASKETS in no time!</span>Homemade Gift Basket Ideashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03535231412325047718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226469978401132190.post-71452225178102344772009-07-19T00:23:00.017-04:002009-09-23T00:56:43.532-04:00HOMEMADE COLLEGE GIFT BASKET IDEAS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhav97EUTTHizMzcXqwDxH231aZDM6rXr3YAfQEMmppMSa5Zdlu8owpF4L1go3B-AAuXt1ItOTvhE6cz-mGZFlp9R7KSxjwtQFVfKHuxy1wlIN7YbvUEWjo-qTjTGVaJD52j87hvCxtQ2I/s1600-h/popcorn+basket+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 101px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhav97EUTTHizMzcXqwDxH231aZDM6rXr3YAfQEMmppMSa5Zdlu8owpF4L1go3B-AAuXt1ItOTvhE6cz-mGZFlp9R7KSxjwtQFVfKHuxy1wlIN7YbvUEWjo-qTjTGVaJD52j87hvCxtQ2I/s200/popcorn+basket+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360716560692050050" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >It's</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> only July, but before you know it, the college campus will be calling. Large campus or small, sprawling and lined with trees, or in the middle of the concrete jungle, there are two constants about college: the students are always broke, and they're always hungry.<br />When I was in college, my friends and I always looked forward to the glorious package from home. We'd run to each others' rooms to see what the contents were of the box, and to see if there were maybe some homemade cookies that were, perchance, to be shared.<br />So let me encourage you, if you have a student who will soon be off to college don't just send a box, make your packages really memorable by sending a <span style="font-weight: bold;">homemade gift basket.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">SOME GREAT IDEAS FOR A COLLEGE GIFT BASKET:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">A few general ideas....</span><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Homemade cookies or brownies, wrapped well in clear plastic cling wrap. (These tend to hold up better in transit than other baked treats, but if your college student has a favorite that will hold up well to shipping, then feel free to get creative.)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Favorite candy</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Flip flops (for a community shower)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Roll of quarters for laundry</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Packets of coffee or tea</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Gift cards for the campus book store</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Soup mixes and packets of instant oatmeal or cream of wheat...anything that can be made by adding hot water</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Gift card to a local grocery store</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Gift card to a movie theatre<br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">There are lots of really fun theme ideas for your <span style="font-weight: bold;">homemade gift basket for the college student.</span></span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >How about a "Movie Night" Homemade Gift Basket?</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />You'll need a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CW36K6?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001CW36K6">Popcorn box</a><br />Packages of microwave popcorn<br />A favorite movie or two<br />A gift card for movie rentals<br />Concession stand-type candies (Raisinettes, Goobers, Gummy Bears, etc.)<br />3-D glasses<br />Some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015ZZNFG?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0015ZZNFG">tickets</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0015ZZNFG" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> from a roll for embellishment (these are a really cute way to accent the movie night basket)<br /><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001CW36K6" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Homemade Exams Basket for that hard working college student:</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />An oversized coffee mug<br />Packets of coffee or chai tea (lots of caffeine is the theme)<br />Packets of instant hot chocolate<br />Chocolate covered coffee beans<br />A squeezy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BPYBTE?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001BPYBTE">stress relieving ball</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001BPYBTE" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GCU4EI?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001GCU4EI">Back massager</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001GCU4EI" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />Small pre-packaged "midnight" snacks<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >College Game Day Homemade Gift Basket</span><span style="font-size:130%;">:<br />A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000L9JA4W?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000L9JA4W">soft cooler</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000L9JA4W" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />A can or bottle cozy with the college logo<br />Team tee shirt<br />Team ball cap<br />Team temporary tattoos<br />Snacks and party nuts<br />A football<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Spruce Up Your Dorm Room Homemade Gift Basket</span><span style="font-size:130%;">:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You can send your college student all kinds of things to bring a touch of home to their dorm room. You can even put some of their personal photos or knick knacks from home in the basket to bring them comfort. Once again, get creative with your gifts and you will make a great gift basket for your college student.</span><br /><br />Picture frames<br />Cork board<br />Colorful push pins<br />Small desk lamp<br />Tightly rolled comfy throw blanket<br />Pens, pencils, staples, or other supplies<br />Snacks (of course!)<br />You can package all of these items in a plastic milk crate-type container or some other storage container that the student can reuse in his/her dorm room<br /><br />These are just some ideas to get you going on your way to make that coveted <span style="font-weight: bold;">homemade college gift basket</span>. Your loved will be thrilled to receive one of these <span style="font-weight: bold;">homemade gift baskets</span> and they will be the envy of all their friends, for sure!</span>Homemade Gift Basket Ideashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03535231412325047718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226469978401132190.post-52863739763657054362009-07-14T18:58:00.003-04:002009-08-10T21:34:48.941-04:00GREAT HOMEMADE GIFT BASKET IDEAS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwFBS7NY98akhxXO6onf3dLXzy_z86Hq3tIJPWUMsAT7vgcrm8KTLKg-A71X1S4lwTtItrcLNqpkEXhuST4hqGSzOiIZDaTVVAKFjx3xu5d3HS72-3rQ6CBszEOwGwny-540kFjtHSHA/s1600-h/kids+beach.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwFBS7NY98akhxXO6onf3dLXzy_z86Hq3tIJPWUMsAT7vgcrm8KTLKg-A71X1S4lwTtItrcLNqpkEXhuST4hqGSzOiIZDaTVVAKFjx3xu5d3HS72-3rQ6CBszEOwGwny-540kFjtHSHA/s200/kids+beach.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360514073202472146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Great homemade gift baskets </span><span style="font-size:130%;">don't have to be a daunting task. In fact, they are quite fun to make and the more you do it, the more creative you'll get. You'll start to think of great ideas everywhere you look, from going to the grocery store, to shopping for shoes.<br />Homemade gift baskets are always a great gift for any occasion. Don't just think about birthdays and Christmas. How about a gift basket for graduation, a summer vacation gift basket, sending a child off to college gift basket, congratulations on new job gift basket, get well gift basket, or maybe a "just thinking of you" homemade gift basket?<br />People love to receive gift baskets of any variety, but homemade gift baskets really show that you put some thought and effort into the gift and your gift will be appreciated all the more. So get ready to dazzle your friends and family with these great homemade gift basket ideas.<br /><br />The first thing you will need to do is have some </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:130%;" >basic gift basket supplies</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> on hand.<br />You'll need:<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:130%;" >Large clear or patterned cellophane bags</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:130%;" >Filler (colorful shred, tulle, tissue paper, etc.)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:130%;" >Tape</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:130%;" >Dowel rods (to prop up some of the items)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:130%;" >Ribbon</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:130%;" >Baskets, colorful boxes, tins, etc.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Enclosure card<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The next part is where the fun begins!<br /><br />Today we will talk about the travel gift basket since it's that time of year when people are vacationing. If you are planning a vacation and have kids, this is a great idea to bring along items to keep your kids occupied. Why just pack a bag when you can make a fabulous kid's gift basket to present to your kids at your hotel room or in your tent or wherever you happen to be going. You'll be making a great memory for them when you pull out a beautifully prepared homemade gift basket. They'll feel like they're getting a great present!<br /><br />SOME IDEAS FOR VACATIONING:<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Kid's Basket Beach Ideas: </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A large <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CPGYQM?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CPGYQM">plastic pail</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CPGYQM" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> with shovel<br />Water shoes or flip flops<br />Goggles<br />Deflated beach ball<br />A fun rolled up towel<br />Small <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TG6IME?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000TG6IME">sand toys</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000TG6IME" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />A pair of sunglasses<br />Some small snack pack items that will withstand the heat<br />Bubbles<br /><br />For a <span style="font-weight: bold;">teen gift basket</span> or older child, you can use a soft <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DYVAD?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000DYVAD">small cooler</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000DYVAD" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> packed with snacks, a book or magazine, sunscreen, a visor (a personalized visor or ball cap would be great), flip flops, and a can cozy.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Kid's Basket for Hotel Room Ideas</span><span style="font-size:130%;">:<br />A colorful tin<br />Crayons<br />Pad of drawing paper<br />Colored pencils<br />Travel sized games<br />Deck of cards<br />Silly putty<br />Yo-yo<br />Books<br />Pre-packaged kids crafts<br />Small flash light<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Kid's Basket for Air Travel</span><span style="font-size:130%;">:<br />Keeping your kids occupied on an airplane can be a difficult undertaking. A small confined space and children generally don't mix well, but if you're prepared, the trip can be much more pleasant for you, your child, and the other passengers as well.<br />You may want to purchase a small backpack with wheels in case it's too heavy for the child to carry, but just make sure it's small enough to fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment.<br /><br />Fill your kids gift basket with:<br />Handheld video games (you can find inexpensive ones at a re-sale shop like "Game Stop", or you can check Craigslist. You can often find great deals on a game system or some new games to surprise your child with.<br />Crayons<br />Coloring book<br />Blank page tablet<br />Books ("<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439042445?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0439042445">I Spy </a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0439042445" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" />" books are great to occupy some time. My son loves them.)<br />Activity books with dot-to-dot or word find pages<br />A stuffed animal<br />A lap desk<br />Snacks (make sure they are approved for getting through security)<br />Travel games (there are some great travel-sized games out there like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OOGQL4?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000OOGQL4">Scrabble ,</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000OOGQL4" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008WQ3O?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00008WQ3O">Boggle,</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00008WQ3O" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VNXSOQ?ie=UTF8&tag=homgifbaside-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000VNXSOQ"> Bingo</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=homgifbaside-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VNXSOQ" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" />, etc.)<br />Don't forget the batteries!!!<br /><br />I hope this list will inspire you to put a homemade gift basket together for your child while traveling to make the trip more enjoyable for you and them, and hopefully eliminate some of the stress.<br />Happy Gift Basketing!!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><br /></span><br /></span>Homemade Gift Basket Ideashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03535231412325047718noreply@blogger.com0