Who would love a gift that was made just for them? When people say "It's the thought that counts", they aren't just words. Creating a personalized gift for someone shows them that you cared enough to put not only money, but your time into a gift for them.

The following steps will take you through creating a personalized gift basket that can be tailored to anybodies tastes, any occasion or holiday.

Start with a container to hold your goodies. You can choose a wicker basket, preferably with a handle. These baskets can be spray painted to match any decor, theme or holiday. You can also use any type of container that is deep enough to hold several items. Some ideas are waste paper pails, cooking pots, flower pots or tool boxes. Think about the person you're making the gift for and choose a container that is as much a part of the gift and the contents inside will be.

Line the bottom with shredded wrapping paper, streamers, tissue paper or cloth napkins. Choose complimentary colors for a festive touch.

Now comes the real fun part!

Grab a piece of paper and a pen. Think about the person you're making this gift for and write down words to describe them, what their hobbies and interest are, what they enjoy watching on TV, reading and music they like listening to. All this information will help you in determining what to fill their basket with.

Also consider if this gift is being given for a reason. Is it their birthday, a special occasion or a holiday? That will help you decide what should go inside. Here is two examples to get you started.

1. All occasion gift for a pre-teen girl: Buy a pink or purple waste paper pail and glue some flat bask jewels around the top border. Fill it with a new diary, a colored funky looking pen, some hair accessories and a CD of her favorite artist. Use your list for other ideas.

2. Thank you gift for a coach or scouting troop leader: Start with two over sized soup mugs. Fill one with cookies, muffins and candy. Fill the other one with flavored tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

With a little though and some creativity, you can put together a fantastic gift that will be not only useful, but appreciated.