Gift Basket Ideas

Do you ever wish you could put together the perfect gift basket, but just can't think of any really creative ways to make it unique and extra special?

Following are some ideas for themed gift baskets, that don't take a lot of money, time or effort, and are sure to impress:

For the person who loves to bake: Put measuring spoons or cups, a wooden spoon, rubber scraper, cookie cutters, some 6 ounce tin candles from Thumbwick Candles in yummy baked scents like, apple crisp, banana nut bread, blueberry cobbler, cinnamon buns, gingerbread or pecan pie, in a large stainless steel mixing bowl, lined with a dish towel.

For the Gardener: In a large hand-painted flowerpot or planter lined with "Easter grass", put decorative garden stakes, seed packets, bulbs, hand tools, gloves, a 16 oz. jar candle from Thumbwick Candles in a floral fragrance, like daffodil fields, gardenia, honeysuckle, lilac or sunflower and a coordinating 2 oz. bottle of Soy Shea Body Créme.

For the college-bound graduate: In a large plastic shower caddy or laundry basket put several of the following items: Travel size bottle of shampoo & conditioner, an 8 oz. bottle of Soy Shea Body Créme, laundry detergent, hand towels and wash cloths, packets of instant soup, Pop Tarts, granola bars, hot chocolate, fruit snacks, an Illuminating Candle Warmer, a scented wickless soy candle and bottle of refresher oil from Thumbwick Candles, a day planner/address book (with your address and phone number), pens, pencils, notebooks, desk essentials, a roll of quarters for laundry, a phone or gasoline card.

For the family who loves to "go to the cabin": In a kid's sand pail with shovels, put some 6 oz. tin candles from Thumbwick Candles in ocean breeze or juniper breeze fragrances, matches, single pot coffee packets, a 2 oz. travel size bottle of Soy Shea Body Créme, insect repellent, fishing lures/bobbers, fruit snacks, granola bars, small games, puzzles & activity books.

For the coffee lover: Different types of flavored and unflavored coffees, handpainted ceramic coffee mugs, an Illuminating Candle Warmer plus wickless candles in hazelnut coffee and mocha cappuccino scents from Thumbwick Candles, some fancy chocolates or cookies, all packed in a wicker basket.

For the pet person: In a large wicker basket lined with a towel or small blanket, put several pet items such as pet treats and toys, a portable pet water dish, an ID tag kit, pet brush, plus an Illuminating Candle Warmer, an Appearing Scene wickless soy candle and refresher oil from Thumbwick Candles, and a coupon (hand written on paper, or print on your computer) for "pet sitting" services from you. 

For the family with a new baby: In a diaper pail or baby bath tub lined with a receiving blanket, put several new baby items, such as diapers, baby wipes, onesies, booties, bibs, teething ring, pacifier, a candle in baby powder scent from Thumbwick Candles, a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant, and a coupon (hand written on paper, or print on your computer) for baby sitting services from you.

For the friends moving into a new house: In a large plastic storage tote, put several packets of cocoa, tea and single serving coffee, instant soup and pasta meals, an assortment of useful paper products such as paper cups, plates, facial tissue, toilet tissue, dinner napkins and paper towels. Add some kitchen and bathroom hand towels with coordinating 6 oz. tin candles from Thumbwick Candles. For example a Sunflower scented candle with a sunflower motif kitchen towel set, an Apple Crisp scented candle with apple motif towels, and some bathroom towels with a candle in Fresh Linen or Ocean Breeze scent. Don't forget to add a smokeless wick dipper and some matches or a butane lighter. You could even add a gift certificate to a local pizza delivery place for that first meal in the new house.

For the friend who travels a lot, or is about to take a trip: In a canvas tote bag, put several of the following items: tissue packs; moist towelettes or baby wipes; some 6 oz. tin candles from Thumbwick Candles with matches; chewing gum for high elevations; a travel mug or sport bottle; a phone card; a 2 oz. travel size bottle of Soy Shea Body Créme; trail mix, mixed nuts, yogurt raisins, etc.; maps or guide books; a pen and stationary set; and a good book or magazine. It will be the perfect travel bag, and will remind your friend of you on his or her trip.