Hampers for Christmas 2007

How about this list of 101 gift basket ideas from organizedchristmas.com

1. Garden Basket: gardening gloves, packets of seeds, hand tools (trowel, rake, etc,), gardening book or subscription to a gardening magazine, bottle or box of fertilizer, gift certificate to a garden supply store, garden clogs, a small house plant in a pretty pot. Try these variations:
Flower Grower’s Basket … use a large Terra cotta pot. Fill with small hand tools, seeds, small bag potting soil, liquid fertilizer, etc.
Vegetable Kit: full-sized spade, rake, and cultivator. Tie a cellophane gift bag to the bottom part of each tine with twine. Fill the bags with vegetable seed packets, fertilizer, garden markers, marking pen.
Decorative planter, hose, hose adapter, stepping stone kits, sprinkler, etc. Great for a new home owner.

2. Pasta Bowl: in a large pasta bowl add a package or two of gourmet pasta, tongs, package of sun-dried tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, spices (oregano, basil, garlic powder), pasta cookbook, pasta tongs. Line the basket with fabric and top off with a bottle of Italian wine, a loaf of Italian bread, and/or a chunk of Parmesan cheese.

3. Golf Bucket: golf tees, golf balls, cap, golf towel, sunscreen, ball marker, glove, a subscription to a golf magazine. In lieu of a basket, use a small fabric cooler to hold all the supplies. Can do the same thing with Tennis. Skip the tees, add tennis balls, and a tennis towel.

4. Cheese and Cracker Basket: In a large basket add a cheese spreader, small cheese ball, a variety of small cheeses, several different crackers, napkins.

5. Puppy Basket: food & water bowls, squeaky toy (s), dog biscuits, collar & lead, brush/comb.

6. Kitten Basket: Catnip seeds, toys, collar, Kitty pillow, etc.

7. Writing Box: note cards & stationery with envelopes, assorted cards, letter opener, book of pretty stamps, return address labels, nice pen.

8. Pamper Baskets: gel eye-packs, aroma therapy candle, soothing CD, bath gloves/buffers, sisal mitt, sugar scrub, bath salts or gel. Then customize the assortment by adding products you know the recipient will enjoy. A plastic bath tote /basket with a handle is a nice change.

9. Child’s Activity Tub: In a plastic tub a pad of recycled paper, package of colored paper, crayons, markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors (blunt point for either R or L handed), coloring books, stickers.

10. Sundae Bucket: ice cream scoop, gourmet sauces, sprinkles, assorted nuts, and other toppings, maraschino cherries, sundae glasses and long handled spoons, sugar and flat-bottomed cones, gift certificate for ice cream.

11. Baby Bath Bucket: Use a plastic sand bucket. Add a hooded towel, face cloth, sleeper, baby shampoo, baby lotion, baby powder, nail scissors, rubber duckie.

12. New Year’s Eve Basket: At a party store find Top hat, a crown, two masks, noise makers, and horns, a bottle of champagne (or sparkling cider), two champagne glasses, and candles. Try these variations:
New year's Eve PJ Party For Kids: DVD, popcorn, soda pop, $$ to order in Pizza (or ingredients for a brave parent to make Pizza )noise makers, hats, camera, etc.
New Year's Day Chili: Ingredients for homemade chili. French bread or bread sticks, cheese, etc. Great for watching the games on TV

13. James Bond Basket: James Bond video, two deep champagne glasses, martini making book and ingredients, a cocktail shaker and James Bond’s directions for the*perfect* martini … "shaken, not stirred". Toss in a great sexy nightie for the "Bond Girl"....

14. Manicure Basket: nail enamel, base and top coats, emery boards, buffer, nail clipper, cuticle trimmer, orange stick, remover, quick dry spray.

15. Beach Kid’s Bucket: Fill a large beach pail with: plastic shovel, sand molds, inflatable beach ball, beach towel, flip flops, sunglasses, sun block, swimsuit, cover up.

16. Christmas Basket: For someone in an assisted living apartment. Small pre-lit table tree, assorted small ornaments, small tree skirt, small wreath for her apartment door, large holiday tin filled with homemade cookies, candies, and bars. Check dietary needs first.

17. Hot, Hot, Hot Basket : Add hot spices from several cultures. Chinese, Mexican, Thai, etc. Hot sauces, salsa, hot Asian pickles, fresh hot peppers, recipes, and an antacid.

18. Sewing Basket: Can be scaled down to be a gift in a jar for someone just starting out. Small pin cushion, needles, Black, white, and navy thread, small scissors, straight pins, safety pins, needle threader, iron on hem mender, thimble.

19. Tea Time Basket: china tea cup/saucer OR mug, nice spoon, assorted teas (loose & bags), tea strainer, tea ball, raw sugar, decorative white sugar cubes, small jar of honey with a honey twist, a few small boxes of tea biscuits or cookies OR homemade mini tea breads.

20. Gingerbread Cookie Basket: Basket lined with gingerbread patterned fabric add gingerbread mix, GB boy & girl cookie cutters, GB patterned napkins, frosting, raisins, refrig. magnets, magnetic notepad, and other items depending on the recipient.

21. Kitchen Basket (Base contents on the kitchen decor of the recipient): Apple paper products, apple recipe holder and recipe cards, pencils, refrigerator pads, magnets, cookie cutters, an apple corer, apple slicer, etc. Try these variations:
Melons
Sunflowers
Grapes
Roosters
Chefs

22. Computer Addict: custom made mouse pad, silver mouse with engraved initials, package of CDRWs, memo cube with pencil, music CD, timer …

23. Walker/Jogger Basket: pedometer, sweat band, sports socks, shoe laces, bottled water, ??? for listening to music, T-shirt (s), towel

24. Puzzler Kit: Holiday jigsaw puzzle, a second general puzzle, CEO’s puzzle mat, magnifying glass, a few snacks.

25. Cookie Decorating Kit … plain gingerbread cookies, icing in tubes, small boxes of raisins, & small candies for decorating, small package of paper plates and napkins in a gingerbread design.

26. S’mores Kit: Candle (unscented),Graham crackers, mini-marshmallows, thin wooden skewers, chocolate bars (large or minis). If you buy the small size of ingredients, the candle will easily melt ingredients.

27. Candle Lover Basket: assorted candles (jars, tapers, votives, tea lights, and/or tarts), pretty box of long stemmed matches, match holder, candle snuffer, wick trimmer, Stick-Um candle adhesive, bobeche, candle plate, votive holder, tart burners, candle sticks,etc.

28. Coffee Basket: A couple flavors gourmet coffee beans, reception sticks and/or CEO chocolate spoons. Throw in a pair of mugs filled with chocolate dipped biscotti.

29. Journal Box: pretty fabric covered journal, pen, CEO’s journal jar prompts or a book of soothing thoughts, book mark.

30. Powder Room Basket: a trio of holiday hand towels, pump soap in a holiday container, room spray in a holiday container, decorative soaps in a holiday soap dish, potpourri in a holiday bowl.

31. Breakfast-in-Bed Basket: on a tray,two holiday mugs, Coffee, a quart of orange juice, half&half, small packet of sugar cubes, a half dozen assorted muffins, breakfast pastry AND the Sunday paper.

32. Travel Totes:Fill a tote or travel case with trial/sample sizes of toiletries and basic cosmetics for a woman or teen OR shaving supplies for a man. Add a passport case, money belt, luggage tags, etc.

33. Chinese Steamer: Fill a large bowl with ingredients readily available in the Asian section of your grocery store, chop sticks, Chinese tea, small Chinese tea cups, chop stick rests, fortune cookies, etc.

34. Crafter’s Basket: for someone new to crafting … items such as glue gun, glue sticks, craft knife, small paint brushes, craft pencils, tape measure, scissors, staple gun, staples, patterns or how-to books, class schedule and gift card for a local craft shop.

35. Snowman Making Kit In a Can
SNOW MAN IN A CAN KIT
ingredients:
empty paint can (most craft stores carry these now)
scarf
hat
2 black rocks (spray painted)
5 red rocks (spray painted)
carrot made of clay and spray painted orange
instructions:
decorate outside of can to your choice
place 'ingredients' inside paint can

The Snowman (Author Unknown)
One little snowman,
Fat as can be
Put on his hat and scarf,
and you will soon see
One little snowman
two eyes and a carrot nose
a row of red buttons
to hold on his snow clothes!

36. Rainy Day Game Basket: decks of cards, game book, cribbage or backgammon board, crossword puzzle book and pencils, etc.

37. Couch Potato Basket: TV remote holder, video or CD, assorted microwave popcorn, snacks like nuts, chips, or candy, comfy slippers, subscription to TV guide OR if they have a cable guide already a quillow for cool nights

38. Toddler’s Bedtime Basket: PJs, fuzzy slippers, a Teddy Bear, book of read-aloud bedtime stories, a cute night light. If the child has a "problem" with monsters, create "monster spray" by creating a *monster spray* label to a cover room spray (or water) mister.

39. Home Office Basket: In a trash basket add stapler, staples, gold paper clips, pens, pencils, pencil grips, pencil sharpener, desk calendar, desk lamp.

40. Fisherman’s Kit: Fill a tackle box with assorted lures, leaders, pliers, all-in-one tool, hat, sunscreen, bug spray,gloves, 2 gal. Ziploc bags (gotta have a place to put the fish!), fly tying book, local fishing guide, Band-Aids.

41. Fruit Basket: Pick local fruit in season and add seasonal specialties available in your area. Add a nut assortment, speciality Christmas candy etc. A galvanized bucket is an attractive container for this one.

42. Favorite Sport: fill a team logo trash basket with logo items of the recipient’s favorite team … tee shirt, cap, visor, mug, travel pillow, fleece travel blanket, key fob, etc. Try these variations:
Baseball – Fill a cap
Football – Fill a helmet
Basketball- gym bag,
Soccer
Swimmer – Fill a beach tote
Cyclist – Fill a helmet or bike pack
Harley Davidson- Saddle bag
NASCAR
Skating- Fill a gym bag

43. Berry Merry Christmas Basket: fill with homemade preserves of all kinds. If you don't make your own, the store-bought, gourmet variety is just fine. Add a box a biscuit mix.

44. Death By Chocolate Basket: chocolate covered cherries, jar of Nutella, plain chocolate bars and other favs of the recipient, chocolate dipped cherries, hot cocoa mix, round it off with homemade fudge or brownies.

45. Daddy’s Tools of the Trade … for the new dad or dad-to-be: Put in a tool bag. Goggles, rubber gloves, wipes, paper towels, extra diapers, extra pacifier, "Butt Cream" (Yes, that IS the name) small garbage sacks,etc. etc....

46. New Grandma’s Brag Basket: purse sized photo album, one nice picture frame, pacifier, rattle, and a small toy to have on hand, etc.

47. Overnight at Grandma’s Tote Bag: PJs, slippers, teddy bear, tooth brush, bedtime story book, Sleep-over blankie etc. Include a personalized card with an invitation to a sleep-over.

48. New Mother’s Basket: coupons for donating baby sitting time, cookbook for 30 minute meals (Rachel Ray’s is great.) baby sitters information refrigerator pad, slippers (for mom), baby’s first year calendar, pink or blue pen, etc.

49. Health Food Basket: filled with brown rice, other specialty grains such as quinoa, spelt, bulgar, all-natural candy bars, organic nuts, organic granola, assorted dried beans, organic spices.

50. Bird Watcher’s Basket: Passes to area Bird Refuges, seed feeder, thistle sock, suet feeder, fill for all three, bird watcher’s guide book for your area, binoculars. (*See #88 for a variation on this theme)

51. Pet Bird Basket: bird toys, swings, and ladders, millet & fruit treats, empty cardboard tubes, etc.

52. Hamster( and other rodents): bag of bedding, cardboard tubes, veggie treats(carrot, apple, etc.) ,toys, wheels.

53. Baking Basket: Ingredients and baking dish for many items. Customize this one to your recipient. Variations:

Apple Pie: ceramic pie plate filled with all the ingredients for pie baking
Bread Basket
Pizza Basket – Arrange ingredients on a baking stone
Cupcake Basket for Kids: box cake mix, holiday muffin tin liners, tubs of frosting, tubes of colored frosting, sprinkles, m&m’s, red hots, nuts,etc. for topping.

54. Candy Making Basket: molds, candy melts, pop sticks, cello or plastic bags, ribbon for ties, dipping spoon, candy thermometer, recipe and directions, etc.

55. Kitchen Basket: watch for sales and clearance. Oven mitts, pot holders, matching dish towels, etc. … Can do Seasonal, Holiday or everyday themes.

56. Sock Basket: throughout the year buy holiday themed or fun socks. Soft socks or slippers are great additions.

57. Kiddies’ Bath Basket: In a large plastic sand bucket add bubble bath, no-tears shampoo, bath crayons, bathtub toys, squirt toys, personal towel etc.

58. Romance Basket: Wine, two glasses, romantic CD and/or DVD, candles, holders, crackers, cheese, a special something you've baked, voucher for free baby sitting.

59. Hospitality Basket: Fill will items a visitor may need and might have forgotten and place in a guest room. Items like toiletries, toothbrush, etc. etc... Can also add postcards, pen, postage stamps, local map, etc.

60. Campers Basket or Backpack: compass, Swiss Army knife, campers’ cook set, insect repellent, sun block, etc.

61. Kid’s Craft Kit: A plastic tub with a lid is a better *basket*: colored paper, crayons, stickers, stampers, stamp pads, art foam, pipe cleaners, sequins, beads, ribbon or string, buttons, glue, scissors, wobbly eyes, sparkles and glitter, wooden and art foam shapes, magnetic tape, project sheets.

62. Sunday-Go-To-Meetin' Toddler Kit: Fill a child’s lunch box with little plastic containers for Cheerios, Goldfish, and Oreos. Include wipes and a sippy cup for water. Include snacks.

63. Car Care Basket: coupons for the car wash, chamois, car vac, emergency kit for the trunk, extra oil, oil rags,etc.

64. Stitchers Basket: Fill with small items specific to the recipients needle craft of choice. A chatelaine is always a great addition. Try some of these variations:
Needlepoint Basket: patterns, needles, threads, canvas, thimbles,
Cross Stitch Basket:DMC threads, Aida cloth, needles,etc.
Knitter’s Basket: In a Yarntainer add"New yarns" to try, a variety of needles.
Crochet Basket: In a Yarntainer add "New Yarns", an assortment of crochet needles, simple project sheet,etc.

65. Kid's Character Theme baskets: Fill these with items related to the child's favorite characters. Here are a few:

Arthur
Anne of Green Gables
Hello Kitty
Harry Potter
Cars (the movie )
Super hero of Choice
Dora
Thomas the Tank Engine
Clifford
Barbie
Etc.
(See #s 91 & 92 for variation examples)

66. Occupation Baskets: With some imagination you can come up with many variations for this one. Think of items specific to the job. There are ornaments for many occupations available. I go to Bronners for these. Try these variations:

Teachers: GC to local teacher supply,stickers, stampers, stamp pads, memo cubes, school-themed computer paper for letters to parents, etc.
Fireman: Mug, ornament, gym bag, BIG fluffy towel, slippers, extra cotton socks, ball cap, toiletries...
Policeman: As above
Nurse: Hand lotion, ornament, thermometer, small first-aid kit, etc.
Doctor
Dentist
Hair stylist; Shoe inserts, hand lotion, ornament, variety of combs
Electrician:Electrical tape, stud finder, screw drivers, etc.
Mechanic: Orange hand cleaner, new rags, small wrench set, headlight (flashlight attached to strap to go around their head),etc.

67. The Elf Kit: Everything you'll need for Christmas morning: Several sized batteries, Scissors, Screwdriver, Band-Aids. Film, digital camera or one-use camera. Paper and Pen, Trash Bags, Folder to put cards, receipts, tags, instructions in all one place.

68. Kitchen Gadget strainer: In a pasta strainer add any kitchen gadgets that may be helpful for your recipient. Spatulas, scrappers, peeler, apple corer/slicer, egg slicer, etc. etc.

69. Laundry Basket: In a large plastic basket include items and instructions for doing laundry. Start with unscented laundry soaps, stain removers, dryer sheets, bleach, change for the laundromat, paperback for reading while waiting, etc. Great for the college student or newlywed.

70. Art Basket (Poster:Pippad) Drawing pencils pack, pastels, sketch pads, acrylic paint tubes, watercolors, small canvasses,brushes, pallet, portable easel.

71. Dormitory Tool Set (posted by CrochetAddict at OH ) In a carrying case add 4-in-1 screwdriver, utility knife,2 pairs pliers, adjustable wrench, level, flashlight, tack lifter, duct tape, electrical tape, hammer, scissors, fastener assortment. (Target actually carries these kits in their Home Repair section)

72. Dorm Bath Caddy: In a caddy place a large bath towel, rolled, hand, towel and 2-3 washcloths. Add flip-flops (for the shower), and a variety of toiletries. Safety razors and shaving cream (or an electric razor). Toss a folded bathrobe on top and toe with a ribbon through the handle.

73."Relaxation" baskets (Posted by eaglesax, "I saw it on this board last year, but sorry to say I don't remember the person who suggested it".)
Throw, Candle, Hot Chocolate,mug, Christmas book (or DVD/VHS), socks/slippers.
Add the poem listed below...

Forget about work,
Plan to Relax
Make some hot chocolate
Then just sit back!

Put on your new socks,
Grab the fleece throw
Light up the Candle
and turn the lights down low.

Open the book now...
Away you go...
Go ahead and relax
Nobody will know!

74. Newlywed Christmas Basket: (for newlyweds who don't have Christmas decorations of their own. A STARTER basket for their first year). In a basket add 2-3 boxes basic Christmas ornaments, 2-3 strings plain white lights, table cloth and napkins, Christmas picture in frame, small nativity set, candles and a Santa. After Christmas sales are great for making this one. (*See #93 for a variation)

75. CHRISTmas Basket: (Posted by Joyfulheart) An inexpensive nativity, a small book that tells the Christmas story, a few nativity theme ornaments, angel candle holder, some cider/coca mix, Nativity DVD (Season's of the Heart is an excellent family DVD) etc...

76. Movie Basket: In a large popcorn bucket add movie theatre gift cards or Blockbuster GC's, microwave pop corn ,some cute plastic pop corn boxes, large sized candy boxes, a box of tissues for the chick flick and a teddy bear to hold for scary movies.

77. Boss's Basket: In a nice basket, wooden food bowl etc... add a variety of good pears, apples, nuts, unusual deli cheeses and great crackers. Include a nice nut cracker, a fruit knife and a cheese knife. Napkins and a bottle of sparkling cider or good wine rounds out the basket.

78: Western Cowboy: (Posted by txinia) Tickets to a PRCA rodeo or PBR bull riding event, Subscription to Cowboys & Indians magazine, Any book by Elmer Kealton ( "The Time it Never Rained" or "The Day the Cowboys Quit") , Louis L'Amour or Larry McMurtry books, Leather work gloves, Cowboy sayings book ( "Don't Squat With Your Spurs On"), Cowboy trail mix (M&Ms, Skittles, Roasted Peanuts, Candy Corn and Crispix), Jerky, Tickets to a country concert, Western DVD, CD, A new pickup -- a matchbox size stuffed with a few bills. I did this to my DH for his stocking and said the money was for his new truck fund.

79. Car Travel Tote: Adult- In a personalized tote bag (color or name) add a cushie pillow, small fleece blanket, travel games, book, notebook and pencil, travel pkgs of wipes, tissues etc. A reusable water bottle, pocket umbrella, waterproof poncho, sunscreen and bug spray may also be useful. Add any comfort items the recipient would enjoy.
Child - In a personalized tote or backpack put small pillow, favorite Lanie, small stuffy, small travel games, crayons, coloring book, snacks etc. Travel wipes, music and DVDs for travel DVD players if recipient has one.

80. "Olde" Toy Basket: In a tin or an old box put a collection of old games and toys. Jacks and a ball, ball-in-a-cup, tic-tac-toe, marbles, hoppy-taw and sidewalk chalk, bubbles, string and instructions for Cats Cradle, puzzle, etc. ( many party stores carry these items....)

81. Holiday Basket: Fill a basket with various decorative times for any of the Holidays celebrated through the year. Valentine's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc....

82. Eye Glass Basket: Beaded eye glass chain, glasses case (or 2), eye glass cleaner/spray, lens cloth, desktop eyeglass holder, repair kit (small screwdriver with extra screws-add several!).

83. "States Own" Basket: Fill a basket with items unique to your locality/state. This could be food items, magnets, collectible tea towels, spices, etc. Include a road map.

84. Family Breakfast Basket: In a mixing bowl add Kodiak cake (pancake) mix, maple syrup, powdered sugar, jams, bottled juices, Pre-cooked Bacon,etc.

85. Kid's Farmer's Bucket: In a galvanized bucket - fill bottom with straw colored celsior. Add plastic farm animal figures, vehicles (tractors, etc.), farmer's hat and bandana.

86. Jane Austen Basket: Choose a favorite title. Include a copy of the book, the DVD (if applicable), tea cup & saucer or mug, tea or cocoa, fleece throw, fuzzy socks and a book light. Top with small journal and nice pen.
Variation: Try this with any author of the recipients choice.

87. T'was the Night Before Christmas...: First posted by 2dumplins (Love this idea!) Find a great container. Take each line of the poem and find a gift to go with it. There ends up being anywhere from 15-20 gifts (its different each time). The first line of course is, "Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse". Wrap a stuffed mouse or tree ornament (whatever you can find) in Christmas paper and tag the first line of the poem on it, then when you get them all done, you package them in reverse order (so the first line of the poem is on top) and place in your container. The recipient won't know who sent it until they get to the bottom of the box where you have your Christmas card. Buy a jar of jelly for "and shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly" and a small jar of Mrs. Dash for, "...dash away, dash away dash away all". Use your imagination.

88. "Christmas for the birds". Posted by Random. For the bird lover/watcher in your life! In the little wooden crate that holds clementines add some raffia to the bottom. Stuff it with Bird Friendly Christmas decorations to hang on a small pine tree in the backyard: popcorn and cranberry garlands, Christmas "balls" made out of brightly coloured netting stuffed with yarn and bits of fabric for nest building, pinecones spread with peanut butter and dipped in bird seed,orange slices tied with ribbon, suet and birdseed bells, birdseed wreaths, add a pair of binoculars and a local bird identification book.
To complete the gift, a fruitcake and some hot chocolate to enjoy together after decorating the tree.

89. Survival kits! Motherhen posted some of these. There's a great web site with a TON listed. Christmas, and just about any other occasion you can think of. In the interest of space I'm posting the link. You can find the lists here:

http://www.budget101.com/survival_kits.htm

sianb84 wrote:

Making hampers has been realy popular so I thought maybe if we could make a list of different types and example of what can be put in them we can start putting them together earlier and buy things for them through out the year.

For example

Winter warmer hamper:

A few sachets of hot chocolate (or a tub if your being nice!)
mini marshmellows
mini whisk
A few chocolate flakes (a nice way to stir it!)
a tub of chocolate shavings (to sprinkle on top)
a can of squirty cream
a packet of nice biscuits

There are a few threads on here about hampers, people are adding what they have made to that. It also shows pictures of the finished items. Read back and you will find them all.