I can hardly believe it, but Valentine’s Day will be here in just a few weeks. Most men may dread the holiday, but really they have it pretty easy — buy your lady some flowers and chocolate and you’re set. For women like me, though, it’s a little tougher. My husband doesn’t want flowers. He doesn’t really want anything sappy or covered in hearts. That doesn’t leave many options in the bright red, heart-covered, Valentine’s Day aisle at the store. My solution last year was to make my husband a gift basket full of his favorite things.

Gathering his favorites was pretty easy. I bought his favorite chips, favorite cookies, favorite candy, and favorite drink. I bought his favorite brands of shaving cream, hair gel, and razors. I tossed in some accessories for his favorite hobby — taking care of his truck — such as new work shirt and a chamois.

Then I realized I needed a basket to put it all in. The problem is that my husband — like most men — has no need or desire for a wicker basket. I wanted this gift to be all about his favorites, so I needed to find something else that would perform the same function as a basket, but be a good gift for him besides. I struck gold in the automotive department when I found an inexpensive plastic oil drain pan. It was perfect! It had just the right width and depth, was only a couple of dollars, and was actually a useful gift. It was the perfect base for my “basket” of goodies.

If you’ve never assembled a gift basket before, don’t be intimidated. Just start with the largest, tallest items in the middle, and then keep adding things all around it until the basket is filled. As long as you stay away from really large or oddly shaped items (save that basketball for another day, OK?) you’ll be fine. If your basket is never leaving the house, you don’t really need to wrap it, but if you prefer a wrapped basket, just lay out a large sheet of cellophane, put the basket in the middle, and gather it all up to the top and secure with a ribbon and bow (learn how to make one here). So easy!

When I presented my husband with his “favorites” basket on Valentine’s Day, he was thrilled with everything he saw. As he removed the treats he kept saying “I love these!” and “Oh, these are my favorite!” It was fun to watch him dig into the pile of goodies and enjoy the treats all week long.

On Valentine’s Day (and any day), we just want to know that we are loved and noticed. What better way to do that than to give a basket full of favorites. It shows that you care enough to know what those favorites are!