For most everyone, gift-giving can be quite a daunting experience. We would like to find that one perfect gift, but what do you get for that hard-to-buy-for person or special occasion?

Gift Baskets are so versatile that they can be used for any occasion and are sure to please everyone on your list.

Making gift baskets is an excellent way to provide personalized gifts for friends and family. They can be fun to make and receive.

Deciding the theme of the basket is typically the hard part. It's easiest to focus on hobbies and favorite interests, although food can also be the focus of the basket.

Are you looking for a gift for a gardener, a new car owner, a college student, baby or new Mother? Gift baskets are an answer to your gift-giving prayers.

What kinds of items should you included in a gift basket? The sky's the limit, along with your budget. To provide a smile to a gardener's face, include gloves, tools, seed packets, terra cotta pots or hat.

You might even include a coffee mug decorated with flowers and herbal tea to enjoy after working in the garden. You can put the items for this gift in a garden basket or even in a big straw hat.

Getting a new car is an exciting event, especially for the first-time buyer. Help them celebrate the purchase with a gift of air freshener, car wash, chamois, tire cleaner and an ice scraper? Add a visor organizer and a silly item like a pair of fuzzy dice or a Squirrel tail for their antenna, put it all in a wash bucket and your new car owner is set for the road.

Sending a friend or family member off to college? Put together a "care package" gift basket. You can include a box of homemade cookies, a mug, hot chocolate mix and microwave popcorn and other snacks for those late-night study sessions. A framed family picture, compact disc and a phone card will help ease any signs of homesickness. Throw in a roll of quarters for laundry and put it all in a laundry basket.

As you are able to see, ideas for creating gift baskets are virtually unlimited.

When you have chosen all the gifts for your basket, it's time for the assembly. Select a container which will hold your gifts. The container itself doesn't have to be expensive but, should fit the theme of the gift, if possible.

If you cannot think of a special container, a laundry basket would serve a dual purpose. Some other items you will need for the basket are packing paper, shredded colored paper, floral picks or even greenery, 24"-30" clear cellophane, and curling ribbon.

You want the gifts in the basket to be visible, so you'll need to fill the bottom of the basket with wadded packing paper. Push the paper firmly in place, leaving the top forth of the basket exposed.

Add shredded paper to the top of the basket. Shredded paper is available in many colors and styles at virtually all craft stores, however if you have access to a paper shredder you can make your own.

Place the taller items in back, forming a "wall". Lean the medium-sized items against this wall, and place smaller gifts along the front rim of the basket. You can add floral picks or greenery to fill in any empty spaces, to enhance the overall look of the basket.

Wrap the basket with cellophane. Gather the cellophane on the front and back of the basket, overlapping the sides towards the back.

Use a piece of ribbon to tie the cellophane securely. Tape the sides of the cellophane down. To finish the basket add a couple more lengths of ribbon, curling the ends, and attach a card.

Author: Gary Johnson