when celebrating special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, a gift basket can be a very much appreciated gift. A gift basket consists of a container (usually a basket) filled with many different, yet related, items. There are several items which can be used as a container, as well as several options as to how the container can be filled and wrapped when it comes to gift baskets.

Though typically termed "giftbaskets," other containers can be used to store a number of gifts. A sand bucket containing beach supplies, such as shovels, towels, or water toys, might be a good gift for a young child. A laundry basket filled with cleaning supplies would be appreciated by any college student. Pretty much any attractive or useful container can be used to make a giftbasket.

When filling a gift basket, the most successful baskets contain several related items. For example, a good anniversary gift might be a basket containing a nice bottle of wine, some chocolates, and some champagne glasses. The contents of the basket can be used together, and this gives the basket cohesiveness overall.

A gift basket is appropriate for several types of occasions. Such a basket may contain fine soaps and/or lotions along with massage or manicure certificates, or maybe even some nice cologne or cufflinks and tie tacks for a man. If the occasion is a graduation, the basket may be a plastic crate containing school supplies, stamps, quarters and bed linens. Newlyweds will probably enjoy a picnic basket full of durable plates and cups, along with a picnic cooler and a blanket.

Such baskets need not only be used for celebratory occasions. A "get well soon" basket containing tissues, videos and a nice card would be ideally suited for a sick colleague. Children really enjoy receiving special "winter break" baskets with hot chocolate and materials to make a snowman - all of which may be given inside a top hat. Sympathy occasions may also be acknowledged by means of a basket full of pictures and memories of the deceased along with some non-perishable treats and an IOU for a special cheer-up get together.

The wrapping of the basket is another important aspect. One could simply toss everything randomly into a basket. However arranging the whole package attractively makes the gift look more thoughtful. Some people opt to pack the space between the objects with tissue paper or "Easter grass". This holds the items in place, whilst adding festivity. Remember to finish off the whole package by tying a bow to the top to create a polished final detail!