Potted Presents

Whenever I give a present to someone, whether it be a small gift of appreciation or something for a larger occasion, I always try to think of a clever way to package it. Gift bags and wrapping paper are nice, but I like to make the receiver feel like I really put a lot of thought into the item that I am presenting to them.

A recent trip to the garden center opened up a window of opportunity for me when I noticed a whole row of beautiful pots. There were literally hundreds of them including all sorts of interesting shapes and sizes. When I got home, I started thinking about how I could incorporate them into a gift-giving container and came up with many ideas. Maybe some of these suggestions will help you visualize your own idea for using them as a gift "basket" of sorts.

• A terra cotta pot filled with cooking utensils, pot holders and spices would be a great gift for a friend who cooks or as a housewarming present. Some glazed pots can be used for oven cooking. (Check label for information.)
  
  
• A plastic pot filled with baby lotion, rattles and other various items can serve as both the "gift bag" and later as a container for bathtub toys or hair accessories.
  
  
• A divided planter box would work perfectly for holding cups, napkins and utensils and would be a great gift to present to someone hosting a backyard barbeque.
  
  
• A strawberry planter with your homemade strawberry jam tucked inside would be a great way to thank someone for their hospitality. You could tie a strand of one-inch wide torn fabric around the neck of the planter for a little country flair.
  
  
• Of course, any decorated pot that matches the receiver's decorating style (floral, southwest or formal, for example) can be filled with candy, cookies or any other treat that you know they would enjoy.

Don't forget to look at the wealth of decorating materials that are in your scrapbook supplies to jazz up some of the solid color pots. Things like rub-ons, stickers, acrylic paints and paint markers can add that special touch. You could also glue on silk or paper flowers or tie ribbon around them. With a little thought and effort, these relatively inexpensive pots will make a great gift bag alternative and will sure to be a crowd pleaser.

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