Fruit Gift Baskets
Fruit gift baskets are a considerate way to give something sweet and delicious while respecting the health of the receiver. Yet commercially-assembled fruit gift baskets can be expensive and often do not allow for customization. DIY fruit baskets are more cost-effective to create because you won't pay a mark-up on the product and you eliminate the florist's fee. They also allow you to design a uniquely personalized gift that reflects the recipient's preferences.
Instructions
1
Choose a container. "Gift basket" is a generic term, so you can choose any container you like, be it a wicker basket, decorative metal planter, attractive tote bag, or pretty bowl. Visit home and garden, craft or department stores for the biggest selection of containers or simply look around your home for unused containers.
2
Select fruits from a grocery store, fruit stand or farmer's market, or pick them from your own garden. Choose fruits that the receiver will enjoy and that offer color and variety when arranged together. Commercial baskets often focus on apples, oranges and tangerines because they ship well, but since you're arranging your own gift, you can include any fruit you think the recipient would like.
3
Pick out small items to include with the fruit. Nuts, non-poisonous flowers and individually-wrapped candies are easy to include and make attractive accents. Make the candies yourself or pick flowers from your garden for an extra-special touch. You can use small toys for a child, rattles and pacifiers for new parents or any other assortment of small items appropriate to the occasion.
4
Arrange all gift items in the container. Create a stable, attractive arrangement with the fruit first, then add your accent items. If you purchase a deep container, place a foam block or other padding in the bottom to raise the level of the fruit. This makes the basket look attractively full without needing to use quite so much fruit.
5
Finish your gift. Depending on the look you want, you can simply tie a bow on the handle, wrap the basket in clear or colored cellophane, or place it in a basket bag, available at craft and florist supply shops. Include a card or note. Write the recipient's name on the front of the envelope if you will not see him or her in person.
