holiday how-to: making a gift basket

 I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but holiday gift giving can be a tricky thing.  Who do you buy for?  What do you get everyone?  How much should you spend?  Personally, I love shopping for the perfect gift, wrapping it up, and watching the recipient enjoy their present, but you may not come from the same school of thought as me.

So, what do you do if you're not exactly sure what to get someone?  I have the answer!  Find out what they like, and make them a basket!
 

My school does a Secret Santa gift exchange, and this year I drew my principal.  I know she loves coffee, and that's what she asked for on her elfster.com page, so that's what she got!  I'll show you how I made her basket, but don't get too caught up with the coffee theme.  You could change the items inside the basket based on the recipient.  

First, go and buy all of your supplies and lay them out so you can see what you're working with.  You'll obviously need a basket or container or some sort, some filler to put on the bottom, a cellophane bag, and some ribbon.  What goes on the inside is up to you, but I like to get a few large items (like the big bags of coffee and the mugs) and then some smaller things to fill the basket out (like the cookies, mints, and flavorings). World Market is my go to place for baskets (the one I got came with the filler and cellophane bag!), and they also have a ton of small or individually packaged goodies that are perfect for these baskets.  

Once you have all of your supplies, it's pretty simple.  First, put whatever filler you have in the bottom of the basket.  Then, start with the big stuff.  I tried a few different places for the bags of coffee and the mugs, but the way they're arranged in the picture is my favorite.  After that, fill in the gaps with the smaller items.  Fan things out or arrange them so that they look pretty.

Once everything is in the basket, wrap it up with the cellophane and tie a big ribbon around the top.  Baskets like these are the perfect thing for anyone on your list, and the possibilities are endless!  Plus, they look really fancy sitting under your tree.  :)

Like I said before, you don't have to stick to coffee.  Make a wine-themed basket with bottles of wine, pretty glasses, cute stoppers, and yummy cheese.  Try making one for your man with tools or his favorite beer and things to go with that.  My mom made something like this for all of my little boy cousins one year with a big bucket filled with toys.  A movie basket would be fun too...popcorn, candy, a few DVDs, and some adult beverages.  Just be creative!

Happy gift giving, everyone!!!