by Mary Tyrer

Created on: April 20, 2009

Gift baskets make wonderful gifts for every occasion. A few years ago I decided it was time to put my love for crocheting and the idea of unique gift baskets together. Most of my efforts went to family and friends who were expecting their new babies. I had such a wonderful response from all of them telling me it was time I tried selling my baskets I decided to give it a try.

The first thing I decided to do was to build baskets by color, not simply pink and blue, I wanted to have baby yellow, and soft mint green, white and lavender as base colors to build baby gift baskets. Having a theme color for each basket would be a base that I could purchase items and fill each basket, none would be exactly the same, and each would be just as beautiful and full as the next. Of course, the center of my baby gift basket would always be the handmade crochet afghan made from the appropriate color.

In the basket will contain any number of items can be found:

Baby lotions, soaps, shampoo's

Socks, booties, shoes

T-shirts, bibs, pajama's

Diapers, bottles, wipes

Receiving blankets, baby towels, rash clothes

Caps, hats, mittens

Rattles, books, and the list can go on and on

Having the baby baskets color coordinated is fun, and makes for a very beautiful presentation. One thing I like to do for the mommy-to-be is to include a few gifts for her as well. A few bath salts, lotions, or teas makes the mommy-to-be very happy, she will feel appreciated. The time and effort you spent when putting together a special basket for the new arrival and her will be a gift she will not forget, and is generally one of the biggest hits at the baby shower.

Giving a baby gift basket that you have put together yourself, is not only less expensive than one you buy and send or bring to a friend, one you make on your own lends a special touch that your family and friends will enjoy. In addition, you will be able to put what you want in the baby basket for that special new arrival, instead of what a manufacturer wants to put in the basket, besides premade baskets have few items in them, the one you provide can have as many things as you want to fill them with inside. If you do not crochet, no need to worry about an afghan, simply replace it with a blanket you purchase, or a small quilt you make. Remember, to keep them color coordinated, and put a little something inside for mommy and your basket will be a big hit.

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