After seeing store bought baskets, and being disappointed in their shoddiness and poor quality, I make baskets, and varied them by theme according to each family. It got quite expensive last year because it was my first time, but this year I am picking up wicker baskets at thrift stores such as The Salvation Army and Goodwill.

1. Bring baskets home. Line up in the bathtub . . . turn on shower with warm water over them to remove the dust. Place them out in the sun to dry, and air.

2. Silver, gold, red, and green (or whatever color you like) paints and lovely 2″ Christmas ribbon can be picked up at Dollar Tree for $1.00. It is embossed with gorgeous designs. Make sure to keep in the mind’s eye how that ribbon will coordinate with the colors you have chosen to paint your baskets, or leave them natural.

3. Filler ideas:

Edible Ideas: home baked cookies, fudge, breads . . . a pretty mug stuffed with individually wrapped teabags, a pound of good coffee, beef jerky, summer sausage, nuts, chocolate covered pretzels, fruit, etc. Also candies and cookies that you find at a reasonable price such as Target, Tuesday Morning, local dollar stores etc.

Luxury: Bath mitt, bubble bath or oil, loofah sponge, scented soaps, lotions, bath salts (that can be made with epsom salt, and essential oils.)

Kitchen: pot holders, oven mits, homemade cookie mix, dishtowels, etc.

You can also tuck in a farmer’s almanac, crossword puzzle books & dictionary, pencils, manual sharpener, a favorite magazine that the recipients would enjoy, but would normally not splurge on for themselves. I found so much pleasure in making or finding items to go in my baskets.

The possibilities are almost endless regarding the themes that can be used . . . gardening, makeup, shut-ins, etc.

Last year when I delivered my baskets to my family members they were surprised, and I could tell that they enjoyed the fact that I had put time into their gifts. I had placed a 2008 farmer’s almanac in my oldest brother’s basket last year. He said he started to buy one, but saw the cost, and did not . . . so he was obviously pleased. The beautiful baskets were placed in prominent places where family and holiday visitors who dropped by could rummage through the basket, and find some goodies to nibble on. After the holidays, they own a pretty basket that can be used for fruit, etc. next year.

Anyway . . . I hope this helps.

Get a cookie recipe. Package the dry ingredients in colorful paper of a gift bag.

Hi, I looked at your question to find ideas and I gotta say that the first answer was really great. I will be doing that for a few of my family.

The other thing I do at christmas is make my own cards and wrapping materials.

Great question though.