Ten Unique Gift Basket Ideas for Everyone

If you've ever seen someone being handed a gift basket, you know how their face lights up with eager anticipation. Handing someone a number of small gifts may feel a little weird, but put them in a gift basket, and suddenly a collection of small items is not only acceptable, but you've also created a unique and elegant presentation.

Of course, the content of the gift basket depends on the receiver. A basket for a teenage girl will look entirely different from a basket for an expectant mother. To kick start your inspiration, the following are ten unique gift basket ideas for everyone.

For the garden enthusiast

If you're putting together a basket for someone who likes to putter around in the garden, you could choose a selection of hand tools along with flower, herb and vegetable seeds. To be sure that the seeds are planted correctly, you could include a gardening book.

For the kitchen princess

Every kitchen princess will value a good set of knives. You could also include measuring spoons, a selection of herbs and spices and, of course, a cookbook to expand her talents.

For the car lover

As every woman knows, few men like to help around the house, but they can fuss over their car for hours on end. Show the car lover that you care, and surprise him with a gift basket with car products. Select a quality shampoo and wax for the exterior paintwork, polish for the interior vinyl and there's even black polish for the wheels. In addition, you could include a nice pair of driving gloves or a cool pair of shades.

For the DIY enthusiast

Does the man in your life like to do things around the house, but doesn't have the right equipment? Provide him with everything he needs with a basket filled with tools. He will be delighted with a hammer, various size nails, a screw driver with different size bits, screws and plugs and pliers. If you want to go all out, you could even put an electric drill in the basket.

For the pet lover

Some people have everything they need, leaving the gift giver with the question of what to buy. If the person has a pet, consider giving him a basket filled with goodies for his cat or dog. You could pack a bag of dry food, a few cans of wet food and some treats for the pet. In addition, there are fancy food and water bowls, brushes and combs, and of course toys.

For the teenage girl

Let the gift basket for a teenage girl introduce her to some basic body products and make-up items. You could choose scented body wash, herbal shampoo and conditioner and perhaps some lipsticks and nail polishes.

For creative hands

You probably wouldn't dream of giving someone a pair of knitting needles, but put those needles in a basket and add a selection of yarns and a couple of pattern books, and you have a basket that will give the receiver hours of fun.

Art supplies

Is the basket intended for someone who likes to draw and paint? Consider putting together a few items that tie in with his hobby. Include items such as a sketchbook or a canvas, and maybe a variety of paints and brushes.

For the creative mind

For the writer in your family or circle of friends, you could pick up a beautiful leather bound notebook, along with a variety of pens, pencils and highlighters. In addition, you could fill the basket with a dictionary or thesaurus and some snacks for when the writer needs a little nourishment.

For children

If the gift basket is for a child, consider exercising the mind. Include a crossword puzzle or Sudoku book. If the child is into computers, and what child isn't, consider having a look at computer games that require some thinking. It's amazing what kids learn while playing.

For a finishing touch, wrap the basket in clear or colored cellophane paper and tie together with a beautiful big bow.