If you’re looking for a special way to show your appreciation to someone, why not make up some cookie gift baskets. Just about everyone has a sweet tooth when it comes to cookies, and there are so many different flavors to choose from, and endless possibilities for how to arrange and package this yummy treat.
You don’t have to know people that well to give them cookie gift baskets, so they make an ideal present to show your gratitude to people like teachers, hair stylists, the postman, and the newspaper carrier. However, it’s also easy to personalize a cookie basket for someone close to you, by choosing certain cookies and presenting them thoughtfully. Either way, you’re sure to make someone smile.
For a truly thoughtful gift, you should make up the basket yourself. Those cookie gift baskets that you see in the store don’t usually have the kinds of cookies that most people will truly enjoy. Also, these baskets are frequently very costly. If you’re on a budget, making your own cookie gift baskets is the way to go.
The hardest decision when it comes to making cookie gift baskets will likely be what kind of cookies to choose. If you don’t know the person well, an assorted variety is the best way to go. If the gift is for your favorite “cookie monster”, and they’re crazy for chocolate … well, you know what to do.
Some people have special dietary requirements and can’t eat a sugary treat or anything containing gluten or wheat products. Look for a supplier that has cookies that are suitable for people with diabetes or other needs. Or you can find a recipe that fits the requirements and make your own. There are sugar substitutes available that can be used in baking just like sugar.
Your next decision is whether to bake the cookies for your cookie gift baskets yourself or buy them. Either way, you want the cookies to be fresh-baked. If you’re a talented baker and have lots of time, choose a few of your favorite recipes and start baking. This is ideal for people who enjoy baking and love to share their yummy creations. But if you’re short on time or not particularly handy in the kitchen, purchase several varieties from a reputable bakery or gourmet cookie shop.
Ideally, you should have five different varieties on hand for making your cookie gift baskets. Some people like to have a theme to their gift and choose the types of cookies that work best with it. For example, certain flavors and styles of cookie are well suited to Christmas, like gingerbread and decorated sugar cookies.
When it comes to arranging your cookie gift baskets, there are several ways you can go. Feel free to mix and match ideas from the following suggestions.
Choose an attractive basket or cookie tin and arrange your goodies decoratively. Use pretty cellophane or a gift basket bag to wrap your gift, and then tie it up with a large, colorful bow. Attach a card with a personal message. These little touches will show you care.
When packaging your cookie gift baskets, you should consider having a theme. A birthday basket calls for vibrant colors and maybe some birthday candles scattered among the cookies. For Christmas, you’ll want to use reds and greens, with velvet or satin bows. If you’re giving a basket of Halloween pumpkins or Valentine’s hearts, your wrapping should reflect the season.
Some people like to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap. If you do so, take care not to hide the top of the cookie and make them look as neat as possible. Place the larger cookies on the outside of the basket and the smaller cookies in the center.
Here’s a quick way to make a bunch of small cookie gift baskets. Start with five different kinds of cookies. Choose several varieties that just about everyone likes. Then lay out a large square of colored cellophane wrap, and place a dozen or so cookies on it. Wrap the cellophane around the cookies and tie it at the top with a decorative ribbon. Then pop the bundle in a pretty basket.
Or try this idea. Instead of putting cookies in the basket, put in the ingredients needed for making cookies. For example, take one of your favorite recipes and buy all of the ingredients. Mix up all the dry ingredients, and place them in a pretty jar with a copy of the recipe attached to it. Put this into your basket, and include some cookie cutters, oven mitts, icing tubes, sprinkles or anything else you can think of.
You can have a lot of fun coming up with homemade gift basket ideas that feature cookies, with all the cookie varieties and decorating options. And the recipient is sure to have a lot of fun eating up the contents of your cookie gift baskets.