Some of the most interesting gifts are the kinds that have a lot of little things to open. From stocking stuffers to individually wrapped gift sets, the fun of discovery and the chance to personalize makes this style of giving memorable for the giver and the receiver. And nowhere does this idea shine more than wrapped up inside a big gift basket. Whether it's a thank you for your wedding party, a holiday gift for your team or to welcome a new baby, baskets are thoughtful, surprising, and a whole lot of fun.

Let’s look at some ways to get your gift started, and some different elements that can bring it all together

Choose your basket and don’t get locked into the idea that it must be a basket! Think about a small tub-shaped container in metal, a pretty wooden box or crate, or even an ice bucket or a mini cooler. Look for something attractive, with rustic elements or a pop of color. Don’t be afraid to put your own stamp on it, too. If you are so inclined, you can paint or draw on the surface, just be sure to cover it in a clear coat so the design will last. If art is not your strong suit, you can pick out or trace a couple of stencils and apply some craft paint over them with a sponge.

Think of a theme this is where you can get really personal. Think about something that makes your recipient smile, or something they have mentioned they enjoy. Here are a few ideas:

Art Basket

Load up your container with art supplies, museum postcards, and magnets of famous paintings.

Gourmet Basket

Try to cover sweet, salty, and savory snacks, toppings, and seasonings. Think about adding personal touches that fit in with the motif, like a cutting board or cheese plate with a name, a recipe, or both.

Baby Basket

Beyond toys and onesies, choose gifts for the parents too, like new slippers or a throw. And consider a keepsake, like a memory book or a first-year picture frame

Imagine things the person will like and keep allergies in mind if you are giving food as a gift. If it is for a group or someone you don't know well yet, go for general crowd-pleasers. Things like luggage tags or a striking pen are universally loved, especially if you personalize them.

Decorate your creation

you can get creative when it comes time to put on your finishing touches. Most people like to wrap their container, to avoid any spilling while in transit. Using a transparent plastic sheet, which comes in many different colors, is one solution. You can top it with a silk flower, make a bow or use a large ribbon to tie the whole thing up. You can also think about putting colorful shredded paper or flower petals as the “bedding” of your basket. That will act as a layer you can place all your gifts on top of, and it will stop them from shifting around.