• Galvanized pail with flowersPink roses in a silver bucket image by Josh Schipper from Fotolia.com
  
  More sturdy and useful than a basket, a galvanized bucket is a great way to package gifts. When it comes to creating gift buckets for special occasions, the possibilities are limitless. Gift baskets--or buckets--can be easily customized to suit the specific person based on his interests and passions.
  
  

Bath Bucket

• For the women in your life who love to pamper themselves, fill the bucket up halfway with shredded newspaper. Then, add dried flower petals and arrange bath products such as bubble bath, soap and scrubs. For the ultimate bath basket, include a loofah sponge and a scented candle.
  
  

Barbecue Bucket

• Fill the bucket with a set of grilling tools along with bottles of rubs, marinades and barbecue sauces. As long as you can keep the bucket refrigerated, you could also add steaks, sausages or other types of meat.
  
  

Beer/Wine Bucket

• Arrange a variety of interesting imported beers or wines in the bucket. Make sure to cushion them with something soft like shredded paper, foam or plastic. You could also include snacks such as cheeses that pair well with the wine or beer.
  
  

Get Well Soon Bucket

• Do you know someone who is recovering from an illness or surgery? Fill a bucket up with his favorite snacks along with books, magazines, crossword puzzles and other things he can use to entertain himself while he recuperates. DVD movies are also a good choice for these buckets.
  
  

Garden Bucket

• Galvanized buckets are especially useful in the garden. If you are creating a gift for someone who loves to garden, consider filling a bucket with her favorite bulbs, seeds and plants as well as gardening implements like a small spade and a garden trowel. Also include some salve to soothe hands chapped from working in the dirt.
  
  

Cocktail Bucket

• Do you know what the recipient's favorite cocktail is? Whether it's a martini, a margarita or a Bloody Mary, you can compile the ingredients they'll need to create them. Add a bottle of gin or vodka and some vermouth, along with some olives and cocktail onions for the martini lover. For Bloody Mary fans, include some tomato juice, horseradish, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce.
  
  

Gift Buckets for College Students

• For a gift that any college student will appreciate, fill the bucket with snacks, meals and drinks that can be made in the microwave. Coffee or tea helps with early morning classes and all-nighters. For that personal touch, add some homemade treats such as brownies, fudge and the student's favorite cookies.