Create an Italian Gift Basket

Are you looking for a gift idea that just a little bit different, then do I have an idea for you. Create an Italian gift basket. Although it’s easy to order up a basket ready made, it will mean a whole lot more to your gift recipient if you make it yourself. Yeah, it’s a DIY project, but an easy one. I promise.

Italy is know for its wonderful foods, so it makes sense an Italian gift basket loaded with gourmet goodies wold be a welcome gift. The possibilities are almost endless -- a variety of cheeses such as provolone, gorgonzola pecorino, thin slices of prosciuttoand an assortment of olives. And don't forget dessert with maybe sweet and crunchy biscotti or heavy Tiramisu.

Gift baskets, Italian or otherwise, can be used for any occasion or holiday.

• Christmas
• Birthday
• Graduation
• Anniversary
• Housewarming
• Bridal shower
• Wedding

Food is probably the first you think of for an Italian gift basket. And yes, a food gift basket is always appreciated, after all just about everyone loves Italian food. You have many choices when creating a gourmet gift basket. Do you want to concentrate on just appetizers, pasta and sauce, pizza makings, deserts or coffee? Of course, you can design any type of basket you want, but here’s a few ideas for a standard Italian gift basket to get you started.

1. Find a container. Baskets are obvious first choices, but it can be anything that fits around an Italian food theme. Think outside the basket and use a colander or a pot that can also be used to boil pasta or create a delicious sauce.

2. Build a base. It could be crumpled paper, but since we’re creating a basket of Italian food, how about napkins red, white and green (the colors of the Italian flag)

3. Pile on the goodies. Fill up your basket with different types of dry pasta (try something unusual like farfalle). Then add ready-made sauce. Tomato or marinara is always good, but why not try something different, like Alfred or pesto sauce.

4. Add a special touch. Do you have a special Italian recipe you’d like to share, like an killer recipe for cheesy garlic bread. If not, add a favorite Italian cookbook. Oh, and don’t forget the pasta fork and wooden spoon (or maybe this cute "I Love Pasta" kitchen magnet).

5. Wrap it up with cellophane and add a bow -- red, white and green, of course.

No time... no problem thanks to Amazon. They have a variety of Italian gift baskets to choose from And it couldn't be simpler. Have it delivered to your address so you can hand deliver it or have Amazon send it for you.

Here are three more of my favorites (and those of buyer/reviewers at Amazon, too).

Food is an important part of Italian culture, but there is so much more to love about Italy. With a little though, you can create many one-of-a-kind gift baskets that anyone would love to receive. Give some of these ideas some thought:

• Traveling in Italy
• Italian operas and opera singers
• Learning to speak Italian
• Italian wines
• Tuscany decor
• Italian artists
• Italian-themed movies

Whether you create a basket fill of Italian food or fill it with favorite wines, creating an Italian gift basket with be a one-of-a-kind gift that your recipient is sure to love.

Don't have time to create your own Italian gift basket... don't worry. Amazon has a terrific selection of gift baskets in a price to fit your budget. Just take a look...

Katherine Koch (aka Netlexis) is a freelance writer providing copywriting services online and offline. When she's not writing for clients, she enjoys creating hubs here at HubPages, as well as for her own sites and at Squidoo. If you enjoyed this hub, you might also like to read: Gifts for Mom for Christmas and Top 10 Kitchen Gifts. Or check out the Hubs below.