The Millennial Farmhouse

Gift baskets can be a nice surprise. Being handed a basket filled with many different items is like receiving a lot of prizes at once. Have you ever been gifted a basket and felt the immediate anticipation of opening it? It’s always fun to discover what’s inside and how the contents can be put to use.

Just as it is nice to receive a gift basket, it is always fun to create one. Can you recall giving a gift to someone and their face lighting up? That experience can be found in making and giving gift baskets to people. There are many different types of gift baskets you can make. Sometimes the baskets contain items from a specific theme or the contents can be a random assortment.

I’ve always wanted to make gift baskets, but it’s overwhelming without direction. I eventually tried my hand at making one when my aunt moved into her first apartment. I wanted to give her something useful and something fun, and I thought a gift basket would be just that. It was definitely a fun DIY moment. I had to consider what type of basket to make and what to put inside it.

To make a gift basket requires time, effort, patience, and real thought. Whether the gift basket you make is generic or personalized, it is a special way to give something to others. There are a few things to consider when creating a gift basket. I thought it would be nice to share these considerations and tips to get you started. You can find inspiration for creating a gift basket below.

Things to Consider

There are a lot of questions to be asked and answered. You will have questions about the basket. It is not easy to choose a basket because there are so many choices. You will want to think about the contents of the gift basket. What exactly should be inside the basket and why? You will also consider the wrapping for the basket because it makes a difference in how you will present it. Finally, you will have to decide what to use to fill the empty space in the basket, if applicable.

The list of things to consider can seem never ending, but let’s break it down a little. Here is what you will need to consider:

• The Basket
• Basket Contents
• Wrapping
• Filler

The Basket

Baskets are often used for carrying items. They can vary in size, and will sometimes have handles to assist with holding and carrying. While it is common to use a basket to move items from one location to another it has multiple purposes. You can use a basket to display various goods. With a little finesse, baskets can be used to showcase items in your home, such as blankets or flowers.

There are many different things to consider when making a gift basket. The first thing you will think about is the actual basket. Should you use a basket or storage bin? What size and shape should make up the basket? What about the material that will be used? Is it better to use a plastic basket or one made of wood or metal?

Basket or Bin? You can consider using an actual basket for your gift when the items inside are eye-catching. If you intend to have the gift recipient showcase the contents then consider putting them into a nice basket. The basket itself should also be pleasing to view. If the contents of the basket are to be stored away, then consider using an easily portable storage bin. A storage bin can also contribute to the gift because the recipient can find additional use for it. Maybe they needed a storage bin under their sink, and you’ve just given them one.

Shape and Size? It should not surprise you that gift baskets are usually round. Soft curves can be visually pleasing. Round gift baskets help highlight the contents without taking away the focus of any extra space inside the basket. Additionally, the gifts don’t need to be symmetrically placed or lined up in a specific way. However, you can create a gift basket using traditional geometric shapes or organic shapes. For example, a heart-shaped basket for Valentine’s day can complement the corresponding holiday.

As for the size of the basket, well that depends on you. You will have to choose the right size gift basket based on what you plan to put inside. Will you put items that are large and inflexible inside? If so, a small basket will not hold everything and will look smaller compared to its contents. Alternatively, a large basket with small contents will look too large. You will have extra space in the basket that needs to be filled in. You will also have to consider how the size of the gift basket will affect the recipient. Will this basket be too large for their use? Or, is it just small enough that they can keep it and use it for something else? You decide!

Material? Choosing the gift basket material is hard. Often, baskets are made of woven materials like rattan, rope or straw. A basket made of woven material can be visually pleasing, as well as useful. Wicker baskets usually contain the previously mentioned materials. Still, it is common to use plastic gift baskets. Plastic is easily shaped and durable. Stores similar to Dollar Tree sell plastic bins in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

What if you wanted to deviate from the norm and gift a wooden basket? A wooden basket would affect not only the look of the basket but also the shape. It can be hard to find round wooden baskets, as they are usually rectangular in shape. Similarly, a metal gift basket has the same effect. Metal baskets are commonly rectangular in shape or even oblong. You can do a deep search for wood or metal baskets. If you want to DIY a basket, you can use cardboard, like I did in my Easter Basket DIY.

Basket Contents

Choosing a gift for someone can be a challenge. Choosing multiple items to put inside a gift basket is a unique challenge. You have to consider the recipient’s interests, a theme, and the quantity of items. Have you ever spent an exorbitant amount of time picking a gift for someone, and they didn’t like it? It’s hard when they don’t like one gift, but what about multiple gifts inside the basket? Will they like some items and not others? It is important to consider the recipient’s interests for this exact reason.

Recipient Interest? Think about the person whom you intend to give the gift basket. What is their age and gender? At what stage in life are they when you give them the basket? Their interests can be affected by their needs, so consider those as well. A recipient who just moved into a new house will need things to fill it. You should think about giving them a basket with items they like that are practical for the home. For example, seasonal kitchen towels are useful to a new homeowner who is interested in decor.

Themed Basket? You do not need to choose a theme for a gift basket, but it is fun to do so. In fact, you’d have a challenging time finding gift basket inspiration that wasn’t themed. It makes things fun, but it is also a practical way to choose the basket contents. You can easily find relevant items when you have a specific theme in mind. There is a higher chance the items you choose will complement each other. Common gift baskets include self care and holiday related themes, such as Valentine’s Day and Easter. A unique gift basket theme is one for those interested in video games. I shared a post about making a Video Gamer Gift Basket.

Quantity of Products? A basket that is overflowing with gifts can seem excessive. Similarly, one with too few gifts is disappointing. How do you know when the amount of products is enough? Use your discretion. The amount of items in the basket will vary. It depends on the size of the basket, size of each product, and the theme.

I recommend a minimum of three to five products for any size basket. The maximum amount of items should correspond to the size and theme of the gift basket. Consider adding more products to the gift basket if there is food involved. A candy basket or cheese basket without variety can be disappointing. You want to provide an assortment so the recipient will absolutely find something they like. Additionally, the size of each item in the basket should vary. A basket with few items will look full and appealing if everything isn’t the same size.

Wrapping

It seems like there is only one way to wrap a gift basket. They are often presented in transparent plastic bags. Should you wrap one at all or leave it open? Are there other wrapping options available? It depends, and yes, there are other wrapping options. You can use cellophane, traditional gift bags, or fabric bags. Your gift basket should stand out, but that doesn’t mean choosing one presentation method is better than others.

Gift Bags? Putting a gift basket into a traditional gift bag is definitely different. It is an unusual way to present a gift basket. Still, it is not an unheard of method. Traditional gift bags add to the element of surprise that gift baskets provide. They also serve to protect the safety and privacy of the basket during transport. Be confident in your choice should you follow this method.

Cellophane? Cellophane is the most common method to wrap a gift basket. The plastic is see-through and comes in many different colors. Cellophane also comes in different sizes. It is easy to work with and wrap around a gift basket. You can use cellophane that is transparent, colorful, or patterned. This method allows the recipient to get a glance of the basket contents before opening it.

Fabric Bags? You can use fabric bags to conceal gift baskets. Cloth bags can be useful in keeping sensitive gift baskets private. For example, a bridal gift basket is an intriguing gift, but it can be very personal. Concealing the gift basket contents make sense, and using a fabric bag is appealing. Organza bags are useful for semi-concealment when you want the contents to be a surprise but not private. Fabric gift bags are not a common way to present gift baskets, but they do work.

No Wrapping? Wrapping a gift basket is not mandatory. Often, people will give gift baskets just as they are. As long as the items in the basket are secure, wrapping is not always needed. You can put a bow on the basket, as an alternative. Bows enhance the visual appeal of the basket. They are also a signal that the basket is a gift and not a random container of stuff.

Filler

Filler is useful because it hides empty space in gift baskets. If you use a deep basket you will want to fill the bottom. The filler conceals the space underneath. It also helps to add height to the items inside. Additionally, it can help with filling the empty space between each item. A basket with a small amount of items will need filler to cover up asymmetrical placements.

There are many different types of filler. Have you ever packed a box that you planned to transport but you didn’t fill the box completely? Filler keeps the items from shifting around too much, and the type of filler can also protect the box contents. It can work the same way for gift baskets. You can choose from crinkle cut filler, confetti filler, or even wrapping paper. These fillers are festive and useful, and you can check some out here. I do not recommend bubble wrap or peanuts because they are not as decorative.

Recap

So many options, so little time. As I previously mentioned, there are a lot of things to consider. You will have to make choices about the type of basket you use. The material of the basket can limit the size and shape. The size and shape can affect the contents of the basket. The basket contents can vary based on interests, theme, and quantity. Finally, there are many options for how you can fill in the basket and present it. It is a lot to consider, right? Do not let that dissuade you from creating a gift basket. Keep reading for tips to create and style a gift basket.

Styling the Basket

You can style a gift basket in many ways. The most important thing to remember is to not let it overwhelm you. Styling a gift basket is only as challenging as you make it. After considering some of the things I’ve mentioned before, putting together the actual basket will be fun. You can find tips for styling your gift basket as you continue to read this guide.

• Identify the Contents
• Select the Basket
• Arrange the Items
• Wrap the Basket
• Seal the Bag

Step 1: Identify the Contents

Now that you’ve taken a lot into consideration, you are ready to create and style the gift basket. The first thing you want to do is identify the contents of the basket. If you’ve chosen a specific theme, then finding relative products won’t be too challenging. For example, a self-care basket can include body products, candles, and sleep masks. Remember to add a minimum of three products to the basket. Body wash, shampoo, and a special loofah are common gifts for a self-care basket and meet the three product minimum.

As you choose products to put in the gift basket, don’t forget to consider the recipient’s interest. When my aunt moved into her first apartment I made a gift basket for her. She is vegan, so I included some Smart Sweets in the basket. A vegan snack makes an interesting housewarming gift. I also found kitchen towels and oven mitts in a beautiful purple pattern to include in the basket. The products I chose were based on her interests and her needs. Can you think of a few products you would easily include in a gift basket?

Steps 2: Select the Basket

The next step is to choose the actual basket. It comes as a shock to think that selecting the basket isn’t the first step. However, it is easy to get lost in selecting the perfect basket. When you feel stuck with a specific basket in mind, it can be challenging to actually put the gift together. What if the basket doesn’t fit with the chosen theme? What if the basket is too large or too small for the selected gifts? I recommend selecting the basket after you identify the contents.

It is easier to select a basket than it is to switch the theme or the contents. For example, I had to change the basket when I chose my aunt’s housewarming gift. I chose a basket first, and then I chose the contents. I didn’t realize that the round basket I had picked was too small and “off brand”. It actually looked more like a fruit bowl than a gift basket. Then, I ordered a second basket that never actually showed up, and I had to get a refund.

Finally, I saw a basket at the supermarket, and I knew it was perfect. I wanted to give her a basket that was nice, as well as useful. There were three smaller components nestled inside a larger bin. It was the right size, composed of four pieces, and would be used in multiple areas in the home. The best part was that the gifts fit inside the basket. It takes time to choose the right basket, but the real fun comes with arranging it.

Steps 3: Arrange the Items

Arranging the gifts in the basket can be fun. It’s the time when you play around with placement. Moving the contents around and analyzing the final look affects the outcome of the basket. You will discover what truly works with the gift basket and what doesn’t. This is a learning opportunity and a chance to tap into your creativity skills.

In order to place the contents in a way that looks best, you have to shift their placement multiple times. Move things around and look at it from all angles until you get the desired outcome. If you plan to use filler, add a small amount to the basket first. You don’t want to add too much filler that prevents the products from fitting. Add some filler, then some of the basket gifts. You can add in a little more filler to conceal empty spaces between products as you go. Work until you achieve a full look without overflowing the basket.

Filler isn’t always necessary. I often choose to forgo filler unless the basket is extra deep or the items are very small. Instead, I focus more on arranging the gifts in an appealing manner. It helps to put smaller gifts at the front of the basket and larger gifts at the back. I do suggest placing larger gifts inside the basket first so that you maximize basket space. You can always place smaller gifts on top of larger products if needed.

Once everything is in the basket, step away for a moment. Return to the gift basket and look at it with fresh eyes. Does this basket look the way you intended? Would you be pleased to receive this gift basket? Will the recipient like it? Don’t stress to much about these questions because the basket isn’t for you. If your initial reaction is positive, then consider how the recipient would react. Once you are pleased with the desired outcome you can wrap the basket.

Step 4: Wrap the Basket

The final step is to wrap your present. Wrapping the gift basket isn’t always necessary. It is a common presentation method. If you choose not to wrap the gift then you can simply put a bow on it. Cut out some ribbon or use pull-bows. If you decide to wrap the gift basket, you can choose from a variety of options. The most common wrap is a cellophane bag. You can find them easily on Amazon or at the local dollar store. Cellophane bags come in a lot of sizes and colors.

I highly recommend using cellophane bags for a more formal presentation. You want to make sure the cellophane you choose is a little larger than the gift basket. It needs to cover the whole basket, and you need extra space at the top. Do not place the cellophane bag over the top of the gift basket. Instead, open the cellophane bag and place the gift basket inside the center of the bag. You can tuck in the corners of the bag to hide the excess packaging. Then you will pull the bag taught around the gift basket. Gather the excess at the top of the gift basket to tie it off.

Step 5: Seal the Bag

The final step to creating your gift basket is to seal it off. You close cellophane bags by tying string around them. You can use rope, ribbon, or plastic ties. You want to tie the top of the bag close to the tallest gift inside. However, make sure you have room in the bag so it isn’t too tight. You can cut off any excess plastic above the tie. Be careful to leave some room above the tie to grip the gift basket, if needed. Once you’ve sealed the gift basket you can add a bow to the bag. Bows serve as visual enhancement!

A Finished Gift Basket

Your finished product will vary each time you make a gift basket. There are so many ways to create one and a multitude of options to consider in the process. Take the time to think about the type of basket and how it will be used. Consider the recipient when you choose the gifts. Don’t forget to add in filler if you need it or to wrap the gift basket if you so desire. It can feel a little overwhelming, but it is also fun. Gift baskets test your creativity and your DIY skills. Are you ready to give it a try?

I encourage you to consider the information I have provided in this guide. Once you have done that, create your gift basket using the styling tips. I would love to see your gift baskets and inspiration. You can share by posting in the comments. Don’t forget to check out some of my other gift baskets, here, and Good Luck!

*Disclaimer: Featured image generated through AI*