Gift baskets are perfect for almost any occasion, but it can be expensive to buy a ready-made one for a special event. Preparing it at home has two advantages: you can customize the content according to the tastes of the recipient and save money. Follow the same basic technique for each basket, changing the content according to the chosen theme.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Basic Technique
Step 1. Choose a theme
Almost all gift baskets are themed. Selecting one makes planning easier, so choose it before proceeding with the preparations.
- Sometimes the theme is based on a particular occasion or set of circumstances. For example, you could create a Christmas themed basket for the holidays. If a person has been sick, prepare a basket to wish them a speedy recovery. If a couple recently bought a house, make a basket to inaugurate it. As these are generic baskets, planning should be simple.
- In other cases, you can select the theme based on the personality or interests of the recipient. For example, if you have a workaholic friend who needs to unplug, you could make a basket with spa products. If you want to surprise your partner, make a romantic basket. If your aunt has a green thumb, opt for a garden-themed basket. Not depending on external circumstances, these baskets are more versatile.
Step 2. Make or purchase the items in the basket
You can use bought or homemade items, but also mix them. The important thing is that they are suitable for the chosen theme.
- For example, if the theme is food, you should only include edible items and items related to cooking. If you put cheese, bread and wine in the basket, you certainly wouldn't add flower seeds or scented body cream.
- To save money, shop at stores that sell everything for one euro or at low prices. Gift baskets contain multiple elements: if you don't set a budget, you risk spending more than you should during the preparation.
Step 3. Choose a suitable basket
Wicker baskets are the most used, but you can also opt for other materials. It is not even necessary to use a real basket: depending on the theme, another type of container (such as boxes, envelopes and jars) can also work.
- Baskets can be made of wood, plastic, fabric or metal. Wooden ones are great for traditional gifts, but aren't always durable enough for a child. In this case, opt for a plastic or cloth container.
- Instead of the actual basket, you can also use a box or gift bag, a muslin bag, a glass jar, a plastic bucket or a wooden box. These containers are preferable for certain themes. For example, a plastic beach bucket would be perfect for making a sea-themed gift for a child.
Step 4. Place filler material at the bottom of the basket
Use crumpled paper or something else depending on the container you choose. The filler allows you to create a homogeneous and decorative base.
- Crumpled tissue paper is one of the most commonly used fillers, but paper or cellophane cut into strips, or straw will do as well.
- If the contents of the basket include fabric items, use fabric to create the filler.
Step 5. Place the items in the basket by placing them directly on the filler
Insert additional filler material between the objects to hold them in place.
- Usually the tallest item is placed in the center of the basket. Arrange other objects around it from highest to lowest, with the front facing the outer perimeter. Try to create a good visual balance on each side.
- Alternatively, you could arrange smaller items on the front of the basket, then insert the taller items towards the back. In this case they should all be facing the front of the container.
- Regardless of the position, make sure the basket and individual items stay upright after arranging them.
Step 6. Wrap the entire basket to secure items and protect them from moisture or other damage
Cellophane, shrink wrapping film and tulle are among the most used materials.
- Cellophane is sold in sheets (which must be collected and wrapped around the basket starting from the bottom) and envelopes (in which to insert the baskets directly). Whichever option you choose, secure the top with tape to close the casing.
- The shrink wrapping film in sheets and bags must be inserted on the basket proceeding from top to bottom. Collect the excess under the container, then adhere the entire wrapper from bottom to top with the help of a hair dryer or hot air gun. It is not necessary to use tapes.
- Use tulle only if you don't need to protect items from moisture. Gather it around the basket from bottom to top, then close it with a ribbon. You can do the same procedure with cheesecloth and string.
Step 7. If you want, attach a greeting card, but it is not necessary
Gift baskets are usually accompanied by 9x5cm cards.
- You can use themed cards, mini white cards, card stock, or sturdy scrapbooking paper.
- On the card, write the name of the person the gift came from, the name of the recipient, and a short message about the occasion or the contents of the basket.
- Tie the note to the ribbon or attach it to the outer wrapper. If you want, you can put it in the basket itself before wrapping it with cellophane or paper.
Method 2 of 4: Baby Basket
Step 1. Try using a toy as a container to make the surprise even more beautiful
Replace the classic basket with a large bucket or other fun container.
- You can also opt for a cart, dump truck, beach bucket, plastic chest, or doll stroller.
- If these ideas don't convince you, opt for a basket designed for the little ones. You can easily find colorful plastic baskets, stuffed animal shaped baskets and aluminum buckets decorated with cartoon characters.
Step 2. Consider the recipient's age and interests to determine the contents of the basket
Make sure the toys are safe, age-appropriate, and as specific as possible to their tastes.
- For example, educational toys and toys with no small parts are preferable in the early years of a child's life. Although they are safe for any age, they are unlikely to attract the attention of an older child.
- Don't assume that classic toys that are popular with boys or girls will appeal to the gift recipient, unless you know their tastes. Some boys are not interested in models or cars, and not all girls find dolls or tea sets interesting. If you have any doubts about the recipient's tastes, it is better to ask a person who knows him well before choosing the contents of the basket.
Step 3. Choose the main toy
Gift baskets should contain several goodies, but selecting a focal point can make the overall container much more beautiful and interesting.
- For example, if the recipient of the basket is a toddler, the focus may be on an electronic alphabet. If the child is older, you can opt for a popular board game (or video game, in case you have a bigger budget).
- If the container itself is a nice gift, you can avoid adding a focal point. For example, a push machine with an integrated compartment can serve as both a container and a main toy.
Step 4. The main toy should be surrounded by smaller objects
The focal point must be one, regardless of the object you have chosen. Do not load the basket with expensive or elaborate toys. Surround the main element with smaller gifts to highlight it, without other objects making it "competition".
- For younger children you can opt for balls, soft toys and toy cars suitable for their age. If the child is older, choose small puzzles, yo-yos, models and dolls.
- Limit the practical articles. It is normal to be tempted to add a few gifts with parents' needs in mind, such as clothes or stationery. However, if you choose too many, the child's interest can diminish. Do not use more than one or two practical items per basket, and always try to choose cute and colorful items.
Method 3 of 4: Gourmet Basket
Step 1. Opt for a rustic basket
Food-themed gift baskets are among the most popular. The classic wicker ones suit many cases. If you want to vary, still try to opt for a basket or container that conveys a feeling of warmth and welcome.
For example, you could stack wine and cheese on a cutting board, put fine coffee and tea in a jute bag, or put fruit and wine in a wooden box
Step 2. Choose a more specific theme
Deciding to give a basket full of delights is a great starting point, but it is a generic theme. Try to choose a certain type of food or a winning combination before continuing with the preparations.
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Here are some of the popular ideas:
- Baskets containing one or two bottles of wine and various types of cheese;
- Baskets containing fine tea or coffee, accompanied by a bag of tea biscuits or a cake;
- Baskets containing various types of chocolate;
- Baskets containing different types of fresh and dried fruit (salted or flavored).
- Consider the recipient's favorite foods. If he loves chocolate, then you'll be on the safe side with this theme. If he doesn't like dessert, think of other ideas.
- Consider the time of year. Certain seasons and holidays are associated with certain types of food, so you may want to take advantage of them to get inspired. For example, autumn is associated with pumpkin, apples, cinnamon and caramel, winter with hot chocolate and mint.
Step 3. Mix fresh food, cake or cookie mixes, and packaged foods
The right combination depends on the theme, your cooking skills and when you intend to deliver the basket.
- If you plan on giving the basket the same day you prepare it or the day after, you can include fresh foods like fruit, cheese, and homemade baked goods. Organize differently in case you want to deliver it within a week of preparation.
- If you have to wait several days before delivering it, opt for canned foods, packaged foods, or cake mixes. The latter are perfect for those who love being in the kitchen.
Method 4 of 4: Spa Basket
Step 1. Use a metal or plastic basket
Spa baskets need to convey a clean feeling, so metal and plastic are preferable to wicker or wooden baskets. Among other things, these materials do not absorb moisture, so the recipient can keep them in the bathroom without problems.
If you don't know where to find them, try looking for a shower bottle holder at a store that sells household items. Choose one with few compartments, as it can be difficult to fill one that is divided into multiple sections
Step 2. Choose premium skin and hair care products
The recipient should have everything they need to enjoy a relaxing spa day at home. Therefore, include several bathroom products, common and otherwise.
- Some of the most common products? Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body cream and face cleanser. Less common and premium toiletries include items that people indulge in only on rare occasions: bath bombs, effervescent tablets, scrubs, and body sprays.
- You can also choose luxury versions of regular bathroom products. Spend a little more to buy high-quality, homemade or organic items.
- Choose a fragrance. The products do not have to have the exact same fragrance. However, it is good that they all fall into the same olfactory family, so that the recipient can use them on the same day. If you know her favorite scent, choose your products accordingly, or opt for scents that everyone loves, such as rose, lavender or vanilla.
Step 3. Add related products to enhance the experience
Think about how to make your spa day even more beautiful and enrich the basket with small items that help create the right atmosphere in the bathroom.
- For example, scented candles allow you to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. A small manicure set will be a nice extra pampering for the recipient, helping to make the spa day even more enjoyable.
- Do not add edible or food-like products. Many effervescent soaps and tablets are quite realistic. Don't risk the recipient eating a bar of soap in the shape of chocolate. Similarly, do not put chocolates in the basket - they may be mistaken for bars of soap.
