Birthday parties and weddings are as much a part of autumn as fallen leaves and crisp mornings. But wrapping gifts can be as expensive as the gift itself. I reuse materials I have on hand, give gift wrap that can be reused or wrap as inexpensively as possible so I can spend more money on the actual gift.

An easy way to wrap inexpensively without resorting to using newspaper, brown-paper bags or reused gift bags is to purchase containers that become part of the gift. Think of it as a creative gift basket: Not only will you be saving money on gift wrap that would only be thrown away, you’re giving a practical container that can be reused. A personalized gift also shows your thoughtfulness.

One of my favorite gift baskets is a “pamper basket.” Fill a reusable lined basket with stress-reducing gifts such as votive candles, a book, bath gels, baby oil, a loofah, a bath pillow, washcloths, shampoo, lotions and assorted teas.

The following are more creative theme ideas:

GARDEN LOVERS: A watering can or flowerpot makes a great container for smaller gifts such as seeds, garden tools, an outdoor thermomoter, hand lotion and plants.

BOOKWORMS: Stock a tote bag with a book, bookmark, audio book, teas, candy and/or a lottery ticket.

COOKS: Use a dishtowel, basket or mixing bowl to contain smaller items such as cooking gadgets, a cookbook, recipe cards, cookie cutters, etc.

MOVIE BUFF: Tins can be filled with packaged popcorn, candy and a DVD.

KIDS: Sand pails are easy-to-fill containers for dollar-store toys, activity books, bubbles, chalk and jump ropes.

TEENS: Backpacks or purses can hold CDs, mp3 player accessories, hair accessories, T-shirts, cosmetics and gift cards.

HOUSEWARMING: Give an ice-cream-sundae basket. Fill it with an ice-cream scoop, maraschino cherries, whipped cream, sprinkles, ice-cream syrups, spoons, nuts and bowls. Another idea is to fill a trash can with cleaning supplies, paper supplies, trash bags, a broom, a dustpan and common hand tools.

GRADUATIONS: A laundry basket or bag filled with a roll of quarters, laundry soap, dryer sheets, nonperishable foods and phone cards.

BRIDAL SHOWER: Pillowcase filled with new sheets, bath towels, blankets or tablecloths.

FATHER’S DAY: A bucket full of car-wash supplies such as air fresheners, a glass cleaner, an ice scraper and car wax.

FISHING ENTHUSIAST: Fill a tackle box with lures, hooks, fishing magazines and snacks.

BABY SHOWER: Baby bathtub filled with bath supplies, baby washcloths, diapers and sleepers.

CAMPERS: Cooler filled with beverages, snacks, bug repellent, a disposable camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, a utility knife, a first-aid kit and a map.

BACK TO SCHOOL: An insulated lunch box with small school supplies, such as pencils, glue sticks, markers and scissors.

PET LOVERS: Fill a pet bowl with treats, toys, a collar, pet nail clippers and a brush.

Additional tips:
– Use colored cellophane instead of clear if you want the contents to be more of a surprise.
– Embellish with small, tuckable items such as silk flowers, loose candies, pinecones, mixed shelled nuts, bath beads or votive candles.
– Place heavier, taller items in the center of your container so it’s well-balanced.
– Use fillers such as tissue paper, Easter grass, shredded excelsior or cellophane and linens.

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