Start with a wicker basket and spray paint a really fun color like metallic blue or hot pink. Line it with a funky looking cloth napkin. This will add to the festive look you’re going for. Now you’re all set to fill it with goodies!

Think about getting a little bit of different kinds of treats like candy, some cookies and something salty. You’ll also want to go for a variety of tastes and textures like crunchy, sweet, hard, chewy, etc. This will give the gift a nice blend of different snacks to munch on. Choose items from the list below and also include snacks that you know the recipient likes.

Bags of microwave popcorn
Individual bags of pretzels
Individual bags of potato chips
bubble gum
chocolate candy
hard, flavored candy
soft and chewy cookies
crunchy cookies
fruit

If the recipient likes to cook or bake their own treats, add some new kitchen gadgets into the basket.

You can also make some homemade treats to include. Try one of these simple recipes.

Homemade chocolate covered snacks:

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening
An assortment of cookies, miniature pretzels and strawberries
Cover a tray with wax paper.
Place the chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave for one minute and stir.
Dip 2/3 of each snack into the chocolate mixture.
Place on a dish and refrigerate, uncovered until the chocolate is firm.
Store in airtight container in cool, dry place.
Makes about 1/2 cup coating.

Microwave Fudge

1/2 cup butter
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Place ingredients (except nuts) in bowl; do not mix. Microwave on high power for two minutes. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Fold in the nuts. Pour mixture into buttered 8×8 dish. Refrigerate 15 to 20 minutes until set.

Peanut Butterscotch Crispies

12 oz. butterscotch morsels
3 cups corn flakes
1/4 cup peanut butter

Melt the butterscotch morsels and peanut butter together, stirring until smooth. Add the corn flakes and mix well. Drop by tablespoon onto waxed paper.

All of these homemade treats can be put into small plastic baggies, wrapped with a ribbon and added to the basket. Make a few extra for yourself!

This article will give you an idea of how to get started and will touch on many points. See our other posts on more specific ideas.

There are all kinds of occasions where a personalized gift basket would be appropriate. Graduation, a new home and a bridal shower are all perfect examples where creating a tailored made gift would not only be appreciated, but practical. Giving someone items they can actually use is much more thoughtful than someone they’ll stick on a shelf collecting dust.

As for the cost involved, that’s totally up to your wallet. Shopping way ahead of time will help keep the costs down. Don’t shy away from thrift shops and flea markets because lots of times people have new items, still in the original packaging, selling for a fraction of what you would pay for in a regular store.

Before you shop for items to fill your basket, make a list of all the person’s hobbies, interests and needs. That will help you brainstorm some really good ideas before shopping impulsively. Also, think of what the gift is for. A “new baby” basket will have different items than a “get well basket”, regardless of what their interests are.

Okay, so you know who you’re giving it to and what the occasion is for and you have your items. Next is the packaging. Before you rush out a buy a basket, is there something else you can use as a container. If you’re creating a “new home” gift, instead of a basket, try a cooking pot or dustpan. If you’re giving a baby shower gift, use a diaper bag.

As you can see, the options are limitless and the end result is priceless.