A gift basket can be a well appreciated and cherished gift on occasions of birthday, anniversary or for any other special occasion. A gift basket can be a container, or even a real basket, full of various related items. Gift baskets come with a variety of container options, filling options, and wrapping options.

Although the name contains the word "basket", the container need not be a basket. For example, a child might appreciate beach supplies (like a shovel, a towel, sunscreen, etc..) much more if they were to be packed inside a large bucket which can also be used on the beach. Another good idea, would be a plastic crate for a college student or a fashionable and useful bag.

Ideally a gift basket will contain several related items. As an example, a basket containing a nice bottle of wine, chocolates and a pair of champagne glasses would make a good anniversary gift. Thus, the contents of the basket can be used in conjunction with each other, and this makes the basket more cohesive overall.

A gift basket is a suitable present for many different occasions. 'Thank you' gifts might include luxurious toiletries, as well as gift certificates for pampering treatments such as manicures or massages for women. For men, you could include aftershave or cufflinks. If someone is graduating, a very useful gift basket can be assembled containing things they might need at college, such as stamps, stationery and bed linen. For a wedding, a picnic basket full of picnic supplies and a blanket would make a very attractive present.

Such baskets need not only be used for celebratory occasions. A "get well soon" basket containing tissues, videos and a nice card would be ideally suited for a sick colleague. Children really enjoy receiving special "winter break" baskets with hot chocolate and materials to make a snowman - all of which may be given inside a top hat. Sympathy occasions may also be acknowledged by means of a basket full of pictures and memories of the deceased along with some non-perishable treats and an IOU for a special cheer-up get together.

It is important not to just throw everything into the container when making a gift basket. Arranging the gifts nicely and using decorative touches such as tissue paper, Easter grass, or bows adds to the overall presentation of the gift. These touches also make the gift appear more thoughtful and polished.