Gift baskets can be a fun way to present gifts to friends and family.  (They’re also a great way to combine lots of smaller gift items into a single package.)  I’m not the world’s greatest gift basket arranger (presentation is really not my “thing”), but I’m learning.  And I can pass on a few tips that, even if I’m not very good at implementing them, will serve you well if you are.

The Gift Basket Design Book has some great step-by-step instructions for actually constructing the basket.  It tells you how to use filler, anchor your items, etc.

Bountiful Baskets is full of specific basket ideas that might get your creative juices flowing.

Four Steps to Building a Gift Basket

1. The primary key for the average gift basket is theme.  All of your items should revolve around a theme.  (You can just use your recipient as the “theme,” and fill it with a variety of items you know he will appreciate – and I have done that.  But the basket looks more unified if the theme is more specific/obvious.)  For some “outside the box” themes, what about…?

• a craft or hobby kit in a basket
• a book basket (with all items revolving around the theme of one particular title)
• a reader’s basket (about reading, not specific to a particular book – see this post for filler ideas)
• a basket centered around a particular Scripture verse (or a quote)
• a stationery/letter-writing basket

“Oldies-but-goodies” themes include:

• a movie night basket
• a food basket (Try a selection of spices or a particular recipe to add a slightly “newer” twist to this one.)
• a spa basket

2. Of course, for a gift basket, you also need the basket.  Consider using some other container instead, though.  I like using photo boxes that go on sale fairly regularly at Michaels.   (If, like me, you’re really bad at arrangements, you can also “cheat” by just dumping everything in the box and wrapping it with the lid on.  Then presentation isn’t really an issue. lol)  Other ideas are “hat boxes,” actual hats, buckets, flowerpots, pitchers/bowls/mugs/etc., boots, trays…  If it has a large enough opening to comfortably hold your items, it can be considered. 🙂  Is there a particular container that would go well with your theme?  (For instance, can you package a spaghetti night basket in a colander?)

3. Select your items and fill the container.  Keeping to the theme, choose your items and fill the container.  Freebies can be used as parts of this, along with items you get by couponing.  I like to collect clearance items and that sort of thing as I see them throughout the year, and put them all together when Christmastime rolls around.

When shopping retail online for items to fill your basket(s), remember to go through a site like Cashbaq, Big Crumbs, ShopatHome, Ebates, or Mr. Rebates, so you can get a percentage back! Especially if you’re buying a lot of gifts, this can really add up at this time of year. (If you have the time, compare them. Different ones have different retailers, and some that overlap have varying cash back amounts for the same one.)

4. Add finishing touches.  You may end up with certain parts of your basket that look a little sparse.  You can add decorations here to “fill it out”!  Ribbons, artificial flowers, small items related to your theme – anything small that will attach to that space can work. 🙂  And then you can wrap it in cellophane, or shrink wrap it, and add a bow.

Have fun!

See the other posts in this series:

• Gifts that Give Back
• Gifts to Make
• Gifts for Men
• Gifts for Women
• Gifts for Children
• Gifts for Book Lovers
• Gifts for the Whole Family