Make Your Own Gift Baskets

We all love food, so what better gift than a carefully selected basket of goodies created with that special someone in mind? Themed baskets are a fun way to show you care. Choose delectable items to delight the taste buds and to promote good health.

Here are some ideas to use as a starting point, but let your imagination run wild and create baskets that are specially tailored for the special people in your life.

Breakfast Bliss Basket

• granola
• whole-grain pancake or waffle mix
• specialty preserves
• maple syrup
• Irish oatmeal
• dried cranberries
• fair-trade coffee
• favorite teas

Cup of Comfort Basket

• chai
• flavored coffees
• fine teas
• honey
• hot cocoa mix
• quality shortbreads
• biscotti

Holiday Spirit Basket

• sparkling cider
• clementines
• nuts
• dried fruits
• spiced tea
• candy canes
• dark chocolate
• select spices like cinnamon & cloves

Night Out at Home Basket

• cheeses
• variety of olives
• bread sticks
• imported pastas
• imported salami
• pasta sauce
• salmon or mushroom pate (& other goodies from the deli)
• artichokes
• roasted peppers

Salad Lover’s Basket

• artisanal oils
• vinegars
• croutons
• sea salt
• pepper blends
• select herbs like oregano & basil
• interesting dressings
• specialty items from the deli

Snack Pack Basket for Kids

• variety of energy bars
• salsa
• apples and/or oranges
• nuts
• corn chips or veggie chips
• popcorn
• dried fruit or fruit roll-ups
• almond & peanut butters
• single-serve juices or other shelf-stable drinks (check sugar content)

Bon Voyage Basket
(because of airport restrictions, it is best not to include liquids)

• tissue packs
• bandages
• single-serve packages of nuts
• energy bars
• small bar of soap
• cotton swabs
• toothbrush
• breath fresheners

Grill Happy

• Basket
• marinades
• BBQ sauces
• mustards
• specialty oils

Wrap it Up

Fill your baskets with nonperishables if you want to assemble them ahead of time. Decorate with festive bows or baubles, or wrap greenery or flowers from the outdoors around basket handles. Just before giving, you can tuck in perishables, like fine cheeses, fruits, and other delectables from the deli department, if you wish. Individually wrapped homemade breads or small tins of homemade cookies are lovely additions, as well. These are gifts sure to be enjoyed and are as much fun to give as to receive!