Gift Basket Ideas

Gift baskets are fun to make and easy to give. You can find gift basket ideas in such a wide variety of themes and styles that the hardest part will be deciding which one to give. Making your own gift baskets not only saves you money, but also allows you to personalize the gift basket for the person you are giving it to. Here are some gift basket theme ideas to get you started.

Quick Tip

Short on time? Buy a basic gift basket and add items to it to make it more personal.

Putting the Gift Basket Together

Fill your basket or other container with tissue paper or shredded crinkle paper. Arrange all of your gift basket items attractively so that the bigger items are in the back and smaller items are in the front. You can use double sided tape to keep everything in place. Tie a ribbon around the handle of the gift basket or wrap it with cellophane or toulle to finish it off.

Think about the person you are giving the gift basket to and choose a gift basic that reflects their tastes and interests. If you are not sure what to give them, you could always make a holiday themed or food themed basket. Here are some gift basket ideas to get you started.

Scrapbooking Gift Basket

Packages of assorted scrapbooking paper, stickers, acid free pens, stamps, double sided tape, decorative scissors, punches, and other embellishments like brads, ribbons, eyelets and punch out letters. Place all of these items in an acid free photo storage box or bucket.

Crafting Basket for Kids

Craft foam, construction paper, scissors, stencils, stamps, stickers, glue, glitter glue, markers, colored pencils, crayons, kids craft books, craft kits, ribbon, sequins, buttons and other embellishments.

Baby Shower Gift Basket

Put assorted baby items like baby shampoo, diapers, bottles, baby toys and blankets in a basket or infant bathtub. Don’t forget to add a few things to pamper the mom-to-be like bubble bath, lotions and a gift card for a spa treatment or massage for after the baby is born.

Pet Lovers Gift Basket

For a cat lover, include catnip, cat toys, treats, a brush, a scratching post and gourmet catfood in a cat food bowl. If the recipient is a dog lover, include dog biscuits, a rawhide bone, chew toys, shampoo, a brush and a collar or leash.

Grandparents Gift Basket

Fill this basket with handmade items and family momentos. Include framed photos of the grandkids, kid’s artwork and gifts, home videos, a long distance calling card and a photo album.

College Gift Basket

Give this basket to a new college student to get them started. Include pens, pencils, paper, a mouse pad, phone cards, a desk lamp, washcloths, towels, healthy snacks and a gift card to the college campus store.

Home Spa Gift Basket

Include bath loofahs, a body brush, eye mask, pumice stone, bath salts, lotions, facial treatments, scented massage oil, a relaxing music CD and a bathrobe.

Fruit and Bread Gift Basket

Include homemade or store bought loafs of bread in a variety of flavors, flavored butter, jellies, and fresh fruit. Place these items in basket with a kitchen towel and a bread warming stone.