It may come as no surprise that gift baskets are as much fun to give during the holidays as they are to receive.

“Gift baskets, especially themed ones, are like a mini-vacation or mini-party… they immediately evoke a sense of fun and adventure, which is a wonderful gift to give someone,” said Barbara Lauze, owner of The Basket Case, a gift basket company based in Lewiston. “Recipients’ eyes light up and they become a child on Christmas morning again.”

There’s no shortage of places to shop for theme baskets. The large retailers, smaller specialty shops, and online companies usually carry a basic assortment, many with food or household items that may include mugs, dinnerware, or items related to a hobby or interest. Shoppers can often choose to have the basket gift wrapped and delivered or mailed directly to the recipient.

A growing trend is the option of creating a custom gift basket, one filled with items centered on a special theme. The imagination can run wild with what one might place in a basket designed for the sports fanatic, the gardener, or outdoor enthusiast, to name a few.

“The ‘Specialty Gift-Giving Solutions’ section of my website shows some of the unusual gifts I’ve done,” said Lauze, whose site includes sections titled, “For Him,” “For Her,” “Custom Gift Baskets,” and “Gifts Under $25.” “One of my favorites is the ‘Spa Diva,’ which was created for a business that sells spa products.” Lauze said that her motto is “We’re crazy about creativity!” and she suggested that shoppers do the same when thinking about that special basket idea.

When asked their favorite gift basket idea, area residents’ tastes ranged from the practical to the outrageous.

Maine’s Public Health Director Dr. Dora Anne Mills responded with three words. “Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate.”

Former Sun Journal editor and reporter, Linda Galway of Turner, described an elaborate gift basket to welcome a newborn to the world. Galway’s basket would include newborn baby items, including wipes, a small package of diapers, diaper disposal bags, diaper ointment, burp cloths, books for infants, travel food containers, pacifiers, and even a small bottle of baby medication.

“My ‘basket’ would be a large diaper bag,” added Galway. “Of course, I would give this as a gift to someone else.”

Sandra Breton Fenderson, of Monmouth, suggested a wine and cheese basket, but with a different twist. “My in-laws find I am difficult to buy for at Christmas, so they made one up, but they actually put it in a really nice mixing bowl,” said Fenderson. “So even though you use up some of the gift, there is still some of it that you keep forever.”

Carl Wight, of Lisbon Falls, suggested a healthy spa package for that special lady in someone’s life. Wight recommended filling the basket with gifts for a day spa, pedicure, manicure, gym gloves, a fat-free cook book, skin cream, and a massage to complete the package. “This works,” said Wight, noting that the spa gift basket has always been a hit.

Tim Marquis, a resident of Bath and employee at L.L.Bean in Freeport, brought an unconventional idea for a gift basket. “Not even kidding around, I would pay good money for a zombie-themed gift basket,” said Marquis. “My wife would love it.”

Kathleen Weeks, of South Paris and Magnolia Springs, Alabama, gets the most creative award with her “Garlic Lover’s Gift Basket.” “The basket would include a garlic press, some garlic infused dipping oil, fresh garlic with the tail parts woven with ribbon, garlic-flavored bread or crackers, a brief history book or pamphlet about garlic, and goat cheese,” said Weeks. And one final item, she added, “Breath mints.”

No matter what theme is chosen, quality is the key to creating a memorable basket, said Lauze. “The secret to a great basket is to use great products. What a disappointment to open a great basket to find inferior products. That’s why I use a lot of wonderful local vendors.” Lauze believes that Christmas is a great time to give custom-made themed baskets.

“I suggest contacting your local gift-basket company at least a month ahead of time to discuss it, because holiday time is so busy,” said Lauze. “A custom basket is not something you’ll probably be able to order the day before you want it delivered.”