Almost everyone is familiar with gift baskets; maybe you've even been the lucky recipient of one. They're great for Christmas, birthdays, corporate gifting, or any other gift giving occasion you can think of. What's the first thing people usually think of when they think gift baskets? Wine, cheese, chocolate, fruit, smoked meats... Gourmet gift baskets have become a kind of "go to" gift, but what if you could mix it up a little? These gifts don't have to be about food - try a themed basket instead! Check out some of these ideas, and I'm sure you'll come up with even more of your own.



A get-well gift basket is the perfect solution for comforting up a sick friend. Homemade goodies may be especially appreciated by those confined to a hospital bed. A plate of chocolate chip cookies or brownies, some homemade chicken soup, or a family recipe can be particularly comforting. However, be sure to check on the recipient's dietary restrictions first. Don't worry if you can't cook. You can still include the recipient's favorite snack or a couple of envelopes of instant chicken soup tied with a ribbon and placed in a cheery mug. Tuck in a magazine, novel or puzzle book that matches the person's interest. For a gravely sick relative or friend, a special letter, poem, or picture collage is priceless.

A fantastic substitute to boring thank you cards is a thank you gift basket. Let someone know you truly appreciate their gift with this kind of thank you. A basket like this also provides a great opportunity to cater it to the individual receiving it. As an extra special touch, think about the individual's favorite things in order to create a gift basket they will love. For example, if the recipient loves sports, include some themed treats such as cookies or chocolates in the shape of their favorite sport. If you do not know of any special theme to include then simply add a variety of items to ensure the individual likes at least something you have included.

Sympathy gift baskets are another occasion where it is best to think carefully about what to include, but in this case your goal should not be to incorporate the person's favorite things, but to consider what would best help them get through a difficult time. The intent should be to provide something which consoles them in order to hopefully take their minds off their recent loss. In this case, comforting foods like chocolate, fruit, and cheeses are a great addition to any basket.

Birthday gift baskets are surely one of the most fun to create. Tying a "Happy Birthday" helium balloon and some curling ribbon to the basket handle makes it particularly festive. Tucking some old-fashioned party blowers, a party hat, and streamers along the sides of the basket add to the theme. The contents of the basket can include whatever you would normally give the person or, if you don't know them as well, some brownies, cookies or a small birthday tart purchased from the grocery store bakery.

Have an open house coming up this weekend? You can create a quick housewarming gift basket for the host and hostess. If they are new homeowners, a book on house repair may be particularly helpful. You could also include a ceramic bowl filled with pistachios, some seeds for their new garden, or an herb plant for the kitchen window sill. A specialty cheese with a cute spreading knife tied with a ribbon is also nice.

As you can see, creating your own themed gift baskets can be a wonderful alternative both to the traditional wrapped gift and to the "gourmet" gift baskets available for purchase. You can create anything from a simple, small token of appreciation basket to an elaborate birthday extravaganza basket. By creating your own basket, you can determine how much you spend while gift that is truly meaningful to the recipient. Remember, it's not the cost of the gift, but the thought. The more thought you put into creating a personalized basket, the more meaningful the gift will be.