Why do we we buy gift wrap? We're only going to throw it out. How about wrapping gifts in something reusable? Here are gift basket ideas that make the container or wrapper part of the gift. Below is a list of alternative gift containers. No waste wrapping paper!Decorative cardboard storage box: Round boxes with a corded lid were originally used as hat boxes. Family Dollar and Dollar General sell sturdy decorative varieties of these hat boxes. Fill boxes with beauty products, cosmetics, bath soaps, lotion. Nestle items in washcloth and towel.
Magazine rack: Fill with personalized gift items for readers and writers: books, a quality pen, journal, paper clips, magazines, puzzle books, coffee mug and specialty coffee or tea.
Cooler or portable lunch sized beverage holder: Fill with items for fishermen, campers, hunters, sports fans, motocross, bikers, golfers, boaters and outdoor activity enthusiasts. Include beverages, snacks, warmers, equipment.
Backpack: Perfect gift container for students, hikers, kayak and canoe enthusiasts, bike riders and climbers.
Craft tote or caddy: Walmart sells several sizes of pocketed craft caddies, from purse size for $6 to large ones for about $20. These are perfect gift containers for craft and sewing supplies, knitting, embroidery, crochet, quilting, painting, pottery, beading, sculpture, drawing and art. Fill small craft totes for children with scissors, glue stick, crayons, construction paper, tape, sequins, colored pencils, stickers.
Briefcase or portfolio: Computer and photography enthusiasts, musicians, collectors and electronics buffs will like locking briefcase with compartments, pockets and drawers. Handy for transporting small delicate parts. Padded pockets are useful for power cords, mp3 player, USB drive, iPod, smartphone, software, small tools, batteries, bulbs, tuning equipment and extra supplies.
Tool box: car, truck, motorcycle and boat enthusiasts will appreciate a tool box filled with emergency supplies.
Large mixing bowl: Great for cooks, bakers, cake decorators. Fill this with oven mitts, bamboo spoons, spatula, apron, cook's knife or other useful cooking supplies.
For more creative gift giving ideas, visit me at
thechristmasseason.blogspot.com
allaboutgiving.blogspot.com
shopchat.blogspot.com
pennypincherpost.blogspot.com .
Inexpensive, DIY Holiday Baker's Gift Basket for Children When I was five years old, I received my own little baking set for Christmas. I've seen store baking sets for children, but as nice as they are, I like my DIY baker's set best. Here's an inexpensive baking kit to make your child's Christmas merry. .jpg)
Best Gifts and Kitchen Must-Haves for Bakers Under $15 Looking for holiday or birthday gifts for bakers? Maybe you are going to a kitchen bridal shower or need a great wedding gift? In this economy, we're all looking for ways to pinch pennies. Here are best gifts and kitchen must-haves under $15. 
Best Toys to Donate for Toys for Tots and Giving Tree Childrens Christmas Gift Drive One of my favorite parts of Christmas is choosing gifts for the Marines Toys for Tots drive and church missions Giving Tree childrens gifts. Sometimes it's difficult to know what kind of gift to choose. Here are some considerations to help. 
Best Items to Donate to Thanksgiving and Christmas Canned Goods and Food Drives Tis the season for giving and my favorite type of giving is food, grocery and personal hygiene donations for food banks and homeless shelters. Here's a list of the canned goods and food donations to give this holiday season. 
Best Books to Read to Infants and Babies- Great Baby Shower Gits
Father's Day Gifts for the Fisherman Got a dad who loves to fish? Here a gift-giving guide just for every angler on your shopping list! Use these gift suggestions for Christmas, birthday, Father's Day, holiday or Thank-you! 