I love unique ideas. If you have a friend who is getting married and don't want to do the normal run-of-the-mill bridal shower, here is a superb idea. Throw your friend a "basket shower".

Each guest will bring a basket of goodies that has a theme to go along with it. It will help the new bride get well-stocked on supplies as well as fun items. Here are a few themes to get you thinking. Be creative and have a blast discovering all the themes ladies come up with!

*Home Organization Basket - notepads, calendar, organizer, folders, clock, phone...

*Honeymoon/Romance Basket - negligee, perfume, lotion, Throw Blanket, hot chocolate or sparkling cider with 2 mugs or glasses, picnic basket...

*Gourmet/Kitchen Basket - pasta, fancy dressings, crystal pitcher, apron, hot pads, ice cream maker...

*Gardening Basket - seeds, flower pot, water can, gardening gloves, garden tools, lawnchairs...

*Mrs. Fix-It Basket - small tool case, scissors, sewing basket, hammer...

*Homemaking Basket - laundry basket, pillows, blankets, dustbuster, air freshener...

*Memory Maker Basket - photo albums, picture frames, guest book, journals...

Dionna Sanchez is Editor of Emphasis On Moms. Emphasis strives to encourage moms not only as parents, but also as individual women. Visit Emphasis at http://www.EmphasisOnMoms.com/ or subscribe at http://www.yahoogroups.com/subscribe/Emphasis.