Bike basket recommendations?

[ZiziPB]

OK, so I won't bike to work (almost 10 miles each way, very busy roads and bad neighborhoods...) but I did a trial run to a local Target today (which is my nearest store) and it is very doable.  1.7 miles each way, mostly quiet streets with one busy stretch that has wide shoulders.  There is a bike stand near the entrance and I have a lock that I can use to secure the bike.  I just need a basket or some other container that I can use to transport my shopping.  Any recommendations for an inexpensive find?

[AnonymousCoward]

Bucket based pannier are super cheap and very practical, see http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=1841

[daverobev]

Backpack + milk crate!!

[girly mustache]

I second the panniers - decide what you need (hold grocery bags, waterproof, zipper on top - or none of these) and then buy them to fit your needs . I use mine all the time..

[Carolina on My Mind]

I have a Jandd "grocery pannier" that I love:

http://www.jandd.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamCat=3&iLevel=2&subcat=11

It's nice and roomy and sturdy and folds up flat when you're not using it.  It isn't a cheap option -- it's almost 60 bucks -- but maybe you can find something similar that's cheaper.  I've had it for several years; I use it all the time and tell myself that it's paid for itself by letting me haul more stuff on my bike.  Just this evening I rode to the grocery store and picked up a sixpack of beer and some potatoes (what else do you need, right?).