BY ANDREA EVERHART

Over the years, Valentine’s Day has risen beyond a gift for just the love of your life. Many folks share the day, not only with their significant other, but also with their families, treasured friends and even co-workers.

So, the pressure is on.  What are the perfect Valentine’s Day presents?   Flowers, candy, jewelry and an evening out are among the top ten gifts.  Those are all fantastic offerings. But, as the feelings of love come in many forms, so do the best ways to grasp and package it. Putting together a themed gift basket is a fun and creative task to focus all those warm, fuzzy feelings onto the people who mean the most to you.

First, figure out a theme that connects with the recipient of your thoughtful love. Second, jot down ideas of things that fit the theme as well as into a basket. Make sure at least one of the items is practical—something your loved one can actually use. Then, package your goodies in a creative way.

Here are a few themes that can be tailored to all ages.

Spa Basket

A promise to pamper always brings a smile. Brush up on your foot massage techniques and prepare a basket with spa-themed goodies. Set the mood ahead of time and download one of many apps that play relaxation sounds for a little ambiance when you give your gift.

Goodies to Include:

• Cooling eye mask
• Foot lotion and fuzzy socks
• Spa-scented candle
• Nail polish
• Spa gift certificate 

Movie-Themed Basket

Think of a movie that befits your loved one and include tokens that relate to the flick. For example, Caddyshack would be perfect for the golfer in your life, and paraphernalia such as golf balls, tees, personalized golf head covers and small towels fit easily into a basket. Take it a step further and add a gift certificate for a day on the links or a movie subscription.

Book Basket

A Dr. Seuss-themed basket is especially entertaining for kids. Combine a few books with related goodies and see if the recipient can guess which stories they fit. Horton Hears a Who is a fun choice, considering “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” For that one, include a stuffed elephant. The classic Green Eggs and Ham provides a plethora of possibilities. Warm fuzzy socks are perfect for Fox in Sox. Rather than a basket, a Cat in the Hat -striped topper would be a fun way to package your gifts.

Tropical Gift Basket

Think a little outside the basket on this one and bundle your gifts in a beach towel by placing them at one edge of the towel and rolling them in a wrap. Printed reservations for a weekend at the beach make this gift the one that keeps giving.

A few ideas:

• Sunglasses
• Coconut water
• Moon or magnetic sand
• A tropical plant (outside the towel). African violets, orchids and flowering cacti will have your Valentine thinking of you throughout the year!

Game Bucket

Even though your kids may not realize it yet, the greatest gift we can give is simply spending time together. Fill a bucket with game goodies and set a date on the calendar for a family game night. Rubik’s cubes, decks of cards, dice, dominoes, jacks and Yahtzee are fun for multiple age groups.

Writer’s Basket

If you have some writing skills, pen a poem to the one you love and frame it. Even if you don’t have writing skills, you could still have fun with this one by including a silly poem or copying some inspirational quotes on cardstock. Place your written words into a basket with a blank journal, an inscribed pen and magnetic poetry kit.

Take this one a step further and hide extra quotes or silly poems in random places for your loved one to find—in lunchboxes, in the middle of books they may be reading, in pocketbooks or briefcases, pants pockets, drawers, behind picture frames…. These words of wisdom will be popping up for years to come.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on personalizing your basket.  Have fun with it and remember that it’s the thought and effort that often mean the most.