With Christmas only a few days away, you may still need to whip out and get a few gifts. Can’t bear the thought of hitting the mall? Neither can I. With a bit of planning and the odd ingredient, you can make gift-giving a simple and authentic practice.

I like to make baskets of treats for folks who I know would appreciate hand-selected or homemade treats, versus a gift card or another pair of socks (although good wool socks are coveted around our place).

The Campers Basket

My folks head off to camp the day after Boxing Day to decompress. Their basket reflects what they’ll need to make their little vacation more special. (Spoiler alert: Mom, stop reading).

I always include a bottle of wine and some local craft beer, since sipping a glass (or three) is always a pleasure enjoyed by the woodstove, overlooking the lake, over a game of Scrabble.

This year, I will include gorgeous cranberry muffins and some homemade marmalade; a generous wedge of Applewood Smoked Cheddar from the Fromagerie on Elgin and some smoked fish from Leinala’s Bakery; artisan crackers and some linen napkins. And I like to throw in some sauna essence, like eucalyptus oil that they can use in their sauna water. Voila!

The Green Basket

I have many friends who enjoy gardening, and are at a loss mid-winter when the only thing they can get growing is mold on their yogurt. For them, a basket of growables is my solution.

Narcissus or Paperwhites are a favourite seasonal bulb that grow slowly and surely in clusters of fingerlings. Their daffodil-shaped petals are sensational and well worth the wait.

Amaryllis is another fantastic bloom with a single or up to three dramatic flowers that trumpet forth from a tall and sturdy stalk. They are available in a number of dramatic colours, but the Red Lion is a stunner. The kits are available for purchase, but you can gussy up the arrangement by including a weathered terracotta pot. Just add water!

For an extra treat, you could include my Greenboots handscrub, which is, simply:

Coconut oil (2 cups)
Coarse salt (4 cups)
Lavender flowers (1 cup)

Directions – Just mix it up and store it in a small wide-mouthed jar. You could cut a piece of fabric to top the jar and make it more festive.

The Vintage Basket

For this last type of gift basket, you’ll need to know your receiver. I mean, really trust that they’ll appreciate what you’ve found for them, because you searched.

I’m a big thrifter and love vintage goods. This basket is filled with homemade mittens and a toque, all scored for a song and made by some loving grandparent somewhere. This is the basket filled with a first-edition book, a strange brass ornament from India, or a particular type of milk glass mug you know they’ll die for.

I recently found a coveted woolen plaid hunting jacket from the 1950s for a certain someone. I know he will love it.

I know this last week before Christmas is a busy one, and so I like to approach it thoughtfully and with a measure of mindfulness. Staying home and working on these baskets keeps the pace easy and helps me remember that it is a season to give.

Anne Boulton is an avid gardener who lives in Sudbury. Contact her at greenbootsinthegarden@gmail.com or visit her blog at boultonanne.typepad.com/greenboots.

Posted by Vivian Scinto