Aluminum trays from frozen food just need a few holes poked to provide drainage. Other possibilities are cottage cheese containers, milk or ice cream cartons, Styrofoam egg cartons, or paper cups. All should have drainage holes. Exhibit heavy plant containers on dollies or platforms with wheels or casters for ease of movement. This is especially useful for apartments or balconies, so plants can be moved to get the most sunlight.
Dish gardens are ideal for gifts for mothers, dads, and grandparents.
Use several foliage species, some ceramic figures or driftwood, and perhaps some unusual ferns. Catnip is a hardy plant, but grow it in a large pot or tub to contain its invasive habit. A clipboard to which you can attach your notes while working in the garden is a helpful gardening aid. Using graph paper, map out your plot. Note the varieties and dates of planting to aid in planning successive plantings and to help determine the expected time of harvest.