How to Make a Gift Basket in 7 Easy Steps

Is there any gift better than a gift basket? Lots of unique and smallish gifts arranged together and tucked inside a reusable container with an adorable bow– I will pick this every time and will reuse the bow! I love putting together a gift basket probably even more than I love receiving them.

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Here are some of my best tips:

1- Think about who the gift is for. Is there an occasion or theme? What do they like to do or read? Do they have a favorite hobby or place to shop? How do they spend their time? Is the gift seasonal? Are they getting ready to go on a trip? Embarking on retirement? Moving into a new home? In need of TLC? Celebrating a milestone or birthday? Homesick and in need of a taste of home?

2- Mind your budget. This reminder is for my benefit and yours, ha! Plan ahead– and mix and match inexpensive items with splurge items. It’s fine to have both. You can create a meaningful gift without overspending. Also, if this is a gift you need to ship, consider the cost of postage and the size of what you’re mailing. Pro-tip: purchase a prepaid box first and make sure your items fit into the postage box. Learned that one the hard way.

3- Think outside of the basket. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good basket. But there are endless options, and this is a good way to balance your spending. Want to put more money into your items? Try an inexpensive-but-fun plastic or wire container from the dollar store, or a simple reusable mini tote. Creating a summer birthday gift for a child? Put your items in a colorful sand bucket and write their name in paint pen. Gifting to someone who’s just been accepted to college? How about a dorm basket for toiletries, or a laundry basket?

Think about what works with the size of your items, your budget, who the gift is for, and all the things we covered in number one. Then, consider these container options: reusable bags, a clear tumbler, a plastic or metal tub, a brightly-colored dollar store cup, or even a mason jar. All these can make great containers for gift giving.

4- Select your items. This is the fun part, y’all. I’m going to use this Cozy Farmhouse Gift Basket as an example. I put this together for an auction, and designed my basket for the busy mom who needed a break. It was winter and I had hygge on my mind. Can you tell?

All of these items came from Hobby Lobby, Ollie’s, and the dollar store with the exception of the homemade items.

Cozy Farmhouse Gift Basket items: tea, mug, hand knit scarf, candles, coloring book, lip balm, lotion stick, gourmet treats.

Here’s what I selected for this particular basket:

Galvanized metal container with natural handles: think of all the uses for later, like perhaps TP in the bathroom or cooking essentials on the kitchen counter. Or maybe a few magazines and books on a bedside table.
Candles: Who doesn’t love a cozy candle?
Handmade cozy knit scarf: This loose-knit scarf was quick and easy to knit. I think handmade adds such an extra special touch.
Mug that says “Indulge.” What mom doesn’t need that for her morning tea or coffee?
Chamomile tea: Because nobody wants an empty mug! Besides, chamomile=calm.
Adult coloring book: so relaxing!
Homemade Grapefruit Mint lip balm and Lavender Lotion Stick or Lotion Bars: these are extra nourishing in winter. Check out my recipes if you want to make your own. These are great for spa or teacher gift baskets too!
Champagne gourmet gum & chocolate: a special treat or nibble is always nice. And it’s a great way to add inexpensive items into the mix– especially if you know their favorites.

5- Arrange your gifts in the basket or container. I used natural shreds from the dollar store as filler in the bottom of the galvanized container. This allows the items to sit up nicely and acts as a cushion as you arrange the items. I tied jute twine on some of the individual items– like the candles and a tie for the lotion stick and lip balm.

6- Big finish. You could stop at number five, but why not dress it up a bit? I covered with a simple, clear gift basket bag from the dollar store to let the contents shine through. I finished with a gorgeous black and white gingham edged natural color ribbon to keep with the farmhouse look and feel.

The galvanized tag that says “gather” is like jewelry for the packaging! This could be reused as an ornament, or hanging on a door knob, or wine bottle.

Close up of gather tag and natural bow with gingham trim.

Cost was about $35 on the container and items, which was within my budget for this basket.

7- Keep a gift drawer or closet. If I see unique small items or something on sale I know I’ll use in a basket, I’ll purchase and keep in my gift drawer. I also always have a stash of general use items like: tissue paper, ribbons, clear gift basket bags, paper shreds and paper and cloth gift bags. We also keep white and colorful card stock and stickers on hand to make hand-written cards.

Want do put together a similar basket using online ordering? Here are similar items, available on Amazon:

Cozy Farmhouse Gift Basket Supplies from Amazon

Want More?

If you’re gifting for a birthday, and want to have small gathering for someone special, check out my tips for hosting an outdoor movie party.

Planning for Thanksgiving? Check out these fun fall recipes and ideas and my Coastal Farmhouse Tablescape.

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Happy gifting, friends!