Imbued With Personality

Gift Baskets That Wow

By Teri Brown

• Check out your local thrift stores for unique containers. Not only will you find reasonable prices, but also some great ideas.
• Head for the gourmet food section of your market. Pick some treats your gift recipient would enjoy, such as salmon, imported cheese, water crackers, a few pieces of fruit and put them in a basket or holiday box. Wrap with cellophane and tie with a raffia bow.
• For the coffee lover, pick up a few "one pot" packets of different flavors of coffee. Add a bottle of flavored syrup and stash biscotti in a large coffee mug. Wrap and add a bow.
• Smores baskets are a hit with kids! Add a box of graham crackers, a large chocolate bar and a bag of marshmallows to an inexpensive container. Wrap with cellophane, and add a bow with a small branch tied in it, reminiscent of a campfire twig.
• Is your friend having a rough week? Bath salts, a box of truffles, a "do not disturb sign" for the door and a new book rolled up in a bath sheet and tied with a pretty bow make a lovely basket idea.

Want to see more?

• Christmas Gift Basket Ideas to Keep You From Becoming a Basket Case!
• Gifts for Coffee Lovers
• Gifts From Your Kitchen
• Talk about it!