Graduation, Weddings, Baby Showers, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthdays… Theme Gift Baskets are a Hit!
Gifts can sometimes be difficult to choose. And if you find yourself just popping a check or gift card in an envelope last minute ““ expensive. Instead of waiting until the “season” is closer, start now to save and gather items to make welcomed gift baskets. Here are some theme ideas to get your creativity flowing”¦
– “˜Shower Hour': Scour clearance sections for a nice towel and washcloth set. Add free body wash or bars, shampoo, conditioner, shave gel, and razors obtained on an amazing deal. Use a shower caddy for the container. Dollar stores usually have these.
– “˜Home Sweet Home‘: Comb clearance sections for sheet sets, soft blankets, pillows, pillow cases, and other homey needs or touches. Don't neglect checking the kitchen section as well. If the items will fit, consider a small waste basket for the container.
– “˜Star Studier‘: Pick out a nice basket or small storage box. (Dollar stores often have stylish, pop-up ones.) Add a book light found on sale, a scented candle or aromatherapy spray for relaxation, and pain reliever for possible study-overload headaches. Don't forget batteries for the light and chocolate to reward all that hard work!
– “˜Snack Attack‘: Choose a durable, large sized snack bowl from a clearance section or a dollar store. Add a wide variety of candy, microwave popcorn, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, anything snacky (and shelf-stable), you snag on a fantastic deal. Don't be shy to break up large packages into more than one gift bowl.
– “˜Wash and Fluff‘: Watch for an excellent buy on laundry soap, fabric softener liquid or sheets, and stain remover. Add a sturdy laundry bag to gather loads, and small mesh washing bags for delicate items. (Both can be found at dollar stores.) Place in an inexpensive laundry basket to complete.
– “˜New Super Saver‘: Buy an expandable folder system with a clasp. Add, and nicely organize, several weeks' worth of newspaper coupon inserts. Include a vocabulary sheet with common savings terms, such as “Catalina” and “B1G1F”. And add a message that you're ready and willing to teach them how to coupon. This is, by far, the best “˜basket'. It includes the infinite gift of a life skill.