Many people consider the holiday season to be their favorite time of the year. There are many different things to enjoy about the holidays - the food, the gifts, the parties, and the time spent with your family. But the holiday season is especially magical for children. Kids can have fun playing in the snow, making snow angels and having snowball fights. They can eat what they want and have fun opening and playing with their new presents. All that excitement without any of the adult responsibilities that come with the holidays.



If you are searching for the right gift idea for that special child in your life, consider putting together a kid's gift basket. There are many advantages to the gift basket concept. It is really just a basic idea that gives you lots of room to personalize and customize the gift for the individual recipient. The variety of items in the basket makes it a multi-gift, which is sure to delight any child. The items in the basket can be practical, (and parent-pleasing) or silly and playful. You can target the contents to the age of any young person. Gift baskets can also save you money, but more on that later. Here are some step-by-step instructions on assembling your basket.

Step 1 - Choosing the Contents

The first step is to decide on what individual presents you want to place in the gift basket. It is important to have a really impressive main item in the center, such as a stuffed animal. The size of this item will determine the size of basket that you need. Since everyone loves plush toys, this seems like a no-brainer for a centerpiece. Pick a toy that matches the child's interests or personality, like a dolphin for an avid swimmer, or a teddy bear for the bear collector. You could use a lion, rabbit, moose, or puppy, if you prefer. Try using a penguin and filling the basket with chocolate and candy! You could surround your toy with just about anything, so don't be afraid to get creative.

Next you have to pick the smaller items that will surround your centerpiece. The amount and size of the other items will also affect what size basket you need. Practical items include hats, scarves, mittens or gloves, arts and crafts, or grooming items with their favorite cartoon characters. Kids love candy, but if they have a restricted diet or their parents wouldn't approve, you could choose crayons, colored pencils, magic markers, or sugarless gum, instead. These items are still fun, but a lot easier on the teeth and waistline.

Step 2 - Picking the Appropriate Basket

Once you have chosen the content, you can now get the right basket. It is best to go with a classic look, the simple wooden basket. If your basket is too decorated it could be too “busy” once it is filled with colorful gifts. Make sure that the basket is at least large enough to hold all the items that you have selected. Better too big than not big enough! Think in terms of your largest gift item, probably the stuffed animal that goes in the middle. Pick your basket based on its volume and go a couple of sizes larger than the plush toy to avoid making the basket too crowded.

After you have gotten your basket and the things that go into it, you will need to decorate it as the finishing touch for a truly awesome gift. You will probably need some stickers, wrapping paper, glue, tape, and scissors for your decorating project. Extra polish and creativity here can help your gift really stand out! There are lots of tips for decorating and finishing your basket in the second part of the article, so be sure to check it out!