Christmas Gift Baskets - For the hard to buy for on your gift list.

Christmas, that time of year when, wondering through throngs of people, bewilderment and panic grips even the most seasoned of shoppers. What to get family members, and those in our circle of friends, that seem to have everything and need nothing.

If you are like me, picking up any old thing, just to give a gift is simply not acceptable. It is not uncommon for me to jot down things I hear family members and friends mention that they need or would like throughout the year. Inevitably, by December, they’ve already picked up the item and I’m at a loss.

This year I decided to give everyone on my Christmas list a “Holiday Gift Basket.” I purchased each of those on my list a basket – of sorts.

For some of the women, I ordered pans from That’s My Pan , a company that engraves a name on the pan, as well as, adds a personalized lid. Great for any covered-dish dinner, as you’ll never lose your favorite pan again. I’ve been picking up things like cute measuring spoons, kitchen towels, hot pads and a fun timer. Each item will be wrapped individually and, when the wrapped pan is opened, the recipients will find more treasures to unwrap.

I picked up make up bags for the teen girls on my list. Items I’ve picked up to wrap and fill these bags include make up brushes, cleansing sponges and travel size items from some of their favorite stores, such as, Victoria Secrets and / or Bath and Body Works. I may include a gift card so they can buy make up and other items they need.

For the little girls on my list, I’ve picked up plastic baskets in their favorite colors. To these I’ve added, brushes, ponytail holders, hair clips, lip-gloss, bubble bath and matching shower loofahs. There are lots of small items to pick up depending on the little girl and her interests.

For younger boys, a small plastic milk crate in their favorite color. Matchbox cars, finger skateboards, different set of collectable cards and an mp3 player with an iTunes card to download their favorite songs.

Teenage boys can be, by far, the most difficult on our gift list. Each teen has their own likes, and interests and that can be a tremendous help. Whether its football, hunting or NASSCAR; a backpack or duffel bag can be filled with their favorite things.

What’s dad’s favorite baseball team, or granddads current past time? You can find that one thread to base your gift giving around. Let the whole family in on the idea and they can add their own gifts.

Have a friend who just retired from their job and are planning a trip to Europe? Why not make them a basket full of travel brochures and travel items like a power adaptor for their blow dryers and curling irons? Travel size shampoos and other personal items may be an excellent idea, as well as, translator and guidebooks for each country of interest.

The ideas are endless, and the time is unlimited. I’ll get my baskets just after Christmas and get started for next year. Another added bonus is that I buy these items a little at a time. That makes my Christmas buying less of a financial difficulty because I spread it out over the entire year.