Gift baskets with a central theme are a great way to acknowledge a special interest, encourage a budding hobbyist, or pamper that special someone. Whether put together by the experts or assembled by the do-it-yourselfer, a decorative basket filled with items geared specifically for a home gardener, an aspiring gourmet chef, or an outdoor enthusiast, to name a few, is sure to be a people-pleaser.

For an extra thoughtful gift for individuals with dietary preferences or constraints, consider these items for baskets from Mend-A-Body (www.mendabody.com), a company whose emphasis is on promoting products to enhance and maintain wellness and that carry a good selection of foods that are diabetic and/or waist-friendly or appropriate for the gluten intolerant.

Their Walden Farms line includes “great tasting, guilt-free dips, salad dressings, sauces, and syrups, all sweetened with Splenda… made with all natural ingredients including rich cocoa, fruit extracts, natural spices and vinegars (and) are zero carb, zero sugar, zero calories, (and) gluten free.” This locally-operated company can assist customers with their selections or suggest one or more of their holiday baskets suitable for gift giving.

Whether looking to buy, or for creative inspiration, go online to check out www.the-basketcase.com. This website is chock-full of ideas for gift-basket giving. Note, under the “For Him” category, the wonderful “Crazy About Fishing!” basket containing all sorts of things from the usable – reel oil, pliers, and a fillet knife with a leather sheath – to the consumable – smoked salmon and crackers.

Under the “Holiday” section, look for the catchy title of “Christmas Morning in Maine Basket” featuring a host of savory items such as blueberry jam and syrup, popovers, pancakes and waffle mixes, coffee, and cookies. According to the website, Barbara Lauze, the local owner of this company, not only has dozens of basket themes already put together, but is willing to customize her baskets depending on the need and budget.

A practical gift for newlyweds, new home buyers, or young adults launching out on their own is a gift basket with a set of screwdrivers, a hammer, a measuring tape, and a leveler – all tools helpful for small home repair or to hang up pictures.

Bicycling enthusiasts could benefit from a basket filled with gear to promote happy and safe bike touring. Dan Deschenes, a local biker, advises nutrition bars for lengthy rides, shirts made from fabrics that wick sweat to the material so the sweat evaporates quickly, a hand pump, a spare tube for tire punctures, and either a handlebar or an eyeglass mirror to maximize viewing. For added off-road biking pleasure, he suggested including a bicycling magazine and subscription with either a mountain or road biking nuance, depending on the person’s preference. A gift certificate to a local bike shop would be a real bonus, indicated Deschenes.

My personal favorite from years gone by is a basket filled with Lindtz chocolate truffles, a canister of Godiva hot chocolate, a variety of other chocolate treats, and a couple of matching Victorian cups and saucers. Yummy and pretty together.

It’s easy to pick a theme and go with it. Soliciting input from friends and family adds to the excitement. Surfing the net with search terms like “Christmas gift baskets” or “specialty gift baskets” turns up photos of cute, scrumptious, gimmicky or attractive baskets sure to inspire… or tap into your wallet.

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