(NAPSI)—Looking for an inspired, affordable holiday gift this season? The key ingredient may already be in your kitchen: Apples, a perfect centerpiece for a custom, create-your-own gift basket.
Apples are affordable, delicious, universally loved and always available—and presenting them in beautiful baskets that you’ve complemented with other personalized gifts makes for a truly creative and healthy holiday gift. Giving apples also shows you care about your friends’ and family’s well-being, and adding extra items shows you took the time to make something just for them.
Consider these five simple steps for a do-it-yourself (DIY) apple gift basket:
- Find an artful basket—either one you already have or a simple, inexpensive basket from a craft store, closest big-box retailer, or even your grocery store.
- Fill with healthy, wholesome apples—red, green and yellow—the more colors, the merrier.
- Personalize with foods or trinkets your giftee will enjoy—nothing fancy; simple stocking stuffers will do.
- Consider a theme for the basket—Is the recipient a music aficionado? Bird watcher? Golf addict? Match the theme to the person—like our suggestions, pictured.
- Accent with ribbons, stuffing and personalized labels—so they know this was created by you just for them.
Looking for inspiration for your DIY apple gift basket? Here are four ideas:
- For Kids. Fill a bright basket with colorful apples, crunchy crackers and other fun surprises such as books or small toys. Customize a basket for each kid in your life!
- For Fitness Fanatics. Give your workout buddy a head start on his or her New Year’s resolutions with a basket full of post-workout snacks such as apples and walnuts, gym accessories and a clean eating cookbook.
- For Sweet Tooths. Have a sweetie who loves sweets? Satisfy his or her cravings with a basket of apples paired with yummy caramel, chocolate sauce and honey (homemade or store-bought).
- For Friends, Family and Co-workers. Whether you’re playing secret Santa or looking for a last-minute gift, prepare a basket for a perfect night in: A beautiful assortment of apples (with a handy slicer), savory cheese, delicious wine and a fun wine stopper as a keepsake.
Learn More For apple health information and delicious recipes for any season, see www.USApple.org and @USApples on Pinterest.
Cynthia Lopinto
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