Welcome to the 7th annual 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways!!!
12 Days.
12 friends guest posting sharing a Christmas idea, recipe or favorite with you.
12 great giveaways for you to enter along with one GRAND PRIZE for someone who comments to enter all 12 days!!
Today’s idea comes from me {and the giveaway is from my new friend Ashley over at She Plans Esty shop.}
But before we get to today’s idea and giveaway, I wanted to tell you about a free resource from me based on my new book releasing next month. (And be sure to check out the pre-order incentives for the book. Zondervan is giving away all sorts of cool stuff if you pre-order one or more copies before midnight January 5th. Click here for details)
This free email resource is called 5 Days to Sweet & Salty Speech.
5 characters from the Bible.
5 lessons for our lips.
If you need a little help in the area of watching your words, this 5 day free devotional will help. Enter your email below to sign up!
Now for the 9th Day of Christmas Giveaways…..
Book ‘Em
One of my favorite gifts to give through the years has been book-based baskets. In my first book Homespun Gifts from the Heart, my co-authors (and dear friends), Trish and Kelly, and I devoted an entire chapter to book baskets and bundles. This is a unique gift-giving idea that encourages reading and is a snap to come up with.
Simply chose a book your recipient would love to read. Then, brainstorm on the topic (or leaf through the pages) to find items to round out the gift. Combine the items in a basket, add some clear cellophane, a ribbon and gift tag, and voila! You have a hit on your hands. Here are a few examples.
The first time I ever witnessed this idea was when my daughter received a Laura Ingalls Wilder basket. In it was an antique copy of Little House in the Big Woods. The rest of the surprise contained items Laura had gotten for Christmas in the late 1800s—a shiny new penny, a peppermint stick, a heart-shaped cookie sprinkled with white sugar, a tin cup, and a rag doll named Charlotte. (You can also do this for a younger child by using the book Christmas in the Big Woods}
Know someone who is a culinary whiz? Try a cookbook with some measuring spoons and cups or a gadget such as a pastry blender or fancy chopper. Add jars of spices and seasonings and a fancy bottle of fruity spritzer for your loved one to sip on while cooking. Tuck a small wooden spoon into the bow.
What should you to give to a baseball lover? Pick up a biography of a Major League legend such as Hank Aaron or Willie Mays, or even a football standout like Tim Tebow. For an MLB player, round out the basket with some Big League Chew gum, a bag of sunflower seeds, a Baby Ruth candy bar, and tickets to a ball game. For filler, use peanuts in the shell, just like at the real ballpark. For a football player, add some wrapped football chocolates, some chips and dip for watching a game on TV, a referee whistle and tickets to a local college or NFL game.
For a little whippersnapper, Curious George books are easy to build a theme around. Check out his antics at a candy factory (give with fancy chocolates or candy-making supplies), or making pancakes (include a mix, fresh blueberries, a pancake turner, and bottle of real maple syrup) or at the zoo (tuck in a stuffed animal and some gummy creatures or animal crackers).
And my new favorite, It Will Be Okay by our Proverbs 31 president Lysa TerKeurst. This darling story about a fox, a farmer and a tiny seed teaches children to trust and not fear. It would be perfect given with a stuffed fox, a packet of seeds for planting, and a warm fuzzy flannel shirt to wear, just like the farmer.
Your turn! Name someone on your list. Ask yourself, “What is a book they’d delight in reading?” Now . . . build your basket. GO! {Head to Amazon to search for books}
Now….today’s AWESOME giveaway…..
Here is a book for you! My new favorite planner from She Plans Etsy shop.
Oh I love a paper planner. Sure, smart phones are great, but there is something about holding a paper planner in your hands or having it open on your desk.
These planners are fantastic! With month-at-a-glance and week-at-a-glance sections (laid out vertically–the best!) and each daily space includes:
• Today is Special section to note birthdays & celebrations
• Today’s Priorities section to list your top priorities that you want to hold yourself accountable to.
• To Do Today section for all other daily to do’s as well as any timely appointments for the day.
• Evening Plans for meal planning, late night practices, or anything you’d like to accomplish at night.
You might want to order one of these for a friend for Christmas. Ashley, from She Plans, set Sunday, December 14th as her “make it there by Christmas” deadline.
Of course, if you want one for yourself for the new year, head to her site for ordering details. They are MORE than worth the money and keep you on top of your tasks in an oh-so-pretty manner. Click here to see all the awesome designs and products.
The Gingerbread Man. I would include all the ingredients to bake them.
The Mitten. I would pick some of the animals and include them as well as a pair of white mittens.
I love The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey and would include a nativity and the recipe for the widow’s baked goods.
The Jesus story book bible. It’s perfect for any basket, any time of year. We read it to our kids on a regular basis.
I would purchase a One Year Chronological Bible, journal, Bible highlighters and gift a one year subscription to Wendy Pope’s Read Through the Word daily devotions.
I absolutely love the Little House books or maybe even some Duck Commander devotional basket.
The Christmas miracle
Ann Voskamp.. One Thousand Gifts…a journal and some colorful pens
The Bible along with your new book keep i t shut a journal book and pens, bible highlighters and a couple of bookmakers.
I think the Narnia books would be awesome! You could have a pretty blue glass bottle to represent Lucy’s healing water, some Turkish delight candy and/or cocoa mix for The little boy and the white witch, etc. fun, fun!!
Oh I love planners. i love Christmas books. I would add a Christmas candle, tea,and a Christmas cup and an ornament
The Betty Crocker Picture Cookbook packaged in a bowl or bread basket with one of my handmade aprons and potholder inside. I would tuck a few scripture notes/prayers for the recipient amongst the pages like little surprises.
I ordered ann voskamps new Christmas devotional and my family and I have been reading through it every night. Would be a great gift to pass on!
“Faith Under Fire’. I love a good chaplain read. ;)
I love the Eric Carle books for kids. He is an artist and an author. He paints the pictures in his books. I would make a basket with any of his books, just put his name in Amazon and then see how many there are! I would add water colors, paper to paint on, a smock… and anything that matches the theme of the book. I just gave myself an idea I think! :)
I love Christmas cookies and one year I gott the joy of Christmas cookies cookbook and some cookie cutters and a spatula and sprinkles.
I would pick Sweet Sallie’s Squirrel Scarf Factory plus some pretty yarns, crochet or knitting supplies, and a scarf. I wrote this children’s story book a few years ago, + my husband illustrated it. :)
I love to give the book, Just in Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado as a gift to children. 1000 Gifts is a go to for women as well as Jesus Calling. I just purchased Jesus Calling for a family member for Christmas so I love this idea to make the gift better. I also just bought the Jesus Calling Bible Storybook for a child. This is a great idea! (I love paper planners!!)
The three trees by Max Lucado would make a great basket for a little one!
What wonderful ideas! I think I may have to “borrow” some myself! The first books that cam to my mind were the. Mitford Series (9 novels) about a Episcopal priest Father Tim Cavenanaugh & his life in the small town of Mitford. Jan Karon is the author and also has a companion cookbook “Jan Karon’s Mitford cookbook & Kitchen Reader” with 150+ recipes and also relates where the recipe was her books or her life. You could add some of the ingriendients for one of the recipes or some kitchen gadgets…or even an apron (so many are showing up this year for gifts).
Another author I liked that writes murder mysteries is Joanne Fluke, her first book was “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder”, which had several cookie recipes at the end of it. I looked today on Amazon and they were offering a Christmas Bundle of 4 of her books for the Kindle, which would have ALOT of Christmas recipes in them (the recipes are at the back of each book). This included: “Sugar Cookie Murder”, “Candy Cane Murder”, “Gingerbread Cookie Murder” and “Plum Pudding Murder”, but you can also purchase any of those separate too!
My mind is turning….trying to think of the many possibilities with books…another favorite hobby….READING!! Thanks again for sharing…God bless you all!
Mark and angel chernoff’s book 1000+ little things happy successful people do differently. include a planner, a tea cup and some interesting teas, a beautiful pen, a gift account at sendoutcards.com/105127 for practicing the art of grstitude, a gift card for a spa treatment …
For me, a basket with all these wonderful books mentioned by proverbs 31 ladies would be wonderful, complete with some chocolate candies, notebook, and cool pens. They all sound so good and I’d love to read them all! For my daughter, a Frozen basket filled with books, color books and little trinkets of the same theme.
I have a little book from years ago, Advent Devotions that would be a great start to a basket..
Thank you!
I would put “Ticky Tack The Littlest Reindeer” into a basket for a child or if you are like me and love children’s books, also for an adult. This book is so very sweet and shows that you don’t have to be perfect to be important. You have something to offer and the gift you offer is as important as anyone else’s. So sweet.
There are so many books I love so it’s hard to choose one. I’m thinking The Napping House with a fleece tied blanket and warm socks would be a fun gift for a small child.
I think ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ would make a great theme book to build around!
Wow! I LOVE all these ideas! Maybe you could post a compiled list (wink, wink) :) My husband is a baseball coach and I purchased the book Playing With Purpose Baseball Devotions: 180 Spiritual Truths Drawn From the Great Game of Baseball. I will now be adding some of the items you mentioned in your post to make him a basket–Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Max Lucado’s Before Amen. Pencil, notebook, tea of choice with big fat mug.
I think a basket of cooking utensils and Cookbooks would be great.
I think an Amish cookbook along with some of the ingredients from a favorite recipe or one that looks really good.
I LOVE the book basket idea! What fun! My mind is thinking up all sorts of possibilities now!
Oh! The book I want to do is Outlander!
I think, because we have a lot of sci-fi nerds in our family, that the Robot Wars (Brouwer)series would be good. It’s sci-fi but from a Christian perspective.
I love the book, The Christmas Jar!
If You Give a Moose a Muffin….my son’s all time favorite! (and he’s 23 now!) :)
My daughter is 10, so I think that I would get her a teenage geared devotional, a cute journal, a couple of fun colored pens, and maybe a pair of fuzzy slippers to wear when she is reading. Such a fun idea. And since Christmas is done, her birthday is in January and i think it would be perfect for a birthday gift. My son is 2 and I would get him a Clifford the big red dog book along with a clifford dog, and maybe some scooby snacks and a ball. I never would have thought of book baskets. such a terrific idea.
I think the “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” children’s book would be great and since they go to a movie, you could do movie tickets, popcorn, Christmas ornament, glitter, etc. I don’t have anyone little to make one for! :(
My favorite book right now— “before amen” by Max Lucado! I’m waiting for my order to come in so I can give them away!!
I think Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts, the bible, a journal, highlighters and pens would be a great gift to give.
I think a great bundle would be Lysa TerKeurst’s “What Happens When Women Walk in Faith” together with a big coffee mug with “Faith” on it, one of those daily verse calendars that you turn the pages of that stand up, and some awesome page markers and pens!
My Granddaughter loves Junie B. Jones books by Barbara Park, any of her books would be a great book to start a basket with. One of my granddaughter’s favorites is Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus…… For my grandsons any books that center around baseball, as they both play on baseball teams.
“A Day at the Lake.” By Stephanie Wallingford and dawn Rynders. You could include Some sand toys and snacks for a day at the lake.
A devotional such as Jesus Calling along with a journal, a pretty pen, a scripture mug and some flavored tea bags!
I would pick up Twas The Night Before Christmas and then add hot cocoa, some mugs and a warm blanket!
I think the book “If you give a Mouse a Cookie” would make a great basket. Just include a cookie recipe with the ingredients and then you can make the cookie and eat them while reading the book.
What a neat idea! I love Christmas-themed books, so maybe a mug and hot cocoa packets, plus a CHristmas scented candle, and maybe an ornament that relates to the particular book. Have to try this!!!
One of our favorite books is “I Wanna Iguana”.. Great to give with a pet (of any kind) with pet items! Talks about the responsibilities of owning a pet..
I love giving books! For me, it would probably be a book for my granddaughters. I really love Sandra Boynton books.
Before amen by max Lucado would make a great basket. Pair it with a journal that can be used as a prayer journal, a pen, a note that contains a word of encouragement/prayer for the person, and maybe a candy/coffee/other small thing the person likes: example praying hands ornament, ornament with the pocket prayer on it.
I think Annie Downs’ “Let’s all be Brave” could be done as a themed present. http://www.dayspring.com/annie_f_downs_let_s_all_be_brave/ You could get this print to go with it: http://choosebrave.bigcartel.com/product/you-are-brave or maybe a specific thing to help the recipient take whatever brave step they’re thinking of taking.
“You are special” by Max Lecado
Years ago I fell in love with “The Christmas Jar”! My family started saving money in a jar all year to leave on a family’s porch, who needed a blessing in some way, at Christmas. It’s been a great way to teach my boys to give to others and it’s always exciting trying not to get caught. :-) I always leave a copy of the book with the jar so the family will understand the meaning and perhaps begin the tradition also. A basket and adding to it is a cool idea! Thanks!
I’ve given a new Bible to a new believer. Enclose a notebook and highlighters and sticky notes in the basket.
U just gave me great ideas for my younger
Well why not my older Grkids too… Books
Books books w trinkets to go w them… Thanks
Karen such an awesome idea!!!
My great n fav book is ‘Goodnight Moon ‘
Blessings to all!!!! Have a great day!!!
OMGosh…I’m in overload! So many books, so many ideas! A favorite of mine is a bible with highlighters, bookmarks, chapter tabs, maybe a devotional or journal, a pen or two, a pretty candle, a mug for tea.
Any children’s book is a great gift. I Love giving picture books as baby gifts.
I love this idea! Getting so many wonderful ideas reading the comments. My 4yo grandson is in love with all things construction. It would be fun to make a basket themed around that.
There are so many wonderful books to give as gifts! i like all devotionals that give you daily encouragement and thoughts to ponder…..
I love to give a Charlie Brown Christmas book! It works for everyone and I read it with my family often!
I love this idea of a book and a basket with the theme of the book. I would like to do one around the theme of the Nativity Scene and the true meaning of Christmas for my grandchildren…
I have always love giving books to family and friends. Teddy Bear’s Picnic is and easy one, include a new best friend with a picnic basket, blanket, and treats.
As strange as this sounds, I would love to get one of the Pioneer Woman’s cookbooks and make a basket for our 8 year old granddaughter. She loves PW and I Tivo all her shows so we can watch them together when she visits. I am not allowed to watch new episodes without her………LOL, she is so funny! I have been looking for a good sale on one of PW’s books and if I can find one before Christmas, Emma will have it.
For small children, I would choose Good Dog, Daisy, and put a soft stuffed puppy in there with it and maybe a soft blanket for nap time. For adults, I would probably choose a cookbook, and include potholders, an apron (I love aprons), and my favorite spatula. I love all the ideas on here. Makes me want to get a book basket for Christmas, because I love to read and I love books.
So my mom’s birthday is next week and I purchased her a book of quilt stories, I am going to make this into a book basket, I love this idea, I am going to get her a few pieces of fabric, some thread an a couple of packs of needles. She will love it! Maybe even throw in a quilt pattern for extra measure.
I think one of the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie books would be great. You could include a gift centered around eat of the items the mouse asks for!
I am giving my daughter Jesus Calls for teens. A journal and a package of colorful writing pens. Maybe add a cup and some hot chocolate mix for her Quiet Time.
The Diary of a Wimpy Kids books would make a great gift for a book loving younger student.
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I love your idea for the book basket. Maybe I’ll do this for my sister’s birthday next year!
I also like giving books as gifts. I bought two copies of Lisa-Jo Bakers new book and I gave one with new brother and new sister books. (Of course the 4 year old big brother was more excited about his first book mark) My Christmas project is knitting hats for a four year old big sister , two year old big brother and new baby who will arrive in late winter/spring. That is where the second book is going. I love giving books. I love getting books. I often joked if you took the book shelves out of my house the ceiling would fall in.
My husband has been asking for the Erik Metaxis book Amazing Grace about the life of William Wilberforce. If I were to gift it to him as a basket, I would include a mug, some English Breakfast tea, a copy of the movie Amazing Grace, some scones, and some popcorn.
For a child getting a dog for Christmas, I would us the book, “The Dog Who Wanted a Boy.” I would include other items to help care for the dog.
I have always loved this idea. Maybe doing a basket with our favorite movie for the holidays would be fun too!
Devotional books are great with journal, pen, and mug at our house.
Love the idea of book baskets. Usually I shy away from the them because of the cost. But it’s probably only because i have already bought other gifts for that person. But thanks for the suggestion of curious george at the zoo. My son suggested a zoo membership for his family. (2 littles 2.5 and 1). I was thinking of a bag of zoo related stuff. Now I can add Curious George (my grandson’s fav) and Goodnight Gorilla to the mix. :-)
Love the idea of a cookbook basket. I’ve done similar things. just a book and an apron. hmmm….I have picked up the dvds’ for the LOTR triology. adding the books, wonder what else i can throw in there…
Great Giveaway, I so need a new planner. Will definitely check it out. (even if i don’t win it. )
“The Giving Tree” or “Goodnight Moon.”
I like this idea. I also think you could do a magazine basket-favorite magazine with a note saying you bought them a subscription. That type of gift keeps on giving, all year:) I think you could do a basket for a mom to be or a new baby-mom to be ideas: .book on pregnancy or baby’s 1st year, with lotion and if expenses permit a pedicure card would probably be appreciated, for the baby-baby Bible story book, and maybe something like a few animal toys or the whole Noahs ark, a soft blanket for cuddling ,,,and I could go on but better stop:) I’m going to consider this for my niece and nephew.
I love the idea of making a baking basket with a baking book and adding baking supplies.
I think a cooking basket sounds easy and a very good idea for some of the wonderful cooks in my family! Maybe for some of the amazing male cooks in my family too! :)
That is such a great idea! I’m filing that away for when we go to the mall.
I think I would get ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ with illustrations by Mary Englebreit.
So pretty. I would add some flannel pjs or long johns, hot chocolate, ‘sugar plum’ candy, any little Christmas things. I think the Pioneer Woman cookbook would be great too. Add some mixes, an iron skillet, spices, etc. Oh how fun this is!
Blessings,
KK
I would put in “The Girl’s Book” (Filled with how to do just about anything and how to be the best at everything, these books will keep a young lady intrigued) Then put in a fancy journal, pen and lip gloss,etc.
Books are my favorite and my whole family loves books so I am having trouble coming up with just a few. I will say “The Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp and “Jesus Calling” since those are the 2 devotionals I am using right now.
What a great idea. It would be neat if there was a compiled list….it is OK to say no to that! :)
Merry Christmas!
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis with a hot chocolate, tea or coffee, a nightlight and an umbrella and/or warm gloves would be a good idea.
I think giving someone “The Greatest Gift” by Anne Voskamp with the printed ornaments to use during advent would be a great gift basket.
I love to read so just about any book at all would great! I do love all the ideas listed. You all are so creative! God bless!
I think the Bible with devotionals like My Utmost for his highest and 31 days of praise would be wonderful
One year I did a Italian theme basket I filled it with pasta, spices, fancy olive oil and wooden spoons. My mother in law was born in Italy and she appreciated it.
The Polar Express book with hot cocoa packets, some gloves/mittens, a new pair of jammies, a jingle bell. I know my children would love it!
I love doing baskets themed around a favorite novel or movie – Christmas related or others.
I’m doing two book baskets for men for Christmas! One nephew and one nephew by marriage. Both are big, athletic, strong young men that love to cook! The single one has asked for a crockpot, perhaps because he’s heard me rave about my crockpot(s) with love. My mom is getting the pot, so I’m getting cookbook, printing out some of my favorite recipes, adding freezer bags and some good seasonings. The other nephew is married and quickly becoming the cook in the family. He is getting a subscription to Cooking Light, a pepper grinder, some fleur de sel, etc.
I love the book, The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson. It’s a touching and sweet story with a surprise ending. It would be great for teens and up.
Liz Curtis Higgs’ children’s books like the Pine Tree Parable, Pumpkin Patch Parable would be darling with seasonal items. Also her grown up novels set in Scotland, complete with shortbread and tea.
Some wonderful suggestions! I already have gifts picked out, but no book yet. I have a journal and nice pen, a mug, and a box of tea. Still looking for just the right book to round it out.
1st I LOVE the antique copy of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Book Basket!!!
My mom would Love it!
I think the key to basket gifts is to make sure they are deeply personal. A piece of a beloved childhood memory or a enjoyable hobby basket shows you know and love that person enough to know what they like.
I once searched the world over for a replica of my Mother’s childhood tea set. Her mother died when she was five had given my mother the tea set. It had gone missing during a move decades ago. My mother mentioned only once that she regretted not having it. I thought she was going to cry on Mother’s Day when I gave her the replica.
Alas, the post was books.
I would suggest for Children. A basket containing “Good Night Moon” and “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney, containing the quote, “I love you all the way to the moon and back”. I would add a stuffed rabbit, glow-in the dark stars and moon for the child’s room, a few extras from “Good Night Moon” like a red balloon etc.
I have been a long time fan of book baskets for baby showers with old time favorites like “Pat the Bunny” or “Raggedy Ann and Andy”.
What a lovely ideas for those of us, whom may not have finished our Christmas shopping!
LOVED the post!!!
Sincerely,
Lisa
I love the Mitford series by Jan Karon, Tea to sip while reading would be lovely.
A great book basket for a child would be built around The Mitten, by Jan Brett. A pair of soft cozy mittens, and a couple of stuffed animals chosen from those in the book would be part of it. A couple of small mugs with other animals pictured on them and some hot cocoa to enjoy on a cold winter day would complete the basket,
Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury would make an excellent Christmas basket gift!
i would like to do a book on crafts and include some of the items necessary to do a project that speaks to the receivers heart.
The Chance by Karen Kingsbury
What a wonderful planner!! I feel the same way about having a paper planner! My book basket thought? I would use the book you mentioned with the foxes and fix it up for our youth Pastor’s wife who has foxes in her nursery, she’s due in March and wold absolutely love this! I will put an infant appropriate (or one for her )stuffed fox(like a teddy bear, but a fox). I will use colors like green or brown or orange to match her nursery colors and some diapers or pacifier and holder or maybe shampoo. I may include the CD i used for child birth. Thank you for the great idea & jogging my thoughts!! Have a blessed & Merry Christmas!!
These are such wonderful ideas! I don’t know that I can choose just one. My son is a huge baseball fan and high school coach and my son in law is a huge football fan so these ideas will make great gift ideas for them!
I absolutely love the planner. I have been searching Pinterest for the last couple of months to try and create my own but this one is perfect! Unfortunately not in my budget so really hoping to win. :)
Thank you again for the inspiring ideas! Blessings!,
For my girlfriends I love giving them a devotional book with a journal and a nice writing pen and a set of highlighters.
I love The Legend of the Poinsettia, retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola. The story is a beautiful reminder of the miracles of Christmas, and the illustrations are beautiful and child-like, in Tomie’s signature way.
Any of Jan Karon’s Mitford books!
I would theme basket the Lego book Mission to the Arctic with Arctic Lego set. Great incentive for boys to read.
Karen, I LOVE this book basket idea and have just the girl in mind to make one for.
One age group you didn’t mention is a teen girl, so friend, can I shamelessly make a plug for “Magnetic” or “His Revolutionary Love” in a basket along with the magnetic bracelet made by Fashion & Compassion? This basket would benefit the girl in your life as well as women who are escaping a life of poverty.
Now to go buy one of those planners. This year I moved to electronic calendar only and boy have I missed a paper one.
Thank you for this post!
My daughter loves horses. She’s drawn to My LIttle Pony because of the bright colors (she’s 4), but loves pretty much anything horse related that she sees. I’ve been thinking of getting her some new horse themed books, and I’d probably throw in a couple of toys horses (or maybe a big stuffed one), maybe a new mini MLP, some horse stickers (since she’s a sticker-a-holic) and clean up that horsehoe she picked up a few months back so its ready for hanging in her new bedroom. You’ve just inspired me to do a little basket shopping. :D
I’ve got a burgeoning bird watcher in my house. A field guide with some binoculars, a notebook and pen for his life list and a Wild Republic stuffed bird would be a great gift!
A slow cooker cookbook along with spices, loaf, gift card to grocery to pick up meats, etc. would make a great basket in this busy world!
A slow cooker cookbook to add to the basket along with spices, bread, and gift card to grocery to get meats. This would be a good encouraging activity to remind others to slow down and enjoy meal with family in this busy crazy world.
A devotional and journal make a lovely gift!! Add some pens, highlighter, tea or cookies to round out the gift.
This is a great idea for a friend of mine who I always have a hard time thinking of gifts for. I would get either a novel and fill the basket with relaxation items, or a cookbook and fill it with things to make the recipes. Thanks for the idea!
The Betty Crocket cook book with nice spatulas and some dry ingredients for a great recipe. Maybe even norwex kitchen cloths :)
Mike The Steam Shovel with a toy digger
For a young girl, I might want to give one of the “Fancy Nancy” books because I think it would be so much fun (and very colorful) to find fluffy or fancy things. Some cute headbands, perhaps a child’s tutu (for fun dress-up), some fancy, cozy socks, Christian-themed jewelry (to emphasize the real reason for the season) with little Scripture verses on little note cards attached so she could keep them in a fancy child’s purse, which I would put in the basket. The ideas are endless. I love all the ideas from Karen and the people who have commented. You are all so creative! Thanks for sharing.
The Giving Tree. For a child add to the basket: a couple of apples, some apple seeds, Lincoln log set, a gift or gift card with instructions to give it to someone else…just as the tree in the story gave of itself and the Wise Men brought gifts to Baby Jesus.
The Secret Gift by Ted Gup is a wonderful and touching true story about depression era Canton, Ohio and a man named Sam Stone who placed an ad in the newspaper offering cash gifts for needy families . Only he didn’t give his name or ever took credit …he went by the alias Mr B Virdot (a combination of his three daughters names. People were asked to write to Mr B. Virdot describing their hardships. Many people received help from b Virdot. 75 years later, the author (grandson) found all of the letters the people wrote in a trunk. Awesome book club book! I would put teas, coffee, lotions and bath goods in the bSket as well. For children, I would make a basket with Jan Brett books about the holidays and cookies.
The Secret Gift is set at Christmas 1933 and present day as the author discovers new pieces of the grandfather he thought he knew.
Book baskets are also great ideas for fundraiser prizes/silent auctions–appeals to multpile ages and interests. Just look at all the ideas in the posts above!
I got a gift book last year on housekeeping shortcuts and tips–might have appealed more if came in a cute basket with cleaning supplies and some coupons for “help!”
I like the magazine subscription idea merged in a basket-i just had a card to give to my kids for their magazine clubhouse from focus on the family–would have been cute to add some snacks, pens/pencils/ maybe a CD of the odessy adventures–so many ideas to choose from!
Any of the Narnia books!
Thanks, Karen! This sparked an idea for me! I think a cookbook from The Pioneer Woman for my daughter, who is getting ready to set up housekeeping. She loves to cook and back and the items to include would be endless! I agree that there’s something about paper planners! I love to smell them and run my hands along their pretty pages when they’re new. I definitely can’t do that with my phone!
I think Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts would be a great book to build a basket around.
Little Women. Maybe the slippers they gave their Momma. A copy of Pilgrams Progress. Great idea.
I think a Christmas basket would be incomplete without the story ‘The Littlest Angel”. Other books I’d include would be “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann VosKamp, and “You’re Already Amazing” by Holley Gerth.
Depending on who thebook basket would be given to I would also include “Finding Spiritual Whitespace” by Bonnie Gray.
I would probably doing something for Frozen for my little one and a Monster High themed one for my oldest. Neat ideas!
I love ‘Snowmen at Night’ and ‘Snowmen at Christmas’. The basket theme could be “build a snowman”, with some big buttons for eyes, a carrot for the nose, and a scarf to wrap around his ‘neck’. And maybe a packet of cocoa mix to warm up with when you’re done building your snowman!
We are actually doing a theme basket for our Granddaughter! We are using On The Night You Were Born by, Nancy Tillman. We have a stuffed polar bear, a fleece blanket and a Jesus Story Bible and the Christmas Story. My husband made is putting the finishing touches on a manger like cradle as the “basket.” Out sweet girl will be one in January so the books will have to be shared for years to come for the full impact, but I think we can handle it and look forward to it! : )
Puppy Place books; my son loves dogs so putting a basket together that would have grooming tools, how to train your dog, dog biscuit cutter for them to make treats and some toys for the master and dog to play with.
I love “Surprised by Motherhood” by Lisa-Jo Baker.
It would make a perfect gift for an expecting Mama coupled
with some African rooibos tea, dark chocolate and a cape.:)
What a great idea! I have done movie baskets but never a book basket like that. I have heard of an Advent Book Basket for the younger kiddies. It includes 5 -10 books with Christmas/holiday themes to be read one a night until Christmas eve when you read the night before Christmas of course! Christmas day is reserved for the story of Jesus’ birth. :)
My 11 year old is reading a book by Mike Lupica. He’s read one or two by him already. My guy is a sports nut and Mike is a sports writer, so for his basket I’d get him 2 or 3 more books by Mike Lupica and add in some sports related things. Maybe a football & a tee; a mitt or baseball; or something related to a sport he’s most passionate about. Maybe a team jersey or team t-shirt. He’s heard about the movie Rudy so maybe add that or another uplifting sports related movie like The Blind Side or We Are Marshall or something along those lines.
I love Mortimers first Christmas so I would start with that.
Ann Voskamp The Greatest Gift Some Christmas teas, and pine, or other holiday candle (not sugar cookie or to sweet) and maybe a nice cd of calming music (not singing) I think this would be 1 I would really like to give, and also get
My kids love a book called “Love You When You Whine”. It would make a great basket for them.
One of the gifts I am giving out this year is Liz Curtis Higgs book: Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible. I was going to throw in a couple of handmade (by me) bookmarks. And some snacks.
I have always liked Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s book “Gift from the Sea.” I would include in the basket some of the shells she writes about, but now sure what else I would include.
Masterpiece is an adorable story of a cockroach that creates masterpieces. It is a great story of friendship, mystery, and art. Give the gift and an art set and a sketch pad
Bible in a year, a bible dictionary, notebook, markers.
The new Imagination Station series by Adventures in Odyssey.
We have a new archery place in town so The Hunger Games with a gift certificate for lessons.
The Giving Tree
Any book by Jan Brett would be fun to create a basket around. The illustrations are outstanding.
Children’s cookbook with apron and child size spoon and spatula.
One of my favorite adult books and can be read to children as well is Max Lucado’s “He Still Moves Stones” !
Any of the Rush Revere books by Rush Limbaugh are fun and educational.
for a child Alexander and the terriible horrible no good very bad day. One of my favorite books. I would put in railroad pjs, and blue tennis shoes.
I think a nice book basket would include something by Davis Bunn, a blanket and maybe a mug and some tea.
Just got home from some shopping. I bought my almost 13 yr old granddaughter Magnetic by Lynn Cowell and Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers. Also a sign for her room, “”Be Yourself, Everyone else has been taken”. I am hoping these will help her grow into the young woman God created her to be and to make wise choices in a world where there is so much pressure on teens. I would love to have the giveaway for myself or for my daughter. Thanks
I love the idea of a cookbook for the Christmas basket with the kitchen essentials.
I just read my kindergarten class the story of the Nutcracker. All 15 kids were mesmerized, the boys and girls alike. You could have heard a pin drop while every one of them sat still, looking at me. That is a rare occurrence! A book basket would be so magical for a child. Maybe some gum drop candy, a stuffed mouse, and their own real nutcracker!
maybe Harriet the spy books with necessary spy tools!
We have a little friend who is going through a lot of anxiety. The book list gave me an idea to gift her the book “It Will Be Okay”.
When I first heard about this idea I thought I’d use the book The Tea Lover’s Devotional by Emily Barnes. I would add tea bags, a mug, cookies, and maybe a tea towel.
One of the Gooseberry Patch books!
Framcine Rivers’ biblical fiction books would be a wonderful theme for adults.
Francine!
I love the children’s books Pete the Cat…..would put a stuffed animal cat and maybe some “new shoes” for a child!!!
Let Hope In by Pete Wilson and Beyond Ordinary by Justin and Trisha Davis. Great books for adults!
I think a good book for a young girl would be Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
I am loving the devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. That would pair nicely with a journal, tea, or coffe, and a mug, and maybe some pretty pens.
I think “Let it Go” would be a good gift along with scented candle, journal, tea or any other relaxation ideas.
For my son anything about the Duck Dynasty and then themes around hunting. My daughters a cookbook with ingredients and/or baking utensils. My girlfriend a planner with stamps, cards, and envelopes.
What an absolutely cool idea – a book basket! I have promised to loan a friend Pilgrim’s Progress (my favorite book outside of the Bible). I think I will look into buying her a copy instead and making a basket with your idea in mind. I am not sure off hand what to include. I will have to make sure there is a scroll – guess I can make it into the card to announce the idea to her. Oh, I’m going to have fun flipping pages and thinking about this one. Thanks so much for the exciting idea!
The Tale of Despereaux, along with some red thread and a soup mix in a jar. (Also, I assume you look at email addresses, but I have commented on different posts as Bethany and Another Bethany.)
There are so many great books out there…for adult I would choose The Yada Yada Prayer Group Books with a mug & something yummy to go in it. Love these books!!
Scrapbooking idea book with a few of the more pricier dimensional items that would be considered a splurge.
I would include in a basket for a child, “You Are Special” by Max Lucado.
My daughter has tons of horse loving friends. So one idea we had was to do a horse book, then add a horse book mark, horse stickers, mini toy horse, horse coloring book.
We have done the little house book basket before too!!
i think a set of series books by Tracie Peterson would be awesome to give as a gift for anyone who loves historical fiction twisted with some sweet romance! :)
My favorite book is the Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. I would love to build a basket around the book that includes a small wooden nativity, a recipe for cornbread, a block of wood, and a bag of oatmeal raisin cookies. You have inspired me!
I think it would be fun to put together a basket with The Cake Mix Doctor Cupcake book and all sorts of supplies for making creative cupcakes. Actually, I’d love to get a basket like that myself!
Haven’t even Started shopping yet, so I am so grateful for such a fabulous idea!! Already planning to get “Magnetic” for my daughter, but a theme basket will be even better! Thanks! And thanks for the reminder on a planner! Definitely a great idea for me! :)
I would give any Dr Seuss or Patricia Poloco book with items related to the specific book.
A S’mores Cookbook (there are several choices available) with the basic needed ingredients – graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars plus some of the other ingredients the book might suggest.
I’d like to make a devotional basket with my favorite devotional, Jesus Calling. I
nclude a highlighter, pretty pen, a journal, a coffee mug and some special coffee.
Maybe a couple of bookmarks, also!!
I know that the idea is books, but the movie “The Polar Express” would make an adorable basket! You could include chocolate chip cookies, cocoa, a mug, and a sleigh bell!
I think a really cool basket would be a bible. One that was geared age appropriate. Including highlighters, journal, notebooks and some great pens. Tea, hot chocolate, or coffee and special cookies. Maybe some special jewelry or blankets to remind them how God loves us.
I would put Lysa T book The a Best Yes, highlighters, awesome pens, planner, a tea infuser, loose tea and some chocolates. I would also write a note of encouragement and love…handwritten.
The Polar Express book with a toy train, a conductors hat, a train whistle, hot chocolate, and maybe tickets to ride a local train excursion.
I love all the ideas that people have shared. I’m planning on borrowing some of the themes for my own gifts – so thank you all for sharing! I am trying to plan a bible themed basket for my sister who doesn’t really know God or Jesus and isn’t quite sure if she believes or thinks He is real. She is going through some very tough times so I thought a bible along with other spiritual items would be great for a Christmas gift for her. I was going to include some bible highlighters, a decorative cross, and a few other things. I’m also going to subscribe her to a few of my favorite bloggers, including you, Karen!
I would get Max Lucado’s book “You Are Special” and then I would find things that would make them feel special. A girl would be easier than a boy because you could get bubble bath stuff, hair decorations, and stuff like the spray on glitter that makes them shiny
The Friendly Beasts by Rebecca St. James for a child along with some animal figurines.
I think a cookbook, spatula, cookie cutter, and whisk is a cutest idea or a how to knit book with yarn and needles.
I would choose I Love You fro put me in the story. You can put the child’s name in the book and it also talks about loving them even when they are bad. I thin k this is a good book about loving unconditionally.
Since my husband and I are expecting our first child my mind goes to a book called “God “Gave us You” by Lisa Tawn Bergren. I would include that book, a stuffed Polar Bear, and a few items that were special to that child such as their favorite candy, a coloring book with their favorite character, a small item that they loved when they were a baby such as a blanket so they could know they meant so much to us we kept their baby items, and other things that they enjoyed. After they got the book I would tell them about the items and read the book with them or if they are old enough have them read it to me. Not only is it a fun gift, but it can create a sweet Christmas memory and even a timeless tradition.
The Story of Santa…..if shows the joy of giving
gooseberry
I love to give bibles as gifts. Maybe with a devotional or journal with pencil highlighters.
Cookbook with the ingredients for your favorite recipe.
I would love to do a basket based on “If you Give a Pig a Pancake”…it works for adults and children…put all the ingredients for pancakes, syrup, etc. in the basket. Or any of the others…If you Give a Moose a Muffin, etc.
Another fun one for women is The Yada Yada Sister books…book, journal, etc. For the gardener…A farmers almanac, seeds, new gloves, etc.
Oh how I love books…giving and receiving…Beautiful ideas. The calendar looks fantastic. I am so much of a paper calendar girl. It drives my techy husband crazy.
Merry CHRISTmas
Little By Little, it’s a story about a playful river otter who doesn’t give up and finally learns to swim. What a great lesson for little ones who can sometimes become discouraged seeing friends doing something they haven’t quite mastered. God creates us each uniquely and beautifully!
Bad girls of the bible by Liz Curtis Higgs. Include jewelry, makeup, nail polish, chocolate. Anything decadent.
A photography book. Digital camera and photo album.
monk5 at charter dot net
I would do a candy cane themed basked with the legend of the candy cane, candy canes, and peppermint hot chocolate. Thanks so much for the chance to win. I love a paper planner, too!
I would love to get “You Are Special” for my teenage daughters, and include some of their favorite things- certificates for ice cream, some chocolate, bath fizzles, big fluffy towels……….
And it would be fun to put together! Love the idea!
Jesus Calling or Beth Moore’s new devotional book with a journal, nice pen, & some hot cocoa. :)
I would choose a Bible for a child’s gift and give them a fleece blanket to wrap themselves up in while they read it each morning along with a CD of Steve Green’s Hide it In Your Heart’ for them to enjoy, too.
Anne Marrow Lindgberg’s Gift from the Sea. In which I would include, salt water taffy, a notepad, pen and bookmark with a sea/ocean theme.
A Book entitled “The Candycane”. Its about candy maker in a small village who creates a new and interesting candy for his granddaughter, thus the candaycane is invented. I would include assorted candy, including the candycane, in pretty drawstring bags, a pair of mittens, woolen hat and scarf, miniature nativity and Christmas glitter stickers.
I love any of the Little House books.
I love all the ideas that have been shared! I thought of the If you give a mouse a cookie series too, but my kids also like the books Firefighter Ted, Doctor Ted, and Artist Ted. You could add supplies fitting to each–dress up clothes, doctor kit, paints, etc. I have a son who likes books by Rick Riordan and I have picked up a couple for Christmas. I might just have to get creative to add something to them! My daughter likes Judy Moody and I found a mini mystery book for her. That one seems a little easier! Thanks for the great idea.
Praise of Purpose: A Year of Uplifting Words by Linda Grabeman. It’s a wonderful devotional and then I’d add a journal, pretty pens, highlighters, tea, chocolate.
It’s supposed to be Praise on Purpose
I think the Polar Express would make a great addition to a train themed gift basket. The pictures are incredible. I’m a big fan of Jan Brett and any of her Christmas books would be easy to work with. The Night Before Christmas would be fun to put in a candy themed gift basket.
A boredom buster gift basket for the kids when they are sick or really any time filled with a variety of crossword puzzle books, coloring box with colored pencils. And some other favorite books that they would like.
I would love to do a gift basket with a hand made cook book of my favorite recipes and add in the ingredients for an appetizer, main dish and dessert. :)
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas with some fun ornaments and baked goods
For a woman the book “Jesus Calling” along with a highlighter, pretty pen, and devotional.
I used to be a preschool teacher, and I kept picturing “If You Give a Moose a Muffin.” I would package it with silicone muffin holders or a metal muffin pan with pretty paper liners. Then add in some dried fruit or something extra : )
I’m currently reading Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts Devotional. It’s such a wonderful book about being thankful and praising God. It would be an awesome book to include in any gift basket.
When our kids were little, someone gave us several of Max Lucado’s children’s books. They were great books and our kids loved to read them. My 15 yr old daughter was reading one the other day, said she found it in a drawer in her room and was re-reading it. It would be great in a gift basket for a child!
I really like Eric Carle’s book Drean Snow. Maybe some toy farm animals and a blanket would be cute to go with it.
My favorite is “Where the Red Fern Grows”. I love to give an assortment of little gifts in a gift bag for a surprise especially picked for the recipent.
Family Christmas by James dobson
The Best Christmas Pagent Ever
The new Ann Voskamp book with ornaments for Jesse Tree. We are LOVING it! :)
I have done this a couple of times and Anne of Green Gables wins hands down!
I love the idea of a book theme basket although I’ve never given one. I like the “night Light” dobson books which would be cute with an actual night light in them. :)
I love the Gooseberry Patch Cookie Cookbook…which would go great in a basket with cookie ingredients and cookie cutters, of course!
A canning/ food preserving book and supplies would make a good basket.
Every year before Christmas, my girls and I have a major baking day. Since they were in school I would let them stay home from school one day in early December and we’d bake the day away. Last year when my daughter was a senior she said, “Mom, how are we going to do this next year, I won’t be home for baking?” Well, she flies in on Wednesday from Bible School out in Colorado and we’ve got a date to bake on Friday. Would trade this tradition for the world. I just love our day together in the kitchen.
A year long devotional, journal, pretty pens…HEAVEN in a basket.
Oh so many great ideas on here. I think the Jesus calling devotion book along with a notebook and coffee or tea mug and a pen would make a great gift
“The Adventures of Lily Lapp” would be wonderful. So would a journaling Bible with a basket full of art supplies!
“The Donkey Who Carried a King” would make a great addition to any gift basket!
There are many books that make a good theme for a gift basket. Jesus Calling or before Amen would be great starters.
There are so many great ideas on here and I can’t seem to come up with any ideas off the top of my head so I’ll blame my cold on that!
I would gift a book that I knew the recipient liked or wanted and I would add in a pretty bookmark, some hot chocolate and maybe some popcorn. At this time of year especially it is fun to curl up with hot chocolate and snack and spend the afternoon reading a book!
I loved the idea of the Laura Ingalls basket…I’m hoping to get my daughters reading those books soon!
My little kiddos love Bible stories. So anything with stories from the Bible is great!
All is Well by Frank Peretti.
“You Are Special” by Max Lucado.
I would make a basket with the book “The Best Yes” and include some specialty tea or coffee, a mug, scones and a journal +/or new planner. Great book!
I think The Christmas Orange would make a cute themed basket. :)