GIFT BASKET POLICIES AND IDEAS
Convention Theme: Many Voices One Journey
How has your life (your journey) changed since working the Al-Anon Recovery Program? You can use
this information to build something beautiful! Al-Anon has many tools (voices) to help us grow on our
journey of life: Conference Approved Al-Anon Literature, bookmarks, and Al-Anon recovery-themed
items are encouraged. Perhaps you have more fun than before, or are more gentle with yourself and
others. Maybe you have learned to feed yourself better or have woven a new family in fellowship.
Perhaps you meditate and pray more, learned to plant your own seeds, found your true voice or do a
better job of keeping your side of the street clean. Have fun and get creative as you work these changed
attitudes into your basket design.
Why should my group donate a basket?
Fundraiser gift baskets are the home group’s way of expressing gratitude for the AFG Program and the
message carried by the Convention Volunteers. All funds raised go to help the convention pay expenses
for the weekend event. Show us your love!
Please refrain from enclosing items that endorse outside entities such as gift certificates or gift cards to
specific shops, services or restaurants. Tradition Six reminds us: “Our Family Groups ought never
endorse, finance or lend our name to any outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and
prestige divert us from our primary spiritual aim.”
Please remember to include a visible card listing your Group Name and the contents of the
basket!
Using the above guidelines, you can get creative in creating a theme based on our recovery.
Pick any Slogan or Al-Anon saying to match the theme. The ones below are just suggestions.
Books basket: “Meditate and Pray” must be Conference approved literature. The title or
theme of the basket (or any creative container) can be something that reminds us of serenity by
reading them. The Service Manual is inexpensive and a valuable tool. Items can be added to it
to give the idea of quietly sitting and reading. (Pretty mug, tea packets, candles, perhaps a
handmade small head pillow, etc.)
Gardening: “Plant Your Own Seeds”. Gardening is a way to take the time to reflect. There are
an abundance of tools, things to use in the garden, etc. Can be packed into a small garden
cart.
Food Ideas: ”Get Healthy” or something similar. Perhaps homemade preserves, etc. Tablet
for grocery list with pretty pen. Baked goods. “Feed Yourself”
Break Food Ideas into categories, i.e. Coffee Break (set of mugs, assorted coffee,
creamers, etc.) And perhaps one Al-Anon book.
Cheer Yourself Up: Tea and honey, mug, dried soup and crackers, dried fruit. Lip balm;
lotion. Copy of the latest Forum. Again, candles.
All Gluten free basket would be good. Baked gluten free items.
Baking with Kids: “When I Got Busy, I Got Better”. Suggested contents: Baking mixes
(muffins, cakes, cookies), frosting, cookbook, aprons, kids’ mixing utensils, measuring cups,
cookie cutters, decorating supplies. Creative twist: Display the items in a large mixing bowl.
Baby Love: “Keep It Simple”: Diapers, diaper bag, onesies, burp cloths, infant toys, teething
rings, baby socks, bibs. Handmade items. Creative twist: present the items in a baby bathtub.
Pamper Mom: “Grant me the Serenity” Bubble bath, bath salts, towels, candles, etc.
Creative twist: make the container part of the pampering-use a foot bath or a pretty basket
suitable for keeping personal items.
Outdoor Adventures: “Just for Today”. Sleeping bag, fishing pole, mini lanterns, fixings for
s’mores (graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate), head lamps, bug spray, citronella
candles, water bottles, hats or visors. Could use inexpensive backpack for displaying items.
Grillers’ Delight: “Keep It Simple” (or something else appropriate to think about while grilling.
Utensils, marinades, mitts, timer. Items can be displayed on a small grilling rack, basket, etc.
For the Golfers: “Keep an Open Mind”. Tees, golf balls, small golf towel, visor, gloves.
Present items in a sports bag.
Knitting Fun: “Easy Does It”. Yarn, needles, mini tape measure, stitch markers, handmade
items. Items can go into an inexpensive knitting basket.
Ice Cream Social: “Keep It Simple”. Ice cream dishes, scoop, sauces, sprinkles and other
assorted toppings. Be creative with container or just use a pretty basket.
For the Dogs (or Cats): “Listen and Learn”. Pet toys, food bowls, pet jersey or sweater,
shampoo and other grooming supplies, leash. Treats.
Arts and Crafts: Markers, pens, colored pencils, crayons, craft paint, construction paper, paint
brushes, stamping kit, jewelry kits, etc. Container can be a storage box.
Summer Fun: “One Day at a Time”: Beach towels, beach toys, balls, sunblock, sunglasses,
yard toys (Frisbee, plastic bowling pins), bubbles, etc. Items can be displayed in a bright pail.