Start with a basket…or you can also use a waste paper pail, which can later be used in their bedroom or dorm room. Look for waste paper pails that are related to what they’re interested in or go with the decor of their bedroom. Start by lining it with colorful, shredded paper.

Here’s some ideas on items to fill your Back To School Homemade Gift Basket.

Regular and colored pencils
One of those fun, over sized pencils
regular and colored pens
colorful ruler
various sized notebooks
a pencil holder
a book light
a phone card
a gift card for a local book store
fun, chunky erasers
various colored markers
a cool mouse pad
a stapler
variety pack of printer paper

There’s a lot more items you can add, especially when you think of their actual needs (take a look at their school supply list). If your son or daughter is entering college, you can include some of the following items as well.

cup a soups
candy assortment
first aid kit
munchies and snacks
stress relief toys
coffee mug
disposable camera
photos from home

Make one today! Your kids will love them!

This post was submitted to the All About Parenting Blog Carnival.