Besides boyfriend or girlfriend, don't forget a Valentine's Day gift basket would be a great gift idea for your mother, father, grandma or grandpa, boss, teacher, best friend, shut-in neighbor, hospital patient, assisted living facility or retirement home resident, or a special thank you to someone who has helped you in some way, etc.



The first thing to do is decide on what items or products you are going to put in the basket.

Some male and female suggestions to choose from are:

small plant, disposable camera, a small book, inspirational book, spa pillows, bath pillows, spa supplies, bath and body products, facial and body scrubs, handmade soaps, fragrant soaps, shampoos, hand and foot lotion, fluffy towel, potholders, gift certificate for massage or spa visit, scented oils, scented massage oils, gift certificate to favorite store, gift certificate for restaurant, loofah, fragrant candle, matches to light candles, CD of nature sounds, favorite artist CD, DVD of newer release movie, how-to video or CD, garden trowel or other garden tools, garden gloves, work gloves, cold weather gloves, leather gloves, garden picks, seeds, hand lotion, flower pot, flavored teas, green tea, specialty tea, herbal tea, biscotti, tea infuser, small tools, gadgets, stuffed animals, toys, playing cards, healthy snacks, travel-size games, small puzzles, fancy chocolates, boxed chocolates, chocolate bars, hot chocolate mix, specialty coffee mix, handwritten poem, perfume, cologne, watch, framed photo, t-shirt, baseball cap, collectible cards, tickets to events, small dolls, homemade cookies, homemade brownies, homemade jams, movie tickets, popcorn, caramel corn, giant-size boxed candy, candy canes, suckers, lollipops, apple, pear, orange, persimmon, mango, papaya, chips, pretzels, nuts, plastic skulls, spiders, fake cob webs, magic shop items, coffee mug, gourmet pasta, gourmet olive oil, doggie biscuits, cat treats, dog or cat collar, dog or cat toys, stationery supplies, cooking tools, cooking gadgets, measuring spoons, receiving blanket, baby rattles, baby powder, baby shampoo, baby bath wash, hooded towels, pre-packaged food items, pancake mixes, brownie mixes, cookie mixes, wooden spoons, baby shower games, baby shower items , your best chocolate chip cookie recipe, Italian recipes, Mexican food recipes or other ethnic recipes, birthday poems, corkscrews , computer-related items, mouse pad yarn, painting or artist supplies, golf balls, golf tees, golf knick knacks, tennis balls, tennis knick knacks, key chains, small calendars or desk calendars, barometer, outdoor thermometer, science gadgets, electronic gadgets, health-related items, auto-related items, cinnamon sticks, etc.

Make sure to include some red and heart-shaped products or items.

Use a red and white theme and decide on what type of container to use. To make it simple just use a traditional wicker basket.

Now the easy part -- gather together all of your gift basket items, scissors and other tools, container, liner, filler, wrap, ribbon, card, etc.

Then line your selected gift basket with a red cloth napkin or red fabric.

Now stuff your filler ? red and white straw (available from craft stores) - into the gift basket. Place, layer and arrange your selected items on the straw in the gift container. Put the larger items in the back, the smaller items in front to give it the proper height.

Fill in the holes or prop up with more filler (shredded paper, straw, wrapped chocolates, napkins, holiday napkins, etc.) Also you can use artificial flower picks if you have them to fill in any empty space.

You can leave the basket unwrapped or get some cello wrap from your craft store. Place the wrap under the gift basket. Center the gift basket on the wrap. Bring the cellophane over the top of the gift basket and tie it with red ribbon and a beautiful red bow! Use ribbon and bows to match your red and white theme colors.

Tuck a personalized Valentine's card in the ribbon and that's it! (Why not make another?)

Your loved one or other recipient of your custom, personalized Valentine's Day gift basket will be thrilled to receive it. Don't worry if it isn't perfect. He or she will love it and love you for it!