I have something like that in my kitchen, an antique enamel onion holder. I put my bills in it when they come in.

Mail

You could also put smaller containers for pens/pencils, etc. in it.

Mittens. Gloves. Wallet.

I like the idea of smaller baskets inside....the holes are too big for small items. Thanks for the suggestions.

mail, a phone/address book, a collection of note pads, and a little holder for pens and such. I love that funky basket gig :)

Mason jars with pencils or sand. Shells. Recipe box. Stamped envelopes.
Holiday cards. Framed beach pic of family. Pottery cup for keys.

This can become a perfect holder to hang magazines or recipe books. They can also be used as a duster holders as they generally get misplaced.

I like it, too! If it were mine, I'd use it to hold the day's mail and add a small holder in it for a mechanical pencil and a pen.

Rolled up, nice new dish towels, color co-ordination to match colors used. ;)

For now, I ended up putting a clear plastic bin in the basket with dog leash and doggy cleanup bags. I'm using a carabiner clip on my keys and clipping to bottom of basket. Thanks for all the sugggestions....I still may change my mind.
ps...I thought I updated with this post once but don't see it, so forgive me if I'm repeating myself.
Thanks!

End result
keys in the left basket, dog leash and cleanup bags on the right. Thanks for all the input. I had these baskets in my bathroom and when I saw them I decided they'd fit perfectly.