To show someone special just how much you care this February 14, consider taking the time to make your own Valentine gift basket.
Valentine's Day Is for Everyone!
While Valentine's Day is often associated with romantic lovers, many people choose to celebrate the day by expressing their appreciation for all the special people in their lives. Consider the following:
- Teachers receive the most Valentine's Day cards, followed by children and mothers.
- Almost 80% of all Valentine cards are purchased for relatives.
- Roughly 3% of pet owners give Valentine's Day gifts to their pets.
- When a woman buys flowers on Valentine's Day, she is buying them for herself 27% of the time. Women also buy flowers for their mothers (23%), their significant others (18%), their daughters (8%), and their friends (7%).
How to Make Your Own Valentine Gift Basket
If you're searching for a Valentine's Day gift that's more memorable than any mass-produced trinket, consider learning how to make your own Valentine gift basket. Since they can be customized to suit almost any interest, Valentine gift baskets make great presents for anyone on your holiday shopping list.
Finding a Container
The first step in making your own Valentine gift basket is to find a suitable container. Inexpensive baskets can be purchased from most dollar or discount stores. You can also find baskets at thrift shops and garage sales. To save money, purchase a plain basket and decorate it with ribbon, silk flowers, and Valentine-themed fabric.
Of course, if you're feeling creative, you can package your gift in another type of container. When you make your own Valentine gift basket, you can use a flower pot, mixing bowl, purse, backpack, or a pretty new wastebasket--depending upon what items you include in your gift. If you're an avid scrapbooker or card maker, you may even choose to use some of your patterned paper and embellishments to decorate an empty paint can for your gift basket container.
Filling Your Gift Basket
When you make your own Valentine gift basket, you can tailor the contents to the interests of the recipient. Here are a few ideas for items you can include in your gift basket:
- Books
- Magazine subscription
- DVD
- iTunes gift certificate
- Small stuffed animal
- Picture frame
- Tickets to a concert or sporting event
Your Valentine gift basket may include the following crafty treats:
- Candles
- Soaps
- Lip balm
- Body lotion
- Bath bombs
- Massage oil
- Handmade jewelry
- A knitted scarf
- A crocheted blanket
- Mini-scrapbook or decorated photo album
Of course, Valentine's Day wouldn't be complete without chocolate! Instead of resorting to the same old box of store-bought candy, consider adding one of the following homemade goodies to your gift basket:
- Brownies
- Chocolate drop cookies
- Chocolate caramels
- Chocolate truffles
- Chocolate fudge
- Chocolate almond toffee
- Chocolate dip, nuts and marshmallows
Take Time to Show You Care
Sure, you can purchase fancy and expensive gift baskets, but they're rarely worth the price. When you make your own Valentine's Day gift basket, you can pack it full of items your sweetie will love, and your handmade-homemade touches will show how much you truly care.
