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
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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. 
Free Printable Hanukkah Crafts Hanukkah, Chanukah, the 'festival of light' is celebrated on the 25th of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. On the western calendar Hanukkah falls near Christmas. Here are free printable Hanukkah crafts: dreidel, gelt, menorah, treats, decorations. 
Free Printable Disney Pixar 'Toy Story 3' Coloring Pages, Crafts, Toys and Activities Raise your hand if you can't wait until June 18, 2010. Why? Because that's when Disney Pixar's Toy Story 3 hits the big screen, in 3D. Can't afford to give much this Christmas? Maybe you have a child on you list that would love some free printable Toy Story coloring pages? Print off images and design a nice cover with recycled materials. A quarter box of crayons (bought at back-to-school sales) and you've got a a gift cheap!Visit my linked blog Free Coloring Pages 4U (linked in the side bar) for gobs of other printables! 
