How to Make Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are a great gift idea because they are so versatile. You can find gift basket ideas to fit any theme, holiday or event. You can save some money by making gift baskets instead of buying them. If you want to make gift baskets, choose a theme based on the kinds of things the recipient likes. Some gift basket themes you could use are book lover, a night at the movies, gourmet popcorn, new parent, spa, chocolate lover, gardener, wine and cheese, cookies or a favorite sport. If you will be giving the gift basket around a major holiday or event, you could also fill the basket with holiday goodies or decorations.

Beach Gift Basket

Put a rolled up beach mat, beach towel, sunscreen, sand toys, sunglasses and flip flops into a beach bag.

Backyard Barbeque Gift Basket

Fill this gift basket with an apron, grilling cookbook, different types of barbeque sauces and seasonings, a platter, potholder and utensils.

Brunch Gift Basket

Fill a picnic basket with delicious treats for a breakfast or brunch. Some things to add are bagels, scones, english muffins, pancake mix, assorted jellies, syrup, cream cheese and fresh fruit. You could also include a small towel, bagel slicer or recipe book.

Kids Craft Gift Basket

Gift baskets aren’t just for adults, kids love them too. Fill a plastic storage bucket with colored paper, craft foam, makers, crayons, glue, stencils, scissors and craft kits or books.

More gift basket ideas for you to try

Regardless of the type of gift basket you want to make, you will need to have a few supplies on hand. First you need a container to hold your gift basket goodies. The most obvious choice is a basket, but you can also use tins, gift boxes or just about any other decorative container. You could even choose a container based on the theme of the gift basket. For example, you could place all of the items in a large gardening hat for a garden theme or a mixing bowl for a baking themed gift basket.

In addition to the container, you will also need filler material like cellophane, shredded crinkle paper or tissue paper, tape, ribbon, embellishments, a card and something to wrap the gift basket up in.

If the container has a lid, all you need to do is put it on and attach a bow. If you are using a basket or other lidless container, you need to wrap something around it to finish it off and hold everything together. One of the most common things to use is cellophane. Cut a large piece of clear cellophane and place the gift basket in the center. Pull the corners of the cellophane around the basket and hold them at the top with a rubberband or wire. Tuck the open sides in; if the sides don’t go all the way to the top, secure them in place with tape. You can also wrap the basket in sheer netting. Tie a bow around the top to hide the rubberband and attach the card.