Gourmet housewarming gift basket

for creative gift-giving ideas, try one of these baskets

It's that wonderful time of year again; time for celebrating the "dark" part of the year in anticipation of a rebirth in spring. It would be wonderful if we could just relax and enjoy the festivities, but, for most of us the season to be jolly equates to the season to be hectic, with last-minute gift buying that can quickly lead to a stressed budget and nerves.

Even if you take pride in your extraordinary organizational skills, there always seems to be one or two folks on your list for whom you just can't figure out what to give for the holidays. Or worse, there's the person who "has it all," and for whom finding the perfect gift is more of a holiday chore than a joy. Fortunately, your natural-products store is a haven for finding unique items appreciated by those of every age and personality. And, as a bonus, presenting small items in a gift basket appeals to everyone. So, before you impulsively buy another tie or gift pen set this year, consider creating a personalized natural gift basket, instead.

The nice thing about giving natural gift baskets is that they're easy, inexpensive to assemble and they can be adapted to make a perfect fit for your hard-to-buy-for recipient. As an added plus, the basket will come in handy long after the gift has been opened.

Just line a nice basket with straw or tissue paper, place the items inside, and tie it all up with a bow of ribbon or raffia and you've got a gift that will make anyone feel special.

Need some ideas to get you started? Here are some gift themes that are bound to please even the most difficult tastes. See if one of these natural gift baskets would cheer someone on your list:

Pampering Basket

For women, you'll find an array of herbal lotions and creams, bath salts, scented soaps and candles. Guys need pampering, too, so you can fill their baskets with natural shaving products and after-shave. Add some romance with an assortment of scented massage oils, candles and a "certificate" good for a massage or foot rub from you.

The Coworker

Whether it's for your boss, colleague or your assistant, you'll find some great gift ideas at your natural products store that show your appreciation. For the basket, consider aromatherapy oils or candles that promote relaxation (or energy), such as those scented with chamomile, patchouli, lavender or ginger. Include a soothing music selection or a book on office feng shui (the Japanese art of imparting harmony to interior design), and you'll be seeing some happy people around the water cooler after the holidays!

The Gourmet Sampler

Have someone on your list who likes to cook or just appreciates fine food? How about an all-natural breakfast with pancake mixes, honey, coffee and fruit preserves? Or, give some items to help create an exotic evening meal, such as Thai noodles, canned bean soup and a dessert of cookies or cake. Don't forget to spice it all up with an assortment of organic spices and sauces. You can also fill this person's basket with organic chocolate cookies, biscotti, chocolate bars and hot cocoa. If your recipient is a coffee lover, a coffee mug sporting a tidbit of humor (or wisdom) and a bag of organic coffee beans will be appreciated.

Teenagers

This group can sometimes be very difficult to please, but they'll smile when they see a basket brimming with a bunch of natural personal care products, including those formulated to keep troubled, acne-prone skin looking and feeling healthy. How about some healthy snacks? They'll get a real kick out of eating blue corn chips! And, if they think the leading brand of nacho chips is all the rage, wait until they try some picante-flavored organic chips from your health food store!

The Sports & Fitness Enthusiast

Whether your gift is intended for someone wielding a barbell or a television remote, here are some ideas for this theme. Fill this basket with a copy of their favorite sport, fitness or nutrition magazine (like this one) and an assortment of energy-giving snacks, drinks and health bars. (Note: If your health nut works out with a television remote, you may be able to find organic beer in your health food store, too.)

The Housewarming

Has someone you know just moved or purchased a new home? What better way to say "welcome" than to give a gift basket full of decorating magazines, or books, and some organic snacks to nosh on while the boxes are being unpacked? Include some natural cleaning products and an herbal wreath for the front door, and your friends will soon feel at home in their new abode.

The Animal Lover

Know someone with a pet? Please this person and his or her furry friend with an assortment of organic pet foods and treats and products like natural pet shampoo, powders and sprays. Instead of using a basket to give this gift, consider wrapping everything up in a pet bed made of organic cotton.

Tropical Paradise

Is someone on your list planning a vacation this year, or just longing to escape to a sandy beach? Even if this person doesn't own a single piece of luggage, you can give a taste of the tropics this season with this island theme. Fill a large basket with an assortment of goodies from your health food store, such as organic salsa, fruit teas, and tropical-flavored drinks. Throw in a brightly colored towel and a rubber ducky.

The Unusual Basket

Is there a mystical someone with ethereal interests in your circle? This person would enjoy a basket of incense-sticks, essential oils and candles. Add an unusual candleholder or ceramic incense burner and perhaps a personal aromatherapy stone or vial to be carried or worn as jewelry. A meditation CD, pack of tarot cards or a book on communing with spirit guides would make this theme complete.

From The Heart

Just a little money can provide some joy when shopping at your natural health food store. Often you can buy inexpensive samples of many different types of products that you can add to their gift basket. Give the gift of yourself by placing a hand-written certificate promising that you'll clean the garage or attic. If you don't have a basket, you may fine one at a craft store or second-hand store for less than a dollar or two. But who says a gift basket has to be made in an actual basket? You could use a small box, bag or even a flowerpot instead. Just fill it, tie a ribbon around it, and give with love.

Karyn Siegel-Maier is the author of The Naturally Clean Home: 101 Safe and Easy Herbal Formulas for Non-Toxic Cleansers (Storey-Books, 1999).