Themed Gift Baskets for the Holidays

Are you tired of giving the same presents year after year? Are you stumped for creative gift ideas? Why not include a gift basket on your list this year? After all, who doesn't like opening a present full of surprises? With a little time and creativity you can create a fun and festive gift basket for just about anybody on your list.

Gift baskets are a great way to add vibrant color and a unique presentation to even the simplest gifts. Why not add a little more spice this year by giving your basket a theme? Use the person's interests as a starting point for your theme, and incorporate personal elements specifically customized to fit their taste. If they have a good sense of humor, try adding a few fun elements to their basket that will give them a good laugh. Try one of these gift basket ideas for the special people in your life this holiday season:

For the Outdoor Enthusiast
If you have an outdoor enthusiast on your gift list, there are all kinds of great solutions to holiday gift giving. First you need to pick a container for your gift. Try a tackle box for a fisherman, a backpack for a hiker, or a mess kit for an avid camper. Once you have a container for your gift you can fill it with all kinds of related items that are sure to delight. What outdoor enthusiast doesn't need a new compass, thermos, flashlight or safety kit? Dress it up with a camouflage bandanna or a good pair of gloves. Top it off with a related holiday ornament to keep it festive, and don't forget to include extra batteries if any of the gadgets require them.

For the Traveler
Giving gifts for people who love to travel can be tricky, but if you stick to the basics, your basket will be sure to send them off in style. You can buy great tote bags at any local department store pretty inexpensively. Fill it up with beach towels, travel guides, road maps, magazines and sunscreen. Include a fun movie or favorite CD for them to enjoy while they travel. Small radios, CD players and iPods are a hit for travelers if they fit within your budget, and don't forget to be creative!

For the Co-Worker
When selecting gifts for a co-worker it is always good if you can capture their personality and sense of humor in their basket. A sure hit at any office is a basket full of fun office supplies. Include multi-colored paperclips, sticky notes, pencils and pens in their basket. Maybe also include a fun mug, desk calendar or a funny movie that plays on office politics (but only if they have a good sense of humor). As for the container, how about using a desk organizer or magazine rack? If you plan to exchange gifts outside the office, you can be a little more flexible with the items you include. If you are confined to the office for exchanging gifts, be conservative and make sure the gift is appropriate for the office environment. After all, you never know where stray items may end up!

For the Couple
It can be hard to find gifts for a couple, especially if they have everything or different interests. One basket that is sure to please is geared toward a romantic evening for two. A bottle of wine with a couple of wine glasses, candles, cheese and crackers, and a corkscrew make great gifts. If you know their taste in food, you may also be able to include some non-perishable items in your basket as well, like pasta and pasta sauce, baking mixes or the fixings for their favorite appetizer. Put all of your items in a picnic basket lined with cloth napkins and placemats, and the couple on your gift list has everything they need for a romantic evening together.

Gift baskets are a great way to have fun and enjoy the holidays. They can be as simple or as complex and extravagant as you want them to be, and can fit within any budget. This year, let your creativity shine with a themed gift basket for everybody on your holiday list.