what to put in a basket?

[tara1601]

my parents are having a benefit in june for my aunt who has cancer. they are having an action to help raise money for her treatment. and i would like to but together a gift basket to action off but i'm not sure what kind of stuff to put in the basket?

any ideas would be great!

thanks
tara

[DLS881]

I'm assuming this is going to be a stamper's basket?

definitely, put in the basics - photo tabs, cardstock, a punch, some stamps.

[tara1601]

ooo i didnt think of that.. but i was thinking more like a basket along the lines of like a stamped candle..cards.. stuff like that.

clear as mud? :P

[daizelsgrandma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tara1601

ooo i didnt think of that.. but i was thinking more like a basket along the lines of like a stamped candle..cards.. stuff like that.

clear as mud? :P

How about a beaded pen and some postage stamps with the cards?

Good luck with the benefit.

Nancy

[YouInkIt]

here are some ideas:
altered clipboard
marble tile coasters
gift certificate to purchase some items through you
stamped canvas bag
name frame (I know you won't know the person's name, but what about general words like "home," "faith," "happiness," "family," "love," etc.)
tile magnets

[tara1601]

good ideas! keep them coming. i was to make a few different ones

[YouInkIt]

oops! hit "enter" too quickly!
Decorated composition notebook
altered frame
altered tin
chipboard album

[mrussom]

If you look in the gift section of the Anything But a Card Gallery, there are a lot of gift examples. But the ones I have seen that I liked are all done in the same theme (same colors, stamp set, etc), and usually include candle, cards/box, pen, notebook, acrylic post-it holder, tile/coasters - or tile fridge magnet (or both?), frame, and those nugget boxes turn out so cute and then they get a hit of chocolate to boot! The instructions for those are on the site and someone posted all the different dimensions for all of the different sized boxes that are out there. Good luck on the benefit!

[Mama Kim]

I just did one with a friend and we did a coffee theme. we bought a couple of mugs, little sample coffees, a travel mug from starbucks (the one that you can put a stamped insert into), coasters with mugs on them, magnets with mugs and some coffee themed cards with no sentiments to be used for any occasion.

[tara1601]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mama Kim

I just did one with a friend and we did a coffee theme. we bought a couple of mugs, little sample coffees, a travel mug from starbucks (the one that you can put a stamped insert into), coasters with mugs on them, magnets with mugs and some coffee themed cards with no sentiments to be used for any occasion.

ohh love this.. i might have to order a coffee set..

[robynstamps]

I would definitely put stamped/altered items in it. We had one of these benefits last year and I donated a basket full of stamps, paper, accessories worth over $100 and do you know what it sold for??? $10!! I think it is better if they have some finished items instead. JMHO.

Good luck!
Robyn

[tara1601]

Quote:

Originally Posted by robynstamps

I would definitely put stamped/altered items in it. We had one of these benefits last year and I donated a basket full of stamps, paper, accessories worth over $100 and do you know what it sold for??? $10!! I think it is better if they have some finished items instead. JMHO.

Good luck!
Robyn

thats what i was think altered items would probably get more money..

[renaissancegeer]

I've also seen some really cute movie ones... you know gift certificates for a movie rental plus popcorn & candy.

Or there are bath/beauty baskets - bath bombs are really easy to make and you could make some of those to put into a cute basket with some other stuff.

here's a link that I use when making bath bombs:
http://web.ncf.ca/aj471/BathBombs.html

[SDiegoGal]

How about an "add your own pictures" brag book? Maybe one small enough to be carried around.

[tara1601]

you ladies are so great. you have the best ideas!!

[willwork4stamps]

Another thing that I've found that sells well and is unique are embellished paint cans. You can embellish it with the same 'theme' as your stamped items and put the stamped items inside. I made several of these (without the items inside) and they sold very well. It's just a different alternative to a "basket", IMO.

[paperhead]

If it doesn't violate your religion...an alcoholic beverage always ups the bidding--especially if you make it a theme--if you can give it more of a "gift" theme, something appropriate for a wedding, engagement, mom's birthday, new home, etc.--that also makes for more popular items.

As in : candle, coasters, notebook, bottle of wine, invites for wine tasting party, candy bars with stamped covers, etc.

Or: bottle of champagne, thank you cards, coasters, notebook, "home from the honeymoon" basket or "happy anniversary" basket.

[JampsterStampster]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mama Kim

I just did one with a friend and we did a coffee theme. we bought a couple of mugs, little sample coffees, a travel mug from starbucks (the one that you can put a stamped insert into), coasters with mugs on them, magnets with mugs and some coffee themed cards with no sentiments to be used for any occasion.

I have a coffee recipe that works for gift baskets!

Fireside Coffee
2 cups instant cocoa mix
2 cups non-dairy creamer
1 cup instant coffee granules
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Mix together in a large bowl and put up in jars ( starbucks coffee bottles look wondrerful!)



Another idea if you decide to do a bath gift basket is to make your own bath salts in altered jars or bottles.

Bath salts
place 4 cups epsom salt in a large tupperware bowl with a very tight-fitting lid

drop several drops of food color into it and shake till colored.

drip several drops (maybe5- 8 or so) of scented oil into salt and shake again.
Put up in altered jars or bottles.

[JampsterStampster]

Oh, and I forgot, I have a biscotti recipe, too. If you'd like that let me know.

[Judyw]

You could make bookmarks, put candies in starbucks jars, and stamp on dominoes and turn them into magnets. I use stazon to color the background of dominoes and them stamp something pretty on them, like a butterfly or flower. You can also add pin backs on them for wearing. I can send you a sample if you want, just PM me.

[bcgal00]

You could alter a wooden serving tray and place coffee/tea, hot chocolate, candy, chocolate, nuts and a couple of mugs on it.

Also, a deck/patio basket is fun too. You could add a few stamped ceramic tiles, a stamped ceramic trivet, placemats, napkins, a decorative table ornament and candles.

[madebyme]

I have had some success with my baskets and boxes. I usually make a coordinating gift that might include cards, note pads, note books, note cubes, etc. Take a look at my blog to see some of my examples. I have made them for gifts and auctions. They are fun to make. Good luck!

[doxiegal]

Jampsterstamper - I would love to have your biscotti recipe! Thanks...

[jailbirdstamper]

right now I love the clothspin magnets. I like the idea of everything in a theme or matching set.

[JampsterStampster]

OK then, here it goes!

Toasted Biscotti

6 eggs
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
1 Tbsp Anise flavor
1-2 cups sliced almonds (optional)
5 Tbsp butter
7 cups flour
7 tsp baking powder

Combine eggs & sugar, beat well. Add oil, anise, milk & butter; beat at med speed for 3 min. Stir in sifted flour & baking powder. Kneed on floured board until smooth. Divide dough into 6 equal parts, roll each piece into logs about 15-16 inches long. Place on greased cookie sheets , 2 to a sheet, and flatten with hand. Bake @ 350 for 15-20 min. Cool and cut at angle, 1' wide. Put slices flat-side up on a cookie sheet & bake until golden brown. Toast 20 min @ 400 degrees- 10 each side. Cool and dip one end in melted chocolate chips.