{"id":1682603,"date":"2021-08-11T08:46:42","date_gmt":"2021-08-11T13:46:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1682603"},"modified":"2024-10-09T15:42:27","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T20:42:27","slug":"gift-basket-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/gift-basket-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make a Gift Basket"},"content":{"rendered":"A basket chock-full of goodies is one of our favorite gifts to give. After all, what's more versatile? Gift a personal basket to your BFF, or keep it simple for your boss. Not to mention, gift baskets<\/a> are appropriate for almost every occasion\u2014from holidays to housewarmings. Ready to get started? We'll show you how to master this all-in-one gift once and for all.\r\n\r\nPsst!<\/em> Check out our hub for more creative gift ideas<\/a>.\r\n

How to Make a Gift Basket<\/h2>\r\n[dam-video dam-id=\"42324\"]\r\n\r\nWe talked to Taste Recipes's<\/em> executive director of visual production, Stephanie Marchese<\/a>, to get the inside scoop on how to create a wow-worthy gift basket. Here are her top tips.\r\n

Step 1: Start with a theme<\/h3>\r\nEvery good gift basket needs a purpose. It can revolve around a specific holiday or special occasion, but a \"just because\" theme works, too. \"If I wanted to do something for a friend, and it wasn\u2019t her birthday, and it wasn\u2019t Christmas, I would think\u2014what does she like to do?\" Stephanie says. \"Look at what people are interested in.\"\r\n\r\nSpecific hobbies and fandoms are great places to start, but so are general interests like travel, cooking or gardening.\r\n

Step 2: Set a budget<\/h3>\r\nOnce you have a theme in place, you'll want to set a budget. (Otherwise, it's easy to go overboard!) Keep in mind that you don't need to spend a lot to create a heartfelt gift basket\u2014especially if you shop at budget-friendly stores like Marshall's or Target. Homemade crafts and food gifts<\/a> count, too.\r\n

Step 3: Gather supplies<\/h3>\r\nHave everything you need to prepare the gift basket ready! Choose a filler like shredded paper, tissue paper or even a sprinkle of confetti to fill in any empty spaces. Grab shrink wrap to wrap the entire basket in or wrapping paper to individually wrap select gifts. Have tools on hand like scissors so you can cut off any tags\/excess packaging and tape to adhere the shrink wrap to the basket or for wrapping gifts.\r\n

Step 4: Choose gifts and a basket<\/h3>\r\nIt's time to hit the store! Grab 5 to 15 items (depending on the size of your basket) that fit within your theme. \"Make a nice package\u2026think of all the little things that can fill in the blanks,\" Stephanie says.\r\n\r\nLook for items that vary in size and color. Small things could include stickers, pens or stationery. Medium items could be snacks, cups, books or a candle. And the larger item can be either the main gift or something decorative, like a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine. Choosing different colors for each item also allows for pops of color, creating excitement about what to grab first!\r\n\r\nDon't forget the most important thing: the basket. \"Make the basket something you can actually use,\" Stephanie suggests. \"Finding a basket that\u2019s utilitarian is a better way to spend your money.\" Some of our favorite vessels include tote bags, storage baskets and crates.\r\n

Step 5: Assemble the gift basket<\/h3>\r\nOnce you've selected all of your goodies, it's time to arrange them in an appealing way. Start with the heaviest items in the bottom or near the back of the basket, then layer upwards. You can use crinkle paper to add volume: \"It takes up space and makes it look pretty,\" Stephanie says. Or, opt for functional filler. \"Try socks, a bathrobe, a beach towel, dish towels\u2014something that you can use to pack but that you can also use,\" <\/em>she suggests.\r\n\r\nIf desired, add a card or ribbon for a finishing touch\u2014then get ready to gift.\r\n

3 Gift Basket Ideas for Inspiration<\/h2>\r\nThese expertly crafted baskets are easy to replicate.\r\n

\"A little something\" gift basket<\/h3>\r\n\"A\r\n\r\nWhether you're celebrating a special occasion or a random Tuesday, this \"little something\" basket is sure to put a smile on your recipient's face. It's packed with essentials everyone can enjoy, like fresh flowers<\/a> and a cookbook<\/a>. Add little surprises like a bottle of bubbly and a stemless flute<\/a>. A beautiful bandana<\/a> on the basket's handle finishes it off for a decorative touch.\r\n

Brunch bash gift basket<\/h3>\r\n\"Brunch\r\n\r\nStaying over at a friend or family member's house? This brunch basket is an amazing \"thanks for having me\" gift. Load it up with tons of goodies\u2014like a mini waffle maker<\/a>, specialty coffee and a cute kitchen towel<\/a> set. And what's brunch without mimosas and colorful tumblers<\/a> to drink out of?\r\n

Picnic gift basket<\/h3>\r\n\"Picnic\r\n\r\nThis ready-to-picnic basket holds plenty of fun goodies for a memorable outing, such as a charcuterie board, blanket scarf and gourmet cheese and nuts. Keep it on hand for a classy happy hour or picnic, or surprise your friend with the most gourmet tastes as an upscale birthday gift basket<\/a>.\r\n

More Gift Basket Ideas<\/h2>\r\nWant even more ideas? Try these creative approaches:\r\n