Homemade Holiday Presents! Lets help each other! Ideas WANTED!

[Kycha]

(I haven't read all 12 pages of this thread, so I apologize if this is a repeat.) My best friend gave my family a letterboxing kit last year. A simple small rubbermaid type container filled with an inkpad, stamp, pen, notebook, the website www.letterboxing.com and a small typed explanation of what letterboxing is. We have had a blast with it! We go to the website, type in the area we want to visit and it provides us with clues to boxes hidden in that area! We search for the boxes and when found, we stamp the notebooks inside the found boxes with our stamp, leave a little note, then stamp our notebook with the found stamp. My kids call it treasure hunting and the experience has brought our family close together--we spent many hours searching for clues and finding boxes and stamping up a storm! Very inexpensive, homemade gift that is great for a family!

I think you meant to post this website:

http://www.letterboxing.org/

 

[tweedlemom]

I think you meant to post this website:

http://www.letterboxing.org/

Yes, I edited the post, thanks.

 

[t-beri]

I haven't read through this entire thread,so if this has been posted I'm sorry.

if you go to www.amybutlerdesign.com and go to her Products then click on Sewing Patterns a link comes up for free patterns. There are some quilt patterns, a cafe skirt pattern, an hourglass pillow pattern, a yoga bag (how easy!!) pattern and MY FAVORITE a lavender eye pillow w/ slip cover and carrying case. I love this because 1. Eye pillows are a great gift!! 2. I can use scraps of fabric from other projects since they are small. This would be a great homemade touch to your spa baskets.. Also, I saw that The Body Shop sells a chenille washcloth and thought well, hell...I can knit one of those in 20 minutes, so I plan on making spa kits for the girls in my world w/ homemade bath salts, a chenille washcloth and the lavender eye pillows. I might attempt some homemade all natural soaps just because I've always wanted to but we'll see.

PS I tried to post a link to the pattern but it didn't work out...sorry girls!

 

[rhonhod]

does anyone have the recipe for the bath salts mentioned on page 1? all i read was epsom salts and scent? what is the mix? is it hard? time consuming?


thanks for all the great ideas! we may actually give some of these a try. they sound like a great family day activity.

I found this one I used these measurements just to see what I thought about it, so I don't waste time and money. Very easy maybe 2 mins to do.

Homemade Bath salts
What you will need
Epsom salt
Baking soda ¼ cup to 1 cup Epsom salts
Food coloring
Scented oils or perfumes
Wide moth canning jars
Ribbon, labels, cloth for decorating the jar.

In a large bowl combine the Epsom salts (enough to fill a jar), baking soda and food coloring; mix well allowing for an even coloring of the Epsom salts. You can choose to mix some of the salts in different colors. For example maybe you want a Christmas look to the bath salts, you could color some red and leave some white to make them look like candy canes. Add the oils to salts and mix well. Use a spoon to mash any lumps that may have formed. Place the mixture on some way paper and allow to dry for a few hours. Now you can place the salts in a jar that you have decorated. Include a piece of holiday cloth over the lid and tie a ribbon around it to keep the cloth in place. Attach a label with the following instructions,
Add three or four tablespoons to running water.

Stir the water around to mix.
Sit and relax, enjoy your bath.

The bath salts can be made to any scent you like by using different oils and perfumes; Different oils will have different uses. Here are some common oils used in homemade bath products.

 

[SalandJeff]

Thanks for all the great ideas. Last year, I made bracelets for all dd's daycare teachers. You can get large packages of beads fairly inexpensively (especially with a coupon) at Michaels or AC Moore. Really easy to make.

This year we have preschool and daycare teachers, so I really need these low cost ideas.

I've gotten the calendars where you add your own photo last year and this year for $1 each. They go to Grandma and Aunts/Uncles and they love them.

 

[snowwhite84]

Here's 2 ideas I found that look good:



Scented Jelly Jars

Scented jelly jars, like the ones found and stores like Bath & Body Works, are simple to make and quite inexpensive. Here's the recipe:

8 oz. liquid potpourri

2 envelopes of Knox gelatin

Containers (canning jars, unique bottles, bowls, etc.)



Boil the liquid, then add the gelatin. Stir until dissolved. Pour into containers and cool. You can add embellishments such as flowers or shells to the jelly while it is cooling. You may change the color of the jelly with a little food coloring as well. Once cool, decorate the containers with ribbons, lace, or whatever you desire.

Family Recipe Book

Preserve those old, well-loved family recipes using your computer. There are many software programs available for entering your recipes that even calculate nutritional information based on the ingredients. Add clip art, scan old family photos of the person who is known for making the recipe to include on a particular page . For those with less time on their hands, photocopy your own recipe cards. Place the pages in plastic page protectors to protect from those inevitable cooking spills. Assemble your book using a loose-leaf binder or inexpensive photo album. Your family will love having all their favorite recipes in one place. Add a section including helpful shopping tips, stain-removal tips, sizes, organizing tips, a page listing everyone's birthdays, addresses, sizes, favorites, etc.

 

[txtink17]

I'm making Christmas stockings this year. I found a free printable pattern on
http://sewing.about.com/od/holidaysewingprojects/ss/xmasstocking.htm
and am going to sew and embroider the kids' names on them. I will probably jazz up the girls with rhinestones too.

 

[txtink17]

I'm big on couponing and have tons of stuff in stock (shampoos, bath soap, etc) so I'm going to make beauty baskets for the women in the family. I buy my baskets at the thrift store and have DH spray paint them gold and I stick a pretty bow on the front.
For the men, I'll get a bunch of those $4 DVD's they have on sale the day after Thanksgiving and make them a movie basket with junk food.

 

[flying_babyb]

Homeade but loved gifts- PHOTOS!!!!!!

Im making photo scrapbooks with cheap paper for mom and tia. AND everyones getting family tree albums. Family tree ablums are a cute and cheap idea that require a bit of time. As for photo ideas- MATCHING SHIRTS!
I spent $15 bucks at a cleance sale and got all my sisters (and me) cute matching shirts. Now Im going to take a photo and enlarge it and put them in dollar tree frames for the whole family

Family tree ablum-
Family tree
some family photos (love my cheap printer)
Some family stories
All in a nice binder

Total cost: $30 for 6 albums
Binders ($10 for ablums, $5 for fabric (to cover ablums) $5 for paper, $5 for page protectors, $5 for spray ashesive)

 

[bigsis1970]

Hi - I did this last year, I found wire baskets at the dollar tree (local dollar store) bought my candy there too, got a big box of kettle and butter flavored micro popcorn, got a big box of hot chocolate packages , got 1 liters of soda - i got them 2 for a dollar at our local store called Reny's - then went to walmart shopped the 2 for $10 DVD bin and everyone got a DVD.. I put Tissue paper in the bottom of the baskets then shrink wrapped it tied it with a ribbon and bow and was done each one costing around $10 I got tons of compliments.

Basket, 2 candies, 2 popcorns, 2 hot chocolate packs, 1 liter soda, and 1 DVD..

Michelle

I think what I'm doing this year is making family 'movie' baskets.

Take a basket and fill the bottom with shredded paper. Put in boxed 'movie theater candy' (buy at Factory Card Outlet... cheap cheap cheap!) and buy a couple boxes of microwave popcorn. Take the popcorn pouches out and arrange with the boxed candy. I'll either then purchase some DVD's from the budget bins or put in a $15 gift card to Blockbuster. I'll then put shrinkwrap on it and tie with a bow. Ta-da! I'm guessing, if I do the gift card idea, it'll be around $25 per basket, as long as I can find some nice cheap baskets on Black Friday

 

[lttlmc3]

bump again!

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Here's 2 ideas I found that look good:

Scented Jelly Jars

Scented jelly jars, like the ones found and stores like Bath & Body Works, are simple to make and quite inexpensive. Here's the recipe:

8 oz. liquid potpourri

2 envelopes of Knox gelatin

Containers (canning jars, unique bottles, bowls, etc.)

Boil the liquid, then add the gelatin. Stir until dissolved. Pour into containers and cool. You can add embellishments such as flowers or shells to the jelly while it is cooling. You may change the color of the jelly with a little food coloring as well. Once cool, decorate the containers with ribbons, lace, or whatever you desire.

I made these for a baby shower a few years ago and used old baby food jars that I hot glue gunned lace around the top of and tinted blue and scented baby powder scent. They were a huge hit. The recipe I had also recommend adding some salt to prevent mold from growing on them. This is the recipe I used:

2 cups Concentrated Potpourri Liquid
4 envelops Knox gelatin
1 tablespoon salt (to deter molding)

Heat 1 cup potpourri until almost boiling. Remove from heat. Add 4 envelopes Knox Gelatin and 1 tablespoon salt. Stir until dissolved. Add remaining 1 cup potpourri. Pour into clean jars and allow to set. If in a hurry, lightly cover and refrigerate them to speed the process.

 

[snowwhite84]

I have some ideas for themed baskets, since everyone seems to like the idea of gift baskets so much...

Breakfast in Bed Basket- Pancake mix, inexpensive slippers, a throw, maybe a sleep mask, nice syrup, maybe some jam, tea packets or small package of coffee. You could even wrap it up in a serving tray if you found one cheap.

For some male ideas, you could do golf, fishing or barbecue themes. I like the barbecue idea. Some utensils, a masculine looking apron and maybe a nice jar of sauce.

 

[hegs65]

I think I remember a thread from last year that had a ton of awesome gift basket ideas on it. Am I crazy or does anyone else remember it too?

 

[hegs65]

Okay, here is the list of gift basket ideas that sweetspicy posted last year! I hope it is okay to repost it. Thanks sweetspicy, I loved these ideas last year! Patty

1. Garden Basket: gardening gloves, packets of seeds, hand tools (trowel, rake, etc,), gardening book or subscription to a gardening magazine, bottle or box of fertilizer, gift certificate to a garden supply store, garden clogs, a small house plant in a pretty pot. Try these variations:
Flower Grower’s Basket … use a large terra cotta pot. Fill with small hand tools, seeds, small bag potting soil, liquid fertilizer, etc.
Vegetable Kit: full-sized spade, rake, and cultivator. Tie a cellophane gift bag to the bottom part of each tine with twine. Fill the bags with vegetable seed packets, fertilizer, garden markers, marking pen.
Decorative planter, hose, hose adapter, stepping stone kits, sprinkler, etc. Great for a new home owner.

2. Pasta Bowl: in a large pasta bowl add a package or two of gourmet pasta, tongs, package of sun-dried tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, spices (oregano, basil, garlic powder), pasta cookbook, pasta tongs. Line the basket with fabric and top off with a bottle of Italian wine, a loaf of Italian bread, and/or a chunk of parmesan cheese.

3. Golf Bucket: golf tees, golf balls, cap, golf towel, sunscreen, ball marker, glove, a subscription to a golf magazine. In lieu of a basket, use a small fabric cooler to hold all the supplies. Can do the same thing with Tennis. Skip the tees, add tennis balls, and a tennis towel.

4. Cheese and Cracker Basket: In a large basket add a cheese spreader, small cheese ball, a variety of small cheeses, several different crackers, napkins.

5. Puppy Basket: food & water bowls, squeaky toy (s), dog biscuits, collar & lead, brush/comb.

6. Kitten Basket: Catnip seeds, toys, collar, Kitty pillow, etc.

7. Writing Box: note cards & stationery with envelopes, assorted cards, letter opener, book of pretty stamps, return address labels, nice pen.

8. Pamper Baskets: gel eye-packs, aroma therapy candle, soothing CD, bath gloves/buffers, sisal mitt, sugar scrub, bath salts or gel. Then customize the assortment by adding products you know the recipient will enjoy. A plastic bath tote /basket with a handle is a nice change.

9. Child’s Activity Tub: In a plastic tub a pad of recycled paper, package of colored paper, crayons, markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors (blunt point for either R or L handed), coloring books, stickers.

10. Sundae Bucket: ice cream scoop, gourmet sauces, sprinkles, assorted nuts, and other toppings, maraschino cherries, sundae glasses and long handled spoons, sugar and flat-bottomed cones, gift certificate for ice cream.

11. Baby Bath Bucket: Use a plastic sand bucket. Add a hooded towel, face cloth, sleeper, baby shampoo, baby lotion, baby powder, nail scissors, rubber duckie.

12. New Year’s Eve Basket: At a party store find Top hat, a crown, two masks, noise makers, and horns, a bottle of champagne (or sparkling cider), two champagne glasses, and candles. Try these variations:
New year's Eve PJ Party For Kids: DVD, popcorn, soda pop, $$ to order in Pizza (or ingredients for a brave parent to make Pizza )noise makers, hats, camera, etc.
New Year's Day Chilli: Ingredients for homemade chilli. French bread or bread sticks, cheese, etc. Great for watching the games on TV

13. James Bond Basket: James Bond video, two deep champagne glasses, martini making book and ingredients, a cocktail shaker and James Bond’s directions for the*perfect* martini … "shaken, not stirred". Toss in a great sexy nightie for the "Bond Girl"....

14. Manicure Basket: nail enamel, base and top coats, emery boards, buffer, nail clipper, cuticle trimmer, orange stick, remover, quick dry spray.

15. Beach Kid’s Bucket: Fill a large beach pail with: plastic shovel, sand molds, inflatable beach ball, beach towel, flip flops, sunglasses, sun block, swimsuit, cover up.

16. Christmas Basket: For someone in an assisted living apartment. Small pre-lit table tree, assorted small ornaments, small tree skirt, small wreath for her apartment door, large holiday tin filled with homemade cookies, candies, and bars. Check dietary needs first.

17. Hot, Hot, Hot Basket : Add hot spices from several cultures. Chinese, Mexican, Thai, etc. Hot sauces, salsa, hot Asian pickles, fresh hot peppers, recipes, and an antacid.

18. Sewing Basket: Can be scaled down to be a gift in a jar for someone just starting out. Small pin cushion, needles, Black, white, and navy thread, small scissors, straight pins, safety pins, needle threader, iron on hem mender, thimble.

19. Tea Time Basket: china tea cup/saucer OR mug, nice spoon, assorted teas (loose & bags), tea strainer, tea ball, raw sugar, decorative white sugar cubes, small jar of honey with a honey twist, a few small boxes of tea biscuits or cookies OR homemade mini-teabreads.

20. Gingerbread Cookie Basket: Basket lined with gingerbread patterned fabric add gingerbread mix, GB boy & girl cookie cutters, GB patterned napkins, frosting, raisins, refrig. magnets, magnetic notepad, and other items depending on the recipient.

21. Kitchen Basket (Base contents on the kitchen decor of the recipient): Apple paper products, apple recipe holder and recipe cards, pencils, refrigerator pads, magnets, cookie cutters, an apple corer, apple slicer, etc. Try these variations:
Melons
Sunflowers
Grapes
Roosters
Chefs

22. Computer Addict: custom made mouse pad, silver mouse with engraved initials, package of CDRWs, memo cube with pencil, music CD, timer …

23. Walker/Jogger Basket: pedometer, sweat band, sports socks, shoe laces, bottled water, ??? for listening to music, tee shirt (s), towel

24. Puzzler Kit: Holiday jigsaw puzzle, a second general puzzle, CEO’s puzzle mat, magnifying glass, a few snacks.

25. Cookie Decorating Kit … plain gingerbread cookies, icing in tubes, small boxes of raisins, & small candies for decorating, small package of paper plates and napkins in a gingerbread design.

26. S’mores Kit: Candle (unscented),Graham crackers, mini-marshmallows, thin wooden skewers, chocolate bars (large or minis). If you buy the small size of ingredients, the candle will easily melt ingredients.

27. Candle Lover Basket: assorted candles (jars, tapers, votives, tea lights, and/or tarts), pretty box of long stemmed matches, match holder, candle snuffer, wick trimmer, Stick-Um candle adhesive, bobeche, candle plate, votive holder, tart burners, candle sticks,etc.

28. Coffee Basket: A couple flavors gourmet coffee beans, reception sticks and/or CEO chocolate spoons. Throw in a pair of mugs filled with chocolate dipped biscotti.

29. Journal Box: pretty fabric covered journal, pen, CEO’s journal jar prompts or a book of soothing thoughts, book mark.

30. Powder Room Basket: a trio of holiday hand towels, pump soap in a holiday container, room spray in a holiday container, decorative soaps in a holiday soap dish, potpourri in a holiday bowl.

31. Breakfast-in-Bed Basket: on a tray,two holiday mugs, Coffee, a quart of orange juice, half&half, small packet of sugar cubes, a half dozen assorted muffins, breakfast pastry AND the Sunday paper.

32. Travel Totes:Fill a tote or travel case with trial/sample sizes of toiletries and basic cosmetics for a woman or teen OR shaving supplies for a man. Add a passport case, money belt, luggage tags, etc.

33. Chinese Steamer: Fill a large bowl with ingredients readily available in the Asian section of your grocery store, chop sticks, Chinese tea, small Chinese tea cups, chop stick rests, fortune cookies, etc.

34. Crafter’s Basket: for someone new to crafting … items such as glue gun, glue sticks, craft knife, small paint brushes, craft pencils, tape measure, scissors, staple gun, staples, patterns or how-to books, class schedule and gift card for a local craft shop.

35. Snowman Making Kit In a Can
SNOW MAN IN A CAN KIT
ingredients:
empty paint can (most craft stores carry these now)
scarf
hat
2 black rocks (spray painted)
5 red rocks (spray painted)
carrot made of clay and spray painted orange
instructions:
decorate outside of can to your choice
place 'ingredients' inside paint can

The Snowman (Author Unknown)
One little snowman,
Fat as can be
Put on his hat and scarf,
and you will soon see
One little snowman
two eyes and a carrot nose
a row of red buttons
to hold on his snow clothes!

36. Rainy Day Game Basket: decks of cards, game book, cribbage or backgammon board, crossword puzzle book and pencils, etc.

37. Couch Potato Basket: TV remote holder, video or CD, assorted microwave popcorn, snacks like nuts, chips, or candy, comfy slippers, subscription to TV guide OR if they have a cable guide already a quillow for cool nights

38. Toddler’s Bedtime Basket: PJs, fuzzy slippers, a Teddy Bear, book of read-aloud bedtime stories, a cute night light. If the child has a "problem" with monsters, create "monster spray" by creating a *monster spray* label to a cover room spray (or water) mister.

39. Home Office Basket: In a trash basket add stapler, staples, gold paper clips, pens, pencils, pencil grips, pencil sharpener, desk calendar, desk lamp.

40. Fisherman’s Kit: Fill a tackle box with assorted lures, leaders, pliers, all-in-one tool, hat, sunscreen, bug spray,gloves, 2 gal. Ziploc bags (gotta have a place to put the fish!), fly tieing book,local fishing guide, Band-Aids.

41. Fruit Basket: Pick local fruit in season and add seasonal specialties available in your area. Add a nut assortment, speciality Christmas candy etc. A galvanized bucket is an attractive container for this one.

42. Favorite Sport: fill a team logo trash basket with logo items of the recipient’s favorite team … tee shirt, cap, visor, mug, travel pillow, fleece travel blanket, key fob, etc. Try these variations:
Baseball – Fill a cap
Football – Fill a helmet
Basketball- gym bag,
Soccer
Swimmer – Fill a beach tote
Cyclist – Fill a helmet or bike pack
Harley Davidson- Saddle bag
NASCAR
Skating- Fill a gym bag

43. Berry Merry Christmas Basket: fill with homemade preserves of all kinds. If you don't make your own, the store-bought, gourmet variety is just fine. Add a box a biscuit mix.

44. Death By Chocolate Basket: chocolate covered cherries, jar of Nutella, plain chocolate bars and other favs of the recipient, chocolate dipped cherries, hot cocoa mix, round it off with homemade fudge or brownies.

45. Daddy’s Tools of the Trade … for the new dad or dad-to-be: Put in a tool bag. Goggles, rubber gloves, wipes, paper towels, extra diapers, extra pacifier, "Butt Cream" (Yes, that IS the name) small garbage sacks,etc. etc....

46. New Grandma’s Brag Basket: purse sized photo album, one nice picture frame, pacifier, rattle, and a small toy to have on hand, etc.

47. Overnight at Grandma’s Tote Bag: PJs, slippers, teddy bear, tooth brush, bedtime story book, Sleep-over blankie etc. Include a personalized card with an invitation to a sleep-over.

48. New Mother’s Basket: coupons for donating baby sitting time, cookbook for 30 minute meals (Rachel Ray’s is great.) baby sitters information refrigerator pad, slippers (for mom), baby’s first year calendar, pink or blue pen, etc.

49. Health Food Basket: filled with brown rice, other specialty grains such as quinoa, spelt, bulgar, all-natural candy bars, organic nuts, organic granola, assorted dried beans, organic spices.

50. Bird Watcher’s Basket: Passes to area Bird Refuges, seed feeder, thistle sock, suet feeder, fill for all three, bird watcher’s guide book for your area, binoculars. (*See #88 for a variation on this theme)

51. Pet Bird Basket: bird toys, swings, and ladders, millet & fruit treats, etc.

52. Hamster( and other rodents): bag of bedding,cardboard tubes, veggie treats(carrot, apple, etc.) , toys, wheels.

53. Baking Basket: Ingredients and baking dish for many items. Customize this one to your recipient. Variations:

Apple Pie: ceramic pie plate filled with all the ingredients for pie baking
Bread Basket
Pizza Basket – Arrange ingredients on a baking stone
Cupcake Basket for Kids: box cake mix, holiday muffin tin liners, tubs of frosting, tubes of colored frosting, sprinkles, m&m’s, red hots, nuts,etc. for topping.

54. Candy Making Basket: molds, candy melts, pop sticks, cello or plastic bags, ribbon for ties, dipping spoon, candy thermometer, recipe and directions, etc.

55. Kitchen Basket: watch for sales and clearance. Oven mitts, pot holders, matching dish towels, etc. … Can do Seasonal, Holiday or everyday themes.

56. Sock Basket: Buy throughout the year … holiday or fun socks.

57. Kiddies’ Bath Basket: In a large plastic sand bucket add bubble bath, no-tears shampoo, bath crayons, bathtub toys, squirt toys, personal towel etc.

58. Romance Basket: Wine, two glasses, romantic CD and/or DVD, candles, holders, crackers, cheese, a special something you've baked.

59. Hospitality Basket: Fill will items a visitor may need and might have forgotten and place in a guest room. Items like toiletries, toothbrush, etc. etc... Can also add postcards, pen, postage stamps, local map, etc.

60. Campers Basket or Backpack: compass, Swiss Army knife, campers’ cook set, insect repellant, sun block, etc.

61. Kid’s Craft Kit: A plastic tub with a lid is a better *basket*: colored paper, crayons, stickers, stampers, stamp pads, art foam, pipe cleaners,sequins, beads,ribbon or string, buttons, glue, scissors, wobbly eyes, sparkles and glitter, wooden and art foam shapes, magnetic tape, project sheets.

62. Sunday-Go-To-Meetin' Toddler Kit: Fill a child’s lunch box with little plastic containers for Cheerios, Goldfish, and Oreos. Include wipes and a sippy cup for water. Include snacks.

63. Car Care Basket: coupons for the car wash, chamois, car vac, emergency kit for the trunk, extra oil, oil rags,etc.

64. Stitchers Basket: Fill with small items specific to the recipients needle craft of choice. A chatelaine is always a great addition. Try some of these variations:
Needlepoint Basket: patterns, needles, threads, canvas, thimbles,
Cross Stitch BasketMC threads, Aida cloth, needles,etc.
Knitter’s Basket: In a Yarntainer add"New yarns" to try, a variety of needles.
Crochet Basket: In a Yarntainer add "New Yarns", an assortment of crochet needles, simple project sheet,etc.

65. Kid's Character Theme baskets: Fill these with items related to the child's favorite characters. Here are a few:

Arthur
Anne of Green Gables
Hello Kitty
Harry Potter
Cars (the movie )
Superhero of Choice
Dora
Thomas the Tank Engine
Clifford
Barbie
Etc.
(See #s 91 & 92 for variation examples)

66. Occupation Baskets: With some imagination you can come up with many variations for this one. Think of items specific to the job. There are ornaments for many occupations available. I go to Bronners for these. Try these variations:

Teachers: GC to local teacher supply,stickers, stampers, stamp pads, memo cubes, school-themed computer paper for letters to parents, etc.
Fireman: Mug, ornament, gym bag, BIG fluffy towel, slippers, extra cotton socks, ball cap, toiletries...
Policeman: As above
Nurse: Hand lotion, ornament, thermometer, small first-aid kit, etc.
Doctor
Dentist
Hair stylist; Shoe inserts, hand lotion, ornament, variety of combs
Electrician:Electrical tape, stud finder, screw drivers, etc.
Mechanic: Orange hand cleaner, new rags, small wrench set, headlight (flashlight attached to strap to go around their head),etc.

67. The Elf Kit: Everything you'll need for Christmas morning: Several sized batteries, Scissors, Screwdriver, Band-Aids. Film, digital camera or one-use camera. Paper and Pen, Trash Bags, Folder to put cards, receipts, tags, instructions in all one place.

68. Kitchen Gadget strainer: In a pasta strainer add any kitchen gadgets that may be helpful for your recipient. Spatulas, scrappers, peeler, apple corer/slicer, egg slicer, etc. etc.

69. Laundry Basket: In a large plastic basket include items and instructions for doing laundry. Start with unscented laundry soaps, stain removers, dryer sheets, bleach, change for the laundromat, paperback for reading while waiting, etc. Great for the college student or newlywed.

70. Art Basket (Posterippad) Drawing pencils pack, pastels, sketch pads, acrylic paint tubes, watercolors, small canvasses,brushes, pallet

71. Dormitory Tool Set (posted by CrochetAddict at OH ) In a carrying case add 4-in-1 screwdriver, utility knife,2 pairs pliers, adjustable wrench,level,flashlight,tack lifter, duct tape, electrical tape, hammer, scissors, fastener assortment. (Target actually carries these kits in their Home Repair section)

72. Dorm Bath Caddy: In a caddy place a large bath towel, rolled, hand, towel and 2-3 washclothes. Add flip-flops (for the shower), and a variety of toiletries. Safety razors and shaving cream (or an electric razor). Toss a folded bathrobe on top and toe with a ribbon through the handle.

73."Relaxation" baskets
Throw, Candle, Hot Chocolate,mug, Christmas book (or DVD/VHS), socks/slippers.
Add the poem listed below...

Forget about work,
Plan to Relax
Make some hot chocolate
Then just sit back!

Put on your new socks,
Grab the fleece throw
Light up the Candle
and turn the lights down low.

Open the book now...
Away you go...
Go ahead and relax
Nobody will know!

74. Newlywed Christmas Basket: (for newlyweds who don't have Christmas decorations of their own. A STARTER basket for their first year). In a basket add 2-3 boxes basic Christmas ornaments, 2-3 strings plain white lights, table cloth and napkins, Christmas picture in frame, small nativity set, candles and a Santa. After Christmas sales are great for making this one. (*See #93 for a variation)

75. CHRISTmas Basket: An inexpensive nativity, a small book that tells the Christmas story, a few nativity theme ornaments, angel candleholder, some cider/coca mix, Nativity DVD (Season's of the Heart is an excellent family DVD) etc...

76. Movie Basket: In a large popcorn bucket add movie theatre gift cards or Blockbuster GC's, microwave pop corn ,some cute plastic pop corn boxes, large sized candy boxes, a box of tissues for the chick flick and a teddy bear to hold for scary movies.

77. Boss's Basket: In a nice basket, wooden food bowl etc... add a variety of good pears, apples, nuts, unusual deli cheeses and great crackers. Include a nice nut cracker, a fruit knife and a cheese knife. Napkins and a bottle of sparkling cider or good wine rounds out the basket.

78: Western Cowboy: Tickets to a PRCA rodeo or PBR bull riding event, Subscription to Cowboys & Indians magazine, Any book by Elmer Kealton ( "The Time it Never Rained" or "The Day the Cowboys Quit") , Louis L'Amour or Larry McMurtry books, Leather work gloves, Cowboy sayings book ( "Don't Squat With Your Spurs On"), Cowboy trail mix (M&Ms, Skittles, Roasted Peanuts, Candy Corn and Crispix), Jerky, Tickets to a country concert, Western DVD, CD, A new pickup -- a matchbox size stuffed with a few bills. I did this to my DH for his stocking and said the money was for his new truck fund.

79. Car Travel Tote: Adult- In a personalized tote bag (color or name) add a cushie pillow, small fleece blanket, travel games, book, notebook and pencil, travel pkgs of wipes, tissues etc. A reusable water bottle, pocket umbrella, waterproof poncho, sunscreen and bug spray may also be useful. Add any comfort items the recipient would enjoy.
Child - In a personalized tote or backpack put small pillow, favorite blankie, small stuffy, small travel games, crayons, coloring book, snacks etc. Travel wipes, music and DVDs for travel DVD players if recipient has one.

80. "Olde" Toy Basket: In a tin or an old box put a collection of old games and toys. Jacks and a ball, ball-in-a-cup, tic-tac-toe, marbles, hoppy-taw and sidewalk chalk, bubbles, string and instructions for Cats Cradle, puzzle, etc. ( many party stores carry these items....)

81. Holiday Basket: Fill a basket with various decorative times for any of the Holidays celebrated through the year. Valentine's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc....

82. Eye Glass Basket: Beaded eye glass chain, glasses case (or 2), eye glass cleaner/spray, lens cloth, desktop eyeglass holder, repair kit (small screwdriver with extra screws-add several!).

83. "States Own" Basket: Fill a basket with items unique to your locality/state. This could be food items, magnets, collectible tea towels, spices, etc. Include a road map.

84. Family Breakfast Basket: In a mixing bowl add Kodiak cake (pancake) mix, maple syrup, powdered sugar, jams, bottled juices, Pre-cooked Bacon,etc.

85. Kid's Farmer's Bucket: In a galvanized bucket - fill bottom with straw colored celsior. Add plastic farm animal figures, vehicles (tractors, etc.), farmer's hat and bandana.

86. Jane Austen Basket: Choose a favorite title. Include a copy of the book, the DVD (if applicable), tea cup & saucer or mug, tea or cocoa, fleece throw, fuzzy socks and a book light. Top with small journal and nice pen.
Variation: Try this with any author of the recipients choice.

87. T'was the Night Before Christmas...: First posted by 2dumplins (Love this idea!) Find a great container. Take each line of the poem and find a gift to go with it. There ends up being anywhere from 15-20 gifts (its different each time). The first line of course is, "Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse". Wrap a stuffed mouse or tree ornament (whatever you can find) in Christmas paper and tag the first line of the poem on it, then when you get them all done, you package them in reverse order (so the first line of the poem is on top) and place in your container. The recipient won't know who sent it until they get to the bottom of the box where you have your Christmas card. Buy a jar of jelly for "and shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly" and a small jar of Mrs. Dash for, "...dash away, dash away dash away all". Use your imagination.

88. "Christmas for the birds". Posted by Random. For the bird lover/watcher in your life! In the little wooden crate that holds clementines add some raffia to the bottom. Stuff it with Bird Friendly Christmas decorations to hang on a small pine tree in the backyard: popcorn and cranberry garlands, Christmas "balls" made out of brightly coloured netting stuffed with yarn and bits of fabric for nest building, pinecones spread with peanut butter and dipped in bird seed,orange slices tied with ribbon, suet and birdseed bells, birdseed wreaths, add a pair of binoculars and a local bird identification book.
To complete the gift, a fruitcake and some hot chocolate to enjoy together after decorating the tree.

89. Survival kits! Motherhen posted some of these. There's a great web site with a TON listed. Christmas, and just about any other occassion you can think of. In the interest of space I'm posting the link. You can find the lists here:

http://www.budget101.com/survival_kits.htm

90. "Christmas Cocktails" Basket (#s90-95 posted by Aunt Jamelle) Container could be traditional basket, small aluminum tub or bucket.
Contents could include: 2 to 3 different drink mixes, 1 bottle of alcohol (could choose a type that would go with one or more of the drink mixes, like rum), 2 or more Specialty Glasses (Hurricane Glasses, Margarita Glasses, etc.). Swizzel Sticks, Drink Embellishments such as plastic swords or tiny umbrellas.
Drink Recipe Cards (Handmade or printed off the computer (can laminate them and then put on a plain or theme coordinated keychain). Alcohol related ornament (Could tie to the handle of the basket with a pretty bow)

Non-Alcoholic Version(If couple is expecting a baby or just are non-drinkers this would be a nice gift to set them up for New Years, for example): Instead of drink mixes & alcohol, substitute bottles of Sparkling Fruit Juices and a bottle of straight fruit juice they could be mixed with, like Cranberry. lso, some drink mixes can be mixed up with just ice, so they could still be a viable alternative for non-alcoholic version of this basket.
Make the drink recipe cards for non-alcholic "concoctions".

91.Charlotte’s Web Gift Basket: Tickets to the movie; Set of overalls; Straw Hat; Bandana; Stuffed Farm Animals; Copy of the novel; Fake spider; Pass to local petting zoo; Large Baby Bottle (fill with tickets?); Charlotte’s Web Coloring Book

92. Polar Express Gift Basket: Copy of the book; Copy of the DVD; Cocoa Mix; Cocoa Mugs; Large Bell tied with ribbon; Small wooden toy train; Flannel “pocket” for the bell to go in; Train Whistle; Train shaped cookies; Tickets & Holepunch; Polar Express Coloring Book pages (downloaded from web); Conductor’s Hat; Polar Express Ornament, Bathrobe

93.Trimming The Tree Basket: A personalized family ornament; Hot cocoa mugs; Hot cocoa mix; Homemade cookies or a mix; A holiday CD; Disposable camera; Santa Hats; Ornament Hooks; Extra Light bulbs; Candy Canes (*See #74 for a variation on this theme)

94.Salad Fixin's Basket: Cans of artichoke hearts and olives, herbed or balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic bulbs, a wedge of Parmesan cheese, herbed croutons, decorative salad tongs or utensils, a can opener and a pepper grinder with a jar of colorful peppercorns.
Greek Salad Bowl Variation – Arrange ingredients in a large wooden salad bowl with tongs, variety of olives

95. Mexican Olé Basket: In a bright colored bowl add canned salsa, flavored wheat tortillas, tortilla chips (various colors), margarita mix and a CD of salsa music.

96. Dinner in a Basket: In a picnic backet include a full dinner. This can be cooked (main dish,salad, rolls, desert) and ready to go or main dish for the freezer. Include paper/plastic dinnerware, festive table cloth, candles etc. Be sure to include instructions for thawing and cooking any frozen dishes.

97. 72 Hour Kit: Start with a back pack and a copy of the Red Cross 72-hour Kit list (call your local Red Cross office or from their web site). Begin a basic starter kit. Include a first aid kit, blanket, candles, matches, personal care items, hat, gloves, dehydrated foods, caned fruits etc. Let the recipient personalize the rest of the kit to meet thier needs. Be sure to include a copy of the Red Cross Kit List. You can also find another list at www.ready.gov.

I found this at organizedchristmas.com.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Thanks for the repost *Hegs* - Alot of GREAT ideas there!

 

[snowwhite84]

For anyone who does the tea lovers basket, a couple of lemons would be a nice addition. Cheap and colorful.

I'm sure people are already using these, but for anyone making a basket for the first time, look for the shrink wrap sets. I find them for a dollar at the dollar store. You put the basket in the cellophane bag, tie it up with the nice bow that comes with the kit, then blast it with a hairdryer and it shrinks to the size of the basket.

It's super cheap and makes the whole thing look really professional!

 

[hegs65]

For anyone who does the tea lovers basket, a couple of lemons would be a nice addition. Cheap and colorful.

I'm sure people are already using these, but for anyone making a basket for the first time, look for the shrink wrap sets. I find them for a dollar at the dollar store. You put the basket in the cellophane bag, tie it up with the nice bow that comes with the kit, then blast it with a hairdryer and it shrinks to the size of the basket.

It's super cheap and makes the whole thing look really professional!

Darn, I was just there yesterday! Where are they located in the store? I am sure they must have them because they have a ton of Christmas decorations already.

 

[snowwhite84]

At my Dollar Tree they are in the gift wrap section next to the bows. They have them year-round. Happy shopping!

 

[idofabric]

We have made coffee stir spoons... you take heavy weight disposable spoons, and dip them into melted choclate or candy melts, then befor they set we dipped them into crushed candy...peppermints, sprinkles, plain and color rock sugar. Then into cello bags and tied with ribbons. We used dark, milk, and white choclate, and the different chips- butterscotch, mint, cinnamon.. which we got at Publix.

I also made tinsel christmas trees a few times., 12 to 20 in high, in school or favorite colors.
I used cheapish tinsle garland, the heavest weight wrapped florist wire,(20-24in long, green and white from craft stores/WalMart) and florist tape, and thin florist wire on the paddle. I cut 2 engths (single or 2 different colors) of the tinsel garland about 4-6 inch long. I used the thin wire to wrap the tinsle around the heavy wire, and then the florist tape to fasten the end strands of wire/tinsle around the heavy wraped wire. You end up with what looks like furry tinsle wands- 2 1/2 to 3 ish inchs of thisle twisted on to wire- looks like some thing you would clean a baby bottle with, only with a longer thiner wire end.. I made 4 about the same length for the top branch and the first tier of 3 branches. Then the next layer of 4 branches were about 1/2 inch longer, with each layer getting alittle longer, and more branchs- the final layer was 6-7 branches about 5 inch +/- long.
I started to put it all together with the shortest single top branch, and used 3 more about 1 1/2 -3 inches down with 3 more branches. I used the florish tape to keep them all together. Each layer not only got longer branches, but went down a little lower then the one above. At the end I had 18 to 24 thickness of the heavy wire wrapped all together with the florist tape. I made a few of the wires into a x shape on the bottom, like a wood Christmas tree stand... and stuck it into an old tuna tin I filled with plaster of paris, which I suported while the plaster set. I then used white glue to put bands of glitter on the tree "stand" to match the trees colors. I used pink and silver to make my Dniece a "Princess" tree only 12 inchs tall, she loved it! And this year I will be showing some of the college girls how to use their sor. colors to make some. It is a lot easier and only takes an houre or 2 make. And I only spent 5 to 8 dollars each, less when the dollar store had the right colors! I just got a deep red for this year, and after halloween will get black to make USC South Carolina... last year the orginal ones were for USC- S.Cal- red and gold.... on kid at each school! And they have friends that want them!

Also I didn't see if there was a kids Art basket on the list. I get extra school supplies when crayons are 10 to 25 cents and then use a lot of my left over sewing suff, like ribbon, pom poms, yarn, buttons, felt, and so on, and a few other things like card stock, paper, and dollar store stuff like a low temp glue gun, ballons, stickers, paint brushes, popsicle sticks. and put it into a plastic tub with a top. I also found reciepts for flour moddeling clay and "goop" and put the ingreds in with the directions. We did some for a silent auction for school and one for cancer society and both went for over $125 dollars! They were large ones....

I also make shoe bags either from the bottoms of old soft jeans, or washed flannel, or even old T shirts that are still good but to small. They are just bags with a drawstring on them. You can use thin towels or the fluffy poly fleece.

And I also use scrap poly fleese or t-shirt fabric to make dog toys. I found them at a Pet-Store... for $6 to $11 each!!! I just cut long strips and braided them together. Thinish for a puppy, thicker for a dog. The new puppy loves hers!

And finally I also make woven ribbon stocking. They take a ton of ribbon, but I have a ton from sewing/costumes/quilts that I get when it is on sale at the craft places ( 2 spools for $1 or $1.50 max) all colors/ sizes/ styles. And I use rick-rack and stuff in them. I weave them on the cheap iron on interfacing and on a 45 deg. bias. And back them with any fancy fabric from plaid to velvet to what ever samples I got free from the Deco. store. And I make a cuff top I can put a name on. I used to sell these a few years ago to a Deco. shop and I got $35 to $50 each- 15 years ago!!! I add a long lope to hang them and a multi ribbon bow with the scraps that have ribbons hanging that I attach jingle bells to- that way I know when the kids are getting into them on Christmas morning!

oH! We also take all the cookies we make and deliver them to the neighboors on Christmas morning, along with hot sticky cinnimon rollls I stir together the night befor.... I put them in when we get up at 4-5 am!

I have more, but will have to remember them all...

Great thread! Thanks for sharing all the ideas!