In the entire Midwest, when it comes to the most populous state in the area, it is Illinois that holds the title and is the fifth most populous state in the nation. Accommodating a fairly large and unique population, the state balances its inhabitants across the sprawling suburbs of Chicago; rural kingdoms; tiny industrial-minded cities; abundant mineral and natural scenes of the south; and the farm havens located in central and western Illinois. All these various economic endeavors make the state quite a versatile package of achievements within the United States.

Throughout Illinois, there are numerous indoor and outdoor learning activities that make great themes for a state-related gift basket. While some of the best museums in the world are believed to reside in Chicago, Illinois, there are plenty of other worthwhile examples to turn to besides the John G. Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Science and Industry.

For example, the Burpee Museum of Natural History located in Rockford offers a host of interesting exhibits, such as a T-Rex skeleton; insects and amphibians of the past; unusual rocks, gems and minerals; and live animals located in the Children’s Gallery. A natural history exploration gift basket might include tickets to this particular attraction, as well as a variety of paleontology, geology, biology, or Native American-related items.

Illinois is home to an endless number of parks including protected places like the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. A Picnic in the Park gift basket is perfect for hikers, walkers, or tourists exploring the Illinois park system. Items to consider adding may include a variety of cheeses, crackers, meats, fruits, nuts, jams, jellies, utensils, drinks, and other edible delights.

When it comes to satisfying a sports enthusiast, searching for gift basket ideas related to Illinois sports teams is not a difficult task to accomplish. A variety of well-known and respected professional sports teams reside in the state, including the Chicago Cubs, who play their rivalries in the second-oldest major league stadium in the country. Additional sports themes to explore include the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bears, and the winners of six NBA championships during the 1990s, the infamous Chicago Bulls.

With jerseys being a popular item of clothing in the sports scene, a gift basket featuring them as the top item of desire can attract the attention of a true fan. Additional accessories can accompany the arrangement, including wristbands, headbands, inflatable balls, unique hockey pucks, pencils, magnets, and decorative glassware.