Make Gift Baskets For Fun & Profit

Putting together lovely gift baskets is the way to give a
memorable gift to anyone at any time of the year. Now you can
assemble gift baskets, and at a very low price! Baskets come in
a variety of shapes from traditional round to oval, square,
heart-shaped, and circular. Some have a couple of handles,
others are colored brightly, while still more baskets are as
natural as the reeds that make them up. Of course not all
baskets are made from reeds; you’ll find those made from
plastic, metal, tin, fabric, or combinations thereof.
Basic Baskets Decide what item[s] will be going into that gift
basket. Group the items together. It is best if the largest
items are in the center or at the back, so it creates a pyramid
shape. If in doubt about sizing your gifts to your basket, just
measure the tallest part and the circumference of your gift
items. Make sure your basket will be a bit larger than the
items. Decide what you will fill your basket with: plastic
grass, tissue paper, raffia, crinkled or shredded paper or a
towel. Add your items carefully and securely.
You might be able to find a cellophane bag that is large enough
to cover a gift basket and add that.
If using cello wrap, make sure you have a large enough piece.
Using clear tape, apply to the bottom of the basket to help
secure it. Sometimes it may be necessary to tape around the
width of the basket. If so, please use invisible tape! Tightly
gather the ends of the cello wrap and tie together tightly with
a twist tie. Then add a bow, making sure it’s securely attached.
Adding a gift card is always a nice idea. Your gift card should
have a loop in which you add a short length of ribbon or
elasticized band which you then attach to the perimeter of the
ribbon or twist tie.
Make Your Own Shredded Paper All you need is a nice quality
paper shredder and some plain colored paper and you have your
own basket lining at virtually no cost, and no effort!
Basket Themes Creativity rules here when it comes to what you
can add to a gift basket! Determine whom you will be giving this
basket to, if this person is male or female, and what their
interests are. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
Baby ~ Stuffed toy, blanket, booties, cap, bib, baby powder,
mobile, pacifier, books, blocks, toys, bath & body items, music
CD, and baby shop gift certificate. Bath & Body ~ Soap, loofah
sponge, lotion, shampoo & conditioner, whipped shea butter, bath
salts, sugar scrub, aromatherapy bath oils, bubble bath,
washcloth, rubber ducky, spa gift certificate, relaxing music
CD, and scented candles. Birthday ~ Balloons, candles, stickers,
bubbles, toys, games, teddy bears, dolls, jewelry, books, gift
certificates, cookies, candies, and fruit. Bon Voyage ~ Travel
guides, maps, compass, travel diary, passport holder, atlas,
travel size toiletries, and gift certificates. Bridal ~ Scented
candles, bath & body products, spa gift certificate, gourmet
chocolate, flowers, lingerie, champagne, wine, crystal, other
gift certificates. Chocolate Lover ~ Chocolate bars, chocolate
candy/bon-bons, chocolate cookies, hot chocolate mix, cocoa
butter lip balm, cheesecake, chocolate scented bath & body
products, chocolate candy, and gift certificates. Coffee Lover ~
Sometimes you can combine this with the Tea Lover gift basket.
Varieties of coffee, honey, creamer, sweetener, coffee mugs,
coffee pot, Thermos, coffee-scented soap, coffee sugar scrub,
coffee-scented candles, coffee shop gift certificates.
Corporate/Executive ~ Wine, spirits, gourmet foods, imported
chocolate, personalized gifts bearing company logo, cheesecake,
fully stocked picnic basket, and gift certificates. Gourmet ~
Pancake mix, imported jams, cheesecake, candies, cookies,
cheese, chocolate, condiments, teas, coffee, fruits, syrup,
smoked salmon, truffles, olive oil, imported vinegars, pasta,
biscotti and gift certificates. Sports Lover ~ Sports Lovers
baskets can include a variety of general sports, or specialize
in one sport like golf, football, hockey, etc. Including tickets
to a game, a stopwatch, popcorn, nuts, wine, beer, snacks,
cheese, toys, t-shirts, baseball cap, autographed team/sport
merchandise, and gift certificates. Tea Lover ~ Sometimes you
can combine this with the Coffee Lover gift basket. Varieties of
tea bags, tea cups/mugs, honey, teapot, tea infuser, blocks of
tea, tea cakes, wafers, cookies, tea-scented soap, tea-scented
candles and gift certificates. Wine & Cheese ~ Fine wine, wine
glasses, champagne, napkins, cheese, cheeseballs, cheese spread,
crackers, biscuits, wine soap, and gift certificates. Other
Theme Ideas ~ Movie Lover, Congratulations, Easter, Pet Lover,
Retirement, Anniversary, 21st Birthday, Sweet 16, Game Lover,
Music Lover, Gardener, Book Lover, etc.
Buying Your Gift Basket & Accessories Finding an excellent
bargain for the basket itself is quite easy. You can locate them
at your local dollar store, Goodwill, Salvation Army, thrift
shops, flea markets, swap meets, garage sales, craft stores,
discount stores and online.
Also, don’t be afraid to be creative when selecting a basket.
You can easily find other sizes/shapes that will perfectly match
your theme. A Christmas sleigh for Christmas presents is an
obvious choice. But how about a bucket, mailbox, birdhouse,
birdcage, or large mug to name just a few alternative basket
ideas?
Cellophane, organza bags, tissue paper, ribbon/bows and plastic
grass/shredded paper, can be located at discount stores, drug
stores, craft stores, packing suppliers, and online.
Once you’ve made your first gift basket you might be hooked to
this creative way to give gifts and will make many more! Gift
basket assembling is a profitable business that can be started
right in your own home. Make certain you have enough storage
space for all your baskets and supplies! Investigate wholesale
options for the products you will be adding to gift baskets. And
make sure you do your research about starting a small home-based
business.