I love getting a gift basket! Gift baskets are delightfully decorated and appear to be so cheerful. Gift baskets can be ideal gifts for everyone. Gift baskets are also great for the person who has “everything.” Below are some ideas to get you started on creating your own special gift baskets. You might want to create a gift basket as an extra gift to have on hand in the sad event you forgot someone!

It’s only the 10th of December so this week while you are shopping pick up a few things and make your own Christmas or holiday gift baskets. When making baskets for wine lovers, add a few additional items such as cork screws, wine bottle stoppers, a couple of wine glasses and  a Riedel stemware polishing cloth.

For each gift basket pick a theme. For the container use a colorful box or basket.

Visit a general hobby store (Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Joanns) to find baskets, fillers, clear plastic bags or shrink wrap.

Add a copy of one of our books and a bottle of wine to complete the basket!

For the Cook

• pot holders
• ktichen towels
• red wine vinegar
• Champagne vinegar
• a few favorite recipes
• whisk
• measuring spoons
• grape seed oil (Aprés Vin)

For the Golfer

• golf balls
• tees
•  ball markers
• golf towels with “I Love Wine”

For the Puzzler Lover

• a puzzle
• puzzle glue
• puzzle preserver
• 3-D puzzle

For the Needle Crafter

• Crochet hooks
• Crochet or knitting patterns
•  Knitting needles
• Cross Stitch Kits
• Yarn
• Crochet thread

For the Traveler

• luggage tags
• passport holder
• travel journal
• a wine calendar
• driving gloves
• maps

For the Painter

• paint brushes
• canvas
•  palette knife
•  oil/acrylic/watercolor paints
• art book

When filling the basket remember to add an inscribed copy of:

A Wine Journey
A Wine Tourists Guide: Visiting Tasting Rooms
Georgia, Sakartvelo: the Birthplace of Wine

Books are available from the Wine Trail Traveler store.

After assembling the items, begin filling the basket with the filler. Put in enough filler so the additional items do not sink to the bottom of the basket. Arrange the selected items; add colorful flowers or ribbons. Insert the basket into a clear plastic bag and tie with a big colorful ribbon. (If using shrink wrap, follow the package instructions.) Add a holiday tag to your basket.

Enjoy the season even more by adding your creativity to the gift giving!

Cheers! Kathy