I have an assignment this week. I need 2 gift baskets – one for a charity event for work and one for a fund-raiser for my son’s hockey team. Pre-made gift baskets can be very expensive. So why not make them yourself?

Last year’s gift basket for the charity event was a bottle of wine and wine glasses nestled in a pretty cloth-lined basket. So this year, I’m looking to do something different.

I have a $50 budget on each basket. My first step is to come up with some sort of theme for the baskets. The World Market ad has given me inspiration. On the back page of the ad, there is an insulated collapsible tote for $19.99. This would be great to use as the “basket.” Now on to the contents. One of the themes I came up with also came from the World Market ad. The Pumpkin spiced Apple JuiSparkler, Pumpkin Bark, Chocolate Caramel Apple or Pumpkin Crunch would be great inclusions. I could even add some decorative fall/Halloween item as well.

I also thought an Oktoberfest theme would be fun. I could use the same tote for $19.99 and include Bavarian style pretzels, mustards, and of course, beer. If I can find them really cheap, I can also include a couple of beer mugs.

What about a coffee themed basket? And actually I can keep that in my fall theme. I saw World Market ground coffee in Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Spice flavors for $5.99 each. I can than add mugs, napkins and maybe even the pumpkin pie cookies for $4.99.

I love doing these gift baskets. It’s fun to come up with the theme and making up the basket. World Market is a great place to go to get the items you need or even to get inspiration. You can also get on the internet for some really good ideas.