An anniversary gift basket is a pleasure to give, and a joy to receive. Finding the perfect gift for a special couple isn't always easy. A gift basket is an expression from the heart.

Choose gifts that reflect the personalities, hobbies and interests of the recipients. Some gift ideas:

*romantic candles

*specialty coffee or tea

*champagne or wine

*crystal glassware

*home-made chocolates or candy

*a selection of cheeses, caviar or pate

*a framed photo or portrait of the couple

*engraved items, such as his-and-her watches or keepsake hearts

*monogrammed towels

*a miniature potted rose

*gift certificate for a weekend getaway

*concert or theater tickets

Add hand-made items for a personal touch. Happy memory gifts are ideal for family or close friends who are celebrating an anniversary. An old photo, retouched and framed, reminds one of joyful memories shared. A hand-made card expresses more emotion that a store-bought card. A video or DVD, made especially for the happy couple, will be treasured for years.

Choose the Basket

Baskets come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Traditional baskets are available at department stores, import shops, flea markets and thrift stores, specialty shops and dollar stores. You need not use a basket. A fancy bowl is a romantic and practical alternative. A tole-painted bucket adds a charming country flair. Cover a cardboard box with wrapping paper. The only limit is your imagination.

Making a Gift Basket

You'll need:

*Newspaper or floral foam

*Colored shred

*Tissue paper

*Decorations, such as: ribbons, bows, dried or silk flowers, rose petals, anniversary-themed ornaments, chocolate kisses

*Scissors

*Clear Tape

Optional:

*Floral picks or toothpicks

*Glitter

*Colored cellophane

1. Scrunch up the newspaper and wad it firmly into the basket. You can also use floral foam. Floral foam is best if you want to add decorations such as flowers, which you'll stabilize with toothpicks. Cover with a layer of colored shred.

2. Arrange tissue paper loosely in the basket (optional). Scrunch lightly to give it some form. Add another handful of colored shred.

3. Nestle the gifts into the basket.

4. Decorate the basket with bows, ribbons and/or ornaments. With clear tape, attach toothpicks or floral picks to flowers or ornaments. Secure the decorations to the floral foam, or to the sides of the basket. Likewise, you can use picks or clear tape to stabilize the gifts and keep them from rolling around.

If the basket has a handle, attach an anniversary ornament or wrap the handle with ribbon. There are no hard rules of design, and lots of room for creativity.

5. Fluff tissue paper or colored shred around the gifts. Add some loose chocolate kisses and a sprinkle of glitter if desired.

7. Don't forget the card.

8. As a finishing touch, wrap the basket in colored cellophane. Put the basket on a sheet of cellophane and lift the cellophane up around the basket, bringing it together at the top. Tie with a ribbon and top with a bow.

An anniversary gift basket is about caring. Even if you're on a limited budget, the time and care you take to make up a gift basket is a personal gesture of love and friendship, which means more than money can buy.

Learn more about this author, M.J. Holliday.
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