With Hanukkah, Christmas and other winter celebrations just around the corner, it is no surprise that many of us will spend the next few weeks in a bustle of activity. With these activities comes the tradition of giving and receiving gifts. For many the time spent trying to find just the right present leads to stress and frustration. This list will make that hunt a little easier.

I am a big fan of gift baskets and theme presents so you will find that most of these are arranged with that in mind. You can take these gift themes and add your own ideas, personality and know-how to make them that much better.

What I love about these gifts is that you can spend as much or as little money as you like on them. Most of the items listed below can be attained at the dollar store. They are also available as pricier gourmet selections.

Gift Ideas:

1. Coffee Gift Basket

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   For this gift basket simply buy a nice travel mug. Then get a couple of one pound bags of their favorite coffee. You might even buy a small container of non-dairy creamer or sugar to go with it. To really top it off add a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts gift card with a few dollars on it.

2. The Loaded Wallet

   This is great for the college guy on your list. Simply buy an inexpensive wallet. Then choose three or four of his favorite stores and buy gift cards to fill the wallet. If you are on a budget you could just get two cards with a few dollars on each of them. Great choices for low dollar gift cards are coffee shops, movie tickets, grocery stores, McDonalds or Burger King cards. Some of these will allow you to put as little as a dollar on the card. For other gift card ideas consider iTunes cards, Best Buy, WalMart, or pre-paid cell phone minutes. Don’t forget the ever-popular gas cards such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Gulf, Sonoco and others. Everyone likes gift cards and this is a unique way of presenting them.

3. Alcohol

   For some reason alcohol is a very popular gift at company Yankee swaps and secret Santa exchanges. For these gift baskets first decide what kind of alcohol you want to give. You could give rare imports, favorites from the local brewery, wine, or hard liquor. Depending on what kind you choose, fill your basket accordingly. For example if you decide to give a nice bottle of wine, put a bottle opener and a couple of wineglasses in the basket. For fun you could add a bunch of fresh Concord grapes. If it is a hard liquor basket consider adding a flask or shot glass. For beer, how about some pretzels or peanuts and a large draught beer glass.

4. The Relaxation Basket

   For these gift baskets imagine you get a whole day at home to yourself. What might you enjoy? Maybe start with a pair of fuzzy slippers, a bar of chocolate or a mug with a tea bag in it. Then add some essential oils, a relaxing CD, back scratcher, and maybe a book or magazine.

5. The Spa

   This is a variation on the relaxation basket with a more specific approach. For this one you could add aromatherapy candles, lotions, bath beads, and shower gels. Add facial cremes, cleansers and toners or pumice stones, nail polish etc…Most of these items are available at the dollar store if you are on a budget. If you want to take it up a notch, you could also put in a gift card to an actual spa for a massage, manicure, pedicure or facial.

6. Winter Wonderland Gift Basket

   Start with a pair of crocheted mittens. Then buy one or two of those big mugs you see at the local café. In each mug place a couple of packets of hot cocoa. Then get a bag of mini marshmallows to add to the basket. This gift basket is sure to bring back memories of coming in from a day of sledding and building snowmen to a nice warm cup of hot cocoa by the fire.

7. The Breakfast Basket

   In this gift basket you will want to start with a pancake mix. You could prepare a jar of your own homemade mix with directions taped to the lid, or you can just go out and buy a ready-made pancake/waffle/biscuit batter. Then buy a couple of flavors of syrup. I prefer a glass bottle of real Vermont maple syrup and a bottle of blueberry syrup, but whatever kind you think your gift recipient will like is the best choice. Lastly for fun you could throw in a jar of jam, a measuring cup and a spatula.

8. The New or Expectant Mother Basket

   For the baby theme basket you will need baby lotion, baby powder, rash ointment, onesies, bottles, diapers, baby wipes etc…You can also buy infant formula if you know what kind the family is using. If not buy some jars of baby food. If the baby isn’t eating solid foods yet, not to worry, they soon will be. Instead of using a traditional basket you could fill a small toy box, bassinet or infant bathtub. Or you could wrap all the gifts in a receiving blanket. I also recommend putting something in this basket that will be just for mom like a CD.

9. Ice-cream Sundae Gift Basket

   Start with two ice-cream sundae bowls. Then get an ice-cream scoop, and two spoons. Don’t forget to add chocolate sauce, caramel sauce and toppings such as crushed nuts, M&M’s or jimmies. If you choose not to wrap this basket you can also buy a pint or gallon of the recipient’s favorite ice-cream and add it just before giving it to them so that the ice-cream doesn’t melt.

10. The Gardener’s Gift Basket

    This is a great gift for the gardening enthusiast. Buy a pair of gardening gloves. Also get a bunch of packets of seeds and/or flower bulbs. You can also add a spade, and other gardening tools. It isn’t a bad idea to put a bottle of insect repellent and sunscreen in this basket too. For fun, instead of arranging these items in a basket put them in a big flowerpot or watering can.

These were just a few ideas for holiday gift giving. Use your imagination and you may come up with many more wonderful ideas on your own. The great thing about homemade gift baskets is that you add your own personal touch. When you buy a gift basket in the store, all the items are pre-selected. By making your own, you not only save money, but you can tailor it to precisely fit the personality of the recipient.

For example if you want to make a movie theme gift basket for your co-worker and you know she loves kettle corn flavored popcorn, but not butter flavored, you can make sure to get the kind she likes. Also, you will know whether it is more appropriate to put an action movie, drama, or romantic-comedy into that basket. With a little forethought the possibilities are limitless.

When a person realizes you took the time to personally create a gift for them, they will appreciate it much more than the store bought variety. Remember that you don’t have to spend a lot to say a lot.