If you're wondering what to give for Christmas this year, you might try what I'm doing…theme baskets.  Baskets are available at discount stores for as little as $2.00.  They are re-usable, unlike torn wrapping pap

er and come in many shapes.

My brainstorm started with my son-in-law, who needs new fishing tackle.   A trip to the fishing aisle led to many possibilities…hooks, bobbers, stringer, net, pocketknife, flies, plastic worms, lures, the list is endless.  You could also include money for a fishing license.  The basket could be covered with camouflage colored cloth.  The hunter in your family might enjoy similar things.  You could add warm socks, gloves, or beef jerky to theirs.

Ideas for baskets can come from hobbies.  The birdwatcher could receive birdseed, identification manual, or birdhouses.  The gardener would enjoy gloves, tools, seeds, or pots.  If someone has a pet, you might include pet snacks, toys, collars, and leashes, or a book on their particular breed.  Likewise the seamstress could be given sewing notions, or lessons at a fabric store, yarn or knitting needles.  Another idea might be food themes.  A basket of country breakfast fixings is always welcome.  Pancake and biscuit mix, jelly, coffee, and country eggs went over well when given to a friend last year.  Pasta and spaghetti sauce or tea, coffees, and cocoa, or honeys, and jellies, are still another possibility.  If you start collecting early you'll hardly notice a strain on your holiday budget.

I think thoughtful gifts from the heart have as much meaning as rushing out and hastily buying something.  I have received very nice, affordable gifts from flea markets and antique stores, from our daughter.  They can be one of a kind and appreciated in value.  Don't overlook those sources.

My husband comes from a very large family.  Consequently we always eat buffet style.  A good tip for serving moist turkey or roast is to carve and place in a casserole dish.  Cover the meat entirely with appropriate bouillon-water solution…either chicken of beef broth.  This treatment also keeps the meat hot.  Try it…it's great!

Reprinted with permission.