Versatile and personal, gift baskets popular

When it comes to giving a great holiday gift, it pays to put all your eggs — or gifts — in one basket. Gift baskets are not only simple to brainstorm, they are easy to put together and transport. Plus, you can fill gift baskets with items you know your friends and family will use and match it to their lifestyles.

Here are some gift-basket ideas you can purchase or create yourself to match the personalities of the recipient.

For the Bathroom

Find a semi-large basket which will hold bottles of bath salts, bubble bath and lotion upright. You can wrap the bottles in a hand towel and matching wash cloth to keep the bottles from clanking. Also try to match the scents of the products, and top the gift basket off with a matching candle.

In the Laundry Room

Purchase a laundry basket with comfortable handles and fill it with laundry detergent, softener and a filled change container for anyone who has to use a Laundromat. If you have space leftover, add some wooden hangers, an iron or ironing board.

Spicing up the Kitchen

Americans are cooking more and more in their own kitchens thanks to a troubled economy, and every working kitchen needs a good set of spices. You can buy starter spice kits already assembled, or you can create your own, matching the tastes of your friends and family.

If your friends already have an established spice collection, check out the jams, salad dressings or barbeque sets which come in many different sizes and flavors. Tuck in a few drying towels, a chef’s apron or hat, cooking utensils and a recipe box and your cook is set to create some amazing treats and meals.

Setting up the Garage

Anyone with a vehicle can use a garage-themed auto care kit. Instead of using a basket, try a crate or nice wooden box. Start with jumper cables, and include all the handy tools necessary to do minor maintenance jobs — paper hand towels, extra bottles of window washing fluid, transmission fluid and oil. A small tool kit also would be handy, complete with a lightweight hammer, screw drivers and a pair of pliers.

Bedroom Basics

This basket can go in many directions, depending on how the recipient is related to you. For basic ideas, try an aromatherapy candle, a good novel, a set of high thread-count cotton sheets complete with pillow covers and a reading light.

Baskets for Baby Care

When babies are in the house, supplies are used quickly, and trips to the store are tedious. Help the new mom and dad out with a basket filled with hand lotion, diaper cream, cozy onesies and a CD of lullabies wrapped up in a soft baby blanket.