Mention the words “gift basket” and most people will envision the cellophane-wrapped wicker basket filled with apples and pears, topped with a bow that became popular in the 1940s and 1950s.

Although baskets containing mostly fruit remain popular, more baskets today are themed or personalized. Themed or personalized gift baskets are perfect for every occasion and individual to suit any taste, lifestyle and budget.

Whether you’re looking for a gift to welcome a new baby or send condolences on the death of a loved one, a gift basket is the perfect choice. A personalized basket is the perfect gift for anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, graduations, retirement, housewarmings, wells, or thank you because you can find a gift basket that conveys the exact message you want to send. You can make it as big or small as you like and you can choose a basket full of things you know they’ll love.

The key to giving the perfect gift is tailoring it to the person who is going to receive it. Think about the person or people. Consider their relationship to you, your gender, age, and even lifestyle.

Do you need a gift for a male business partner? A basket themed around a sport like golf or football, and filled with goodies like chips and salsa, is sure to be a hit. A woman may love a pretty teapot and a variety of gourmet cookies and teas.

Your mother, sister, or daughter might like a SPA basket filled with soaps and lotions, as well as a scented candle and some gourmet chocolates, and a personalized basket for your grandmother might include a box of pretty note cards and postage stamps.

Kids love gift baskets too. Fill a basket with “art supplies” like crayons and paints for the budding artist or fill one with things they’ll enjoy playing with outside like bubbles and sidewalk chalk. Add lemonade mix packets and gift certificates to an ice cream parlor and you’ve given yourself a gift of summer fun.

Sneakers are great gifts for a group. Send a movie-themed basket to a family. Just fill a basket with boxes of the kinds of candy you’d find in a movie theater, packages of microwave popcorn, and a family DVD. It’s easy and will be appreciated and enjoyed by the whole family. A gift basket is a perfect gift for an office. Baskets featuring a variety of cookies, crackers, and cheeses offer something for everyone.

Shopping for gifts for a holiday, like Easter or Valentine’s Day, is a little easier since there are traditional foods or items associated with the occasion. A chocolate bunny is a staple in an Easter-themed basket and a heart-shaped box of chocolates is almost a must as a Valentine’s Day gift. Gift baskets are also one of the most popular Christmas gifts for families and friends, as well as business donations.

A personalized basket is perfect for occasions like the birth of a baby, recovery or the death of a loved one.

Gift baskets can be personalized to reflect a person’s lifestyle. You can choose a gift filled with delicious, heart-healthy organic chocolates or treats. Fine wines and cheeses or gluten-free, there are gift baskets to fit every lifestyle.

One of the things that makes gift baskets a favorite gift is that they fit easily into any budget.