Inspiring Ideas for Making a Gift Basket + The Ultimate List of Perfect DIY Gift Basket Ideas

Gift baskets are a timeless and versatile way of showing someone you care. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just to brighten someone’s day, making a gift basket allows you to personalize and curate a unique present.

But with so many options and themes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide what items to include in your basket.

In this blog post, we’ll share some inspiring ideas and tips for making a gift basket, plus the ultimate list of gift basket inspiration that will leave a lasting impression on the person receiving it.

From beauty products to treats, get ready to create a thoughtful and meaningful gift basket with our helpful suggestions.

Themed gift baskets make amazing, affordable, and memorable gifts. The key is to pick the items carefully and to pay attention to the presentation. Here is a complete list of our very favorite gift basket ideas for everyone on your list, plus money-saving tips and tricks on assembling DIY gift baskets!   

Who likes getting gift baskets during the holidays?

The better question is: Who doesn’t?!

The best gift baskets are the ones filled with stuff we love. The problem with lots of gift basket ideas, however, is the expense.

Costs can rack up quickly when you fill a big, beautiful basket with a little of this and a little of that. When all is said and done, that stuffed basket might blow your Christmas gift-giving budget to the moon.

There are, however, some Christmas and holiday gift basket ideas that are actually budget-friendly, thanks to our DIY nature and some really great tutorials floating around on the internet.

Understanding the Basics of Gift Basket Creation

Gift baskets are a fantastic way to show someone you care, and understanding the basics of gift basket creation is key to crafting a thoughtful and meaningful present. First and foremost, consider the theme or occasion for the gift basket.

Are you celebrating a birthday, holiday, or special event? Once you have a theme in mind, it’s time to get creative.

When it comes to gift basket creation, the options are endless. You can opt for a DIY wine gift basket, filled with their favorite bottles and wine accessories. Or, try homemade gift basket ideas such as a DIY coffee gift basket, complete with specialty beans, a stylish mug, and delicious treats to pair with their morning cup of joe.

For a cozy night in, a DIY movie night basket is sure to impress. Fill it with their favorite movies, popcorn, and cozy blankets. The key is to tailor the contents of the basket to the recipient’s interests and preferences.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity shine when creating a gift basket. So grab a basket, start brainstorming, and get ready to make a truly memorable gift.

How to Choose a Basket

Before we get started, let’s talk about the baskets. The single most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a basket is size.

Remember, a big basket is going to cost more to fill, and if you choose not to fill it, then it looks sad and you look cheap (Seriously. It does. You do.).

A better rule to live by is ‘smaller basket filled largely.’ 

When choosing a basket, always opt for a smaller rather than a larger basket. They’re less expensive to fill, and a big basket scantily filled looks sad. The better option is to go with a small basket and fill it to the gills. 

Opt for Inexpensive Baskets

Okay, so you’ve decided to go smaller with your basket choice, but even those can be expensive. The trick is to find good cheap alternatives.

Here are some that come to mind:

• Cardboard Box. Wrap the bottom and inside sides of a sturdy cardboard box with pretty wrapping paper and use that as your ‘basket’. I’d opt for square boxes, like the ones in which flowers are delivered, as the shape feels more suited to the task. 
• Re-gift from past gift baskets. Don’t worry; nobody is going to know. Unless you re-gift to the giver, and that’s just tacky.
• Thrift. Check thrift shops for acceptable, structurally sound baskets that can be given new life with a shot of spray paint. 

Be sure to use the basket best suited for the occasion. If you’re making a Christmas gift basket, for example, use an appropriate material for the holiday. 

Useful and Utilitarian Baskets 

We mentioned using cardboard boxes wrapped with pretty paper for a basket to keep costs down, as well as re-using gift baskets and thrift store baskets that can be given new life with a shot of spray paint.

All still great gift basket ideas, but it started us thinking about more utilitarian objects we could use for baskets. You know, baskets that have a further purpose:

• Metal paint bucket
• 6 or 8″ terra cotta clay pots
• Small storage bin
• Small 2-quart bucket
• Metal colander

Which Filler to Use in a Gift Basket?

From traditional fillers like shredded paper and tissue paper to more creative and themed options, we have a variety to choose from.

• Shredded paper (in various colors)
• Tissue paper (in coordinating colors)
• Crinkle-cut paper (to add texture)
• Cellophane wrap (for a polished finish)
• Raffia or ribbon (to tie and decorate)
• Gift tags and labels (for personalization)
• Cellophane bags (for smaller items)
• Decorative or theme-specific wrapping materials
• Shimmer or metallic filler for a touch of elegance
• Natural materials like straw or moss for rustic themes
• Confetti or glitter for a festive touch
• Fabric scraps or lace for a vintage look
• Decorative leaves or petals for a botanical touch
• Colored foam or foam shapes for themed baskets

As for filler, we still really like the idea of using paper straight out of the shredder. To make it more interesting, run a couple of colorful sheets from an old magazine through the shredder to mix in with the mundane stuff!

If you don’t have time to shred paper, you can purchase gift basket filler in bulk online or at your local craft store.

Gift Basket Ideas for Women

If you are looking for gift basket ideas for a female friend, coworker, or relative, here are some things you could include. We’re linking out to the DIY-version of these gift basket items, but you could just as easily purchase them if you’re in a rush:

• Lip gloss or balm: Try this method that’s tinted with raspberries, or this super-easy 3-ingredient recipe.
• Lotion bars: This simple recipe looks like white chocolate peanut butter cups! 
• Bath bombs: Although a little more involved than the previous ideas, this fizzy bath bomb recipe sounds delightful both to make and give (there are other great all-natural recipes in this article, too!).
• Bath bonbons: If fizzy isn’t your thing, than this recipe for lavender and coconut oil bath bonbons sounds divine.
• Custom perfume: We won’t fail as miserably as Schmidt if we follow this recipe for homemade solid perfume.
• Coconut milk shampoo:  This unique recipe sounds absolutely decadent.
• Sugar or salt scrub: The great thing about a DIY sugar scrub is you can give it any scent you like!  Care2 has some GREAT recipes for sugar scrubs–all sound good enough to eat.! For salt scrubs, this selection from Tipnut is nice and informative.

• Bath salts: Tipnut has a nice variety of how-tos, plus scent ideas. When you make bath salts, be sure to make several cups, so there will be enough for several gift baskets. 
• Oatmeal soap: Handmade soap is a sweet and thoughtful gift, but even more so when you make it yourself! 
• A bath pouf: For crocheters, check out this darling pattern for a pouf. For knitters, check out this bath mitt pattern. 
• A candle: All “pampering” gift baskets should include a candle–even if it’s just a tea light. For a super easy but lovely tea light holder, check out this old tutorial, or this tutorial for making concrete soy candles.

Gift Basket Ideas for Men

Here are our best dude-inspired gift basket ideas. We’re linking out to the DIY-version of these gift basket items, but you could just as easily purchase them if you’re restricted by time:

• Cuticle cream: Although most recipes for cuticle cream are targeted towards women, we’re including it in the guys’ column just to bring awareness to men’s cuticle situation. 
• Hand cream: Again, this recipe for hand butter could be for her, but we like it for him. Especially “hims” that work with their hands.
• After shave spray or splash: Sandalwood and sweet orange…sounds good enough to eat, huh? These recipes are strictly an aftershave treat. Note the inexpensive cucumber recipe!
• Coffee soap: Made from used coffee grounds, Popsugar says their recipe not only exfoliates but it deodorizes the skin as well.
• Peppermint foot soak: If the guys on your shopping list haven’t experienced a good peppermint foot soak for their pooped puppies, it’s time. This super easy recipe is a perfect way to introduce the practice.

• Shaving cream: This is a real treat – all-natural, homemade shaving cream, which surprisingly isn’t made of any hard-to-pronounce or exotic ingredients! 
• After shave salve: For that guy with dry skin, try this recipe for coconut/shea butter salve. I’m guessing it would be great for calloused hands and fingers too (there’s also a recipe for Apple Cider after shave on this page).
• Reed diffusers: Guys seem to gravitate to diffusers more than to potpourri, which is why a DIY reed diffuser would be a great addition to a guy’s gift box. I’d scrounge in the recycling bin here too and look for a tall, medium-sized, capped glass bottle in which to put the tincture. Then I’d tie the reeds/bamboo skewers to the bottle with some jute to keep them tidy until they’re ready to use. 

Gift Basket Ideas for Everyone

If you’re trying to put together a gift basket for someone that you know nothing about, the most sure-fire solution is to go with food!

Everyone loves a sweet or savory treat, and you can’t go wrong with a DIY gift basket filled with some of these goodies. Again, these links are to the DIY-version of these gift basket ideas, but you could just as easily purchase them if you’re dealing with a time crunch:

• Dipping spoons: Dipping spoons are especially good for those cocoa and coffee mixes. They can be made in a variety of flavors – a drop of peppermint oil would be a delicious treat! DIY dipping spoons can go on disposable cutlery, of you could use inexpensive spoons from the thrift store.
• Turtles: A little bag of super simple pretzel turtles are a must for the DIY food basket (I’ve made these several times and they’re fab).
• Acorn cookies: These chocolate and peanut butter acorns are a new find for us, but they are sure to be a perennial favorite and another great addition to gift baskets everywhere.
• Hot chocolate mix: We know. This isn’t an earth-shattering idea, BUT this recipe for Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Mix sounds swoon-worthy. 

• Hot chocolate sticks: No, they’re not stir-sticks for hot chocolate. They’re solid hot chocolate mix on a stick! 
• Mints: Cream cheese turned into homemade holiday mints? Yes, please. 
• Lemon drops: Fresh-squeezed lemon give authenticity to these homemade lemon drops.
• Fudge: But not just ANY fudge. This is Russian fudge, and it has Bailey’s Irish Cream in it!! This recipe explains all and also gives a substitution for the Bailey’s if you don’t swing that way.
• Toffee: But not just ANY toffee. This is English toffee! And it looks delicious.
• Peppermint patties: These homemade peppermint patties are one of the easiest candies to make.  

Money-Saving Tricks and Ideas for DIY Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are a wonderful solution to a gift-giving quandary, but are especially impressive when their assembly doesn’t stretch the budget. Here are a few tips and tricks for you DIYers who are crafting most of the components in your gift baskets:

• Old jars: Bath salts, after shaves, balms, and the like are going to need containers. It doesn’t hurt to take a peek in your recycling bin before you go out and buy all new jars. Salsa jars and other glass containers with a wide lid would be great for scrubs and balms, as they’re easier for fingers to dip in. Bottles with smaller necks could be used for DIY reed diffusers. Read this article on how to remove jar labels and get rid of odors stuck in lids.
• New jars: If you’d rather use ‘fresh’ jars, two great sites to visit are SKS and The Jar Store. Both sell jars perfect for some of the projects mentioned in this post, but they’re sold in cases of twelve. However, at a dollar or so a pop, that’s a lot of gift basket gifts for not a lot of cash. Of course, many big grocery stores do carry small canning jars, which would be a good choice too.
• Bags: For packaging cookies, and candies, bags are the way to go. Again, quantities are large, but the cost is still very low. For small quantities at a higher price, your local craft store is always a possibility too. I’d also recommend checking out the dollar section of Target, or the Dollar Store. And, of course, in a pinch there’s always Ziploc.
• Pots and tins: For the personal items like lip balms, check the recycling bin. Altoids tins work for solid perfumes and lotion. A great online resource for cosmetic containers is SKS and the Jar Store. 
• Wrapping: Any DIY gift basket looks luxe with a proper wrapping. Shrink wrap is a great option, and buying it on a roll is the most cost effective. Another option is to use inexpensive tulle to wrap the baskets. Tulle is cheap, and it comes in a variety of colors.

The Ultimate List of DIY Gift Basket Inspiration