Gift baskets always have been a popular gift to give, especially for those who you have trouble shopping for at the last minute. Giving healthy gift baskets is a way to give your family and friends something tailored to fit their needs or just a collection of their favorite things to eat that are healthy. If you know someone struggling with a diet for any reason, a gift basket filled with healthy food to get that person started on the right track is ideal.
Step 1
Determine what type of basket ingredients you would like to give based on the recipient's tastes. For instance, if you are considering giving a selection of fruits, nuts or teas, use an appropriate type of basket and fill it with that person's favorites, as well as new items they may not have tried yet.
Step 2
Ask a local grocery store if it has any wooden produce crates on hand. Grocery stores receive some of their produce in wooden baskets. This type of basket is great for making fruit, nut or baking mix baskets. Spray paint the basket with the recipients' favorite color and add ribbon. If you prefer, purchase baskets in a size and style that you like.
Step 3
Combine different types of baking mixes for cakes, pancakes, bread or cookies. Make sure to purchase the organic or low-fat recipes. Add organic syrup to the mix as well as fresh blueberries and/or strawberries to use as a garnish on the cakes and pancakes.
Step 4
Combine various types of dried fruit and nuts, along with a choice of herbal teas. There are many types of herbal teas formulated for relaxation, as a sleep aid and for energy. The recipient will enjoy trying the different types. Dried fruit and nuts are healthy and give the recipient a snack that is beneficial to him or her.
Step 5
Purchase different kinds of diabetic candy for someone who has diabetes, hypoglycemia or is simply concerned about their blood sugar. Show that person the available options available for their dietary needs. Add a sugar substitute as well as fresh or dried fruit. Be careful, though. Many brands of dried fruit have sugar added. Also, all fruit has natural sugar in it.
Combine different types of salsa and baked tortilla chips for the friend or family member who loves this. Purchase different salsas that may not be name-brand. Many local grocery stores have local labels. Read the labels to find the ones that are local or purchase the types available that are organic. Add different Mexican-style spices for cooking such as cilantro, cumin and powdered red pepper.
Tips and Warnings
- For the cook who loves to try new things, give a basket filled with crusty bread, olive oil, wheat pasta, black olives and mushrooms.
- Keep in mind that "healthy" and "low-calorie" are not necessarily synonymous. Dried fruit high in added sugar, though low-fat, is high in calories, and nuts are high in fat and calories. Canned nuts also are usually high in salt, which is not good for someone with high blood pressure or who is dieting.
Things You'll Need
- Basket, any size and type
- Spray paint
- Ribbon
- Fresh fruit
- Baking mixes
- Dried fruits
- Nuts
- Herbal teas
- Sugar-free foods
- Salsa
- Tortilla chips
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