How to Make a Gift Basket

A basket chock-full of goodies is one of our favorite gifts to give. After all, what’s more versatile? Gift a personal basket to your BFF, or keep it simple for your boss. Not to mention, gift baskets are appropriate for almost every occasion—from holidays to housewarmings. Ready to get started? We’ll show you how to master this all-in-one gift once and for all.

Psst! Check out our hub for more creative gift ideas.

How to Make a Gift Basket

We talked to Taste of Home’s executive director of visual production, Stephanie Marchese, to get the inside scoop on how to create a wow-worthy gift basket. Here are her top tips.

Step 1: Start with a theme

Every good gift basket needs a purpose. It can revolve around a specific holiday or special occasion, but a “just because” theme works, too. “If I wanted to do something for a friend, and it wasn’t her birthday, and it wasn’t Christmas, I would think—what does she like to do?” Stephanie says. “Look at what people are interested in.”

Specific hobbies and fandoms are great places to start, but so are general interests like travel, cooking or gardening.

Step 2: Set a budget

Once you have a theme in place, you’ll want to set a budget. (Otherwise, it’s easy to go overboard!) Keep in mind that you don’t need to spend a lot to create a heartfelt gift basket—especially if you shop at budget-friendly stores like Marshall’s or Target. Homemade crafts and food gifts count, too.

Step 3: Gather supplies

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

Step 4: Choose gifts and a basket

It’s time to hit the store! Grab 5 to 15 items (depending on the size of your basket) that fit within your theme. “Make a nice package…think of all the little things that can fill in the blanks,” Stephanie says.

Look for items that vary in size and color. Small things could include stickers, pens or stationery. Medium items could be snacks, cups, books or a candle. And the larger item can be either the main gift or something decorative, like a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine. Choosing different colors for each item also allows for pops of color, creating excitement about what to grab first!

Don’t forget the most important thing: the basket. “Make the basket something you can actually use,” Stephanie suggests. “Finding a basket that’s utilitarian is a better way to spend your money.” Some of our favorite vessels include tote bags, storage baskets and crates.

Step 5: Assemble the gift basket

Once you’ve selected all of your goodies, it’s time to arrange them in an appealing way. Start with the heaviest items in the bottom or near the back of the basket, then layer upwards. You can use crinkle paper to add volume: “It takes up space and makes it look pretty,” Stephanie says. Or, opt for functional filler. “Try socks, a bathrobe, a beach towel, dish towels—something that you can use to pack but that you can also use,” she suggests.

If desired, add a card or ribbon for a finishing touch—then get ready to gift.

3 Gift Basket Ideas for Inspiration

These expertly crafted baskets are easy to replicate.

“A little something” gift basket

Taste of Home

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or a random Tuesday, this “little something” basket is sure to put a smile on your recipient’s face. It’s packed with essentials everyone can enjoy, like fresh flowers and a cookbook. Add little surprises like a bottle of bubbly and a stemless flute. A beautiful bandana on the basket’s handle finishes it off for a decorative touch.

Brunch bash gift basket

Taste of Home

Staying over at a friend or family member’s house? This brunch basket is an amazing “thanks for having me” gift. Load it up with tons of goodies—like a mini waffle maker, specialty coffee and a cute kitchen towel set. And what’s brunch without mimosas and colorful tumblers to drink out of?

Picnic gift basket

Taste of Home

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

More Gift Basket Ideas

Want even more ideas? Try these creative approaches:

• For the baker: To create a baking gift basket, stuff an oversized mixing bowl with a fun spatula, apron, kitchen towels and a gourmet baking mix.
• For the crafter: Fill a yarn basket with stamps, paper pads and a craft book. A gift card to their favorite hobby store works, too.
• For the Star Wars fan: Make the greatest gift in the galaxy by adding novelty socks and a mug to a themed cookie jar. Fill in the gaps with Star Wars-inspired treats, like Wookie Cookies and Lightsaber Pretzels.
• For the new homeowner: Your new neighbors will appreciate a storage basket filled with bubbly, a candle, cutting board and fresh-baked treats.
• For the pet parent: Pamper Fido with a food storage container loaded with toys, a pet portrait and homemade treats.
• For the Disney lover: Have a friend who’s always daydreaming about Disney World? Pack a tote bag with a magical cookbook, character pins and a new pair of ears.

Need something pre-assembled? These are the care packages we love to send.