This year, have some fun with the wine basket by chooses some unique options or creating your own.

Ditch the Basket

The basket often gets discarded or sent to the back of the kitchen cabinet to collect dust. Instead of the traditional “basket”, why not go with something like the Weekend in Tuscany Pasta & Wine Basket that actually comes in a colander and features everything you need to cook a delicious Italian meal.

I love the Wine & Cheese Party Tray that comes attached to a very usable cutting board and cheese tray. Some even come with unique cheese cutting knives.

Know a chef with a flair for international cuisine? Why not send a wine and food gift that comes in a traditional steel paella pan. Combine the consumable with the reusable and you’ve got a winner every time.

Your Own Creation

You also have the option of starting from scratch and creating your own unique and personal basket of favorite wines and goodies. Here are some unique and fun ideas that I hope will inspire your own creativity.

The Theme: Is this your favorite wine and dessert pairing or your simply your favorite reds? Do you want to prepare a basket for a single use such as a picnic or trip to an outdoor concert in the park? Is this for a young adult? You could make a gag gift basket of all the cheepies such as Thunderbird and Andre pink champagne.

The Container: Choosing something fun and unique as the container. Think of things like old milk crates, vegetable crates, a painted wooden box, a pretty flowerpot, a window box or even a reusable green grocery bag.

The Wine: Use all your favorites as long as your favorite isn’t $2 a bottle. Go for unique wines that you find at specialty wine shops. Make the basket all about reds or whites. Go with a country theme or a dessert wine theme.

The Mix: If you know it will be sent right away, add some colorful fresh fruit or vegetables. I love adding pomegranates, dried cherries, bright red peppers or even fresh flowers. Enclose a mini photo album of you and the recipient at a recent party or event. Include an antique toy, a monogrammed wine glass, some fancy wine stoppers or any other unique and special gift.

In any case, think outside the basket this holiday season and add a little spark to your holiday gifting. Enjoy.