Thursday, November 12, 2009

Thanksgiving Gift Basket Ideas

This year my sister-in-law is having Thanksgiving at her house. I will be making a few dishes to bring, but I'd like to get her a nice gift too. As I searched the internet for some ideas I came across this site of decorative baskets. And not only did it give me some ideas for a gift my sister-in-law might enjoy, it also inspired me when thinking of gifts for teachers, gifts for wedding and baby showers, and also Christmas gifts for friends and family.

I love the idea of gift baskets, but I also like the idea of the basket itself being another useful gift. Here are some really wonderful ideas:

Just look at this basket, it's an umbrella stand!


Once emptied of gifts, these mail baskets would be very useful!



I also love the idea of this magazine wall basket.




This one was called a 'wash day' basket but I can see it being used to hold guest towels, or in an entryway to store scarves, hats, and gloves.




And my favorites are these tote and purse baskets!

I love the idea of filling any of these baskets with personal items for those you know well. And if you don't know your hostess all that well, you can always fill it with practical items that can be used again and again such as small kitchen needs, salt & pepper shakers, oven mitts, dish towels, tablecloths, napkins & rings, etc.
Or it could be filled with scented candles and candle holders, coasters, stationary, or items that are more 'traditional' gift basket ideas such as candy, fruit, nuts, cookies, and cheese & crackers.

11 comments:

  1. Hi Eileen! I think the idea of gifting in a basket is wonderful! Jon's grandmother (who is 91) recently brought her 5 great-grandchildren each a plush toy...in a beautiful basket that she said she's had since the beginning of time! I will use it for so much: tablewear when entertaining (forks, napkins,etc), or a potted plant? It's very special!

    I really love the large basket...you suggested that it could hold mittens, et. Fantastic idea! I'm going to search for a large basket to do something like this!

    Thanks for the ideas! Now my head is swirling with them too! :)

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  2. I love baskets. They hold so many things and always look neat and tidy as well as having a wonderful texture. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

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  3. Darling, this is such a sweet idea for a gift. I have baskets all over my cottage, and they are filled with magazines, and some decorative books placed next to comfy chairs. The baskets you have here are lovely, I will check out the site.

    Love & Hugs
    Duchess

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  4. I LOVE baskets...love that first one!

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  5. Your sister-in-law is in for a BIG treat! Your post inspires me to go from room to room and record all the ways I have put baskets to use in our home. (Don't worry. I have more books than baskets.)

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  6. I love those tote baskets. Do you happen to know who makes them. I would love to use those for our gift baskets.

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  7. These are great baskets, and very good ideas to fill them! I like them better than the Longaberger, those are sooo expensive!

    Katherine

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  8. Great ideas! These are gorgeous baskets!
    I love doing gift baskets, too. This year I am giving "gourd bowls" (cutting the tops off gourds, cleaning, polishing and sealing the exterior)...I'll fill these with homemade goodies.

    Jane (artfully graced)

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  9. Great idea, Eileen! I love all of those baskets. They are all cute! And I think cute and pratical = a good marriage when you add in the towels and practical things.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  10. Hi Eileen ~ oh how I love baskets! Those are some beauties that you've shared. Nice post!

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend. xo

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  11. Oh, I enjoy baskets as they help me stay a little bit more organized! Really great ideas and sweet baskets.
    Beth:)

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