How is a necklace related to a sewing basket? Answer: It’s not. Enter the almighty Theme! Theme. Theme, theme, theme. I even like saying the word, “theme.” (Alright, enough with the IT Crowd references.) I am a total theme freak. It is the theme that unifies all the elements of your gift. And, theming your gift around your recipient’s interests can make the gift highly personal and significant.

There are three ways to work with a theme. The first is to choose a theme before making your gift, and then create your gift according to the theme chosen. For example, if your recipient loves dogs, you could embroider a puppy onto a pillow, paint a picture of a dog, design a pair of paw print earrings, etc.

The second method is to fabricate/purchase the gift, determine the theme according to the gift item(s), and then package/embellish the gift in keeping with the theme. I used this approach recently when giving a girlfriend a book about women and travel. In the spirit of travel, I used a map of locations that my friend has visited to wrap the book (keeping the entire map intact, I might add). A word of warning: it may be difficult to establish a theme for gifts comprised of several different items.

The third technique is a combination of the previous two. In preparation for my “roomie’s” bridal shower, I made it my mission to create something extra special to let her know just how much I love her. My magnificently crafty aunt had previously taught me how to make necklaces with glass and silver solder, so I decided to fashion a necklace with her married initials, “A” and “R.” Settling upon using her initials as my theme, I embossed the letter “A” in silver on a small box in which I placed her necklace. Finally, having discovered a gorgeous sewing basket, I placed the jewelry box into a niche in the sewing basket, and tied everything together with a large, silver-glittered letter “A” secured to the sewing basket handle.

Necklace with Chain Necklace - "R" Side

Necklace in Box Sewing Basket

By creating a piece and accenting the purchased elements within a theme, everything came together in one harmonious composition, which I hope portrayed lots of thought and love (which is really what gift-giving is all about, themed or not).

So, next time you get ready to plan a present, I hope you find one of the three listed processes to be helpful. May the Theme be with you!

P.S. I’ve made it easier to leave comments on my site. I’d love to hear back from you on ways you’ve themed your gifts!