Picnics are synonymous with summer. Any occasion can be celebrated by having a picnic: family gatherings, get-together with friends, the annual company picnic, or a romantic outing with your loved one. The combination of great food and outdoor activities can’t be beat. And if there’s a special occasion involved, a picnic gift basket is the ideal present for anyone who enjoys a meal out in the summer sunshine.

A picnic gift basket is fun to make and to receive, but it’s also very useful. You’ll probably want to make one for yourself!

To start, you’ll need a big picnic basket, or any other large container that’s easy to carry. Get one of those red checkered plastic tablecloths and line the basket with it. Buy some packages of plastic tableware, including knives, forks and spoons. Try to get them in bright colors. You’ll also need paper plates and napkins; look for something decorated with a summery theme.

Include some yummy picnic favorites that won’t spoil. Crunchy or sweet snack foods such as potato chips or cookies are a good choice. Add some unopened containers of condiments such as barbecue sauce, catsup and mustard, as well as salt and pepper shakers and some packets of sugar. Throw in some wet wipes and a trash bag for clean-up time. And don’t forget the matches.

Add some fun to your picnic gift basket with some plastic or candy ants and bugs, and scatter them throughout the basket.

A useful addition is a checklist of items you would generally need to take along to a picnic. Include foods like hamburger patties, hot dogs and buns, side dishes, drinks, and desserts. You can also list picnic essentials such as lawn chairs, games, and blankets. Create the list on your computer and add some picnic related images. Print a few copies and add them to the basket.

There’s a lot of stuff you’ll want to include in your picnic gift basket, but don’t go overboard. If it’s too full and weighs too much, it can’t be easily taken from the car to the picnic table. One solution is to make up two baskets instead of just one. The first could contain the paper and plastic products, the second could be full of food items.

So if you know someone whose summer plans include lots of picnics, this could be the perfect gift. It’s a great way to let them have picnic essentials ready to go anytime, and will keep them from forgetting any of the necessary ingredients of a great summer picnic. It’s such a good idea, you’ll probably want one yourself. So get packing!