Welcome to my 2011 gift idea series.  This week we’re talking about gift baskets, and these next few posts will show some specific examples of items that can be collected into gift baskets encompassing various themes.  Many themes have been “done to death”; my goal is to provide you with some fresh ideas.  Don’t forget to come back at the end of the week to enter to win a gift basket for yourself!

A gift basket can be centered around a color as, for instance, this blue basket collection.  (There are links below each basket collection to the items I selected.)

• Badger Basket, Blue
• Tops Designer Notebook, Blue Cover
• Whitney English Elisabeth Tapestry Blue Note Cards
• Life Collection – Blue Christian Coffee Mug
• Pilot EasyTouch Refillable Pen, Clear Barrel, Blue Ink
• elegant pashmina scarf
• Harney & Sons Yellow & Blue tea
• Stoneware Teapot
• Blueberry Syrup

Patterns can work, as well.  Take this polka dot collection, for example.

• Polka Dot Cooler Tote
• Jessie Steele Red and White Polka Dot Oven Mitt
• Black Jack Polka Dot Peel & Stick Wall Pops
• Terramoto Ceramic Polka Dots Mug
• Polka Dot Hard Case Wallet
• Polka Dot Cupcake Baking Liners
• 2012 Polka Dot Weekly Planner
• Bow Hair Pins in Polka Dots

For other pattern ideas, be sure to check out the original Gift Basket Theme Ideas post.