Whether it's Mother's Day, her birthday, Valentine's Day or to say "I love you" the women in your life will know how much you care when you present them with a green gift bouquet or basket that you create yourself.

In these tough economic times, gift giving need not be a luxury denied. Simple dual-purpose arrangements of edibles can be proudly displayed among costlier floral creations and gifts. When the special day is over, your loved one can eat your gift.

Edible arrangements have come a long way from the traditional fruit basket. Personalize your gift by taking into consideration your woman's tastes and preferences. When choosing a container, recycle something you have on hand or hit up yard sales. Think about how the container can be used again after it is empty.

The Salad Basket

For a container, a colander or pretty salad bowl make a beautiful presentation. Take advantage of a local farmer's market the day of or before giving your gift. Choose a variety of lettuces for color and taste. Nestle in some cucumber, tomatoes, radishes, celery, peppers. Add your woman's favorite salad dressing and some croutons or favorite cheese. Include a bouquet of edible flowers like violets, nasturtiums, or pansies (no pesticide).

The Harvest Basket

A magazine rack, reusable cloth shopping bag, or food storage container are perfect to display fruits and vegetables that are in season. Mother's Day coincides with costly fresh asparagus. Display a bundle of asparagus in a coffee or teacup with an inch of water. Place the cup on a nice matching plate. Surround with a bed of curly leaf kale or Boston lettuce. Add lemons and limes, a garlic bulb, and a small bottle of olive oil. What a lovely treat!

The Soup Pot

Every woman can use a heavy duty dutch oven or stock pot. Line a tall vessel with crumbled newspaper so items will show over rim. Clear packing tape will hold cover and a large stirring spoon or soup ladle to outside of pot. Fill with favorite soup fixings. Include carrots, celery, onions, and garlic clove. Add a container of low sodium beef, chicken, or vegetable broth. Now get creative. Fresh spinach or kale, potatoes, beans, rice or pasta, and an assortment of seasonal vegetables make for a hearty soup. A grocery or butcher shop gift certificate will provide a meat item.

The Herb Garden

There are several ways to do this one. If your special girl loves to garden, collect an assortment of favorite herbs in 2-4" pots. A window box or nice large container for the kitchen step and a bag of good quality potting soil like Miracle Gro would make an ideal gift. You can let her do the planting or present he with the finished product. Be sure to identify each herb.

An indoor assortment for the kitchen window would be perfect for a winter gift. A variation would be a theme gift. Two identical tea cups are unique when one contains a pot of mint or chamomile and the other contains her favorite tea. If loose tea is used, include a tea ball.