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40+ Insanely Clever DIY Travel Gifts & Crafts To Try Yourself

Whether you are looking for a fun DIY travel craft to distract yourself when you’re not on the road, or you would like to surprise your favorite adventurer with a handmade gift, this is your place for inspiration! We’ve spent hours on Pinterest browsing for the most beautiful DIY travel gifts and even got our own hands dirty on some of these ideas to find you the absolute best crafty projects. From super simple travel DIY ideas that even your 3-year-old niece can do, to advanced home projects that will keep you occupied for a day or two, there is a project for every level, budget, and occasion.

So grab your craft box and let’s get crafting.

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Save these DIY travel gifts

Don’t forget to save these Travel DIY projects on Pinterest for the next time you need inspiration!

Super simple travel DIY ideas

#1 pillowcases or bed sheets.

This is actually one of the travel DIY projects that I did for my first-ever solo trip abroad when I went to study in the US. Though, technically I didn’t really “craft” anything. All I did was buy two pillowcases and ask all my friends and family to write something for me.

It was a great way to have a tangible piece of home and read all the heartwarming messages they left for me while I was abroad. It was the best pick-me-up I could wish for whenever I would feel homesick.

So whether you’re looking for a DIY travel gift or just a keepsake for yourself, buying a pillowcase or bed linen and asking friends and family to write you a message is a super simple and fun way to go about it.

#2 Clothing with messages or DIY decorations

In line with the previous idea of the pillowcase, you can actually apply that to any type of clothing.

It’s a travel craft that works both as a gift and for yourself (and make it a heartfelt gift for yourself).

Just buy waterproof textile markers, a shirt, a hoodie, or whatnot , and make sure you bring it when you’re saying goodbye to friends and family before a trip.

Another really awesome variation of this is to bring a blank piece of clothing and markers with you on a trip and ask the people you meet along the way to leave you a message. By the end of your trip, you will have a personalized and heartfelt souvenir. Me and my friends actually did this years ago on our trip to Mallorca and I still have this shirt to this date.

Not sure what items you could use? Here is some inspiration

#3 Decorate or personalize other travel items

Another really simple DIY travel craft is to buy something tangible and then decorate it.

The key here is to buy travel items that you (or the traveler whom this gift is for) will actually take on the journey. Then all you need are waterproof markers, a needle and thread, paint, or anything else to decorate it.

Here are some examples of typical travel items that you can easily decorate and turn into a DIY project. For some of these items, there is also a more advanced DIY option down below. But I figured we would start really easy before getting to the hardcore project.

• Water bottle
• Sleeping mask
• (Sun)glasses cases
• Fanny packs
• Toiletry bags
• Makeup bags
• Packing cubes
• Luggage tags
• Neck pillow

#4 Money in a bag

Now, I actually saw this idea on Etsy when I was crafting my funny travel gift guide , but honestly, you could just recreate this at home.

All you need is some sand, shells, a paper umbrella, a plastic bag, and a funny tag that you can easily make yourself.

#5 DIY money gifts

As boring as it may sound, money is actually the best gift for travelers. But since most people don’t enjoy giving cash, I created a list of 76 epic ways to give money .

So if you are looking for a practical DIY travel gift that the recipient will actually use, then pick one of the unique cash projects from that list. The ideas range from super-duper simple to highly creative (and time-consuming) options, so pick whatever suits you and the occasion.

For one of my friends, I actually made this suitcase and airplanes because she was going on a long-term trip.

Practical DIY travel ideas to take on a journey

#6 diy packing cubes.

Packing cubes are super handy bags that help you to organize your luggage in such a way that you can actually find it and that it fits neatly in a backpack or suitcase.

But did you know that you can just make them yourself?

Pick a nice fabric or your favorite color (or the recipient’s) and follow Melly Sews’ instructions to make your own packing cubes.

#7 Passport cover

Protect your most important travel document in style with a self-made passport cover!

Now, it is made with leather which adds a little extra layer of difficulty because of its sturdiness, but if you follow Lovely Indeed’s instructions you should be able to work it out just fine.

#8 Camera strap

Nothing beats a handmade gift, especially if it’s a beautiful and practical one, such as a camera strap . It’s the perfect travel DIY idea for photography lovers, that will allow them to carry a bit of home around their neck whenever they take their cameras out.

There are two beautiful DIY options here, one made with cotton webbing and another made with a scarf . They’re about the same level of difficulty, so just pick whichever design you like best.

#9 Various bags

You could probably make about a thousand different DIY bags for travelers , so I am not going to list them all here. Instead, I selected three awesome sites with instructions for the three most practical bags for travelers; string bags, pouches, and tote bags.

• Brit.co made a tutorial on how to make a simple string bag at home
• A Kailo Chic Life has a step-by-step guide to making cute fruit-themed pouches
• Pretty Handy Girl made a list of 21 ways to make your own tote bag

#10 Jewelry roll

Learn how to make your own jewelry roll and transport your precious accessories safely on the road with Haber Dashery Fun!

I would say, it is a bit more of an advanced travel DIY idea, but if you’re willing to properly sit down and take your time for it, anyone can make this at home. 

#11 Sleeping mask

We discussed the simple DIY version of a sleeping mask above; buy a blank one and decorate it with textile markers or paint.

If you’re looking for a more crafty version, check out Martha Stewart’s DIY sleeping mask tutorial.

#12 DIY travel neck pillow

A neck or travel pillow is an essential travel item for those who often take long-haul flights, buses, or trains. If you want to catch some sleep, this is a must.

And there is nothing better than sleeping on a DIY travel neck pillow !

So check out Instructables for a tutorial on how to make one yourself. One little extra tip from me before you start, don’t be frugal with the stuffing. It’s the sturdiness of your pillow that will determine how well you will be able to sleep with it.

#13 Travel toiletries wrap

If you are looking for a cute DIY travel gift idea, then a toiletry roll with travel-sized toiletries is a fun option. 

There are two options that I select for you, one with and one without sowing. I think they are equally nice, and (if you know how to sow) equally difficult.

However, if you’re not great with a needle and thread, the Instructables no-sew option is probably the best for you. Otherwise, check out The Yellow Bird House for a beautiful sown travel wrap.

#14 Scrunchies

Scrunchies are super cute DIY travel gifts for little girls, teens, and grown-up women. You can vary with the type of fabric and colors you use, depending on who the scrunchie is for.

Check our Hey Wanderer Blog for the full instructions

#15 DIY travel wallet

A DIY travel wallet is a slightly more advanced project, but with Instructables free printable, and a step-by-step guide, it’s doable for any level crafter.

Pick a color or design you like, and you will be able to keep your passport and money safe in style! 

#16 DIY travel cable organizers

If you like to keep stuff organized, or if you travel with a bunch of cords, cables, and earphones with cords, DIY travel cable organizers are a fun project for you.

There are quite a number of different DIY travel cable organizers online, so I’m going to leave it up to you to pick the best one for you from DIY Candy’s list . 

#17 Luggage tags

The easiest way to make a DIY luggage tag is by decorating a plain one. However, you can also get a lot more crafty and make one from scratch. The Spruce Crafts gathered the 16 best DIY luggage tag ideas , so have a look and choose whichever one you like best (or whichever one you think you can make yourself).

#18 Sunglasses case

Now, before you start with this DIY travel craft for your expensive high-quality sunglasses, let me give you a fair warning.

This is not the most sturdy case, and it probably won’t provide the very best protection for expensive sunglasses. So if you are looking for a high-quality case to properly protect your sunglasses, I would advise you to buy a hard case and decorate it to make it your own.

But if you are like me and often travel with a cheap pair of sunglasses too, this is a fun travel craft idea to protect them a little more.

Here is what you do.

Buy a square-shaped potholder, fold it in two, check if your sunglasses actually fit inside, and sew the bottom and the sides. You can vary the size a little bit by sowing more closely to the end or a bit more inward, which will make your sunglasses fit more loosely or tight.

#19 DIY coupon book

This is one of my favorite DIY travel gifts, in fact, I made a coupon book l ike this for my parents when I left for another one of my long-term trips. But it works as a gift for travelers as well as for those staying behind.

Simply come up with a list of cute favors and then check out my full guide on making your own coupon book .

DIY travel accessories & jewelry

#20 necklaces.

Whether you’re looking for the best necklaces to make for yourself or to give as a token for a traveler, there is an endless amount of options out there.

And because I could not possibly choose between all these amazing DIY travel accessories, I’m just going to let you pick yourself. Head over to DIY Joy’s list of 31 unique necklaces to make at home.

#21 Bracelets

The same can be said for bracelets, which is why Pillar Box Blue’s list of 51(!) different homemade bracelets is by far the best source of inspiration if you are looking for a DIY bracelet.

Looking for a unique ring for travel lovers? Then DIY Craftsy’s list is your go-to source.

They’ve gathered the 45 most beautiful DIY ring ideas for you to try at home.

#23 Earrings

Regardless of whether you’re looking for cute homemade earrings for yourself, or to give to a traveler to take on to their next destination, you will find a beautiful (and doable) design on I Always Pick The Thimble .

#24 Keychains

The last DIY travel accessory may not be as exciting as necklaces, rings, and bracelets, but they are practical nonetheless.

With a DIY keychain, you can give a small personalized, and heartfelt keepsake that any traveler can take on a trip. Whether they’ll attach it to their suitcase or backpack, with your homemade keychain they will always have a piece of home with them.

Check out The Creatives Hour for a whole range of different DIY keychain ideas.

Travel DIY ideas for your home

I know, in the mind of a traveler it’s always travel time. But on the odd occasions that you need to know the actual time, what better way to show the time than with a DIY travel-inspired clock ?

My favorite one by far was a clock made from travel guides by Instructables . Because honestly, my bookshelf is filled with old guidebooks that I probably won’t use again, but that I love too much to throw away. So this is a unique way to put them to practical use.

Another great option is to make a clock with travel photos. For that check out the It’s Always Autumn tutorial on how to make a clock with one photo.

Alternatively, head over to Wonderful DIY to make a clock with multiple photos. Their design is actually for family photos, but obviously, you can easily adopt that to travel photos.

#26 DIY travel wall ideas & photo displays

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with all your travel photos, check out It’s Always Autumn’s list with 20 different and unique DIY travel wall ideas.

I probably could have filled this entire list with a hundred or more ideas of DIY things to do with your travel photos , but personally, I think that It’s Always Autumn has done a great job at selecting the 20 most beautiful ones to try at home.

#27 Vacation jar with photo

Who couldn’t use a vacation in a jar?

Whether you’re treating yourself with these travel DIY projects or you’re actually looking for gift inspiration, everyone deserves a little holiday at home, and with a vacation jar and photo holder you can easily create that at home!

All you need is this guide from Left on Peninsula Road , a small jar with a cork lid, a cute photo, a paperclip, and some sand and shells to fill the jar with holiday vibes and you’re all set.

#28 DIY travel scrapbook

Are you looking for a way to organize all your travel photos, tickets, and other keepsakes in a way that you will be able to look back at it every once in a while?

 Go for a DIY travel scrapbook. It’s basically a photo album but with a little more creativity and freedom to add whatever you want to the book.

If you’re struggling to start from scratch or just want an example. Check out Martha Stewart’s list of scrapbook ideas, or buy the adventure book from Amazon. It comes with blank pages, but at least the cover is already done for you.

#29 Keepsake box

Another fun way to store your keepsakes is in one of Marta Stewart’s travel box DIY projects.

Basically, you just need a wooden box like the one in the photo, some paint, and you can decorate your keepsake box in the theme of whichever country you visited.

#30 Planter with a flag design

Are you looking for a fun DIT travel craft idea to add more green to your home?

Then try Pretty Handy Girl’s flag planter box !

Her example is the American flag, but you could paint it in the color of any flag. Or just make multiple planters and collect the flags from all around the world to create an international green home.

#31 Food from a country they love

Are you a great cook ? Then prepare the recipient’s favorite international food and recreate the taste of travel right at home!

Whether it’s that special pasta they had in Italy, a curry from Thailand, or the best taco they had in Mexico, if you know how to make it right, they will be filled with delightful memories (and flavors).

Are you not much of a cook yourself?

Don’t worry, you can still give really awesome DIY food gifts for travelers , check out the two next options.

#32 Cookie jar mix

Alright, so you may not be the star in the kitchen, but you can be a star in giving by creating a DIY cookie jar mix of their favorite international cookie or other food!

Whether it’s for Italian Biscotti, French Madeleines, or Dutch Speculaas, all you need to do is fill the jar with the exact amount of ingredients layer by layer, print the recipe, and tie it to the jar with a ribbon and you’re all set. 

#33 Travel-themed gift basket

Gift baskets always make great DIY gifts for anyone, and travelers are no exception to that.

Now, I can imagine that you might struggle a bit with deciding what to put in a DIY travel-themed gift basket , so to help you out I wrote a guide filled with awesome travel-inspired gift baskets. Some are pre-made (in case you decide to ditch the whole DIY idea and just go for an easy and quick gift), but it also includes a list of fun DIY basket ideas that travelers will love.

And if you need help with arranging your basket, and making it look pretty, then I’ve got your back too! Check out my guide on how to make gift baskets at home .

#34 Refurbished vintage suitcase

I’ll finish the home travel crafts with the most advanced, but therefore also the most unique option; a vintage suitcase side table!

In theory, it sounds quite easy. But as with most DIY crafts, it usually takes longer than you initially expected, but it’s well worth the effort.

I mean, what’s cooler than having a refurbished vintage handmade side table ?

Map-inspired DIY projects

#35 photo map.

Of course, there is no list of travel DIY ideas without map-inspired ideas.

There is something magical about maps that makes them awesome for DIY projects and travelers.

The first option is a beautiful (and more advanced) DIY photo map, like the store-bought one from the photo. But to make it yourself, follow Cut Craft Create’s instructions . The example is a US map, but you could use it for a world map, or any country or continent.

One side note though, once you’re getting closer to completing the map, it might be a bit harder to cut the right shapes and fit them on the map. My advice is to cut the photos a bit smaller, in the end so that it fits more easily.

#36 Scratch maps

Scratch maps are the number-one maps for travelers. Nothing more soothing than scratching off all the places you’ve ventured before and dreaming about the ones to come.

But now, you can make a scratch map from scratch ! (Sorry, couldn’t help the pun).

Check Instructables for a step-by-step tutorial. And I must say, this was actually a lot easier than I expected.

#37 Heart-shaped map

Heart-shaped maps are actually a super popular wedding and Valentine’s gifts and many people pay a significant amount of money to get one. But you can easily make them at home.

Check out House of Mahalo for the full instructions. In short, get a black cardboard the size of a photo frame. Cut out the shape of a heart, find a map of a place that has a special meaning to you or the recipient, and place it all in the frame.

#38 More heart-inspired maps

Looking for more heartwarming DIY travel craft ideas? (Yes, pun intended).

Then Welcome to the Mouse House’s heart world map is the perfect project for you.

It’s also a super fun activity to do with kids and infect them with the travel bug from a young age.

#39 Magnets

Are you or the recipient an avid fridge magnet collector? Then add a DIY map magnet to the collection.

There are various different ways to go about it, but I selected two of my favorite ones. The first one is made with “glass rocks” and the second one with a miniature photo frame . 

#40 Globe-themed projects

Like maps, globes have a special attraction for travelers (probably because it’s the representation of everything they love), so any globe-inspired project is a fun DIY travel gift.

DIY Candy gathered some of the best globe-inspired projects from around the web, so check it out for inspiration

#41 Christmas ornament

Bring the travel vibes into the holiday season with these cute map-themed ornaments .

They are made from mason jar lids and are actually really easy to make.

#42 Map-themed lampshade

The last map-inspired DIY travel craft is a super awesome lampshade !

I’ll admit, it’s one of the more advanced options, and I would probably only recommend making this one for yourself and not as a gift, unless you add a lamp that actually fits the shade and you’re certain the recipient truly loves this style.

Did you save these DIY travel craft ideas on Pinterest yet?

Final note on DIY travel crafts

Whether you’re looking to surprise a globetrotting friend or spruce up your own travel gear, these 40+ DIY travel projects add a personal touch to every adventure. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and get started on a journey of crafting and giving.

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10+ Clever Travel Basket Gift Ideas

When it comes to showing appreciation or expressing love, gift-giving is a time-honored tradition. And when the person you're shopping for loves to travel , it's important to find the perfect present, one that strikes a balance between meaningful, unique, and useful. 

Sometimes the best gift idea is one that actually combines several things  — like, perhaps,  a travel basket full of goodies and other essentials for those who love traveling often (or even do it out of necessity, like flight attendants ).

Do you need some inspiration for putting together the right travel basket? Consider these thoughtful travel basket gift ideas!

14 Travel Basket Gift Ideas You’ll Love

Show how much you care about your globetrotting loved one with these travel basket gift ideas. 

1. The Wander Club Travel Tokens

One of the joys of traveling is collecting keepsakes, or  souvenirs , from past trips so you can look back and have those memories.

Travel tokens from The Wander Club  are a fun, unique way to keep a record of and display the places someone has traveled to. These collectible tokens are made of high-quality stainless steel and feature the name of different destinations, ranging from national and state parks to countries and landmarks. 

Plus, each token is customizable with an engraving , so you can add a date or initials. Any jet-setting pal will appreciate this, so it's one of the best travel basket gift ideas!

2. The Wander Club Token Holder

Collecting travel tokens is even better when you have a customizable token holder  to hold and display them. After all, what's the point of souvenirs that just sit on a shelf or in a drawer, never being seen?

Choose a unique, handcrafted Wanderchain that you can attach to a keyring to organize and display travel tokens. They come available in various colors and designs, but each is handmade for an extra level of uniqueness.

If, alternatively, you’re looking for a conversation piece, buy a chain necklace so you can wear your “travel history” in style.

Pro gift-giving tip: Split rings can only hold up to 40 tokens, whereas the necklaces can accommodate many more tokens.

3. Packable Blanket

Keep the cold at bay on a road trip or during a long flight with a packable travel blanket. They pack up small, often into a carry case that's smaller than a backpack, but open to a nice large size. Some even roll up into a tube shape to fit conveniently around your neck as a rest. 

4. Compression Packing Cubes

One of our go-to travel basket gift ideas is packing cubes. They k eep your clothes organized while eliminating unnecessary bulk, allowing you to fit way more into your luggage. 

5. Passport Cover

For your pals who love to travel internationally, a passport cover is one of the best travel basket gift ideas. Not only is it small and affordable, it also adds a personal touch to the entire gift, especially if you add the recipient’s name.

6. Luggage Scale

Discovering that a suitcase or bag is too heavy at the airport can be very inconvenient — and very expensive . Avoid that with a handheld luggage scale that features a digital display and can measure up to 110 pounds. Its small size also makes it extremely gift-able, perfect for one of your travel basket gift ideas!

7. Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle should be at the top of your list of travel basket gift ideas. It has many benefits, including being sustainable and eco-friendly and saving money by not having to buy single-use bottles. 

For extra brownie points, add a personal water purifier to the basket!

8. Airplane Necklace

A fun necklace with an airplane-shaped pendant makes a statement simply yet elegantly. Many options come in your choice of gold, rose gold, or silver, so there's a style for everyone.

9. Hanging Toiletry Bag

If you're looking for a super practical gift that will go with its recipient on every trip from here on out, this is it. Hanging toiletry bags are some of the best travel basket gift ideas because they provide a getting-ready station virtually anywhere and organize hygiene items. 

10. Travel Jewelry Organizer

This is one of those travel items you don't realize you need until you've traveled with it. A simple yet wildly helpful jewelry case designed for travel (typically padded and very small) can keep your  earrings, necklaces, rings, and more safe during travel. To make it an even better travel basket gift idea, add a monogram or name for a personal touch.

11. Travel Scrapbook

Often the best vacations are shared experiences between loved ones. Whether you get a DIY kit or a ready-made scrapbook, they're highly customizable and meaningful, making it one of the best travel basket gift ideas. 

12. Keepsake Container

People love collecting things like beach sand, pine cones, seashells, and leaves on their travels, so one of the best travel basket gift ideas is a jar or other container to keep them all organized. 

13. Scratch Map

We love this travel gift idea because of the customization and fun it offers! Who wouldn't enjoy scratching off the different places they've visited, whether that be national parks, countries, or US states? Many also come protectively rolled up in a tube, so they're extra giftable.

14. Soft Cooler Bag

We have a serious appreciation for those who travel on a budget, and a soft cooler is a great way to do that. Investing in a high-quality cooler bag lets you stock up on some basic groceries when you get to a destination, allowing you to skip eating out so often. Plus, soft bag-style coolers are packable!

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Trending Post : Packing Food to Bring to the Lake

Road Trip Gift Basket Idea

Road trips are the big craze right now and the ultimate summer vacation everyone is wanting to go on. This Road Trip Gift Basket Idea I made using Dollar Store caddies is overflowing with snacks for both kids and adults alike. They’re the perfect care packages to send your loved ones off on the road with!

* Post was last updated : July 13, 2020

As I’m sitting here writing this post for you today, my house is in complete disarray! There are loads of laundry being washed and folded, suitcases being packed, and last-minute “work stuff” getting handled. The Hernandez Family will be off on two separate vacations so things are a little chaotic here at the lake.

Two different vacations?! Let me elaborate a bit.

Zach will be headed on a road trip with his grandparents which leaves us parents free to have a quick little getaway to the Baha Mar Resort in the Bahamas. Patrick and I have been really fortunate to be able to do this for a few years now. Zach has gone to New York a couple of times to stay with my dad and now this will be year three of him going on a road trip with my mom and stepdad.

Yes, Patrick and I are very lucky to have such great parents who are willing to do this! Shout out to our parents. You’re amazing!

So yes, for the third year in a row, Patrick and I will be sending our son, Zach, off with the grandparents for a fun-filled Road Trippin Adventure. As much as I love my mom and her willingness to take Zach on these yearly adventures, she drives me crazy because she won’t take a single penny from us to help with the cost.

This woman is so stubborn that she even goes behind our backs and rents a car to drive for their upcoming road trip when Patrick is in the car business and can get her a HUGE deal on a rental vehicle. It’s frustrating! Does anyone else have a mom like this? 

There was no way in the world we were going to let my mom and Frank take Zach for a week and not contribute anything at all. It just wasn’t going to happen! I had to think of some way to help in some way that my mom couldn’t say no to.  

Channeling my creative side, I came up with the idea of making a Road Trip Gift Basket for the three road-bound travelers. I headed to Target to stock up on the supplies I needed. I bought everything from salty snacks, sweet and sour snacks, Wet Ones, and gift cards to use during their travels.

I found a Road Trip Bingo game in the dollar section of Target to add, and printed off some fun road games from the Internet. I placed the items in caddies I purchased at the Dollar Store, added an adorable label to the front, and that was all she wrote. They really came out adorable!

If you want to get even fancier with your road trip activities, my friend Jaclyn created this post featuring an entire list of Road Trip Activities for Kids {that are screen free!} . You’re bound to find something fun for the whole family for your trip!

Want to make your own? Here’s what you need:

• Caddies from the Dollar Store
• Snacks (sweet, salty, sour)
• Road trip games and pen
• Cute free labels (Access them free in my resource library . Fill out the form at the bottom for the password)

Here’s a close look at the caddies I used to make these Road Trip Gift Baskets. They have three different compartments within them which made arranging the items easier.

The contents of your caddies are really up to you and your preferences. Tricia and I went shopping together so she could pick out things Emily would like and I did the same for Zach and my parents.

Here’s what we did for salty snacks.

Make sure to print the labels on cardstock and grab your scissors, ribbon and hole punch while you’re at it.

Next, cut a piece of curly ribbon and thread it through the hole you just punched.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE ROAD TRIPPIN’ ADVENTURE LABELS TODAY!

Want to remember this post this road trip gift basket idea to your favorite pinterest board.

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This is the best idea I’ve seen in a long time! Love it and would love to do this for a family member! Thank you Tiffany–will take notes on all of it! Clever, clever, clever!

You’re too kind, Sharlene! It was a fun little basket to make and well received by my family. Thanks for your comment 🙂

I would love to print out the tag for this basket. I love this idea

Sorry for the delay! Would you still like me to email you the tags?

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EASY DIY Travel gift box

• May 26, 2021

Do you love a traveler? Do you want to make their lives easier? Of course you do! That’s why I’ve made this DIY travel gift box guide, so you can put together a thoughtful care package so they have everything they need as they start traveling again.

I create travel vlogs, I watch a ton of travel vlogs, and for years I was away from home for 100+ days. I’m also a sucker for a good packing video. For this travel kit, I’ve picked out the items I was always glad to have, what I wish I had, plus some that other travelers swear by.

This gift of must-have travel items is inspired by the laundry basket full of dorm needs I received when I went to college and the baby baskets that I’ve since contributed to. Your gift is for you to put together in whatever way is appropriate for you and your favorite travel lover, it will be so appreciated. I promise you that! I would have loved this when I started out.

If you’re looking to give someone luggage, a backpack, or day bag, I’d encourage you to get a gift-card for that. Backpacks are best if someone finds their own due to their preferences and body type. For luggage, they may want 4 wheels over 2, or one that has a built-in charger.

There are different types of travelers, so take what works for yours and leave the rest.

This post contains affiliate links which means this website may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.  More information in the footer.

Best gifts for a travel gift box

We’re all bound to drip or drop something on ourselves, so the Tide pen is a necessity. You can get the tiny to-go version or the regular size. It’s still not much bigger than a pen, so the regular size is the best bet.

TSA-friendly clear toiletry bag

I’ve had mine for ages and it is from Kiehl’s…which I can’t find anymore. But there are few that look promising on Amazon with great reviews . While they aren’t the prettiest thing in the world, they get through security like a breeze, make for easy clean up if anything spills, and keeps you from bringing too much in the bag.

Water bottle

Depending on where the person is traveling, they may want a simple stainless steel water bottle (this is my go-to, always), or they may need a filtering water bottle . My way of thinking is if I’m in the USA/Canada or most of Europe, I don’t worry about a filter. But anywhere else, I’ll be checking if the water is safe and wishing I had a water bottle that filtered the bad stuff for me. This saves so much money and, most importantly, plastic waste.

Cutlery to go

We love being prepared with some cutlery in our bags. We have the bamboo kind , but if I did it over again, I’d buy the stainless steel kind just because they feel cleaner. I’d also suggest a metal straw and possible chopsticks in the kit.

While anyone can use a plastic bag to store their shoes, it’s nice to have a shoe bag to keep in your bag at all times. My feet are tiny so I can fit 2-3 pairs of shoes in a shoe bag like this. It’s ridiculous that I love it, but when you travel so much, it’s the little things that make life easier and more organized.

Reusable shopping bag

This is a must for anyone, anywhere. Many countries have banned plastic bags anyway, so it’s great to have a reusable bag that fits in your pocket and is ready to go (and that you can wash). Some use one of the many branded tote bags they’ve probably received over the years which is totally fine. But if you’re looking for a gift, check out this kind of bag that fits anywhere.

Waterproof phone holder

For anyone going near water or up to tall heights, this is hugely helpful . You can still use your phone through the plastic but it keeps it safe from water and falls since you carry it around your neck.

Mini first-aid kit

Even the simplest will do in a pinch. The idea is to have what you need so you can go to the pharmacy and get more, or get help. We’re mainly concerned about things that need immediate attention like cuts, so they don’t get infected. Also, keep any medications you take each day, or may need to take (allergy meds) plus painkillers. This first aid kit is one I really like because of the variety of tools.

You can go for a reusable (and more durable one) like this , a thinner one that has limited uses, or a lightweight, packable raincoat . Either way, it’s a must-have item in many parts of the world known for quick, fierce, and out-of-nowhere rainstorms. You could also gift a travel umbrella. They may want to take an umbrella, but as an Amsterdammer, I know that winds are too much for umbrellas most of the time for me, so wearable rain gear is best.

TSA-approved Swiss Army “knife” or real one

Because you never know what kind of needs a person will have, a do-it-all contraption like a Swiss Army Knife is a great addition to anyone’s pack. Just make sure you know if they intend to only carry on their luggage or they prefer to check it with the airline. That will determine what kind you are able to give. The Jetsetter version is more appropriate for carry-on bags. Sadly, Sean accidentally left his in his backpack once, so it got confiscated at security. It was a sad day, but understandable.

Quick-drying microfiber towel

We bought ours before we moved to Amsterdam and it goes with us to most places. These towels are a multi-tasker for sure. You can use them as a towel for the shower or beach, picnic blanket, gym towel, small blanket and even a pillow in a pinch. It’s really small and perfect for a day bag. Here’s a great one made in Tennessee !

Stay healthy pack

Depending on where they are traveling and for how long these items may also be helpful. Because I like to be prepared, I keep some items that might be overkill, but I’ll leave it up to you 😉 •Gin-gins or other pill or ginger chew to help with motion sickness •Pepto-Bismol chewable tabs •Itch stick and bug spray •Sunscreen and after-sun gel •Packets of Theraflu drink powder •Tums •Throat lozenges

Packing cubes

I love the ones that have two sides (one for dirty stuff) and can be cinched down with a zipper and are super lightweight. Not everything needs to be packed in cubes, so I’d suggest a couple small or medium ones.

Travel guides

I’m a big fan of Marco Polo and Rick Steves travel guides. Actual books may not be appropriate, but just in case, I wanted to suggest my favorites!

Power adapter and/or adapter

There is a difference between an adapter (which just switches the plug to the right one) and a converter (converts the voltage so you don’t blow up your device or a fuse). We currently use this older adapter. If the person is techy or photographer, you may want to get a combo multi-plug converter to plug more than one thing in an outlet.

Tech organization

If they have a lot of electronics, they’ll have a lot of cables, so cable ties will make their life so much better. A new favorite addition to my travel bag is the Peak Design tech pouch . I bought it to see if it was worth all the fuss and I can confirm it’s pretty awesome for the bits, bobs and cables. I wouldn’t dream of traveling without it again!

Don’t forget to put your own twist to the gift. Maybe something cute or funny that’s an inside joke. I’m all about practical, but personal is so important to give the warm fuzzies 😉

If you found this helpful or are planning to give travel gifts, connect with us on Instagram because we love to know when we were able to help!

Hi! I’m Jessica, an American who made Amsterdam her home in 2014. I share European gems through food and memorable experiences. Want to know more? Head to my about page or check out my YouTube channel .

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60 Useful Road Trip Gifts and Basket Ideas for Travelers in 2023

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: March 2, 2023

Planning a road trip or know someone who is traveling soon? For travelers that are heading out soon, how about you surprise them with some road trip gifts — perhaps you’ll even make them a road trip gift basket! As someone who has taken dozens of roadtrips, these are some of the best road trip gifts you can pack.

These ideas are also perfect for auction gift baskets – this road trip basket below is one I made for our class school auction!

In this article:

Best Road Trip Gifts Ideas

As someone who has taken a LOT of road trips, here are 60 of my favorite road trip gift ideas! This list has a mix of road trip gifts including road trip essentials, road trip gadgets, games for road trips, unique gifts, and even some ideas for family road trip gifts!

Affiliate links are included in this post so I may earn a small commission if you purchase with my link.

Road Trip Essentials

These items are essentials that will help make a road trip more comfortable, safe, and clean. They make great road trip gifts as they're practical gifts and most have a low price. Many of these can be added to a road trip gift basket to fill in space.

Rand McNally 2022 Large Scale Road Atlas

While we all rely on google maps on our phones these days, there's always a chance you'll lose your coverage while driving. A road atlas helps you navigate to where you need to go if you lose signal for some reason. Rand McNally makes great road atlases, this one is spiral bound with large-scale maps but they also make a traditional staple-bound atlas. A road atlas is one of the best road trip gifts.

If you're staying in one particular state or region, you might consider a paper map for that state that you can just store in your glove compartment versus a whole atlas.

Also, keep in mind that digital maps will probably tell you the best way to go to save time or mileage, but it might not be the most scenic way to go. A road atlas can help you look for scenic drives and routes.

While traveling in the car there's nothing worse than getting something on your hands and not being able to wash them. Wet wipes are a great item to pack as they can be used to wipe up spills and messes -- not just for kids! I recommend buying biodegradable eco-friendly wipes.

Hand Sanitizer

Of course over the past couple of years having hand sanitizer handy has been a big part of traveling. But our family has been packing hand sanitizer on road trips for a while. The 8 oz Purell pump bottles fit well in our van cup holders and is easily accessible for all. It's great for using after stops, after fueling up, and before eating.

Paper Towels

Going along with the keeping things clean theme, a roll of paper towels is a great item to pack for a road trip. These come in handy in a variety of situations, cleaning up messes, wrapping up wet or dirty items, or even cleaning up spills in the car.

Facial Tissues (Kleenex)

Having some facial tissues, aka kleenex on hand is helpful since there's a good chance someone will need to blow their nose at some point. These can also come in handy if you need to use an outhouse or "green latrine" while on the road. These travel packs work well for the car but I know some brands make canister-style facial tissues that are supposed to fit in cup holders, too.

Car Trash Bag

While you can certainly use a plastic shopping bag for this purpose, a car garbage bag can make a great road trip gift. This is the one we use and I love that it has an elastic neck which makes it easy to push trash in, plus it has a rolled velcro bottom that you can simply unroll to empty out the garbage when you get to a large garbage can. Great (cheap) gift for road trip travelers!

5 Organization Tips for Road Trips

Here are some tips for keeping your car clean and organized during a road trip -- which will help everyone enjoy the trip more!

Roadside Emergency Kit

A roadside emergency gift is an excellent road trip gift idea -- especially for teen drivers! You never know when you'll have an issue on the road and one of these items might just help you avoid a serious issue or inconvenience.

5 Steps to Prep Your Car for a Road Trip

And don't forget to make sure your car is road-ready and any car maintenance is up to date. You'll also want to make sure your spare tire is in good condition and ready if you get a flat tire.

Car Battery Booster Pack

While the roadside emergency kit above comes with jumper cables, that relies on having another car available to give you a jump. When you're on the road, a car battery booster pack is a good idea since you can jump your car without relying on the help of strangers.

First Aid Kit

While you should make sure you're covered for serious medical concerns and can access a hospital, minor scrapes can be fixed with a travel first aid kit. Remember some ibuprofen/acetaminophen, stomach chews (Pepto Bismol), allergy pills, and bug bite cream. We've used them all on road trips.

Helpful Tips for What to Pack in a Travel First Aid Kit

If you're traveling as a family, here are some helpful tips for what we pack in our travel first aid kit - many items are useful for traveling with kids!

Odor Eliminator Spray & Air Freshener

Let's face it, long stretches in a car with one or more people are going to lead to some stink. Pack along a bottle of air freshener / odor eliminator to help manage smells while on the road. This is an item that many don't think about packing and so makes a great road trip gift!

Reusable Insulated Water Bottle

Water bottles are great for road trips as they help you stay hydrated and can save you money from buying drinks at every stop. Insulated bottles can also be used for coffee in the morning and water later in the day.

I like to have a bottle that has a flip/slider lid and a straw option as those are the easiest for using while driving in my opinion (versus a screw cap bottle). Just make sure to get a bottle that will fit in most cup holders (like these Simple Modern ones)!

A reuseable water bottle is one of the best travel gifts!

If you're planning a long drive with multiple rest stops along the way, it can be useful to have a simple day bag that you can grab if you leave the car for a hike or even to run into a store. A sling bag like this can even hold smaller tablets and books, plus it has a pocket for a water bottle or umbrella.

Facial Wipes

For long, multi-day road trips, facial wipes can come in handy, especially in the summer. These work for men and women and can be useful in helping you feel refreshed and

Being in the car for a long time can lead to some dry lips, so having some lip balm on hand

There's nothing worse than dry eyes, especially when you're driving! Having some eye drops packed in the car can be a real lifesaver on a long road trip.

Dental Floss Picks

Since eating in the car or on the go is pretty standard for road trips, having some dental floss picks packed can help keep your mouth feeling clean after meals. I also try to buy biodegradable ones so I'm not adding plastic to the landfills.

Another comfort item for road trips is lotion. We like to use a pump bottle, but you can also use a travel-size tube,

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

These microfiber cloths are especially handy for cleaning eyeglasses and sunglasses. But they can also be used for cleaning mirrors or windows or even the screens of DVD players, phones, and tablets.

Polarized Sunglasses

Driving in bright sunlight can be overwhelming and even dangerous. I have eyes that are sensitive to sunlight and a pair of polarized sunglasses is a huge help for driving during the day. Even people who don't normally drive with sunglasses can find these useful on the open road!

Slip-On Shoes

While these aren't necessarily a road trip gift you can gift someone you don't know well, slip-on shoes are definitely a road trip essential. You'll be making stops often and wearing shoes that tie will slow you down and become an annoyance for taking on and off when you're not driving. Of course, if you're a solo driver, you can wear whatever shoes you want since you won't be taking them off while in the car.

Travel Pillow

If you're going to be a passenger on a long road trip, you'll want to pack a travel pillow. Pillows like this one can be useful for traveling and make great gifts for a road trip passenger.

5 Reviews for the Best Travel Pillow

Check out my reviews for these different travel pillows.

Travel Blanket

Another road trip cozy item is a small travel blanket. This is useful for passengers if one person wants to keep the car at a cooler temp than others prefer. I also think being cozy makes it easier to fall asleep. This blanket also makes a great filling item for a road trip gift basket.

Travel Towel

If you're making stops along water and beaches, a travel towel can come in handy. We've stopped at roadside beach pull-outs and have always appreciated having a towel to dry off our legs and feet after taking a little walk in the waves.

Picnic & Outdoor Blanket

Planning some picnics or beach stops along the way? One of these fold-up picnic blankets is one of the best gifts for road trippers who like to enjoy nature along the way.

Reliefband Anti-Nausea Wristband

Keep in mind if anyone suffers from motion sickness while traveling. If so, be sure to pack some items to help with that. You can use medicine like Bonine, essential oils, ginger candies, or a Reliefband tech bracelet that uses electricity to help combat motion sickness.

Car Road Trip Accessories & Gadgets

For techy travelers, many of these road trip accessories and gadgets will seem like essential items! I'm making them their own category as they do offer some convenience and will certainly help plugged-in travelers stay connected while on the open road.

Car Power Inverter USB Charger

So many of us have electronics that will need to be kept charged during a long road trip. This power inverter also allows you to charge larger electronics like a laptop, in addition to having multiple USB ports for everyone to be able to charge their device. Great gift for a road trip with friends or family!

Portable Cooler Refrigerator

For road trippers that want to save money and eat on the road, a portable refrigerator that hooks to a car 12V outlet works great. It keeps food and drinks cool to enjoy later on the trip. This one comes with an AC plug too, so you can bring it in to plug in your hotel room.

We all know that driving can be dangerous, and these days proving who is at fault during an accident can come down to who has proof. A dash cam like this can help you prove what happened if something does go wrong while you're on a trip. (note, some US states do not allow you to mount dashcams to windshields, only dashboards)

If you're an Alexa-loving road tripper, consider "teching out" your car with one of these Echo Auto devices. You'll be able to go hands-free to play music, listen to audiobooks, and even play Alexa games.

Kindle Paperwhite

For travelers who love to read, having a Kindle can be a great gift idea. And for road trips, the glare-free Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for in the car. You can even get them with a trial for Kindle Unlimited which is a great service for avid readers!

Car Charger Phone Vent Mount

We love having this car mount in all our cars and I love that it charges my phone, too. Fits most phones and vents.

Handsfree Bluetooth FM Transmitter

If you or your friends have an older car, they might want one of these Bluetooth transmitters that let them connect their phones to their car through an FM radio station. Great for allowing you stream your favorite playlists and audiobooks from your phone to your car sound system.

If you like to keep your car clean while traveling, having a car vacuum on hand can be useful. This one plugs into a 12V outlet in the car and can help keep crumbs and dirt at bay. Make a great road trip gift!

Portable HEPA Air Purifier/Deodorizer

Since most road trips involve fast food and eating in the car, it's no surprise that your car can start to stink. This car gadget works to clean, purify, and deodorize the air. No more coming out to a car that smells like french fries from the day before!

Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

This handy road trip accessory gadget helps you check your tire pressure. It's always a good idea to drive with proper inflation and know if you might have a leak so you can get it fixed quickly!

Car Trunk Organizer

Here's another handy organization item that makes a great gift for road trips! Help your best friend keep things in order with a hanging trunk organizer. This one is great for vans and SUVs, but you can get sedan-sized organizers that work well for cars.

Car Window Shade

If you're buying a road trip gift for a group or someone who is traveling as a group, these car window shades can be useful. Often they're used by families for babies, but they work well for any passengers that don't want the sun beating down on them while they watch movies or sleep.

Cleaning Gel for Car

Here's another fun road trip accessory that makes for an affordable gift. This cleaning gel (aka slime) will seep into tight crevices and pick up rogue crumbs that a vacuum just can't quite reach.

Family Road Trip Gift Basket Ideas

Here are some great family road trip gift ideas that are perfect if you're shopping for someone who will be road-tripping with kids! These road trip gift basket items will keep the kids entertained and comfortable on the open road.

Road Trip Travel Games Gift Box

Here's a fun set of road trip games and activities for kids and it's already packaged together, making it ideal for adding to a family road trip gift basket!

Kids Travel Tray with Dry Erase Board

This travel tray can be a lifesaver for traveling families. Kids will have a surface to help them draw and eat, plus handy storage pockets for keeping their toys and activities from falling in between the seats!

Backseat Car Organizer with iPad Holder

If the kids are planning to watch some movies or shows on a tablet during the road trip, having a hanging pocket or mount can come in handy. This seat organizer serves that purpose as well as offering pockets for storing away other items.

Car Seat Organizer with Cup Holders

If you don't like the backseat mounted organizers, these organizers can sit in the middle seat next to kids to give them easy access to toys and snacks. Plus this one has cup holders!

Car Seat Headrest Pillows

One of the best ways kids can stay happy on a road trip is by sleeping, whether you're talking toddlers or teens. This neat road trip headrest gadget creates a cushioned rest for kids or adults to lean against which supports their heads.

Printable Road Trip Games for Kids - License Plate, Bingo, I Spy...

Check out my post with free printable road trip activities!

Shotgun! The Hilarious Family Card Game for Road Trips

Here's a fun road trip game perfect for grade school and teen-aged kids. Adults can even play along. This game is sure to bring laughs and great family memories!

Hidden Pictures Book Set

These are classics and I remember loving them when I was a kid. This pack of hidden picture books will keep kids entertained in the car and give parents a bit of peace and quiet while they search. :)

Free Printable Road Trip Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Print off this fun road trip scavenger hunt.

These are fun sensory toys for kids, letting them use their imagination to craft and build. They're fairly mess-free although you likely don't want to leave them in the hot sun as they're coated in wax to allow molding.

Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free

The Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free art sets are perfect for traveling kids. The markers only work on the special paper, so no worries about marker messes on your car, and no stress about melting crayons!

Kids Travel Bag Activities to Pack for Vacation

Here are some fun travel activities kids can bring on the road.

Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal

This fun book is packed full of road trip games and activities for traveling kids. Great gift for kids who are writing.

LCD Writing Tablet for Kids

This brings back some memories of etch-a-sketch for me! Kids can draw whatever they want and then at the push of a button the screen is clear and ready for a new design. The name-brand version of this toy is Boogie Board in case you want to avoid the "knock-off" versions.

Dramamine Motion Sickness for Kids

If you're buying a road trip gift for a family who hasn't traveled much with their kids, adding these kids' motion sickness tablets could be a lifesaver.

Road Trip Gift Cards & Memberships

Another great idea for road trip gifts is to give travel lovers gift cards or memberships that will be useful on the road.

Roadtrippers Plus

One of my favorite tools I used on a recent road trip was Roadtrippers. It's a road trip planning app that helps you find great spots to see and things to do along your route. It even includes reviews and photos from fellow travelers. It's a perfect road trip gift!

National Parks Pass

If the road trip will be heading past national parks in the US, giving the gift of a National Parks Pass ($80) can be a great idea. Plus, there are even ways people can get a parks pass for free!

Audible Membership

Audiobooks are great to listen to on road trips, and a gifted membership to Audible will help road trippers stay entertained and maybe even learn something new while on the road.

AAA Membership

AAA is the leader in roadside assistance memberships, so a membership for their service can make a great gift. Many hotels also offer a AAA discount on hotel rooms which could help a traveler save money!

Gas Gift Cards

Buying a gift card for gas can be a bit tricky as you might not know what gas stations will be popular on the road trip route. However it's a fun gift idea with a definite road trip theme, so even a small amount to a local area gas station can get used.

Road Trip Snacks

Lastly, there’s nothing quite like snacks to help make a road trip great! Read my full list of road trip snacks , but these are a few of my favorites that make great gifts for a road trip gift basket!

• Fruit Leathers/Snacks
• Granola Bars
• Rice Krispie Treats
• Animal Crackers

I hope this list has been helpful. Many of these road trip gifts are a great way to prepare travel lovers for their upcoming trip while also providing useful gifts that they might not have thought of! Let me know if you have any other gift ideas I didn’t list.

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Travel Gift Basket – budget-friendly gift ideas for the traveler

by Janet LeBlanc | 8 comments

The holidays are fast approaching, and we’ve got a great idea for a unique travel gift basket for the traveler on your gift list this year. Our travel gift basket is also a great “bon voyage” present anytime of year.

This creatively-themed gift basket is great for a college-student (they all have wanderlust right?) or a friend who you know with a big trip coming up. It’s designed to make their traveling experience as comfortable and fun as possible, and the best part is, every item here is $10 or less, with the exception of the travel wallet and the surge protector, which are still just around $20. You can mix and match items to create a thoughtful gift basket that won’t break your bank.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. All opinions expressed are my own.

the budget-friendly travel gift basket:

COLORFUL EARBUDS  – $8

I’m always losing or breaking my earbud headphones and digging around my purse to find a pair. These  earbuds  are colorful and fun (they come in a full range of color options), inexpensive, and don’t take up a lot of space. They’re an essential on a long plane ride or for sitting in the airport to listen to music, movies, or TV shows.

A COMFORTABLE NECK PILLOW  – $20

This is a must-have on a long flight. I like that  this pillow  is inflatable so it won’t take up any space when not in use, and it has a pocket in the cover that can store your earbuds, ear plugs (for better sleeping), or a small cell phone.

AMAZON GIFT CARD  -$10

Mini pretzels ,  peanuts ,  peanut butter cups , or other snacks -$2.

It saddens me to no end that most of the airlines these days don’t give out free snacks during your flight anymore! The prepackaged snacks they sell now are so overpriced. Gift your traveler with a few snack bags to enjoy on their flight. I’m a traditionalist so I always crave the good old  mini pretzels  or  peanuts  when I’m flying (just like they used to offer); these  mini peanut butter cups  are a good something sweet.

MAGAZINES  (DIGITAL OR PHYSICAL) – $3 – $5

Pick up a magazine or two that your traveler would enjoy. You can now buy them online for less than at your grocery store. For $5 or LESS you can buy a 6-month subscription to many popular magazines on Amazon (like  Glamour,   Allure,  and  Shape  are only $5 for a YEAR of print issues…that’s $.50 per magazine!) and this price includes both the digital AND hard copy of the magazine! That means your traveler can read it on their kindle or iPad if they want to as well. For only $5 yall! Just be careful with the auto-renewing options.

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE  – $10-$12

A reusable water bottle is a must for me when traveling. You can take it empty through security then fill it up at a water fountain near your gate. A lot of stewards/stewardesses will even fill your water bottle will ice water on the plane, so you can always stay hydrated. These  camelbak water bottles  come in a variety of colors for a low price.

FOLDABLE TOOTHBRUSH  – $7

This isn’t the sexiest gift, but it’s just darn useful. You can encourage personal hygiene and solve the tricky problem of how to keep your toothbrush clean and protected with this  nifty foldable toothbrush.

TRAVEL SURGE PROTECTOR WITH USB PORTS  – $15

I seriously  love  this product. These days it seems like you go to a hotel and there are never enough outlets for “all the things”. Or, there’s no spare outlet for your phone near the bed, and the closest empty outlet is on the other side of the room (#firstworldproblems, I know). With this handy  travel surge protector , you get 3 extra outlets plus 2 USB ports to charge your devices. Plus, it rotates, so you can get it to fit in those tricky behind-the-nightstand plug situations.

A VERSATILE, STYLISH TRAVEL WALLET  – $16

Do not gift your traveling friend a fanny pack please! A nice light-weight travel wallet should hold your passport, ID, credit cards, and cash at the very least.  This one  earns bonus points for having zippered pockets (keeps you from losing things!) and room for more, like those little earbuds, your flight documents, and even your cell. You can stow this safely in a bigger bag or purse and have everything in one place. It also comes in a range of fun colors.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this idea for a budget-friendly gift this holiday season. There are lots of possibilities here that you can add to the gift basket to continue the theme, depending on what fits your traveler’s needs. You can also add chapstick, a pocket mirror, ear plugs, an eye mask, hand lotion, or whatever else you might like to travel with.

bon voyage!

Ooh those are some good ideas, especially the snacks 🙂

Great ideas!

Those are fabulous ideas! I personally, would love to receive that travel gift basket!

Good ideas, I like the custom name tags!

That is such a good idea. I have one particular friend who is a traveler fiend so I may do something like this for her Xmas gift this year! 🙂

Cute!! Love your ideas 🙂

Great gift idea! Loving it. My family is full of travelers. This is the perfect idea.

Great Ideas!

Thank you for sharing!

My son and his bride are getting married November 28th. Then they will board an airplane and fly to New Orleans for their honeymoon.

I already gave them the travel guide. What else would you recommend that I put in the basket?

I’m asking this question of anyone who has ideas. Thank you

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Travels With Casey

Life and Leisure with Casey Adams

21 Best Ideas for a Travel Gift Basket

Do you have a travel enthusiast in your life and want to help make their next trip extra special? A travel-themed gift basket is a perfect way to help them prepare for their upcoming adventure.

It’s easy to create a fun travel-themed basket. Whether flying across the world or driving across the country, a well-curated gift basket will make a trip more enjoyable. The recipient will surely thank you for the thoughtful gift you have designed to make their travel experience the best yet.

Here are the 21 best ideas for a travel gift basket:

Idea #1: Travel Pillow

Sleeping is never easy on a plane. A travel pillow is a must-have on a long flight. You can get a stuffed one or an inflatable one that can pack up small when not in use. Travel pillows make great additions to any gift baskets Canada .

Idea #2: Compression socks

Idea #3: luggage tags, idea #4: toiletry bag, idea #5: eye mask.

Travelling can be tiring. An eye mask can help people get much-needed shut-eye on a flight by providing a dark environment.

Idea #6: Kindle & Handheld Reader

Lots of people love reading, but books are bulky items to pack. A handheld reader is an ideal way to give the gift of many books in a tiny package.

Idea #7: Collapsible Water bottle

Staying hydrated while travelling is so important. A collapsible water bottle is an ideal gift because you can fill it after going through security.

Idea #8: Wireless Earbuds

The cords on a standard pair of earbuds get in the way and are prone to breaking. Wireless earbuds are sure to make a flight more enjoyable. Bonus points for noise cancelling!

Idea #9: Paper Roadmap

A road trip is often the adventure of a lifetime. Here are some ways to help make it more fun, safe, and clean. As reliable as technology is, there’s always a chance of a dead battery or a place with no cell reception. Help prevent the road trip from taking a wrong turn with a paper map.

Idea #10: Picnic style basket or Cooler

Road trip snacks bought along the way will quickly add up in expense. A basket or cooler will allow the road-tripper to pack ahead of time. You can even fill the rest of your gifts into it.

Idea #11: Quick Dry Travel Towel

Regular towels take up a lot of space. A travel towel made of microfiber will roll up small and dry quickly after use.

Idea #12: Gift Card for Audiobooks

That long road trip is the perfect time to listen to a new audiobook or an old favourite.

Idea #13: Road Assistance Kit

No one expects car trouble, but if it happens, then at least you can make sure the adventurers are prepared.

Idea #14: Travel surge protector

A power bar is an excellent addition to a gift basket if a road trip is long enough to include stops overnight in a hotel or motel. You can even buy one that has USB ports.

Idea #15: Notebook and pens

Help your friend or loved one preserve all the memories they are making on their trip by including a beautiful notebook.

Idea #16: Favourite Snacks

All parents dread the inevitable chorus of “are we there yet?” from the back seat. Here are some ways to help keep the kids busy on a long trip. The parents and kids will both thank you for these. Prepackaged on-the-go snacks so the kids aren’t constantly complaining they are hungry.

Idea #17: Magnetic Drawing board

Draw and erase repeatedly without needing to go through a reem of paper. Also, bonus, it’s mess-free!

Idea #18: Magnetic Travel Board Games

These games are a fun and easy way to pass the time. The magnets ensure that pieces don’t get lost all over the car.

Idea #19: Kids Camera & Disposable Camera

Kids love taking pictures, and their own camera is a perfect way to help keep them occupied.

Idea #20: Puzzle Books

The best thing about a puzzle book is that it will never run out of batteries. There are many kinds to choose from, such as word search, crossword, and sudoku. Pick their favourite or get one of each.

Idea #21: Book of ideas

Remember all the games we played when we were kids on road trips before the age of handheld technology? The alphabet game, eye spy, etc. Write them down with quick instructions to help the kids from being bored.

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15 Insanely Creative DIY Travel Projects and Gifts to Make Right Now

• life at home / Travel Gear

How is your sanity these days? Jacob is going crazy with cabin fever. Me, however? I feel right at home (pun intended) with my puzzles, painting, and crafts. Today, we’re sharing our favorite DIY travel projects we’ve made and plan to make during our quarantine. 

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: April 9, 2020

As you already know, no one can travel right now, so it’s the perfect time to get crafty for your future trips.

1. DIY Taco Cord

We had first seen a version of them sold at a store and thought how cute would they be if they looked like actual tacos. You may have seen similar ones around the web, but we were super proud that we were the first ones to be crafty enough to come up with this alternative. ;)

Materials You Need: Gold Leather (3.5 x 9.5 to make 3), Acrylic Felt (Green, Yellow, Brown, Red),  Snap Buttons + Attacher Kit , Fabric Scissors , Hot Glue Gun , Hammer , X-acto Knife , Pen

Instructions: How to Make the Cutest DIY Cord Tacos for Your Next Flight

2. Flat Iron or Curling Iron Holder

This is by far the easiest and cheapest tutorial. You can head to the nearest dollar store and pick up a potholder.

Materials You Need: Potholder, Needle and Thread

Instructions: Fold the potholder in half and sew the bottom and the sides. As a bonus, you can also decorate it as you like.

Pro Tip: Acrylic paint works as a great alternative to fabric paint. You can use a fabric medium to thin it out, but it worked perfectly fine on its own.

3. Travel Watercolor Set

Lately, I’ve been using youtube tutorials to teach myself how to watercolor. I’ve only been painting at home, but eventually, when we visit beautiful landscapes I would love to sit and paint. It’ll be a great way to be more present.

Materials You Need: Altoids Tin (the classic one), InstaMorph , Watercolors (this is a great beginner’s set I use)

Pro Tip:   This water brush pen pairs great with this DIY since you don’t have to carry a cup of water with you.

Instructions: How to Make a DIY Travel Watercolor Set

4. DIY Kindle Case or DIY iPad Case

This tutorial was for an iPad cover, but you can also measure your device and modify the tutorial as needed.

Materials You Need: Heavy Chipboard , Fabric (this one is travel inspired), One inch Elastic , Sewing Machine (or you can hand sew)

I also found these amazing handmade book covers on Etsy , and there’s a high chance I’m going to buy one. 

I’m trying to find a way if we can make a DIY version, which requires us to find vintage books that are roughly the same size as a kindle. We’ll be on the lookout once the quarantine is over.

5. Adventure Together Map Art

This is another one I saw on Etsy, which is such a great place to find DIY inspiration. You can do a paper cut out version or a digital version, but I think a digital version is too much of a copy rather than a DIY. What do you think?

Materials You Need: Map, Colored Cardstock , Glue , Scissors

I suggest you go thrifting for a map, or it won’t be cost-effective. We used our old Rand McNally.

6. DIY Scratch Map

We love scratch maps and already have two world scratch maps and a US scratch map in our home. I didn’t realize until recently that you can make your very own.

Materials You Need: World Map, Contact Paper, Acrylic Paint, Dishwashing Soap, Candle, Brush

You can find the instructions here .

7. Packing Cube

Packing cubes travel with us everywhere. Not only do they keep all your things organized, but with their compression, you can pack in so much more.

Materials You Need: Rip Stop Nylon (1/2 yard), Mesh Fabric (1/3 yard), Zipper 36″, Iron on Vinyl 

Find the instructions here or here .

Pro Tip:  Our biggest concern for this DIY would be how they hold up since we typically stuff them to the brim. These are the ones we currently use, and they are super sturdy.

8. Travel Neck Pillow

We never travel with neck pillows, because we like to pack light and they are bulky. Instead, we use a hack and stuff our puffy jacket into a pocket to use as a pillow. We do, however, know plenty of people who love traveling with neck pillows, and this  DIY Buckwheat Travel Pillow by SewDIY is perfect.

9. DIY Passport Holder

Passport covers don’t just make your passport look pretty. They protect it from wear and tear. Here’s a lovely DIY passport holder tutorial by Lovely Indeed.

10. DIY Luggage Tags

A luggage tag is a great way to let your luggage stand out. It’s also useful to keep your phone number in case the airline loses it, which has happened to us a few times. Here’s a beautiful DIY luggage tag tutorial to give your luggage some bling.

11. Jewelry Roll + Case

If you bring a lot of jewelry with you, this mini jewelry roll tutorial from Haberdashery Fun is a great way to keep them organized. It can also be used at home to store your essential jewelry too.

12. Sunglass Case

Sunglasses are an essential travel item. While I tend to toss them freely in a bag, I could give them more love and care. I think this cute  DIY sunglass case tutorial by DIYCandy  would do the trick.

13. Eyemask

14. sewing kit (ty).

Is this DIY travel project not purrrfect? (Sorry I had to). Of course, you can decorate it with something other than a kitty, but do you really want to lose then pun? You can find the DIY Sewing Kitty tutorial here . Photo courtesy of Sew4Home .

15. DIY Vintage Book Travel Tech Organizer

This DIY travel tech organizer will also have to wait until the quarantine is over so we can go thrifting and look for vintage books. 

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More DIY Travel Projects

If you’re extra crafty and have finished all the above projects, here are plenty more to work on:

• Bow Scrunchies
• Blanket Scarf
• Changing Pad (kids)
• Earring Case
• Pocket Travel Journal
• Scarf Camera Strap
• Slim Travel Wallet
• Snack Pouches
• Toothbrush Travel Wrap
• Tissue Holder
• Travel Bingo
• Travel Candle
• Vintage Postcard Travel Journal
• Washi Tape Handle Wraps

More DIY Travel Projects for the Home

• Chalkboard Globe
• Clipboard Instagram Photo Frame
• Painted Globe
• Paper Globe
• Passport Wall Art
• Travel Keepsake Box
• Travel Shadow Box
• Vintage Postcards Tray

MAP DIY PROJECTS

• Magnets ( one and two )
• Personalized Photo Map
• Picture Map
• Tile Coasters
• United Colors of Love World Map
• Wooden Travel Map

More Resources

• Beginners Sewing – The Basics
• Learn How to Sew by Hand: Six Basic Hand Stitches

Have you made any of these DIY travel projects? Which one would you fnd the most useful?

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Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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Homemade Travel Gifts

If you’re like me, you may not like the idea of mindless swapping of useless gifts at Christmastime. I prefer to give something practical, even if it’s socks. Socks are a great gift! But maybe that’s because my feet are cold right now. Better than a deeply practical gift is one that is practical and thoughtful. If it can also be homemade, then–only then–do we reach true gift greatness. The homemade practical thoughtful gift. So today I’m thinking of the most practical things I would like to receive, homemade travel gifts.

If you’ve got a traveler on your list, it’s easy to think of lots of great gift ideas, which I’ve written about here and here . The main tactic I suggest is bringing an element of comfort and personalization to the traveler in your life. Travel can be hard on a person and receiving a homemade travel gift can brighten an otherwise gloomy hotel room, flight or train ride. Adding a homemade dimension may not come to you easily, but I have some ideas to get you started. Many of these homemade travel gifts are really fast to put together and would be good last-minute projects or projects for kids to make for a traveling parent.

Personalized Pillow Case- As you may know already, I like to travel with my own pillow. I was finding that it was easy to lose pillows in the flurry of packing up, so I started putting bright pillowcases on to remind me not to leave it yet again. I started writing my name on the pillowcase in Sharpie, then decided to let my kids draw on it too. And voila! The best travel gift for a parent was born. My kids have made a couple of these for me, and sleeping with a pillow covered in their drawings is what I need most sometimes. All it takes is a pillowcase and fabric markers . Sharpies work too.

I like to get the pillow covers with a zipper on one end, and then I use it as my laundry sack on laundry day. If they don’t have one already, add a nice down pillow to the gift. Don’t get a pillow that is very expensive, you want low fill so that it packs well. Also be extra careful to avoid feather pillows, those are horribly pokey and heavy too. This is the one  that I carry in my bag.If the traveler in your life doesn’t bring a pillow, you can make them a pillowcase anyhow to use as a zippered laundry sack. If you’re not into drawing, you can use photo transfer paper in your printer to make iron-on images.

Custom T-Shirt- Speaking of iron-on images, remember back in the 70’s and early 80’s when going to the Iron-On T-Shirt shop at the mall was all the rage? I remember how exciting it was to personalize my own shirt, I can even recall that burning plastic smell as they put the shirt in the big iron machine! Or maybe that was just MY childhood. Anyhow, you can live or relive this experience in your own home, and make a fun Christmas present at the same time. Using the iron-on photo transfer paper mentioned above, you can print out family or travel photos and make a cool t-shirt or personalized pajama shirt for your traveler. Just print, cut out the images, arrange on a blank t-shirt and iron. This is also a great way to transfer art onto cloth, just take a picture and print.

Personalized Luggage Tags- This is a simple project for even the most inexperienced crafter. You can buy these nifty self-laminating luggage tags , they are very easy to use. Find a great photo, kid’s art or even flower petals, and arrange them on one side, with an address label or business card on the other and then seal the label. Easy-peasy. I’d suggest you use really bright colors on this so that it will stand out at the luggage carousel. Glitter anyone?

Handmade Tablet Cover- If the traveler on your list carries a tablet, which they should, help them protect their tablet on the road. The normal covering isn’t enough, as I have found out the hard way. It’s nice to have a pocket to slip your tablet in to keep it dirt-free. Making one is pretty simple, even those with few skills can do it. Your first option is to use felt, which is available at most craft stores. Find out the dimensions of the tablet, then cut a piece of felt that is twice the size plus 2 inches.

For example, if you have a tablet that is 6 inches by 8 inches, you’d cut a rectangle 14 by 18 inches. Fold it into an envelope shape and stitch up the sides, then add a fastener at the opening, like a button or velcro. You can embellish it with travel patches or felt shapes if you wish. This would be a great project for a crafty kid that can do a little sewing.Knitters can also use their skills for the same task. Knit a rectangle to the dimensions you calculate as above, then stitch the sides and add a button. My best girlfriend made me one for my Kindle in a cozy dyed yarn, my favorite kind for knitting or gifting, Manos del Uruguay . It’s like socks for your electronics! Socks! Knitters can also make lovely homemade socks as gifts. Yeah, my feet are still cold.

“Box of Awesome” Emergency Kit- Over the years I have cultivated a little emergency kit for my purse that I like to call the Box of Awesome. It can fix most minor travel emergencies, and a few major ones. I wrote about it a while ago, which you can read  HERE , and I encourage you to steal this idea. The basic idea is to buy a simple first aid kit, I like the little one from Johnson and Johnson , and then add extras to it that will solve small problems. I carry tiny scissors , safety pins, glasses screwdriver and screws , tiny tubes of Crazy Glue , moleskin , a little tube with medicines, twist ties, dental floss, excellent tweezers and a sewing kit, just to name a few. THIS little sewing kit comes with the scissors and pins, I’ve also just used the little sewing kit from the toiletries basket in hotel rooms. You can come up with your own additions, personalized to the traveler. A lot of this stuff you may already have in your house. This is a great gift, as I think every traveler should have something like it. I’ve made them for my car and purse at home, and I should probably make them for my kids’ backpacks too. Gifts for everyone! If you’re not feeling like assembling one yourself, ricksteves.com sells something similar, and I just  saw this adorable girly version at JCrew, which you can find HERE . That’s going on my Christmas list.

”Bling” a Bag- If you’re giving a new travel bag to a friend, give it a more broken-in feeling by adding some travel patches. You can get them just about anywhere, even your hometown.

If you want a more exotic look but forgot to buy travel patches on your last trip, never fear, the Internet has got you covered.  This one  is on my list for my bag. Sorry, the cool Rick Steves Tours patches are not for sale, you have to come on a tour with me!

Photo Water Bottle- Most people like to bring a water bottle with them to refill as they go, which is a great thing to have in Europe, especially since there are plenty of public water fountains. Water bottles all seem to look alike, but you can make a unique one with family photos, one that is less likely to be lost or stolen. The one you can have made at Walmart Photo is a good deal, it’s $14 and comes with a clip to attach it to your daybag. You’ll need to order this ahead of time. Don’t have time to order ahead? You can also make this yourself, using pictures or your own collage with a personalized  water bottle kit . 

Travel Memory Ornaments- I’ve always wondered what to do with those ticket stubs, bus tickets and odd-n-ends I bring home in my bag. They are too pretty to toss, but I’m not a scrapbooker. I’ve found these fun clear plastic ornaments at the craft store with removable tops or halves that come apart.

You can cut your scraps to fit the shape of the ornament, then roll and insert into the globe, done in 5 minutes. Add glitter if you are that sort of person. You could do a whole set of them with map fragments and ticket stubs for a travel-themed Christmas tree, or give them as gifts. Geez, now that I’m thinking of it, wouldn’t it be super cool to make a paper chain out of maps from your travels? I am totally going to do that next year, after I raid the TI in Rome and load up on maps!

Bookmarks- I do love my tablet, but I’ll always love paper books more and usually travel with one. If you find me reading somewhere in Europe, I’ve normally got a business card  stuffed hastily in my book as an impromptu bookmark. But that got me thinking, why not use fun museum or bus tickets, maps or brochures and make a proper bookmark? For this, you’ll need clear Contact Paper, available here or at somewhere like Target. Cut two pieces about 2 inches by 6 inches. Peel back the paper and stick your scraps on, leaving a border of at least 1/4 inch. Peel off the other piece and carefully lay it on top, matching sides, then seal. Trim the edges and you’re done.Now that you’ve got a bookmark, what else can you give that favorite traveller of yours? Why, books of course! Stay tuned, I’ll be loading you up with book suggestions for Christmas gifts…or maybe just for yourself.Happy crafting everyone. Let me know if you come up with some other cool, homemade travel gifts ideas and I’ll add them to the list.  

This post was published by the Adventures with Sarah team. Click here to find out more about the people that make everything at AWS happen.

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Great ideas- I’ll have to get busy…. um more busy. Thanks for your hand made print- I received it in the mail the other day- a perfect one as Venice is on my bucket list- I’ll have to frame and hang it where I can see it and dream of a future trip, its not IF I get there, but a matter of when. Thanks for keeping the dream alive.

I love the idea of making travel Christmas ornaments! Our Christmas tree is a mish mash of ornaments gathered on travels! They would be even more memorable made with tickets or pictures!

Yeah, I thought of this the other day and I think I’m going to decorate my whole tree like that!

Wow!! I’m not remotely crafty…but have waaaay too many nifty ticket stubs, will be looking for contact paper and clear ornament balls! Great ideas, thank-you!!

I like using ticket stubs featuring beautiful art, places, sights, buildings with peel and stick magnet paper. Very easy to cut to whatever size needed and voila, Monet’s garden is featured on my refrigerator.

I’m interested in buying a travel pillow. The one linked here is $53.99, but the one that you mentioned in September was $20. Could you clarify please?

Hi Kathy, The one I’ve linked to is the one I have, but I paid around $20 for it on sale. You want the cheapest one that is still down and not feather, which is a tricky combination to find, but is possible. Check out Bed Bath and Beyond or Macy’s on a sale day, or check back at the Amazon link, their prices fluctuate wildly. I expect the prices to drop in January during white sales.

YES! As soon as you said the smell from putting the t-shirt into that big hot pressing machine to apply the decal I could SMELL it too! I also prefer gifts that are utilitarian – in fact last year my family got me some dressy girly purses and I returned them in exchange for flash drives to back up my travel photos 🙂

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35 Unique & Thoughtful DIY Gift Basket Ideas (for any occasion!)

DIY gift basket ideas! This list of things to put in a gift basket will give you lots of ideas for easy and affordable presents for any occasion.

In my experience, everyone LOVES to receive a gift basket.

It’s so much fun to give or receive a themed bundle of items that fits a person perfectly.

Gift baskets are such a great way to show that you really thought about the person and what they’d like, because you can add the personal touch of including their favorite things and favorite snacks.

Plus, they’re totally customizable for your gift recipient, budget, and the gift-giving occasion.

Unique gift baskets can pack a really big punch for cheap, and they’re actually really fun to put together!

They can also be a great option to gift to an entire family or a couple if you’re on a budget.

And putting together your own homemade gift baskets is SO much cheaper than buying a premade basket.

Pro-tip: Throughout the year, pick up clearance items you find that might work well for a gift basket. (The Bath & Body Works semi-annual sale is a great example!)

This post may contain affiliate links. You can view my full disclosure policy  here. 

👉 Want to create a holiday spending plan you can actually stick to? Grab our FREE Christmas Budget Planner! 

The Best Gift baskets are perfect for:

• Christmas and the holiday season
• Birthday gift (for best friend, family member, etc.)
• Mother’s Day or Father’s Day
• Valentine’s Day
• Housewarming gifts
• Teacher gifts
• Baby or bridal showers
• Kids or grandkids
• Sympathy or post-surgery presents
• Raffle prizes
• The person who has everything

You can make it as inexpensive or luxury as your budget allows.

And you can put together corporate gift baskets to give to customers or any group in an office setting.

Here are some easy tips and tricks for how to make a gift basket!

What to put in a custom gift basket

To decide what to put in your own gift basket, start by choosing a theme.

That’ll give you direction, and help narrow down what type of items to choose.

The best gift basket ideas show that you really thought about the recipient, and if they have any particular hobbies or interests.

Or choose one of the diy gift basket theme ideas below!

Pro-tip: Grab a FREE 30 Day trial of Amazon Prime to get unlimited free shipping to make shopping for a gift basket super easy – without even leaving home!

What can you use to make a gift basket out of?

In addition to a regular basket, feel free to get creative with the vessel you use to contain the gift basket items.

You can make a gift basket out of a:

• Traditional basket
• Baking dish
• Nice storage container
• Makeup pouch
• Mixing bowl
• Laundry basket

Think about the theme of your gift basket, and if one of the items could be a fun way to pull double duty as container AND part of the gift.

How do you fill the bottom of a gift basket?

If the gift box you’re using is deep, the best way to display the items is to use basket filler so the actual gift items can be displayed nicely.

Ideal basket fillers are soft and decorative. Here are some ideas:

• Tissue paper
• Shredded white or colored paper 
• Large confetti
• Cloth napkin
• Kitchen towel
• Newspaper (Use it as filler on the very bottom to make it shallow, then cover with a more decorative topping.)

Pro-tip: The dollar store and thrift stores are great places to buy inexpensive gift ideas for your themed gift baskets. It’s the perfect way to find small items to use as filler.

Okay, let’s dive into these DIY gift baskets!

35 Good Gift Basket Ideas

1. spa or self care basket:.

• Body lotion or hand cream
• Nail polish
• Bubble bath
• Any other beauty products they like

2. Pasta basket:

• Nice bag of pasta
• Pasta sauce
• Italian candies or cookies
• Italian seasoning 
• Parmesan cheese
• Salad dressing
• Italian bread
• Bread dipping seasoning

3. Art basket:

• Coloring books
• Sketch books
• Colored pencils
• Crayons or pastels
• Nice markers
• Paint brush set

4. Date Night in a basket:

• Romantic DVD
• Bottle of wine
• Wine glasses
• Wine bottle opener

You can find out how to make a cute date night gift basket here.

5. Movie basket:

• DVDs or Redbox gift certificate
• Toppings for popcorn
• Movie theater-style candy
• Hot cocoa mix

6. Baking basket:

• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cupcake liners
• Decorating tips
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters

7. Basket for a Cook:

• Cooking utensils
• Kitchen towels
• Pot holders
• Seasoning mix
• Recipe cards

Get some inspiration for a cooking gift basket here !

8. Pizza Night basket:

• Package of pizza dough mix
• Pizza cutter
• Italian seasoning
• Pizza stone
• Jar of pizza sauce

9. Sundae basket:

• Ice cream scoop
• Hot fudge, caramel, or strawberry topping
• Jar of maraschino cherries (or fresh fruit like bananas)
• Cute ice cream bowls
• Ice cream cones

10. Basket for Book Lovers:

• Reading light
• Good book(s)
• Gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble 

11. Basket for a Gardener (anyone with a green thumb):

• Hand-held gardening tools
• Kneeling board
• Liquid fertilizer
• Watering wand
• Hose nozzle
• Live plants

12. Housewarming gift basket (new house or new homeowner):

• Cleaning supplies
• Cutting board
• Kitchen utensils
• Extension cord or surge protector
• Wall hanging kit
• Command hooks

13. Basket for Teenage Girl:

• Fuzzy socks
• Makeup brushes
• Gift card 

14. Basket for Teenage Boy:

• Wireless earbuds

15. Get Well Soon gift basket:

• Tea ( such as Throat Coat )
• Chicken soup mix
• Bath soak 
• Soft tissues
• Throat lozenges
• Essential oils

16. Chocolate Lover gift basket:

• Brownie mix
• Chocolate coated spoons
• Chocolate covered pretzels

17. Basket for a College Student:

• Comfy socks
• Reusable water bottle
• Coffee tumbler
• Pens and pencils
• Gift card for fast food or gas

18. Gift basket for Golf Lover:

• Practice wiffle balls
• Golf club brush 
• Collapsible cooler
• Golf gloves

19. Fitness gift basket:

• Workout DVD
• Sweat towel
• Protein bars
• Light dumbbells or ankle weights

20. Snow Day gift basket:

• Hot chocolate
• Snowman kit
• Small game 
• Jigsaw puzzle

21. BBQ Grilling bift basket:

• Seasoning set
• Grill cleaning spray
• Burger patty press
• Meat thermometer

22. Travel gift basket:

• Hanging travel bag
• Emergency sewing kit
• Gas gift card
• Neck pillow
• Travel bottles

23. Car Care gift basket:

• Car wash gift card
• Glass cleaner
• Interior wipes
• Car wash soap
• Air freshener
• Microfiber cloths

24. Picnic in a gift basket:

• Durable plates, napkins, utensils
• Picnic blanket

25. Coffee Lover gift basket:

• Flavored coffee
• Coffee beans
• Milk frother
• Flavored creamer
• Chocolate covered spoons
• Coffee stirrers
• Disposable cups

Here are some fun ideas to include in your coffee lovers gift basket.

26. Cozy Night at Home gift basket:

• Cozy blanket

27. Pet gift basket:

• Pet’s favorite food

28. Teacher gift basket:

• Hand sanitizer
• Insulated tumbler
• Flavored coffee or creamer

29. Fishing Enthusiast gift basket:

• Small travel rod
• Fishing line
• Fillet knife
• Rubber gloves

30. Cleaning basket:

• Disinfecting wipes
• Cleaning brushes
• Dishwasher tabs
• Glass spray
• Daily shower spray
• Cleaning gloves
• All purpose spray

31. Breakfast basket:

• Pancake mix
• Maple syrup
• Pancake flipper
• Champagne or sparkling cider
• Apple juice

32. Summer gift basket:

• S’more ingredients
• Marshmallow roasting sticks
• Beach towel
• Sidewalk chalk
• Lemonade mix

33. Kids’ Craft kit basket:

• Crayons and markers
• Friendship bracelet kit
• Pipe cleaners
• Colorful feathers
• Popsicle sticks
• Googly eyes
• Construction paper

34. Kids’ Dress Up Box:

• Age-appropriate makeup
• Glow bracelets
• Funny masks
• Crown or tiara
• Temporary hair dye

35. Christmas-Themed basket:

• Holiday movie
• Sugar cookie mix
• Holiday cookie cutters
• Christmas sprinkles
• Holiday mug
• Twinkle lights
• Scented candle

Ready to try making a homemade gift basket?

I hope these ideas for things to put in a diy gift basket has given you inspiration for putting together some fun presents.

The perfect gift basket idea is the on that shows you went the extra mile and really thought of the little things.

Your gift recipient will just love to receive a cute basket that you put together with them in mind.

What are your favorite gift basket ideas?

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30 DIY Gift Baskets

Diary of a Debutante

Birthday, graduation, anniversary, housewarming, baby shower: gift-giving occasions can certainly be varied and frequent these days. But it can be a struggle to give a thoughtful, special present for each individual instance. A handmade present is always a good idea, but when you don’t have the time to craft a totally from-scratch gift, consider putting together a themed gift basket of a combination of store-bought and personalized, homemade items. Gift baskets offer a great way to make smaller presents feel more significant, they add a much more personal touch to a set of readymade items, and of course, allow you to forgo the expensive gift wrap. So, when your next gift-giving occasion approaches, pull up this list for some creative gift basket ideas.

DIY Easter Basket

For a whimsical take on a children's Easter basket, create a hot air balloon perfectly sized for a stuffed chick. Don’t forget the colorful cellophane shredded paper and plenty of sweet treats to accompany this birdie on her Easter flight. 

DIY Easter Basket from The Spruce

His & Hers Coffee Gift Basket

A Beautiful Mess

Perfect for a couple moving into their first apartment together, this thoughtful coffee-lovers bundle offers everything they’ll need to start the morning with a jolt of caffeine. Take the extra few moments to personalize a set of matching mugs—they truly make this basket special. 

His & Hers Coffee Gift Basket from A Beautiful Mess

Paper Lovers Gift Basket

Damask Love

There are a ton of great options when it comes to filling a paper lover's gift basket (think: hand-stamped stationery, personalized note pads, and thoughtfully-curated sticker sheets). This is a fantastic option to help little ones feel excited and ready for the start of a new school year. 

Paper Lovers Gift Basket from Damask Love

Self-Care Gift Basket

Put together a self-care gift basket for a friend’s birthday, to celebrate an engagement, or just to let someone know you're thinking of them. This lovely little basket also makes for a cute goody bag or party prize at a bridal or baby shower; your guests will appreciate the thoughtful curation. 

Self-Care Gift Basket from Diary of a Debutante

Toast and Jam Basket

Once you’ve mastered your homemade sourdough or you’ve perfected your croissant recipe, put together a breakfast-themed gift basket that truly anyone would be delighted to receive. To go the extra mile, add from-scratch jam and hand-whipped butter too. 

Toast and Jam Basket from Damask Love

Valentine's Day Gift Baskets

Sarah Hearts

Next Valentine’s Day, forgo the predictable flowers and chocolates and instead opt for a fully customizable gift basket. For this one, start with a fun vessel (check the storage container section at a big box store), then add cutesie treats and trinkets in every shade of pink and red. 

Valentine's Day Gift Baskets from Sarah Hearts

Holiday Food Gift Basket

Lia Griffith

Don’t show up to your next holiday party empty-handed. Instead, present your hosts with a bundle of cozy winter snacks and drinks. Gourmet or small-batch versions of pantry staples are an easy way to go, but consider making a few sweets from scratch too (this basket is a fantastic destination for that ever-expanding cookie exchange you’ve been doing for years). 

Holiday Food Gift Basket from Lia Griffith

Rosé All Day Basket

Savvy Honey

For the perfect way to gift a pretty on-the-go tumbler and a special bottle of wine (or two), try a rosé-themed basket. Tailor the decorations to match the occasion (think: chocolates for a bridal shower or lingerie for a bachelorette party), and you’re set with a very welcome gift for any recipient. 

Rosé All Day Basket from Savvy Honey

Teatime Basket

Blessed Beyond Crazy

This tea-themed basket is coziness embodied in a thoughtful present. Add some fresh citrus or a pretty bouquet to take things up a notch and introduce a pop of color to your selection of teabags, loose leaf tea, and a proper leaf strainer. 

Teatime Basket from Blessed Beyond Crazy

Mother’s Day Gift Basket

Room for Tuesday

Stock up on Mom’s favorite things for a beautiful Mother’s Day gift basket. Scented candles, fancy homemade soaps , and rich hand cream are all great options here, and a length of satin ribbon tied into a simple bow finishes this off perfectly. 

Mother’s Day Gift Basket from Room for Tuesday

Housewarming Basket

Our Wandering Mind

It’s especially lovely to gift a new homeowner or first-time renter with a few household essentials as they begin to furnish and decorate a place of their own. Select an easy-to-care-for houseplant to anchor this bundle, then add a couple of pretty countertop accessories to finish the gift.

Housewarming Basket from Our Wandering Mind

Dollar Store Gift Basket

The DIY Mommy

A gift basket doesn’t have to be full of expensive components to make it meaningful and special. Try your favorite dollar store (or thrift shop) for a few useful and pretty items. 

Pro tip: Stick to an overall theme or color scheme to make your basket look cohesive and complete. 

Dollar Store Gift Basket from The DIY Mommy

Bloody Mary Gift Basket

A homemade bloody mary can rival a gastropub version any day, especially when you amp yours up with a variety of seasonings and fresh garnishes. Get creative putting together a DIY bloody mary basket; include glassware, hand-made pickles, and vibrant veggies—just don’t forget the vodka. 

Bloody Mary Gift Basket from Diary of a Debutante

Baby Shower Gift Basket

Glitter Inc.

When the registry’s exhausted, opt for a basketful of daily-use items new parents will be grateful to stock up on. This is a great option for parents who are expecting a second or third child, and you want to lend your support without going overboard with things they already have. 

Baby Shower Gift Basket from Glitter Inc.

Fall Vibes Gift Basket

Hello Honey

Consider this autumnal gift basket social-media ready. A warm mug of cocoa, spicy scented candle, and a couple of rustic wood coasters will have you snapping the perfect still-life photo that will live happily on your Instagram grid. 

Fall Vibes Gift Basket from Hello Honey

Gift Basket for Teens

Taste of Home

Teenagers are notoriously difficult to shop for, so instead treat them to a curated bundle of mini-presents. Raid the store’s bargain bins or end-of-season clearance to score budget-friendly items to create a colorful, joyful, teen-ready basket. 

Gift Basket for Teens from Taste of Home

DIY Slime Gift Basket

I Heart Arts ‘n’ Crafts

It’s slime time! Keep your little one occupied for hours after gifting them a create-your-own slime basket complete with beads for texture, glitter for sparkle, and food dye for color.

DIY Slime Gift Basket from I Heart Arts ‘n’ Crafts

Cheeseboard Basket

Gathered Living

When in doubt, stick with a tried-and-true gifting fave: everything you need to build a cheeseboard. Select luxury goods for this one; it should feel like a special treat to your recipient. And don’t forget to include a sturdy cheese board and crusty baguette. 

Cheeseboard Basket from Gathered Living

Get Well Gift Basket

Ideas for the Home by Kenarry

It’s often tough to show your support for an ailing friend, but a gifted set of feel-better items is a thoughtful (and safe) way to wish them well. Finish this basket off with a box of soft tissues and a bunch of lemon tea bags. 

Get Well Gift Basket from Ideas for the Home by Kenarry

Movie Night Gift Basket

A cozy movie night at home can be just as appealing as going to the theater—and it’s socially acceptable to wear your pajamas for the at-home version. Provide a lucky friend everything they need to put together a tricked-out movie night in their own living room. 

Movie Night Gift Basket from The DIY Mommy

DIY Spa Gift Basket

Crafts Unleashed

When your recipient can't get to the spa (or your gifting budget doesn't allow for an expensive full spa day treatment), present them with everything they need to recreate a relaxing experience at home. Lavender and chamomile scents are especially calming, so try to stick to those when filling this basket.

DIY Spa Gift Basket from Crafts Unleashed

Cozy Christmas Gift Basket

This festive basket gives your recipient more than just a pair of warm socks and a DIY hot cocoa kit; it sends the idea that it's absolutely okay to slow down during what can be a chaotic holiday season. Consider gifting this to the hosting household of your family's big holiday gathering and they'll be able to look forward to a cozy evening in.

Cozy Christmas Gift Basket from Persia Lou

Wine Gift Basket

Flour On My Face

This one's an easy win. Round up a couple of your favorite bottles of vino (ask your local wine shop for their recommendations if you're totally stuck), and pair them with a nice cheese and a couple of stemless glasses for a gift basket that will definitely be warmly received.

Wine Gift Basket from Flour On My Face

Baker's Dream Gift Basket

Pink Cake Plate

For the amateur baker in your life, choose a few baking tools, accessories, or ingredients to build a practical and pretty gift basket. Definitely splurge on those fancy expensive sprinkles here—they're so fun to use and most bakers would love to add to their collection.

Baker's Dream Gift Basket from Pink Cake Plate

Breakfast in Bed Gift Basket

Life is a Party

Congratulate a newly engaged couple, or a pair celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, with everything they need for a snug breakfast in bed.

Breakfast in Bed Gift Basket from Life is a Party

Girls' Night Gift Basket

A Bubbly Life

Treat the girls to some specially selected treats on your next night in. Be sure to include plenty of fresh fruit and florals—they really bring this basket over the top.

Girls' Night Gift Basket from A Bubbly Life

DIY Manicure Gift Basket

Jo-Lynne Shane

When you're set up with all the essentials for an at-home manicure or pedicure, it can be a truly relaxing self-care moment (and costs way less than a salon visit). Share the experience with your friends by gifting this DIY manicure basket for your next occasion.

DIY Manicure Gift Basket from Jo-Lynne Shane

Father's Day Gift Basket

Pretty Providence

Not sure what to get dad this year? Put together a playful "pop" gift basket to show your appreciation on Father's Day. Dad will surely appreciate an excuse to indulge in some favorite junk food for the day.

Father's Day Gift Basket from Pretty Providence

Kids' Craft Basket

Just Measuring Up

If you're looking for an alternative to a candy-filled, junk food basket, consider colorful arts and crafts supplies. In addition to being visually exciting, this gift basket also provides plenty of activity options for an arts-inclined kiddo.

Kids' Craft Basket from Just Measuring Up

Fresh Flowers Gift Basket

Modern Glam

Build a basket around a bouquet of fresh flowers (bonus points if they come from your own garden). Add floral-scented hand cream and candles, or a flowery tea towel and plant seeds to complete the gift.

Fresh Flowers Gift Basket from Modern Glam

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• Free, Printable Easter Bunny Coloring Pages
• 14 DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gifts

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how to make a gift basket for any recipient and occasion \n\n Making your own gift baskets gives you endless options when it comes to contents and presentation, allowing you to create a truly thoughtful gift for any recipient and occasion. DIY gift baskets also tend to be the conscious choice because you can avoid unnecessary waste and only include items you know the recipient will love. \n\n Read on to find out what to put in a hamper , what you'll need to wrap your hamper , and how to wrap your hamper . We also have lots of inspiring gift hamper ideas. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192187" } }, "6501402": { "id": "6501402", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " what is a gift basket? \n\n Traditionally, a gift basket is a woven basket filled with an assortment of food and drink. Baskets are usually lined with wood wool, with the items arranged on top. Then, it is wrapped with cellophane and tied with a bow. \n\n However, the term gift basket is now used to refer to various types of gift bundles whereby the items fit a theme and are beautifully presented together. You can buy pre-made gift baskets or make your own. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192189" } }, "6501403": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "left"}, "id": "6501403", "image": { "altText": "What to put in a gift basket", "altTextId": "6401614", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v2678252008504860586/general/Monsoon Mothers Day Gift - Lucille Gold_58854.jpg", "titleText": "What to put in a gift basket", "titleTextId": "6401615", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501404": { "id": "6501404", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " what to put in a gift basket \n\n When deciding what to put in a hamper, you'll need to think about the theme, budget, recipient, delivery method, and hamper size. If you're looking for specific gift suggestions, take a look at our gift basket ideas . \n\n Theme: A theme will help tie all the elements of your hamper together. Choosing based on the recipient's hobbies and personality, and potentially the occasion, will help you create a thoughtful gift that they'll treasure. Take a look at our gift basket ideas for inspiration. \n\n Budget: If you have a certain budget in mind, think about how you're going to split this across different parts of the hamper. You can save money and show how much you care by incorporating homemade elements, such as baked goods. \n\n Recipient: The recipient's likes and dislikes should guide your overall basket theme as well as individual gift choices. For example, if you're buying or making food, it's best to take their individual tastes and any dietary requirements into account. \n\n Delivery method: When, where, and how will you be gifting your hamper? These factors might limit the weight, size, and types of gifts you can buy. Expiry dates are one of the main things to bear in mind when making a food gift basket. \n\n Hamper size: For beautiful presentation, you'll need to make sure there's the right amount of space to display your gifts in the basket (or other container). You might prefer to choose your gifts first and then find a suitable basket afterwards. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192191" } }, "6501407": { "id": "6501407", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " what you'll need to wrap your basket \n\n Gifts are usually presented in a wicker basket filled with wood wool, which is then wrapped with cellophane and decorated with plastic ribbon. You can buy all these materials together in 'make your own gift basket' kits. However, you might want to consider something a little different, not only because it can result in a more beautiful and personal gift but because it can be kinder to the environment. \n\n The basket: If you don't already have a wicker basket that could be recycled, consider upcycling another container from your home. Strong cardboard boxes are ideal for gift hampers and can be decorated to suit the theme. \n\n If you decide to buy a container, try to choose something that forms part of the gift and will get plenty of use. For example, you could use a large plant pot to create a gardening basket or a serving bowl for a food basket. See our gift basket ideas for more inspiration. \n\n The filler: You may need filler for your gifts to be arranged upon. Biodegradable, FSC-certified wood wool is available, and 100% recycled shredded paper is a good alternative. Better yet, go the DIY route by shredding and scrunching paper you already have at home. \n\n The wrap: Depending how and when you're gifting your hamper, you may be able to avoid using any kind of wrap. If you do want to wrap, consider using a biodegradable and composable cellophane. Organza is another attractive and eco-friendly option as long as the material is reused afterwards. To keep the contents a surprise, you could use other fabrics or recycled wrapping paper. \n\n The ribbon: Gift baskets are often tied with plastic ribbons, and you can buy ones made from recycled materials. Other conscious options include biodegradable twine and reusable fabric ribbons. \n\n how to wrap a gift basket \n\n Once you have decided what to put inside and have everything else you need , it's time to arrange and wrap your gift hamper: \n\n \n\t Cut your cellophane (or other chosen wrap) to the necessary size. If in doubt, give yourself extra to work with. \n\t Place your basket (or other container) onto the wrap and add the hamper filler. You may need to scrunch and "fluff" the filter to give it more volume. \n\t Arrange your gifts inside the hamper. It will take a bit of trial and error to get the composition right, but you will generally want to put the largest items at the back centre and the smallest items at the front. \n\t Collect the edges of the wrap above the back center of your basket and secure in place, just above the tallest item, with an elastic band or tightly tied string. You might then want to trim the wrap. \n\t Decorate your hamper by tying a ribbon into a bow, covering the elastic band or string. Finally, add a gift tag with a personal message. \n \n\n gift hamper ideas \n\n \n\t By occasion \n\n\t \n\t\t Christmas \n\t\t Easter \n\t\t New baby \n\t\t New home \n\t \n\t \n\t Food and drink baskets \n\t \n\t\t Coffee basket \n\t\t Tea basket \n\t\t Sweet basket \n\t\t Chocolate basket \n\t \n\t \n\t Other ideas \n\t \n\t\t Pamper basket \n\t\t Movie night basket \n\t\t Craft basket \n\t\t Gardening basket \n\t \n\t \n \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192193" } }, "6501408": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "left"}, "id": "6501408", "image": { "altText": "Denby Conscious Christmas robin biscuits", "altTextId": "6401616", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v8909215225549514671/general/Denby Conscious Christmas robin biscuits.jpg", "titleText": "Denby Conscious Christmas robin biscuits", "titleTextId": "6401617", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501409": { "id": "6501409", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " holiday gift basket ideas \n\n Christmas gift baskets usually include shelf-stable food and drink to be enjoyed over the holiday season, such as chocolate, cookies, pretzels, crackers, and wine. You may wish to include fresh foods like cheese, but this can make storage and gifting trickier. \n\n Homemade treats show just how much you care, and we have lots of holiday recipes that are perfect for a food basket: \n\n \n\t Spiced pear and ginger bundt cakes \n\t Mini robin biscuits recipe \n\t Vegan mince pie crackers recipe \n\t Festive granola recipe \n \n\n Otherwise, try visiting your local market or deli to see what locally produced goodies you can uncover. Unusual and luxury foods tend to work well, especially if they're festively flavored or themed, but make sure to take your recipient's tastes and dietary needs into account. Rather than a wicker basket, try presenting your gifts in a serving bowl , which better fits the theme and will get plenty of use. \n\n Another fun holiday basket idea is to gift the recipient with everything they need to make their own seasonal favorites at home. For example, you could present the recipe, utensils, and ingredients for this delicious mulled cider in a cooking pot to make it in. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192195" } } }} --> how to make a gift basket for any recipient and occasion

Making your own gift baskets gives you endless options when it comes to contents and presentation, allowing you to create a truly thoughtful gift for any recipient and occasion. DIY gift baskets also tend to be the conscious choice because you can avoid unnecessary waste and only include items you know the recipient will love.

Read on to find out what to put in a hamper , what you'll need to wrap your hamper , and how to wrap your hamper . We also have lots of inspiring gift hamper ideas.

what is a gift basket?

Traditionally, a gift basket is a woven basket filled with an assortment of food and drink. Baskets are usually lined with wood wool, with the items arranged on top. Then, it is wrapped with cellophane and tied with a bow.

However, the term gift basket is now used to refer to various types of gift bundles whereby the items fit a theme and are beautifully presented together. You can buy pre-made gift baskets or make your own.

what to put in a gift basket

When deciding what to put in a hamper, you'll need to think about the theme, budget, recipient, delivery method, and hamper size. If you're looking for specific gift suggestions, take a look at our gift basket ideas .

Theme: A theme will help tie all the elements of your hamper together. Choosing based on the recipient's hobbies and personality, and potentially the occasion, will help you create a thoughtful gift that they'll treasure. Take a look at our gift basket ideas for inspiration.

Budget: If you have a certain budget in mind, think about how you're going to split this across different parts of the hamper. You can save money and show how much you care by incorporating homemade elements, such as baked goods.

Recipient: The recipient's likes and dislikes should guide your overall basket theme as well as individual gift choices. For example, if you're buying or making food, it's best to take their individual tastes and any dietary requirements into account.

Delivery method: When, where, and how will you be gifting your hamper? These factors might limit the weight, size, and types of gifts you can buy. Expiry dates are one of the main things to bear in mind when making a food gift basket.

Hamper size: For beautiful presentation, you'll need to make sure there's the right amount of space to display your gifts in the basket (or other container). You might prefer to choose your gifts first and then find a suitable basket afterwards.

what you'll need to wrap your basket

Gifts are usually presented in a wicker basket filled with wood wool, which is then wrapped with cellophane and decorated with plastic ribbon. You can buy all these materials together in 'make your own gift basket' kits. However, you might want to consider something a little different, not only because it can result in a more beautiful and personal gift but because it can be kinder to the environment.

The basket: If you don't already have a wicker basket that could be recycled, consider upcycling another container from your home. Strong cardboard boxes are ideal for gift hampers and can be decorated to suit the theme.

If you decide to buy a container, try to choose something that forms part of the gift and will get plenty of use. For example, you could use a large plant pot to create a gardening basket or a serving bowl for a food basket. See our gift basket ideas for more inspiration.

The filler: You may need filler for your gifts to be arranged upon. Biodegradable, FSC-certified wood wool is available, and 100% recycled shredded paper is a good alternative. Better yet, go the DIY route by shredding and scrunching paper you already have at home.

The wrap: Depending how and when you're gifting your hamper, you may be able to avoid using any kind of wrap. If you do want to wrap, consider using a biodegradable and composable cellophane. Organza is another attractive and eco-friendly option as long as the material is reused afterwards. To keep the contents a surprise, you could use other fabrics or recycled wrapping paper.

The ribbon: Gift baskets are often tied with plastic ribbons, and you can buy ones made from recycled materials. Other conscious options include biodegradable twine and reusable fabric ribbons.

how to wrap a gift basket

Once you have decided what to put inside and have everything else you need , it's time to arrange and wrap your gift hamper:

• Cut your cellophane (or other chosen wrap) to the necessary size. If in doubt, give yourself extra to work with.
• Place your basket (or other container) onto the wrap and add the hamper filler. You may need to scrunch and "fluff" the filter to give it more volume.
• Arrange your gifts inside the hamper. It will take a bit of trial and error to get the composition right, but you will generally want to put the largest items at the back centre and the smallest items at the front.
• Collect the edges of the wrap above the back center of your basket and secure in place, just above the tallest item, with an elastic band or tightly tied string. You might then want to trim the wrap.
• Decorate your hamper by tying a ribbon into a bow, covering the elastic band or string. Finally, add a gift tag with a personal message.

gift hamper ideas

• Coffee basket
• Sweet basket
• Chocolate basket
• Pamper basket
• Movie night basket
• Craft basket
• Gardening basket

holiday gift basket ideas

Christmas gift baskets usually include shelf-stable food and drink to be enjoyed over the holiday season, such as chocolate, cookies, pretzels, crackers, and wine. You may wish to include fresh foods like cheese, but this can make storage and gifting trickier.

Homemade treats show just how much you care, and we have lots of holiday recipes that are perfect for a food basket:

• Spiced pear and ginger bundt cakes
• Mini robin biscuits recipe
• Vegan mince pie crackers recipe
• Festive granola recipe

Otherwise, try visiting your local market or deli to see what locally produced goodies you can uncover. Unusual and luxury foods tend to work well, especially if they're festively flavored or themed, but make sure to take your recipient's tastes and dietary needs into account. Rather than a wicker basket, try presenting your gifts in a serving bowl , which better fits the theme and will get plenty of use.

Another fun holiday basket idea is to gift the recipient with everything they need to make their own seasonal favorites at home. For example, you could present the recipe, utensils, and ingredients for this delicious mulled cider in a cooking pot to make it in.

easter gift basket ideas \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192201" } }, "6501417": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "center"}, "id": "6501417", "image": { "altText": "Denby Studio Blue Easter table setting", "altTextId": "6401626", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v666418142692880045/general/Denby Studio Blue Easter table setting.jpg", "titleText": "Denby Studio Blue Easter table setting", "titleTextId": "6401627", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501419": { "id": "6501419", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " Easter hampers celebrate the arrival of spring and are great for gifting to families to share. They are usually filled with Easter eggs and other themed treats, which can be store-bought or homemade. \n\n Rather than gifting your Easter treats in a basket that's unlikely to get much use, try arranging your gifts on a ceramic plate or in a  bowl . Using wood wool will create a wonderful 'nest' effect that's perfect for presenting chocolate eggs. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192203" } }, "6501420": { "id": "6501420", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " new baby gift basket ideas \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192205" } }, "6501421": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "center"}, "id": "6501421", "image": { "altText": "New baby gift basket ideas", "altTextId": "6401628", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v3707809504264990004/general/Baby in blanket.jpg", "titleText": "New baby gift basket ideas", "titleTextId": "6401629", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501422": { "id": "6501422", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " There are some items that you can't seem to have enough of as a new parent, and these tend to be the most gratefully received gifts — examples include baby shampoo, baby lotion, talcum powder, muslin squares, and bibs. New baby hampers allow you to gift these essentials in a thoughtful and beautiful way. \n\n Soft toys, teethers, and blankets are often included in pre-made baby gift baskets, but parents often end up with unnecessary duplicates of items like these. Basic clothing can be a good option, but consider gifting sizes 0–3 months and up, as parents often have lots of newborn clothing that's quickly outgrown. \n\n For the basket itself, a storage box or basket for the nursery is a thoughtful choice. \n\n You may also wish to include gifts for mum to create a mother and baby hamper. Mini bottles of champagne, chocolates, and pampering products are popular options, reminding mums to take time out for themselves after the little one's arrival. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192207" } }, "6501423": { "id": "6501423", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " new home gift basket ideas \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192209" } }, "6501424": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "center"}, "id": "6501424", "image": { "altText": "Denby mug potted plant - new home gift", "altTextId": "6401630", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v6512488607120545907/general/Denby mug potted plant - new home gift.jpg", "titleText": "Denby mug potted plant - new home gift", "titleTextId": "6401631", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501425": { "id": "6501425", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " The best housewarming gift baskets help the recipient to celebrate their move and settle into their new home. Popular gift choices include champagne, mugs , hand wash, tea towels, chocolates, cookies, candles, picture frames, potted plants and small home decorations. \n\n Thinking about the recipient's reason for moving can help you to put together something more personal. For example, if they're excited about their new garden, you could make a gardening basket . If they're a keen cook, a ceramic oven dish or cast-iron cooking pot filled with luxury ingredients could be the perfect choice. \n\n Cleaning product gift baskets are popular gifts for children flying the nest, allowing parents to gift inexpensive yet essential items in a fun and thoughtful way. Examples include dust cloths, sponges, furniture polish, bin bags, kitchen spray, and rubber gloves. A washing-up bowl makes the perfect 'basket'. \n\n For more inspiration, take a look at our homeware gifts . \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192211" } }, "6501426": { "id": "6501426", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " coffee gift basket ideas \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192213" } }, "6501427": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "center"}, "id": "6501427", "image": { "altText": "Coffee Gift Basket Ideas", "altTextId": "6401632", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v8002143627577652800/general/gifting-small-food-coffee2.jpg", "titleText": "Coffee Gift Basket Ideas", "titleTextId": "6401633", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501428": { "id": "6501428", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " A coffee gift basket is a thoughtful gift for any coffee lover, whatever the occasion. \n\n If the recipient has a grinder (or you're planning to gift one), gifting coffee beans in your basket is a must. Otherwise, select a bag of high-quality ground coffee. If they have a favorite coffee shop, this is a good place to buy or get advice. \n\n Our mugs , coffee cups and saucers , and espresso cups are also great options for coffee hampers. There are lots of designs to choose from, so you're sure to find one your recipient will love. You could even include a matching sugar bowl. \n\n Coffee-making equipment and accessories make great hamper gifts, too. A coffee dripper is relatively inexpensive and allows the recipient to brew pour-over coffee almost anywhere - perfect for those who travel regularly. \n\n Other gift ideas include coffee chocolates, biscuits, flavored syrups, and Irish cream liqueur. For more inspiration, see our gifts for coffee lovers . \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192215" } }, "6501429": { "id": "6501429", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " tea gift basket ideas \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192217" } }, "6501430": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "center"}, "id": "6501430", "image": { "altText": "Denby homemade teabags", "altTextId": "6401634", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v6796383328117857673/general/Denby homemade teabags.jpg", "titleText": "Denby homemade teabags", "titleTextId": "6401635", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501431": { "id": "6501431", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " A DIY tea gift basket shows how much you care and is sure to be appreciated. It can also be easily customised to suit different budgets. \n\n The tea itself is a must, so think carefully about what variety (or varieties) to include. For an extra-special touch, you can make handmade teabags featuring a bespoke blend. If the recipient has a tea strainer (or you're planning to gift one), you could instead gift your loose tea in a ceramic storage jar . Cookies are another inexpensive gift option that can be homemade for added impact. \n\n A beautifully handcrafted teapot or  teacup and saucer   will make a welcome addition and could even double up as the vessel for your other gifts. You could add a matching milk jug and sugar bowl to create a full tea set , in which case a tea tray will make a practical alternative to a wicker basket. \n\n See our gifts for tea lovers for more inspiration. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192219" } }, "6501432": { "id": "6501432", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " candy gift basket ideas \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192221" } }, "6501433": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "center"}, "id": "6501433", "image": { "altText": "Candy and scoop", "altTextId": "6401636", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v2974897618866707094/general/Candy and scoop.jpg", "titleText": "Candy and scoop", "titleTextId": "6401637", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501434": { "id": "6501434", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " Candy gift baskets are popular among children and adults alike. These are usually filled with favorites like Swedish fish, jellybeans, candy corn, sour candies, and saltwater taffy. \n\n For an impressive display, present your sweets separately in clear bags (preferably biodegradable or recyclable) or reusable glass jars. These can then be arranged in a shallow box or on a plate along with any pre-packaged candy. \n\n If you really want to impress and delight, you could make your own sweets! The likes of honeycomb, lollipops, and marshmallows are all easier to make than you might expect. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192223" } }, "6501435": { "id": "6501435", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " chocolate gift basket ideas \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192225" } }, "6501436": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "center"}, "id": "6501436", "image": { "altText": "Chocolate gift basket ideas", "altTextId": "6401638", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v8187124600689351501/general/Truffles presented on Denby x John Lewis Quartz Rose.jpg", "titleText": "Chocolate gift basket ideas", "titleTextId": "6401639", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501437": { "id": "6501437", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " There aren't many people who wouldn't appreciate a bespoke chocolate gift basket! You can keep things simple with store-bought chocolate, go down the luxury route with artisan chocolates, or show how much you care with homemade truffles presented in ceramic bowls . \n\n In the autumn and winter months, a hot chocolate hamper makes a fun alternative. Homemade hot chocolate stirrers look particularly impressive and are easy to make, as are bespoke blends of cocoa powder. Present in a large mug or cappuccino cup alongside mini marshmallows. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192227" } }, "6501438": { "id": "6501438", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " pamper gift basket ideas \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192229" } }, "6501439": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "center"}, "id": "6501439", "image": { "altText": "Pamper gift basket ideas image", "altTextId": "6401640", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v3282388419680362376/general/Modus Mothers day wellness 01.tif_63504.jpg", "titleText": "Pamper gift basket ideas image", "titleTextId": "6401641", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501440": { "id": "6501440", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " A pamper gift basket is a thoughtful gift for anyone who deserves an indulgent and relaxing pamper session. They are particularly popular for Mother's Day. \n\n To make yours extra special, consider creating your own bath and beauty products. The likes of face masks, sugar scrubs, and bath bombs can all be made at home using natural ingredients you know the recipient will love, as well as reusable containers. \n\n You can also include accessories to help your recipient enjoy a spa-like experience. Fragrance can really help to create a relaxed mood, so adding a scented candle or a reed diffuser to a basket with a home treatment, robe, and bottle of champagne is sure to delight. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192231" } }, "6501441": { "id": "6501441", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " movie night gift basket ideas \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192233" } }, "6501442": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "center"}, "id": "6501442", "image": { "altText": "Movie night gift basket ideas", "altTextId": "6401642", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v2636177503169567098/general/Popcorn in Denby Natural Canvas Ramekins.jpg", "titleText": "Movie night gift basket ideas", "titleTextId": "6401643", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501443": { "id": "6501443", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " Movie night gift baskets are great for gifting to couples or families. They should contain everything required for a cinema-like experience at home. \n\n When it comes to the film itself, you'll need to consider what they'll enjoy watching, what they already own (or have access to), and how they're going to watch it. You could include a DVD or Blu-ray, but a voucher code for a movie rental or streaming service offers more flexibility. \n\n Popcorn is another must in a movie night hamper. If you're looking for something a bit different, choose a gourmet popcorn in an unusual flavour or popcorn kernels and seasoning. Our serving bowls are perfect for popcorn and could be used as the 'hamper' for your cinema-themed gifts. \n\n You could also include other snacks in your basket, such as bags of chips or chocolates. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192235" } }, "6501444": { "id": "6501444", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " craft basket ideas \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192237" } }, "6501445": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "center"}, "id": "6501445", "image": { "altText": "Craft basket ideas", "altTextId": "6401644", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v6194884345580957951/general/Denby - crafting with clay.jpg", "titleText": "Craft basket ideas", "titleTextId": "6401645", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501446": { "id": "6501446", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " Art or craft hampers make thoughtful gifts for creative adults or children. \n\n If your recipient is already into a certain craft, you may have to do a bit of digging to find out what supplies they want or need. It might be a better idea to gift everything required to try a new craft. For example, you could put together a beginner's calligraphy kit including an instructional book, paper, pens, and ink. \n\n Another option is to find a particular project you think they'd enjoy online, then package together the instructions along with all the materials and equipment they need. For example, you could present a knitting pattern, wool, and needles in a storage tub to keep them in. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192239" } }, "6501447": { "id": "6501447", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " gardening basket ideas \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192241" } }, "6501448": { "border": { "borderColor": "#000000", "borderWidth": 0 }, "horizontalAlignment": {"horizontalAlignment": "center"}, "id": "6501448", "image": { "altText": "Gardening basket ideas", "altTextId": "6401646", "isProductImage": false, "src": "/file/v6078700914200394302/general/Denby Modus gardening hamper.jpg", "titleText": "Gardening basket ideas", "titleTextId": "6401647", "zoomEnabled": false }, "padding": { "paddingBottom": "10", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" } }, "6501449": { "id": "6501449", "padding": { "paddingBottom": "0", "paddingLeft": "0", "paddingRight": "0", "paddingTop": "0" }, "richText": { "content": " Gardening gift baskets are great for anyone who loves plants but hasn't fully developed their green fingers - perhaps a loved one who is retiring or moving into their first home. It can be a little trickier to make one for a keen gardener, who is likely to already own the equipment they need. \n\n A plant pot or gardening basket will work well as the basket itself, and you can use compost rather than wood wool as filler to fit the theme. Must-have gifts include a hand trowel and fork, shears, and gardening gloves, but you might also want to include items like seeds, twine, and plant markers. \n\n If your recipient doesn't have a garden, you could gift them everything they need to grow and care for a houseplant - herbs are a fitting option for keen cooks. You could even put together a make-your-own-terrarium kit. \n\n   \n\n Putting the thought and effort into creating a DIY gift hamper is a wonderful way to show someone special just how much you care. The opportunities truly are endless, but we hope these gift basket ideas and tips have helped to inspire you. \n\n For more inspiration, take a look at our ceramic gifts collection. Denby stoneware is handcrafted in England and covered by a 10-year guarantee, making it a conscious choice for any recipient and occasion. \n", "sourceMedia": "m17192243" } } }} --> easter gift basket ideas

Easter hampers celebrate the arrival of spring and are great for gifting to families to share. They are usually filled with Easter eggs and other themed treats, which can be store-bought or homemade.

Rather than gifting your Easter treats in a basket that's unlikely to get much use, try arranging your gifts on a ceramic plate or in a  bowl . Using wood wool will create a wonderful 'nest' effect that's perfect for presenting chocolate eggs.

new baby gift basket ideas

There are some items that you can't seem to have enough of as a new parent, and these tend to be the most gratefully received gifts — examples include baby shampoo, baby lotion, talcum powder, muslin squares, and bibs. New baby hampers allow you to gift these essentials in a thoughtful and beautiful way.

Soft toys, teethers, and blankets are often included in pre-made baby gift baskets, but parents often end up with unnecessary duplicates of items like these. Basic clothing can be a good option, but consider gifting sizes 0–3 months and up, as parents often have lots of newborn clothing that's quickly outgrown.

For the basket itself, a storage box or basket for the nursery is a thoughtful choice.

You may also wish to include gifts for mum to create a mother and baby hamper. Mini bottles of champagne, chocolates, and pampering products are popular options, reminding mums to take time out for themselves after the little one's arrival.

new home gift basket ideas

The best housewarming gift baskets help the recipient to celebrate their move and settle into their new home. Popular gift choices include champagne, mugs , hand wash, tea towels, chocolates, cookies, candles, picture frames, potted plants and small home decorations.

Thinking about the recipient's reason for moving can help you to put together something more personal. For example, if they're excited about their new garden, you could make a gardening basket . If they're a keen cook, a ceramic oven dish or cast-iron cooking pot filled with luxury ingredients could be the perfect choice.

Cleaning product gift baskets are popular gifts for children flying the nest, allowing parents to gift inexpensive yet essential items in a fun and thoughtful way. Examples include dust cloths, sponges, furniture polish, bin bags, kitchen spray, and rubber gloves. A washing-up bowl makes the perfect 'basket'.

For more inspiration, take a look at our homeware gifts .

coffee gift basket ideas

A coffee gift basket is a thoughtful gift for any coffee lover, whatever the occasion.

If the recipient has a grinder (or you're planning to gift one), gifting coffee beans in your basket is a must. Otherwise, select a bag of high-quality ground coffee. If they have a favorite coffee shop, this is a good place to buy or get advice.

Our mugs , coffee cups and saucers , and espresso cups are also great options for coffee hampers. There are lots of designs to choose from, so you're sure to find one your recipient will love. You could even include a matching sugar bowl.

Coffee-making equipment and accessories make great hamper gifts, too. A coffee dripper is relatively inexpensive and allows the recipient to brew pour-over coffee almost anywhere - perfect for those who travel regularly.

Other gift ideas include coffee chocolates, biscuits, flavored syrups, and Irish cream liqueur. For more inspiration, see our gifts for coffee lovers .

tea gift basket ideas

A DIY tea gift basket shows how much you care and is sure to be appreciated. It can also be easily customised to suit different budgets.

The tea itself is a must, so think carefully about what variety (or varieties) to include. For an extra-special touch, you can make handmade teabags featuring a bespoke blend. If the recipient has a tea strainer (or you're planning to gift one), you could instead gift your loose tea in a ceramic storage jar . Cookies are another inexpensive gift option that can be homemade for added impact.

A beautifully handcrafted teapot or  teacup and saucer   will make a welcome addition and could even double up as the vessel for your other gifts. You could add a matching milk jug and sugar bowl to create a full tea set , in which case a tea tray will make a practical alternative to a wicker basket.

See our gifts for tea lovers for more inspiration.

candy gift basket ideas

Candy gift baskets are popular among children and adults alike. These are usually filled with favorites like Swedish fish, jellybeans, candy corn, sour candies, and saltwater taffy.

For an impressive display, present your sweets separately in clear bags (preferably biodegradable or recyclable) or reusable glass jars. These can then be arranged in a shallow box or on a plate along with any pre-packaged candy.

If you really want to impress and delight, you could make your own sweets! The likes of honeycomb, lollipops, and marshmallows are all easier to make than you might expect.

chocolate gift basket ideas

There aren't many people who wouldn't appreciate a bespoke chocolate gift basket! You can keep things simple with store-bought chocolate, go down the luxury route with artisan chocolates, or show how much you care with homemade truffles presented in ceramic bowls .

In the autumn and winter months, a hot chocolate hamper makes a fun alternative. Homemade hot chocolate stirrers look particularly impressive and are easy to make, as are bespoke blends of cocoa powder. Present in a large mug or cappuccino cup alongside mini marshmallows.

pamper gift basket ideas

A pamper gift basket is a thoughtful gift for anyone who deserves an indulgent and relaxing pamper session. They are particularly popular for Mother's Day.

To make yours extra special, consider creating your own bath and beauty products. The likes of face masks, sugar scrubs, and bath bombs can all be made at home using natural ingredients you know the recipient will love, as well as reusable containers.

You can also include accessories to help your recipient enjoy a spa-like experience. Fragrance can really help to create a relaxed mood, so adding a scented candle or a reed diffuser to a basket with a home treatment, robe, and bottle of champagne is sure to delight.

movie night gift basket ideas

Movie night gift baskets are great for gifting to couples or families. They should contain everything required for a cinema-like experience at home.

When it comes to the film itself, you'll need to consider what they'll enjoy watching, what they already own (or have access to), and how they're going to watch it. You could include a DVD or Blu-ray, but a voucher code for a movie rental or streaming service offers more flexibility.

Popcorn is another must in a movie night hamper. If you're looking for something a bit different, choose a gourmet popcorn in an unusual flavour or popcorn kernels and seasoning. Our serving bowls are perfect for popcorn and could be used as the 'hamper' for your cinema-themed gifts.

You could also include other snacks in your basket, such as bags of chips or chocolates.

craft basket ideas

Art or craft hampers make thoughtful gifts for creative adults or children.

If your recipient is already into a certain craft, you may have to do a bit of digging to find out what supplies they want or need. It might be a better idea to gift everything required to try a new craft. For example, you could put together a beginner's calligraphy kit including an instructional book, paper, pens, and ink.

Another option is to find a particular project you think they'd enjoy online, then package together the instructions along with all the materials and equipment they need. For example, you could present a knitting pattern, wool, and needles in a storage tub to keep them in.

gardening basket ideas

Gardening gift baskets are great for anyone who loves plants but hasn't fully developed their green fingers - perhaps a loved one who is retiring or moving into their first home. It can be a little trickier to make one for a keen gardener, who is likely to already own the equipment they need.

A plant pot or gardening basket will work well as the basket itself, and you can use compost rather than wood wool as filler to fit the theme. Must-have gifts include a hand trowel and fork, shears, and gardening gloves, but you might also want to include items like seeds, twine, and plant markers.

If your recipient doesn't have a garden, you could gift them everything they need to grow and care for a houseplant - herbs are a fitting option for keen cooks. You could even put together a make-your-own-terrarium kit.

Putting the thought and effort into creating a DIY gift hamper is a wonderful way to show someone special just how much you care. The opportunities truly are endless, but we hope these gift basket ideas and tips have helped to inspire you.

For more inspiration, take a look at our ceramic gifts collection. Denby stoneware is handcrafted in England and covered by a 10-year guarantee, making it a conscious choice for any recipient and occasion.

60 DIY Gift Baskets To Bring Happiness to Loved Ones

Updated on November 10, 2021

Christmas is just around the corner, but supermarkets have been displaying Christmas merchandise as soon as Halloween ended, allowing everyone to get a head start on their shopping list, including the ever-favorite Christmas gift basket.

Gift baskets themselves are great because you can put anything inside, but the problem is most of them cost a small fortune.

If you’re looking to save a little money this holiday season, why not try making your own DIY gift basket? You can make a customized basket that suits the receiver perfectly and still end up spending less than what a store-bought one would cost.

We’ve gathered some really awesome DIY gift basket ideas from around the web for you to look at and hopefully get inspired! This list contains both big-sized baskets as well as smaller ones – there’s definitely something for everyone!

What Is a Gift Basket?

A gift basket is a collection of gifts that comes in one unit. It usually contains food, beverages, and other items that the receiver can enjoy.

The baskets themselves are usually beautifully decorated to display its contents, but they’re also used because it helps keep all of the gifts together nicely.

Gift baskets come in many forms; there’s no limit on what you can put inside or how the basket itself will look like! Depending on where you get your reusable gift basket from varies in how extravagant it can be.

You can either buy one off Amazon (which will probably be cheaper than if you were to order directly from the local store) or make one yourself with some simple construction skills.

Baskets for Gifts Are Also Important

If you’re looking for a nice, decorative basket to hold your gifts in, you may want to consider the wicker container. While it’s not very flexible with what it can fit inside, its traditional look makes up for that.

This is perfect if the receiver enjoys vintage things or if you’re trying to save money on who you’re giving this gift to (wicker baskets are popularly sold at dollar stores).

Best Christmas Gift Baskets to Give Away This Christmas

Since Christmas gift baskets are all about filling them with goodies, it goes without saying that some ideas are more popular than others and that fads change year after year.

Well, we did a bit of research on all kinds of online platforms to look for the hotter Christmas gift baskets ideas that you can try in 2021, and we put them all together in the following section of the article.

Keep in mind that this article is merely a list, and not a ranking, meaning that the first entries on our list are not necessarily better than the ones that follow afterward.

1. Gift Basket Ideas – Christmas Goodies

For many of us, there are certain tastes and smells that instantly take us back to our childhood, and for many of us, the smell of oranges, wine, and cinnamon is an instant childhood Christmas throwback trigger.

As such, One very popular Christmas gift basket idea that you could go for is a traditional gift basket that contains a bottle of red wine, spices for making mulled wine, oranges, cinnamon-based desserts, and an assortment of other Christmas-themed foods that are popular in your area.

Of course, it’s not just about what you put inside the gift basket, but also how you arrange the gift basket, that will determine the overall look of your personalized gift basket.

If you want to make a unique, customized Christmas gift basket for someone special, consider using a wicker container.

The reason why it’s ideal for this time of year is that the woven texture makes it easy to add in decorations like pine cones or even small evergreen branches to set the mood.

You can also add some extra coloring to the entire basket by using red (it goes very well with green), and you can do that by adding bowties, ribbons, and maybe even a small garland.

What’s great about this gift basket is that it’s pretty versatile, and you can give them to pretty much anyone, except maybe children who are expecting toys (and aren’t allowed to drink any wine).

2. Gift Baskets for Women – Homemade Cosmetics

Women like taking care of the way they look, and since everyone is avoiding processed products and artificial chemicals as much as possible, the demand for homemade beauty products has never been higher.

If you know this, then figuring out what you should gift the women in your life should be pretty easy, although the trickiest part will probably be making the actual homemade cosmetics.

Typical gift baskets for women that are themed around homemade cosmetics usually contain bath salts (or bubble baths), essential oils, body scrubs, soaps, lotions, face masks, and lip balms.

You can base your gift basket around any of these products; the only thing that you need to keep in mind is that if they contain foods that are known to be common allergens, check to find out whether the woman you plan on giving it to is allergic or not.

Although most companies sell pre-made gift baskets for women with homemade cosmetics in them, you could also opt to make one yourself by buying such a premade package (they usually come in bags or cardboard boxes), taking the products out, placing them in a wicker basket, adding one or two other homemade beauty products, and you’re done!

3. Thank You Gift Baskets

Since it’s Christmas, it means that you’ll either be receiving guests, or you’ll be a guest at someone else’s house, but whichever the case, the idea is that you’ll be with people you are more or less close to, people to whom you are most likely thankful for whatever reasons.

That being said, one of the best gift baskets that you can ever give them is one filled with whatever things they like most (there’s no precise recipe, each person is different), and attach a card to the basket where you simply write the words “Thank You”.

However, if you’re truly out of ideas on what to add to the basket, you could always go for the traditional stuff: wine, chocolates, oranges, and other fruits, cosmetics, etc.

Of course, if you really want to hit them where it hurts (in a good way, of course), try making everything in the gift basket on your own, and avoid buying things from the supermarket as much as possible, because nothing shows how much you care than actually putting in a bit of effort.

4. Boyfriend Gift Basket – Gamer Gift Basket

Boys will be boys, and there’s no way to show a man that you love him more than by endorsing the little things that he likes doing in his spare time, such as gaming.

Because of that, if this Christmas you’re looking for the ultimate boyfriend gift basket, we recommend that you give him a basket filled with everything your average gamer wants and needs.

Here’s a list of some great ideas:

• Extra batteries for him console controllers or wireless PC peripherals (mouse, keyboard, etc)
• An assortment of gaming snacks such as candy bars, nuts, and chips
• A new graphic T-shirt or hoodie with his favorite game displayed on the front
• Some cool poster putty (to make it look like he has Minecraft in his room)
• Cookies in the shape of characters from popular games (such as Cupcakes and Notch apples)
• Personalized cookies or brownies that say something along the lines of “I [your name] love [his name]” or “You’re my gamer boy.”;
• Individual cans of soda (if you want to give him an energy boost while playing).

Of course, these are some of the smaller things that you can put inside the gift basket, but if your budget is pretty big, you can even snoop around and see what video game franchises he loves most, or which titles is he waiting to buy at a discount price, and then go ahead and buy it for him yourself.

If you think he deserves something that’s even more amazing, you can even go ahead and add a brand-new console to the basket (although the console alone will pretty much fill up the basket).

Whichever the case, you can’t go wrong with a gamer basket, and if he takes the time to pause what he is currently playing just to show you how grateful he truly is, then you know that the gift basket was a smash hit!

5. Unique Gift Baskets – Personalized Basket

We already talked about how making each gift basket a bit differently from the rest can mean a lot to the person you are gifting it to because it shows just how much you know them.

However, nothing will make them happier than a gift basket that’s filled with so many personalized things that it would be impossible to say that the gift basket was for someone else.

For example, you can fill in the basket with photos of you two, or even objects that were personalized with your photos printed on them.

Another great idea for a custom gift basket is to fill it with things that have some of your favorite sayings in them (we all know how you can have inside jokes with someone that no one else gets).

If you’ve been together for a long time and you know what they love to say, then we guarantee that they will laugh their hearts out when they find one of your favorite jokes printed on a card inside the gift basket.

This is because it shows how much thought was put into making the gift basket as personalized as possible, and how much effort you’re willing to go through just so that the person feels loved and appreciated even more than usual.

The ultimate personalized Christmas gift baskets are those that have those little special gestures in them that show just how much thought and effort you put into the process, and which will make every moment holding onto them even more meaningful than any other thing you can buy at a local supermarket.

6. Christmas Gift Baskets for Families – Family Photos

When it comes to families, the best way to handle gift baskets is to do something similar to our previous entry, and include things that are very personal in nature, such as photos, or quotes, and inside jokes that only the family members know.

Of course, this particular gift is very versatile, and everyone can make a gift basket for anyone without fear of someone receiving two identical baskets because there’s no way you can receive the same gift from your sibling as you would from your parents, and vice-versa.

These are some examples of what you can put inside a family picture gift basket:

• Printed photos of all members from previous holidays, birthdays, and other gatherings
• Printed quotes about being grateful for having such an amazing family
• A photo collage made ​​from old pictures from childhood
• A picture of the family pet (if any)

This is, of course, the best way to handle gift baskets when it comes to families because they are the people who are used to seeing you at your best and worst times, and that know how much effort went into making each gift basket.

And since everyone knows that life gets hectic sometimes, getting a gift basket filled with all sorts of family photos would be perfect for grabbing attention in case everything else fails.

7. Christmas Gift Baskets – Gingerbread Goodies

Do you know how Halloween is all about pumpkin-spiced….well, anything? Well, Christmas is exactly the same, only it’s all about gingerbread, cinnamon, and gingerbread with cinnamon.

Thus, it’s only natural at some point in your life, you will receive a gift basket that contains only gingerbread stuff, like gingerbread men, gingerbread houses, and gingerbread decorations.

The best thing you can do with such a gift basket is to use it as a centerpiece for your dinner table, and perhaps give the person who gave you the gift basket as a present.

The great thing about this traditional dessert is that it’s pretty easy to make at home, and you don’t need any special tools are any special skills in order to make a decent batch.

In fact, when it comes to gingerbread, it’s all about your imagination, what shape you plan on giving it, and whether or not you have enough glazing to decorate it just the way you like it.

Of course, this entry is just about Christmas Gift Baskets that contain gingerbread stuff, but we want to also mention that you could always put some candy cane inside of another kind of gift basket and make them more festive than they already were!

8. Christmas Gift Baskets – A New Pet

We at DIYs understand that having a pet is a big responsibility and that it shouldn’t be made a gift unless the person receiving it will take good care of it, but if that’s something you’re not worried about at all, then go right ahead and drive their loneliness away with a new fur baby!

Puppies and kittens make for excellent pets, and they’ll probably be the center of attention if you gift them at a gathering of friends and family.

For a bit of extra Christmas spirit, we recommend that you make the new pet wear a big red bowtie with a big greeting card that says “Are you my new mommy/daddy?”.

However, that’s not the only way you can make your gift stand out in a sea of other Christmas gifts.

You could also take the opportunity to give all sorts of goodies like treats and toys for their new pet, which makes it even more likely that they’ll run up to you when you come over!

For example, you fill the basket with some much-needed supplies as well, like kibble, litter sand, a litter box, a dog training manual, etc.

While there’s no particular way for you to make your own DYI basket, you could help out the local animal shelter and get a new pet from there instead of buying one from the pet store.

9. Christmas Gift Baskets – Regal Gift Basket

Christmas is not about spending money, so making your very own gift baskets shouldn’t be something that will impact your budget too hard.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use a few tricks to make your DIY Christmas gift baskets look and feel a lot more “premium” than they actually are, and the best part is that these “premium” tricks are actually pretty budget-friendly.

For example, the best way to make anything look like a luxury item is to make it shiny (silver and gold colors work best), and use as much red, blue, or purple as possible, although it’s recommended that you use a single color per gift basket.

Another neat trick to make the contents of your basket look pricier is to use velvet wherever possible (think of jewelry boxes), such as using a velvet cover for that bottle of store-bought wine that you included in the box.

You can get creative with bows without having to spend a lot of money on them, and the same goes for anything else that’s decor-related.

As for the content itself, there’s no way you can go wrong with wine and cheese, and the trick to making things look more expensive than they actually are is to look for packaging that makes the product look handmade, foreign, or made by a company with a very long history (like having 1876 written on the wheel of cheese).

10. Best Gift Baskets – Pine Baskets

The last entry on our list focuses less on the theme of the gift basket, and even less on what’s inside of it, and focuses more on what the basket itself looks like.

For example, if you take a careful look at the picture above, you’ll notice that instead of a woven wicker basket, it’s actually made of twigs and pieces of wood that are held together by twine, making the entire ensemble look very cozy, traditional, and classic.

The best part about these baskets is that the materials that are needed to make them are pretty much all around you, and all you really need around the house is something to cut them down to more desirable sizes, like a hand small saw.

Once you have your twigs all chopped up into pieces, it’s all about your imagination and how you think they would go best together.

DIY enthusiasts will agree that this is one of the best gift baskets that they could make, not only because making a twig basket is easier than weaving wicker, but also because it looks a lot more rustic and a lot less vintage.

Not only that, but the basket alone will make the entire contents look a lot more traditional, regardless of whether it’s handmade soap, a bottle of white, and a handful of candy canes.

More Christmas Gift Baskets to Consider

The previous 10 entries were the most popular Christmas gift basket ideas of 2021, but that doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself to one or two of just 10 entries.

As such, if you don’t care about being trendy and just want a bit of inspiration to help you create the perfect Christmas gift basket for pretty much anyone, you should continue reading the following section of our article, where we will be discussing 50 extra gift basket ideas, albeit in fewer details.

Note that they were very popular in the past years, and chances are they might be exactly what you are looking for at this very moment.

11. Ice Cream Gift Basket Idea

Giggles Galore put together an ice cream gift basket that so many loved ones would and could enjoy! From birthday gifts to celebratory congratulations, this one will be a hit!

12. A Bit of Sunshine – Best Gift Baskets

Perfect for someone who needs a quick pick-me-up, this themed basket is just too adorable! Making sure it all fits the yellow,”sunshiney” bill, you’ll have fun piecing this together. ( via )

13. College Survival – Best Gift Basket

Thirty Handmade Days gives us all the details behind this college survival gift basket. Include everything a first-timer going off to college may need in those first few months away from home.

14. Breakfast For Two – Unique Gift Basket

Do something special for your partner with this breakfast for two gift basket. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary, check out the details at Country Living .

15. Spring Cleaning Gift Basket

Add a bit of freshness to a neighbor’s house with this spring cleaing gift basket. Filled with goodies to put a bit of pep in your step, it’s a unique and thoughtful idea. ( via )

16. Coffee Lover Gift Basket

TomKat Studio put together a gift basket that all coffee lovers would swoon for. Check out the inspiration after the jump.

17. Sangria Gift Basket

This one is perfect as a hostess gift but also perfect for those that love wine too! And we love the clever way it’s been packaged. ( via )

18. New Mom Gift Basket

Mommy Like Whoa pieced together a gift basket, not for the new baby, but for the new momma! Baby baskets are fun but the mommy needs some goodies when she comes home too!

19. Perfect Pair Gift Basket

Dream Green DIY themed this housewarming or bridal shower gift in a clever way. A pair of necessities makes for a basket of functional goodies!

20. Mother’s Day Gift Basket

Julie Blanner made a beautiful, elegant Mother’s Day gift basket that can provide a lot of great inspiration. Grab the details and make one up for your own momma soon.

21. Grilling Gift Basket

Who loves to grill? Is it dad or maybe a neighbor? Create this beauty as a nice welcome to the neighborhood or Father’s Day gift! ( via )

22. Bar Essentials Gift Basket

Pretty Mayhem whipped up this one and we’re loving its packaging too. Perfect for a housewarming gift, hostess thank you or even something for the boys on the morning of your wedding, bar essentials are always, well, essential!

23. Pancake Gift Basket

Everyone loves pancakes and pancakes are a great way to celebrate so many different moments. From birthdays to anniversaries, a day started off with some chocolate chip flapjacks is a good day. ( via )

24. Girl’s Night Gift Basket

Everyday Dishes shows us how to concoct the most perfect girl’s night gift basket! Nail supplies and facials, have your besties over and enjoy!

25. Pasta Lover Gift Basket

It’s hard to find a family that doesn’t love a great pasta dish. This pasta lover’s basket can be given for a variety of occasions too, just throw in some of your favorites! ( via )

26. BBQ Gift Basket

Design Mom put together a BBQ gift basket that could be the answer to your Father’s Day gift this year or a welcome gift for the new neighbors! Check out the details behind it after the jump.

27. Bloody Mary Gift Basket

Bloody Mary gift baskets can be fun too! Just check out the ingredients you need and bring it to the host of the party! ( via )

28. Empty Nest Gift Basket

Once the last bird as flown the coop, you sister, best friend or maybe it’s your own mom may start to feel that empty nest hit hard. Over at Darling Doodles , you’ll be inspired to put together something extra special for her.

29. Cuddle For Two Gift Basket

The Dating Divas inspired us with a bit of romance. This ‘cuddle for two’ gift basket is great for anniversaries, date nights or even Valentine’s Day surprises!

30. Hot Chocolate Gift Basket

Who loves hot chocolate? Whip up some of these cuties with some help from Consumer Crafts !

31. Bridal Shower Gift Basket

The Glitter Guide made up a gift basket full of essentials for the bride-to-be and her new home. But we really love the fact that the basket is actually a brand spanking new crockpot!

32. Hello World Gift Basket

Is there a new baby in the family ? Welcome him or her to the family with this “hello world” basket idea from Little Inspiration .

33. Breakfast Hostess Gift Basket

Jenny Steffens Hobick made this little hostess thank you gift basket with breakfast in mind. Really, it can be used for all kinds of thank you’s!

34. Spa Gift Basket

Brit + Co pieced together a spa-inspired gift basket that works for all kinds of occasions too. Teacher appreciation , Mother’s Day, birthdays and more; it works!

35. The Gardener’s Gift Basket

Garden Club shows off this spectacular gardener’s gift basket. If you have someone in your life with a green thumb, this is the gift to present them with!

36. School Supplies Gift Basket

Start school off for your little one’s on the right foot. Get them excited with a new bout of goodies like you see at Tatertots and Jello !

37. Holiday Cookie Gift Basket

The TomKat Studio themed their gift basket idea around holiday cookies! Gather all the supplies you need for a thoughtful gift that ends in edibles – festive ones!

38. Summertime Gift Basket

Here’s another great hostess gift that we’re swooning over. Not only is the packaging unique but so is the gift! Check it out at Fashion Meets Food .

39. New Driver Gift Basket

Did your teen just take the road? Give them a congratulations gifts with a bit of goodies to keep their new car in great shape! ( via )

40. Housewarming Gift Basket

Dream Green DIY put together a beautiful gift basket that makes for a beautiful hello and welcome to the neighborhood. It’s also perfect to give friends who just bought a new home!

41. Farmhouse-Themed Gift Basket

Magnolia Market themed their gift basket around a trendy style. This farmhouse inspiration is just another lovely way to say thank you or to celebrate.

42. Christmas Morning Gift Basket

Give your best friends or family members a Christmas morning gift basket to enjoy the morning after Santa comes. Grab the details at Craftberry Bush .

43. Girlish Floral Gift Basket

Glitter Guide put together a gift basket with a bit of wine and a lot of florals. Perfect for Mother’s Day, gift a bit of girlish charm.

44. Simple Baking Gift Basket

PopSugar showed off this simple baking gift basket that can be used for lots of occasions. Just include all of the major essentials!

45. Just Relax Gift Basket

As we’ve learned, you don’t need an actual basket to make a great gift basket gift. Start with some slippers for a bit of relaxation with Pretty Providence .

46. Hello Kitty Gift Basket

Merchant Circle gives us inspiration not only for Hello Kitty but for fashioning our gift baskets after our favorite characters. It’s a great idea for the kiddos!

47. Cocktail Enthusiast Gift Basket

Cocktail essentials are fun too! PopSugar has all of the details behind concocting this beauty for your bestie.

48. Easy Dinner Gift Basket

Put together a dinner for two gift basket with a lot of ease! Whether it’s for a birthday or a Christmas gift, BHG shows you how.

49. Art Supplies Gift Basket

If you’ve got someone in your life that loves to draw, paint and create, then this one is for them! Put together all their favorites and have them get creative! ( via )

50. Christmas Spa Gift Basket

Pastels and Macarons put together a spa gift basket too! But this time it was themed around the holidays, check it out!

51. Adult Easter Gift Basket

When Easter comes rolling around, it’s not just the kiddos that can get something from the Easter bunny. Check out these essentials at The Blondie Locks .

52. New Homeowner Gift Basket

Martha Stewart whipped up a new homeowner gift basket filled to the brim with all of the essentials. Pack it with things that they may need from goo-gone to extra nails and screws.

53. Welcome Neighbor Gift Basket

Oh Joy! has another great example of a gift basket that will welcome new neighbors to the neighborhood. Check out what’s inside after the jump.

54. Fun in the Sun Teacher Gift Basket

Give your teacher the right kind of summertime send off with a “fun in the sun” themed gift basket! Thanks for the idea Skip to my Lou !

55. Get Well Gift Basket

The Merrythought made a gift basket for buddies and loved ones that need a pick-me-up! Add all of the essentials; chicken soup, cough drops and tissues!

56. Fall Hostess Gift Basket

Boxwood Avenue knows that you can theme your hostess thank you’s in an extra special way. This one was inspired by fall and filled with everything you need to make a scrumptious candied apple.

57. Welcome Baby Gift Basket

Here’s another gift basket that’s perfect for a new baby! Celebrate that little bundle of joy with some help from Style Me Pretty !

58. V-Day Snack Basket

The Dating Divas put together this fun little snack basket to shower your husband with when Valentine’s Day comes rolling around. You’ll love all the clever notes!

59. Nothin’ But Pink Gift Basket

We’re loving the pink theme we’re seeing over at The 36th Avenue . And we think you’ll have loads of fun piecing this one together!

60. Bundt Cake Gift Basket

Finally, give the gift of bundt cake! Pack in everything you need to make one happen in the kitchen like you see at Darling Doodles !

Making a Christmas Gift Basket: The Basics

Now that we’ve finished showcasing 60 different gift basket ideas, you can go ahead and choose the one that sounds just about right for that special someone that you have in mind, and make your own version of it.

But before we begin, let us go over some basic guidelines when putting together a DIY gift basket:

The bigger the basket, the more choices you have when it comes to contents. However, keep in mind that bigger baskets are usually bulkier and harder to carry around.

You can create a DIY gift basket by using any container you like – recycled boxes, empty bottles, old jars, etc. Just make sure whatever vessel you choose has sturdy handles or sides that won’t collapse with the weight of your items inside.

When it comes to DIY food-based gift baskets, keep in mind what is appropriate for each location or occasion – if the person receiving the gift will be eating during a business meeting, don’t put something too messy or smelly inside an open box!

If there’s no time for anything else but work, stick to non-perishable items instead.

If it’s for a loved one who has dietary restrictions, chances are they already know what their restriction is (so no need to mention anything), but if it’s an acquaintance or someone you don’t really know that well, you should avoid any type of food with dairy in them unless told otherwise.

For example, if the intended person is lactose intolerant, be mindful of what types of food you put inside, and avoid things like fancy cheese, even if it’s an all-time favorite when it comes to filling up gift baskets.

The best DIY holiday gift ideas are ones that can be enjoyed by anyone – candy, fruit baskets, pastries (non-alcoholic – people will still get the hint!), etc.. just make sure everything inside isn’t perishable so that your basket will last longer!

Also include non-food items too like homemade hygiene goods (soap, shampoo, etc.), homemade arts and crafts (DIY notebooks or keychains), etc.

If you’re not the crafty type and/or lack storage space for a lot of things to put inside your gift basket, you can always go for a box of chocolates or buy something from an upscale store instead – it’s a much safer choice in case the receiver doesn’t like what you picked out!

And if in doubt, consider asking someone else for help because it will be worth it when done right!

Best Christmas Basket Ideas: Conclusion

Our list of 60 different Christmas gift baskets ideas has come to an end, and we think that we’ve offered you plenty of options to choose from.

Keep in mind that since the list is about DIY gift baskets, it’s important that you customize each basket depending on who you will give it to, what occasion it is for, and how much you want to spend.

Now go ahead and make your own basket, and enjoy the look on whomever you give it to!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Excellent article. Baskets beautifully curated. Thanks for the great ideas.

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• Sympathy Gifts

How to Make the Best DIY Gift Basket: Step-By-Step

Updated 09/28/2023

Published 02/22/2021

Sarah Kessler

Contributing writer, editor

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Whether it’s a holiday gift or a way to say, “ I’m sorry for your loss ,” a gift basket is a thoughtful way to show you care. But how can you put together the best, most amazing DIY gift basket for your friend, co-worker, or family member? 

Jump ahead to these sections: 

How to choose what to put in your gift basket: 40 ideas, how to package and secure items your gift basket, how to ship your gift basket.

Sure, you can buy a pre-made gift basket online or from your local gift shop. You can find them in a variety of themes, including “get well soon,” “happy birthday,” and even “movie night.” 

But a gift basket you create and piece together yourself is even more meaningful. You can tailor your gift basket to perfectly suit your gift recipient and avoid paying for items they’ll never use. 

Below, we’ll show you how to make the best DIY gift basket for any occasion, from sympathy care packages to birthday gifts and more. 

First, let’s look at what you can put in your gift basket. These DIY gift baskets could be perfect for anyone in your life, from close friends to distant relatives and even acquaintances.  

Sympathy gift basket ideas

When someone in your life loses a loved one, you might want to share your condolences with a sympathy gift basket . Here are some items you can put in your DIY basket: 

A simple journal or notepad will encourage your loved one to jot down some of their emotions, which can help in the grieving process.

Similarly, some decorative stationery will help them feel like they can reach out--to you or to other people--with a written letter whenever they feel alone. 

Colorful pens and pencils

To go along with all that paper, you should add in some fun-colored pens or pencils. 

Homemade baked goods

If you have a knack for baking, consider adding in some homemade cookies or brownies. There’s nothing that can make someone feel more loved and cared for than home cooking or baking. 

Fruit and healthy snacks

When you’re grieving, it’s easy to forget about healthy eating and just reach for the nearest bag of chips. You can help with that by adding fresh or dried fruit, a vegetable tray, mixed nuts, smoked salmon, cheese and crackers, or other healthy and nourishing foods to your gift basket. 

You can send sympathy flowers as a stand-alone gift, or you can add them to a DIY gift basket. Consider a small arrangement of white roses or lilies in a simple glass vase. 

Living plants

Caring for a living thing and helping it grow can help soothe feelings of loss and grief. Whereas flowers are bound to die within a few days, a living plant, like a hardy succulent, can last indefinitely. 

Gift cards provide a wide variety of giving opportunities. They’re not the least expensive option, but a gift card could be the highlight of your basket. Consider gift cards for massage or manicure, or for dinner at a local restaurant (ideally one that offers take-out). 

Birthday gift basket ideas

One birthday gift is great, but what about a whole basket of birthday gifts? Here are some ideas for items you can add to a DIY birthday gift basket:

Anyone celebrating a birthday who has a sweet tooth will appreciate a gift basket that has plenty of candy in it. Make sure to choose their favorites if you can. 

Wine and wine glasses

For the wine aficionado, consider adding in a bottle of their favorite pinot grigio or something they’ve never tried before. You can top it off with some engraved wine glasses with their name or a funny quote. 

Photo album

For a best friend or close loved one, you can give the gift of memories. Choose a decorative photo album, and add in a couple of your own favorites to get them started. You could even fill up the whole thing with photos of you together as a memory book . 

Nostalgic TV or movies

Some of our favorite shows and movies to watch are often those we discovered as children and teens. If you were friends with your recipient back in the day, pop in a DVD of a show or movie you both loved. 

Lotions, scents, and self-care

Their birthday is all about them. You can make them feel even more special by adding in self-care items like scented lotions, perfumes and body sprays, and bath bombs.

Thank you gift basket ideas

To say thank you to a loved one, you might want to send a simple gift basket that you put together yourself. Here are some gift basket ideas that can help you say “thanks”:

Thank you note

As part of your thank-you gift basket, make sure to add a heartfelt thank you note . 

Scented candle

A scented candle is a simple gift to add to a gift basket that most people will enjoy. Choose an unassuming or comforting scent, like linen or vanilla, unless you know their favorite scent. 

Family photos 

If your basket recipient sent a gift to your family, you can send family photos as part of your gift basket. This helps say “thank you” from your whole family unit. 

Fruit basket

You can buy and send pre-made fruit baskets to say “thank you,” or you can put together your own. You might include chocolate-dipped strawberries or a simple arrangement of in-season, fresh fruit. 

Location gifts

Another way to say “thank you” is to give your loved one items from your home town. This can make it feel like they’re there with you, even when you’re far away. Consider tourist gifts like t-shirts, coffee mugs, and keychains, as well as any local specialties like smoked salmon or gourmet chocolate.

Office or corporate gift basket ideas

A gift basket can make a perfect gift for the workplace. But what kind of items should you add? Here are some ideas:

Why use a regular, boring mousepad when you could have one that suits your personality? You can include a funny or original mousepad with your corporate gift basket to spruce up a co-worker’s space. 

Most people who work in an office can appreciate gifts of the caffeinated variety, whether that might be English breakfast tea or instant black coffee. 

Cream and sugar

If you put caffeinated gifts in your basket, consider whether they use creamer or sugar with their beverage. Add something special, like Irish cream or something holiday-themed. 

Of course, no office gift basket is complete without a personalized or unique coffee mug.

Add a small poster for them to put up in their office space. Consider things they love, as well as things that would make them laugh. 

Small plants

It’s hard to keep a plant alive in a stuffy office building, but you can give the gift of a small, hearty plant. Consider air plants and succulents. 

Other gift basket ideas

A DIY gift basket might be a great gift for even more occasions, from holidays to graduations and anniversaries. Here are some DIY gift basket items we left out: 

• Coloring books
• Herb garden
• Miniature toiletries
• Jellies and jams
• Dog toys and treats
• Recipes or recipe book
• Essential oils

Whether you’re hand-delivering your gift basket or shipping it to your recipient, you should make sure the items inside are secured properly. Here’s how you can do that. 

Choose a big enough box or basket as a “nest” 

You’ll need a basket or a gift box to serve as the “nest” of your gift basket. If you’re shipping your basket, a square gift box with a removable top may make an easier fit for shipping. 

Surround items in nesting paper

Next, you’ll need to lay down a layer of packaging paper on the bottom of your box or basket. Then, place your larger items in and surround them with shredded “filler” paper. Place the taller items in the back of the basket and the shorter items in front. 

Next, nestle the smaller items in between the large ones and surround them with even more paper. Your goal is to make sure delicate items are only touching paper rather than each other or the sides and bottom of the box. 

For additional padding, you can also wrap the individual items in craft paper , newspaper, or even bubble wrap. 

Shrink-wrap it

You can use either regular cellophane or clear PVC “shrink-wrap” film to wrap up your basket or box. Using shrink film will create a more secure basket and prevent items from moving around. 

There are two ways you can shrink-wrap your gift basket: 

• Place the shrink-wrap bag or film over the top of your gift basket, so that the open ends are on the bottom.
• Next, apply a hot-air hair dryer to the wrap. You’ll see it quickly tighten in around the basket and all of the items to hold them in place. 
• Tuck the open ends of the shrink-wrap bag underneath your basket and heat them up to seal the package. You can then tie a ribbon around the basket if you wish. 
• This is the most secure way to package your gift basket. 
• Alternatively, you can place your box or basket into the shrink-wrap bag with the open end on top. 
• Gather up the excess at the top of the basket, and secure it with a wire ribbon . Then, use a hot-air hair dryer to shrink the wrapping around the basket and the items to hold them in place. 
• Avoid shrinking the excess at the top of the basket. 

A DIY gift basket can easily fall apart if you don’t ship it properly. With that in mind, here are some tips for shipping your gift basket. 

Choose your items carefully

The first step in shipping a gift basket correctly begins when you’re choosing which items to include in the basket. If you’re sending the gift across state lines, for example, you’ll need to understand the regulations about sending food, such as fruit and vegetables. It may be easier to stick with packaged foods like mixed nuts. 

Choose the right box

Next, you’ll need to choose a shipping box that’s not too big and not too small. You want a box that’s big enough for your basket to fit in with an additional three to four inches around the side for insulation. 

Fill it with craft paper

Place a layer of crumpled-up craft paper in the bottom of your shipping box before placing the basket inside. Place the basket in the middle of the box, and then secure it in place with more craft paper around the sides. 

Finally, add a layer of craft paper on top of the gift basket to protect it from the top of the box.  

It’s the Thought That Counts

You’ve taken the time to research the best DIY gift baskets. And that alone means that you care about the person you’re giving the basket to. That care and support are sure to shine through, whether you choose exactly the right items or not. 

Whenever you give a DIY gift basket, it’s truly the thought and effort that counts the most. You might not have the funds to include all of the items you wish you could, but even a few simple gifts can go a long way. 

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46 Unforgettable DIY Gift Baskets Ideas that Will Totally Steal the Show

• November 26, 2023

DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products that will add value for my readers.

From birthdays to baby showers, housewarming to get well soon, and even PTA fundraisers these DIY gift baskets are total show stoppers!

How to Make DIY Gift Baskets for Any Occasion

If you want to put together a truly unique gift for a friend or family member you can’t go wrong with a DIY gift basket .

It’s the best way to put together some thoughtful and unique items to show them how much you care.

And gift baskets can be used for any and all occasions too, from birthdays and Christmas to Baby Showers and housewarmings, and of course Mother’s and Father’s Day and as get well soon care packages.

Oh and don’t forget welcoming a new neighbor!

These DIY ideas can be used to create the most amazing raffle basket ideas for your PTA or other charity fundraisers.

Before we get onto the amazing inspiration here are some helpful tips and hacks to help you make the most fabulous homemade gift baskets!

What can I use instead of a basket for a gift basket?

The important thing to think about before you start collecting up the items is that you don’t actually need a basket to make a gift basket.

Oh no, you can be a lot more creative than that because we’ll show you how you can make a hamper without a basket!

The ideas I’ve collected up for you today will help you stretch your imagination so that your gift selection can be contained in a tackle box, a bucket, a mixing bowl, a pair of slippers and even a slow cooker!

How do you make a professional looking gift basket?

When you’re putting your “basket” together you’ll want to play around with the order of the contents so that the finished gift looks really stylish.

What do you put in the bottom of a gift basket?

You’ll want something to put at the bottom of the gift basket to help things stand up, and raise up the items so they’re not rattling around in the bottom.

You can use:

• filler paper like this ,
• tissue paper,
• shredded cellophane,
• or shredded paper, just run some coloured paper or torn out magazine pages through your shredder!

Check out this quick video to see how to make your own gift baskets that look really professional!

How do you make a Dollar Tree basket?

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a really cute gift basket to give to a friend or loved one. In fact, you can put together some pretty fabulous Dollar Tree gift baskets which are totally inexpensive.

Watch the quick video below to see how to put together a gift basket for less than $20.

If you want to make a gift basket for a raffle or an auction you can’t go wrong with Dollar Tree ideas so here’s some more for you!

What should a gift basket contain?

When it comes to deciding what your gift basket should contain think about who you are making it for and then let your imagination run wild!

We’ve compiled a huge list of DIY gift basket ideas for all occasions to set those creative juices flowing…

Now onto the ideas!

What to add to a gift basket - a list of ideas

If you're looking for a list of things to put in a gift basket we've got you covered.

We have searched high and low to find DIY gift basket ideas for all occasions to give you an idea of the best things to add to a gift basket as well as ideas for how to style them.

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Create a Beautiful Charcuterie Basket for the Perfect Holiday Gift

Follow this step by step guide on how to create an impressive charcuterie basket that can be used as a holiday gift. We’ll show you everything you need to know, from selecting the right ingredients and presentation tips to creating your own.

Find out how to create a beautiful charcuterie basket that will make the perfect holiday gift.

Hey Friends!

Welcome! I am so glad that you are here. I always enjoy our time together.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Are you looking for the perfect DIY gift to give this holiday season?

Look no further than a charcuterie basket!

This easy project can be tailored to your recipient’s tastes, and it makes for a beautiful presentation.

Plus, it’s much more personal than buying one from a store.

So get creative and make your own charcuterie basket today!

Today, I am sharing Create a Beautiful Charcuterie Basket for the Perfect Holiday Gift.

Come on, I’ll show you.

I would love it if you would subscribe to my blog.

What do I need to Create a Beautiful Charcuterie Basket for the Perfect Holiday Gift?

Nothing says ‘I care about you’ like a thoughtful gift basket filled with delicious gourmet foods.

This holiday season, why not put together a charcuterie basket for your loved ones?

It’s the perfect way to show your culinary skills and celebrate the holidays in style.

Here are some tips on how to create the perfect charcuterie basket!

I love looking for vintage picnic baskets in antique stores, estate sales and garage sales. They make the perfect basket to add charcuterie items to for the perfect holiday gift .

I used floral wire to wire the basket lid to stay open.

Next, I add a charcuterie board to the basket.

How do I Create a Beautiful Charcuterie Basket for the Perfect Holiday Gift?

I love adding a variety of delicious food items to the basket.

These are some of my favorites.

Green olives, cornichons , dried apricots and almonds .

Looking for the perfect gift for the foodie on your list?

This gorgeous gift can be tailored to your loved one’s taste, and is sure to impress any guest.

Read on for tips on assembling the perfect charcuterie basket.

I LOVE chocolate! So I always add some to each charcuterie basket. These are some of my favorite chocolates.

Whether you’re looking for a gift for the foodie in your life or just want to make something unique, a DIY charcuterie basket is the way to go.

This holiday season, get creative and put together a one-of-a-kind charcuterie board that will impress your friends and family.

Not sure where to start?

Check out our blog for step-by-step instructions on how to make your own charcuterie basket.

And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for more DIY gift ideas!

I add some cheeses, like a goat cheese cheese log, and a couple of gourmet bricks of cheese.

I also add some cured meats-salami, prosciutto and sopressata or even a sample pack of meats.

A charcuterie basket is the perfect way to show your friends and loved ones how much you care this holiday season.

It’s a delicious, beautiful gift that can be tailored to anyone’s tastes – and it’s so much more personal than buying one from a store!

So gather your supplies, get creative, and make your own charcuterie basket today.

And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog, Pinterest, and Instagram for more DIY gift ideas!

A charcuterie board is the perfect way to show off your culinary skills and give a unique gift that will be remembered long after the holidays are over.

So get creative, have fun, and make your own charcuterie basket today!

And if you need more inspiration, be sure to subscribe to our blog, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest charcuterie trends.

I added a basil plant, it looks so pretty and you can use the fresh basil leaves to decorate the charcuterie board .

I also added some fresh grapes.

Adding the fresh elements adds so much life to the basket.

Finally, I add a charcuterie board and a buffalo check tablecloth and cloth napkins for a lasting gift.

Here are some great ideas for charcuterie boards, here, here , here and here.

Not sure where to start? Check out our blog for step-by-step instructions on how to make your own charcuterie basket.

I hope that you enjoyed seeing Create a Beautiful Charcuterie Basket for the Perfect Holiday Gift. If so, please Pin It!

Please follow me on my Pinterest account , here .

It is full of easy and healthy recipes. You can get it  here.

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Recent Happenings on the Blog

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I always enjoy our time together. Please follow me on  Facebook.com/PeacockRidgeFarm , on I nstagram @peacockridge , on  Pinterest  and  YouTube.

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This is such a great gift idea! I love a good gift basket.

Wednesday 16th of November 2022

Me, too. and it's super easy to put together. Blessings to you.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy–to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more! Amen. Jude 24-25

How to Make a Themed DIY Gift Basket

See how you can make an easy-themed gift basket for any occasion. These DIY gift baskets are creative and unique, enabling you to give a thoughtful, personal gift. 

Homemade gift baskets are always such a hit.

Whether it’s a bridal shower, a housewarming, or a gift for your significant other, people love receiving gift baskets. They are so fun to make – especially when you choose a theme.

Today, I’m sharing how to make a themed gift basket. (If you missed the Year of Dates Gift Basket I recently made my sister, it is my absolute favorite.)

DIY Gift Baskets with a Theme

The fun part of making DIY gift baskets is that you can choose any theme, any budget, and you can be as creative as you want.

You can choose items off a registry or you can search places like Target’s dollar spot and the dollar store. You can have a few gifts that are more expensive mixed with a few cheaper gifts.

Any way you do it, you are collecting items that go together and making a thoughtful cohesive gift.

I’ve sat at many showers where the guest of honor is opening registry gift after registry gift.

A creative basket is a great way to mix it up!

DIY gift baskets always get tons of ooohhs and ahhhhs – plus it shows that you put a little extra thought.

Don’t get me wrong – you can still use registry items for your gift basket, but you can definitely do it with a theme.

Another thing DIY gift baskets are great for is raffles. Raffles gift baskets are always unique and fun to make – and even more fun to win 🙂

Without further ado, here’s how to make themed gift baskets.

Pick a Theme for your Basket

If you’re wondering what to fill your homemade gift basket with, the first thing you want to do is pick a theme.

If your recipient is registered, you can use this as a starting point if you’d like.

For example, if you are shopping for a bridal shower, and she is registered for a pizza stone, you could turn this into a pizza-themed gift. You could buy the pizza stone off the registry and add a pizza wheel, a cute cutting board, your favorite pizza dough recipe, gourmet sauce, potholders, seasonings, or wine.

A Pizza Night gift basket is a fun spin using a registry item but also using a little creativity to make it a thoughtful gift. 

If you are trying to cheer someone up, you do a Sunshine gift basket. Sunshine-themed baskets usually have items that are all yellow, to cheer up your recipient. 

If you are making a gift basket for your man or woman, you could do an indoor picnic theme, a year of dates, or a “time to relax” theme.

Once you have the theme for your DIY gift basket, you’re ready to start thinking about the gift items. 

Choose a Creative Container

Once you have your theme, you’ll want to start thinking of something that goes with your theme that could serve as the basket or container for your themed gift basket. If your recipient is registered, look through the items on their list for ideas that would suit them.

Of course, you can choose a regular basket or container, but it’s always fun when your container goes with your theme.

Also, you can save money by using one of the gifts as a container because then you won’t need to spend more money on the basket.

Think about size or weight with your DIY gift basket. You want it big enough to fit your items, but not too big where you feel you have to buy more to fill it up.

Also, if you are putting something heavy in the gift basket, you’ll want to account for that. For example, if you are making the First Year of Marriage Milestone basket, you’ll need something really strong to hold the 12 bottles of wine.

Keep these things in mind as you are choosing the container for your homemade gift basket. 

Gift Basket Container Ideas

For example, for the baking theme, your container could be a cake mold or mixing bowl. If doing a cooking theme, you could use a strainer, crockpot, or an oversized measuring cup.

For a get-well theme, you could use a big soup bowl. For a college survival kit, you could use a cute storage container. And, for a housewarming, you could use a large pitcher or an oversized jar.

If you’re stuck for a container, go to the craft store and take a look at their baskets. There are so many pretty ones – floral-themed, industrial looks. And, you can save money by using a coupon. 

Here are some more ideas for containers for DIY gift baskets:

• Oversized mason jar
• Terracotta planter
• Glass kitchen jar
• Baking, salad, or serving bowl
• Cake tupperware
• Picnic basket
• Laundry basket
• Bundt pan or cake mold
• Cute storage bin

What do I put in the gift basket?

Wondering what to put in a homemade gift basket? Now that you have your theme and your container, now is the fun part. You’ll fill the container with items from the theme.

Gift basket items can definitely add up, so you’ll want to make sure that you stay on budget. It definitely helps to create a budget ahead of time. Another idea is to make a list of things that you are looking for, so you don’t buy everything. Definitely use coupons where you can. 

Try to throw in some low-cost items along with some higher-cost ones.

For example, if you’re making a baking basket, throw in some sprinkles, cupcake wrappers, parchment paper, or cute napkins.

If you are making a holiday basket, you can some candy canes or chocolates.It makes for a fuller basket, and the range of items keeps my price point low. If the recipient has a registry, you can always include any items that fit the theme.

Amazon is great for ordering items that are hard to find or that you need quickly. However, there are so many bargains out there. Check out the below list for where to find low-cost items.

Where to Shop for Low-Cost Filler Items

• Target’s Dollar Spot – You’ll find all kinds of things here! It’s great to check regularly and pick up things that catch your eye.
• Dollar Stores – Dollar Tree is by far the best of the dollar stores. You can get so many things here from cupcake wrappers to ribbons to storage bins (you might find a cheap container here too). 
• Craft Stores – Their clearance sections or dollar sections up front are amazing! Always use a coupon – you can use your phone.
• Walmart – Lots of low-cost things here – and if you find something on clearance, the price is even better. Check the ends of aisles for random clearance items.
• Five Below – I was amazed at how much awesome stuff this store has – especially around the holidays. Books, socks, toys, college dorm things, and all kinds of seasonal things too! 
• Christmas Tree Shops – I love this store SO much. It’s a cross between a Dollar Tree and a Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Lots of seasonal things, kitchen items, books, decor – they have it all. 

Choose a Creative Filler

As you shop for your items, think about whether your basket needs a filler or not.

You can use tissue paper, you can use shredded paper (you can get this at the dollar store or I’ve even made my own). But my favorite thing to do is to use something from the theme for the basket filler.

For a holiday basket, you can use a garland. For an indoor picnic basket, you can use a cozy blanket. And, for any kitchen, coffee/tea, or bridal baskets, you can use cloth napkins, which are always on clearance at some of the above stores. 

Gift Basket Filler Ideas

• Shredded paper – Buy or shred your own! I’ve done this to make a unique color – it takes a lot of paper, but it works like a charm.
• Tissue paper
• Small cardboard box – Perfect if your basket is too big. You can even hide an extra gift in it!
• Towel/Cloth Napkins – Depending on your theme kitchen towels, beach towels, or even bathroom towels could work
• Cozy blanket – great for “time to relax” basket or a picnic basket
• Table cloth – If you’re making a craft basket for kids, use a few plastic tablecloths as the filler for easy cleanup with their art activities. 
• Scarf or t-shirt – If you’re making a gift basket for a new college student, the basket liner could be a t-shirt or sweatshirt with their college name.
• Craft materials (felt, knitting, etc) – For a crafty basket, you could use felt or another craft material to the line the basket. For a baby basket, you could line the basket with your knitted gift.

How do I assemble the gift basket?

Once you have your container, your items, and your filler, you’ll want to start assembling your DIY gift basket.

When you are arranging your items, you’ll want to arrange them in a way that showcases them all. Start with the larger items and put them in the back. Work your way down to the smaller items, which you can easily fill in the front. Tilt things at an angle to bring intrigue and showcase more.

You can tuck away any of the less exciting items, and put the more exciting ones in a more visible spot.

When I was arranging my sister’s Year of Dates gift basket, I had a hard time making everything look nice. There were 12 separate items, each with envelopes, and it was difficult to make it look elegant. 

I ended up tying a piece of ribbon around the items that went together (for each date), along with the envelope. It brought some cohesion and elegance to the gift, rather than just looking like I threw a bunch of items in a basket.

Add a Gift Tag

Once you have your DIY gift basket arranged nicely, you can add a cute gift tag. You use a little piece of card stock and print or write on it – and then attach with a nice ribbon. If it’s not obvious what your basket is, definitely write it on the tag (Pizza Night Gift Basket, Little Artists Basket, etc).

You can even come up with a sweet rhyme.

For my gift tags, I usually just print them on Microsoft Word. Sometimes, I print on card stock and cut that out. Sometimes, I just print on regular paper and glue to card stock. 

One thing I love to use is squiggly scissors. I seriously cannot cut a straight line, so the squiggly scissors not only hide my imperfections but they add a bit of fun to the tag.

Creative Ways to Wrap a Gift Basket

If you want, you can add a clear gift basket bag, cellophane, or even tulle over your basket.

In my opinion, the easiest and cheapest way to hold it together is definitely with a clear gift basket bag. You can get these at the Dollar Store (usually 2 for $1).

With the gift bag, you don’t have to worry about trying to wrap the basket up – you just slip it into the bag 🙂 Make sure to check the size of the bag to make sure it will fit your container. You can always slide the basket in sideways and tie it in the back.

With my gift baskets, I typically don’t wrap them up at all because I think it takes away from how nice the basket looks. However, if you are traveling or are worried that something will fall out, then definitely buy one. You don’t want to lose any items after all your hard work.

You can also use a box and then no extra wrapping is necessary. 

No matter what kind of themed gift basket you are making, I’m sure your recipient will absolutely love the hard work and thought you put into it.

Anyone can buy a couple of gifts at the store, but making a DIY gift basket with a special theme is next-level.

Whether it’s a wedding gift basket, an encouragement gift basket, or a family gift basket, I hope this helped you with creative ideas for your DIY gift basket.

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Wine Travelista

Wine 101 · December 12, 2023

How to Make a DIY Wine Gift Basket (Easy Ideas)

Looking for a creative gift for the wine lover in your life? A DIY wine gift basket is perfect for pretty much any special occasion.

Whether it’s a friend’s birthday, a happy couple tying the knot, a neighbor’s housewarming, or holiday gifts for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, who wouldn’t love a basket brimming with their favorite sips and treats?

I love choosing goodies that my giftee adores to create that “Oh wow, you really know me!” moment. And let’s be real, it beats buying a pre-assembled basket you find online any day.

As a wine expert , I’m here to show you how you can make your own wine gift basket! From picking out the right wines to pairing them with the perfect accompaniments, I’ve got all the tips and tricks you need. Just follow this step-by-step guide.

How to Make Your Own Wine Gift Basket

Creating a wine gift basket is easier than you think. And it’s a whole lot of fun! This is where you get to mix a splash of creativity with a dash of personalized picks to match your recipient’s taste.

Before the assembly begins, let’s talk about the prep. You’ll want to start by selecting the wines. They’re the heart of your basket, after all. 

Once you’ve settled on the type and how many, you’ll have a better idea of the basket size you need. Plus, how many other goodies you can pack in. 

Choosing the Right Wines for Your Gift Basket

Whether your recipient is a casual sipper or a seasoned connoisseur, the key is to tailor the type of wine to their experience level and personal tastes.

Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

• New to Wine:  Stick with well-known varieties. Think classics like Chardonnay ,  Sauvignon Blanc ,  Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon . These are accessible and widely appreciated.
• Wine Enthusiast:  Mix in popular choices with less common varieties. Maybe a Viognier or a Tempranillo to introduce some different flavors.
• Wine Pro:  Go outside the box with lesser-known regions, unusual varieties, or unique blends from small producers.

Got the basics down? Awesome. Now, let’s talk about a few other tips to help you fine-tune your wine choice:

• Wine Taste:  Match the wine to the recipient’s preference. Do they like red or white? Dry or sweet? If you’re not sure, then go with a mix.
• Food Pairings:  Think about foods they enjoy and pick wines that complement those flavors.
• Personal Touch:  Add a bottle with sentimental value, like one of your favorite wines or from a region you visited together.
• Season:  Consider the time of year. You may want to go with lighter wines in summer and heavier in winter.
• Special Diets:  Opt for organic or vegan if it aligns with the giftee’s lifestyle.
• Aging Potential:  If you know they have a wine cellar, include a bottle that can be saved for future enjoyment.

If you get to the wine store and suddenly feel like a deer in the headlights, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Staff members are usually pretty knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations. Just let them know your budget, the occasion, and what your recipient likes! They’ll give you suggestions for the best wine to fit your needs.

Deciding How Many Wines to Include

Wondering how many wines to get for your gift basket? As a general guideline, one to four bottles usually does the trick. But here are some quick tips for picking the right amount:

• Budget:  Figure out how much you want to spend. This will impact the quantity and quality of the wines you can include.
• Basket Size:  Think about the size of the basket you plan to get. Most will fit two to four bottles of wine.
• Occasion:  For a big occasion like a wedding or a milestone birthday, you might want more bottles. For a smaller celebration or a thank you gift, one or two is likely good.

Selecting a Basket for Your Wine Gift

Next, you’ll want to pick up a cute basket to hold all the goodies. The most important thing is to make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of the wine and other items.

I like to have fun choosing a type of basket that matches my recipient’s personal style or the theme of the gift. And it can even become part of the gift itself if it’s something reusable.

Here are some common and creative container ideas:

• Classic Wicker Basket
• Wooden Crate
• Decorative Storage Basket
• Picnic Basket
• Antique Box
• Collapsible Fabric Bin
• Wine Carrier
• Cheese Board
• Trunk or Suitcase
• Reclaimed Wooden Box

I’ve found lots of great options at home goods stores like TJ Maxx. Or I’ve had good luck shopping at thrift stores for eco-friendly finds.

What to Put in a Wine Gift Basket Besides Wine

Now that you’ve picked out the perfect wines, it’s time to think about all the extras to fill your basket. Below are ideas for creative fillers that’ll turn your wine gift basket from ‘Nice’ to ‘Whoa, that’s amazing!’

Gourmet Snacks

Gourmet food items are the perfect companion to your wines. Now, these aren’t your average munchies. They’re the fancy kind that make sipping even more fun. Here’s a list of tasty treats that pair well with wine and are perfect for a gift basket:

• Artisanal Cheeses:  A selection of soft and hard cheeses, such as brie , gouda, cheddar, or manchego.
• Cured Meats:  High-quality charcuterie like prosciutto, salami, or soppressata.
• Olives and Pickles:  A variety of olives, cornichons, or cocktail onions.
• Nuts:  Marcona almonds, cashews, pistachios, or a mix of spiced or candied nuts.
• Chocolates:  Gourmet dark chocolate bars, truffles, or chocolate-covered fruits.
• Crackers and Breads:  Artisanal crackers, breadsticks, or a fresh baguette.
• Fruit Preserves and Spreads:  Fig jam, gourmet mustard, or olive tapenade.
• Dried Fruits:  Apricots, figs, or dates, which pair nicely with off-dry wines.
• Fresh Fruit:  Seasonal picks like pears, apples, peaches, or berries.
• Honey:  A jar of local or infused honey.
• Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar:  Small bottles of extra-virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar.
• Pasta and Sauces:  High-quality dry pasta with gourmet pasta sauce.
• Sweet Treats:  Macarons, biscotti, pastries, or gourmet cookies.
• Gourmet Popcorn:  Flavored kernels like truffle, caramel, or cheese.
• Pâté or Foie Gras:  For when they need a little indulgence.
• Spices and Seasonings:  Custom spice blends or wine-infused sea salts.

Check out more ideas for snacks with wine pairings .

Wine Accessories

What’s a wine gift basket without some wine gadgets ? These help your giftee enjoy their wine more. And they’re not just handy for the here and now. They can be used for years to come! Here are my go-to wine accessories to include in a DIY gift basket:

• Wine Opener:  A high-quality corkscrew personalized with their name or a lever-style opener.
• Wine Stoppers:  Decorative or vacuum-seal wine stoppers to preserve an open bottle.
• Wine Glasses:  A pair of champagne flutes or customized stemless wine tumblers.
• Wine Decanter:  For aerating and serving wine elegantly.
• Wine Charms:  To keep track of their glasses when hosting a wine tasting at home .
• Wine Coasters:  To protect surfaces from drips and spills.
• Wine Thermometer:  For serving wine at the perfect temperature .
• Wine Aerator:  To enhance the flavor of wine by exposing it to oxygen as it’s poured.
• Foil Cutters:  To quickly take the foil top off a wine bottle.
• Wine Tote:  An insulated wine bag for easy and stylish transport.
• Wine Journal:  For keeping track of tasting notes and wines they like.
• Wine Book :  A guide to wine regions, pairings, or wine history.
• Wine Pairing Guide:  A handy reference card or book for matching wines with foods.
• Wine Club Subscription:  A membership card to a wine club .
• Gift Certificate:  To a local winery or wine tasting event.
• Wine-Themed Tea Towels:  For a touch of vino decor.
• Wine Glass Markers:  Non-toxic and erasable pens to write names on glasses.
• Bottle Brush:  For cleaning wine glasses and decanters.
• Wine-Themed Decor:  Small decorative items that celebrate the love of wine.
• Wine Game:  Themed board games or trivia to test their knowledge of the wine world.

Foodie Essentials

If you’re including munchies in your basket, why not throw in a few food-related accessories? That way, they can serve their snacks in style. Check out these ideas for my favorite foodie finds to include:

• Charcuterie or Cheese Board:  A small wooden or slate board for serving meats and cheeses.
• Cheese Knives:  A cute set designed for different types of cheese.
• Cheese Markers:  Reusable markers to identify cheeses and add a fancy touch to the display.
• Serving Platter:  For arranging and serving various accompaniments.
• Serving Utensils:  Small forks, spreaders, and tongs for guests to use.
• Linens:  Colorful cloth napkins or linens that match the theme of the basket.
• Cocktail Napkins:  Even better if they have fun wine sayings on them.
• Cocktail Picks:  For skewering olives, cheeses, or other small items.
• Recipe Cards:  For dishes or appetizers that pair well with the selected wines.
• Trivet:  To protect tables from hot dishes if the basket includes food items that require heating.

Need Help Finding These Items?

Check out my handpicked collection of wine accessories and foodie finds to fill your gift basket.

Adding Festive Accents to Your DIY Wine Basket

Festive accents are like the confetti of your wine gift basket. They add color, fun, and a dash of celebration. Get creative with these occasion-specific ideas to make your basket sparkle:

• Birthday:  Streamers, confetti, party hats, noisemakers, balloons
• Christmas:  Sprigs of greenery, colorful ornaments, miniature stockings or Santa figurines
• Valentine’s Day:  Red and pink ribbons, heart-shaped chocolates, red roses
• Bridal Shower:  White lace, faux pearls, mini bride & groom figures
• Wedding Gift:  Silver or gold ribbons, matching champagne flutes, wedding ornament
• Anniversary:  Milestone-colored ribbons, picture frames, engraved wine glasses
• Housewarming:  Key-shaped bottle opener, small plants, wine-related home décor
• Mother’s Day:  Floral arrangement, mom-themed wine glass, keepsake box
• Father’s Day:  Golf-themed wine stopper, framed family photo, multitool with wine opener
• Coworker Gift:  Local lunch spot gift card, wine-themed desk calendar, nice pen
• Raffle Prize:  Discount vouchers for wine experiences and dining, wine apparel, lottery tickets

How to Arrange Your Wine Gift Basket

Once you’ve gathered all your items, it’s time to make your basket! The wines should be the focal point. And then fill in gaps with your gourmet snacks and other gift items. Follow these steps to put it all together:

• Create a Cushioned Based:  Line the bottom of the basket with shredded paper, straw, or a hand towel to protect the wine.
• Add the Wine Bottles:  Depending on the shape of your basket, arrange the wine bottles for balance and visual appeal.
• Place Other Larger Gifts:  Position larger items around the wine, with taller items in the back and shorter ones in front for easy visibility.
• Fill in with Smaller Items:  Tuck smaller gifts and decorative elements into the spaces between larger items. Use tissue paper to prop up any items that are falling to the bottom of the basket.
• Add Finishing Touches:  Sprinkle in festive accents. And make sure delicate items sit on top to avoid being crushed.
• Wrap It Up:  If your basket needs a bit more securing, package it with clear or colored cellophane. Then, attach a personal card or tag. And don’t forget the bow!

Ideas for Wine Gift Basket Themes

Picking a theme is the secret sauce that ties all your carefully chosen elements together. And it makes your present feel even more tailored to your recipient and the occasion. Here are some creative theme ideas to inspire you:

• Wine Dinner in a Basket : Add dried pasta, a jar of rich pasta sauce, a wedge of parmesan cheese, a high-quality bottle of olive oil, and an Italian wine that pairs with pasta .
• Wine and Cheese Gift Basket : Combine a variety of wines with artisanal cheeses, crackers, and some jam or honey for a classic and tasty gift.
• Wine and Dessert Basket : Sweet dessert wines like port or Sauternes with chocolate truffles, gourmet cookies, or pastries are the perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.
• Wine Lovers’ Brunch Basket:  A mimosa kit with gourmet pancake mix, artisanal syrups, and fancy coffee or teas for a luxurious morning.
• Wine Region-Themed Basket : Focus on a specific wine-producing region and include wines and local food pairings from the area.
• Wine Picnic Basket : A refreshing rosé or crisp white wine paired with portable snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and baguettes, and a portable blanket for winery picnics .
• Self-Care Wine Basket : Include a bottle of red wine or bubbly with spa items like bath salts, face masks, and essential oils for a relaxing experience.
• Romantic Evening Wine Basket : Select a special bottle of red or a delicate sparkling wine, pair it with gourmet chocolates, and add some candles to set the mood.
• Movie Night Basket : Add a fun, bubbly wine and gourmet popcorn to turn any film into a celebration.
• Game Night Basket : Wine-themed board games or trivia accompanied by easy-to-share bottles bring the fun to their night in.

Now you’re all set to create the perfect wine gift basket that’s sure to bring joy to your lucky wine-loving recipient. Whether it’s a token of thanks, a birthday cheer, or just because, your personalized touch is what will make this gift unforgettable!

What are your favorite items to put in a DIY wine gift basket?

About Laura

I'm your go-to gal for all things wine and wanderlust. With a WSET Level 3 certification in wine and passport stamps from 30 countries and counting, I’m here to help you explore the world, one glass at a time.

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I’m Laura, the founder of Wine Travelista. And your go-to gal for all things wine and wanderlust. With a WSET Level 3 certification in wine and passport stamps from 30 countries and counting, I’m here to help you explore the world, one glass at a time.

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