Tired of the same old, tired gift ideas?

Here's a way that you can give a gift as basic or fancy as you like, just by deciding what to include to match your budget. These are all easy ideas with simple-to-find items that are limited only by your own imagination. I'll list a number of the POSSIBLE items to include to get you started; YOU tailor the list to suit your budget and the lucky one on your list.

THE ITALIAN EATERY BASKET

• loaf of garlic or cheese bread
• container of grated parmesan cheese OR a chunk of fresh parmesan, ready to be grated (perhaps a grater, too?)
• jar of favorite store-bought OR homemade pasta sauce
• package of pasta noodles (spaghetti, spaghettini, fetuccine, linguine, penne, etc)
• bottle of red wine, pair of  wine glasses, bottle opener
• small red gingham tablecloth and napkins
• CD of favorite Italian songs (preferably either instrumental OR sung by Dean Martin, Al Martino, Tony Bennett, etc)

BREAKFAST BISTRO BASKET

• container of freshly squeezed orange juice
• small bottle of champagne (to make mimosas)
• small containers of jams, jellies, marmalade, cinnamon or other flavored spread
• container spreadable cream cheese mashed with a favorite jam or just left plain
• package(s) of bagels, croissants, English muffins
• small package of favorite tea or coffee with mugs 
• cloth napkins

SPECIAL LADY SPA BASKET

• fancy facecloth and hand towel
• jar of bath beads
• scented candles, candle holders
• hair band, inflatable tub pillow
• body wash, glycerine soap
• after bath body lotion or body spray
• fashion/decorating/craft/travel/show biz magazine
• CD of classical/instrumental music or nature sounds (ocean waves, rain, etc.)

AN EVENING FOR TWO BASKET

• bottle of favorite wine or other favorite beverage, pair of suitable glasses
• DVD of a favorite romantic/date movie or gift certificate for a rental of the same
• box of chocolates or truffles
• package of assorted gourmet cheeses
• fresh strawberries or grapes
• fancy crackers or cookies
• coupon for babysitting service for the evening (if applicable)

THE MANLY MAN BASKET

• bottle of favorite wine or liqueur
• packages of favorite snacks
• sports/auto/fitness/travel magazine
• scented cedar/woodsy sachets for closets or dresser drawers
• pocket sized flashlight
• pair of driving gloves or leather gloves
• car fresheners, car safety kit
• road map for a place the receiver would love to visit (most North American city maps are available through your local AMA office)

PROBLEMS & PUZZLERS BASKET

• word games magazine with mechanical pencil and eraser
• Rubik's Cube
• CD-ROM of "Dr. Brain" or some other brain-teasing computer game(s)
• book of riddles
• Agatha Christie novel and/or Alfred Hitchcock DVD
• depending on your recipient: package of decaf coffee (Does he really need to be more agitated?) or extra-strength coffee (Does she need help staying awake to work these problems out?)
• container of Tylenol or other headache remedy
• coffee mug with a saying (ie: Problems are easy, it's the answers I have trouble with)

THE ALL BUSINESS BASKET

• desktop daybook and/or deskpad calendar
• pen and pencil set
• business card holder (for desk or pocket)
• coffee mug AND coaster
• small real or artificial potted plant
• paperweight
• tissue box cover/holder with tissue to fit
• mouse pad
• personalized keychain (with recipient or business name)
• eyeglasses holder (if applicable)

THE TOUGH TEEN TO SHOP FOR BASKET

• magazine subscription with a purchased copy to start
• couple of favorite videos and/or CDs
• bottle of favorite soda
• favorite snacks
• assorted hair products (if not sure which, get help from a family member - ALL teens use some of these)
• cell phone minutes, new cell phone battery
• pair of earphones
• a photo of a hideous outfit or piece of clothing you KNOW the recipient would hate, just to prove you knew better than to buy it

THE NEW PARENTS BASKET

• baby book
• container of favorite coffee/tea with matching mugs
• new parenting magazine subscription with a purchased copy to start
• Baby on Board sign for the car
• fancy picture frame with a new baby photo
• certificate for family portrait
• his/hers bottles of Visine eye drops for tired eyes
• coupon for babysitting service for a night out or a weekend away

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Before you go shopping for your baskets, consider this:

• many items you buy at Christmas time already come in baskets so it's possible to reuse some of these and cut costs during the holidays
• these basket ideas are for anytime so keep them in mind for Christmas or when that problem birthday or tricky anniversary comes around again
• whenever it's appropriate to include napkins, tablecloths or towels of any kind, use them to line the basket so all the other items can sit in them; if the cloth is large enough, you may even be able to over-wrap it as well, like a basket of warm breadrolls on a table
• many retailers (craft stores, general merchandise stores, grocery stores) often have odd assorted items on sale that would make good inclusions in your basket gift; keep your mind and eyes open!
• how much you spend means very little with a gift like this so don't feel badly or uncomfortable if several of the items were only a few dollars each; it's the package and the thought of the collection of items that will make the impact 
• the ideas here are a little different; baskets for the chef, the sports enthusiast or the computer geek in the family are fairly easy to assemble but if those give you trouble, consider the way the baskets here have been put together and create one of your own; it's easier than you think!

THANKS FOR READING AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PROJECT --- PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE "YES" IF YOU FOUND THIS GUIDE TO BE HELPFUL AND INFORMATIVE!