Gift baskets are an ever-popular gift. Many specialty and gift stores have a selection of beautiful baskets practically overflowing with delectable goodies.

The problem with pre-made gift baskets, though, is that you can't choose what's in them. You might like five out of the seven products, but you end up stuck with the other two items, things the recipient potentially will neither like nor use. So what's the alternative?

Making your own gift basket is easy. You can purchase baskets at a reasonable price at most craft retailers, and there are a wealth of other containers that will do just as nicely. The bigger question is what to put in them.

If you're looking for some creative ideas for gift baskets, why not try one of these:

-- For a movie lover, why not fill up a basket with DVDs (or a gift card to a video rental store), gourmet popping corn, and an assortment of candy.

-- For a couple, fill up a gift basket with scented candles, a bottle of wine (or maybe champagne), a book (or video) on couples massage, and a gift card to a nice restaurant.

-- For someone fun and a little funky, create a gift basket of fun accessories: earrings and scarves, the latest cosmetics, and maybe a gift card to a trendy clothing shop.

-- For a kid, or someone who's young at heart, consider a gift basket filled with funny socks. Socks are no longer just black and white. You can find socks with butterflies, frogs, and funny little sayings.

-- A basket filled with seed packets, terra cotta flowerpots, and a book on flower gardening would make a great gift for your favorite gardener. For added pizzazz, why not put it all in a pretty watering can?

-- There are a million products out there for bird lovers. From binoculars to suet cakes and nesting material, it's easy to fill a basket with things for our feathered friends and those who love them.

-- Fill a basket with your recipient's favorite treats. Whether it's scented soaps, health food, or lollipops, if it's something they love, put it in a basket.

Most of all, don't hesitate to be creative, maybe even a little crazy. Let the recipient's personality guide you, and have fun. There's no better way than a personalized gift basket to show someone how much thought you put into their gift.