Giving DIY gift baskets is one of my favorite ways to personalize a Christmas gift and make it extra special without having to make something totally from scratch.
I am so excited about this gift guide you guys!!! I LOVE giving these DIY gift baskets. They are so incredibly fun to put together and customize for the people in your life that you love. I love making homemade gifts, but sometimes that just isn’t possible. Holiday gift baskets are such a great alternative!
There are a few tips I want to share with you about these gifts so you can make them the best they can be. Here they are!
DIY Gift Basket Tips
- Buy the right basket!!! When shopping for a gift basket, you want it to be sturdy, long {12 inches is a good starting point}, and shallow. Ovals or rectangles work really well. You also want it to have enough of an edge that your gifts actually stay inside, but not so high that you can’t see them. Part of the fun of giving holiday gift baskets is seeing what’s inside.
- Where to buy a basket? Full disclosure – I always check my local thrift store for baskets before shelling out a ton of money for a basket. I can usually pick up awesome baskets for $1 or less. I fill my sink with soapy warm water, swish the basket around in it, and then let it dry completely. No one ever knows or cares! Just be sure it’s a strong basket and isn’t broken anywhere.
- Buy all the cellophane. Plan on using more than you think you need for one Christmas gift basket. I know, it sounds crazy but you really want to err on the side of having extra than not having enough. When wrapping the DIY gift basket, place it in the center of the cellophane, bring the front and back up, and then tuck in the sides, using clear tape if necessary.
- Buy thick ribbons and tie your own bows. This just makes your gift that much more unique and is the perfect finishing touch your DIY gift basket will need. It is usually cheaper too! I just pull up a YouTube video on the kind of bow I’d like to tie and go for it. Tie the basket closed with a really thin string or yarn and then attach the bow to the front.
- Buy your gift basket items before you purchase your basket. This way you’ll know exactly what size you’re looking for. Using a 9×13 baking pan as a reference is really helpful when trying to decide if your gifts will all fit in a certain sized basket.
- If you find you need a little something in the bottom of your basket as you’re packing, I buy party crinkle paper shred from the Dollar Store. This is the cheapest place I’ve found to buy it and a little bit goes a long way. Since you want your gifts to stand out, get a neutral color that goes with your gift basket.
- Customize these DIY gift baskets to fit the person who is receiving the gift! Add or take away items I have listed. You are the one who knows this person and what they’d like. I have provided multiple pricing options for each Christmas gift basket, but of course, this all depends on where you buy your gifts and if you leave something out. I did try to find the best price + quality for all of the items listed below.
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Christmas Gift Basket Ideas
Movie Night Gift Basket
Option 1 – $50-$80
- Popcorn Kernels
- Popcorn Bucket
- White Cheddar Popcorn Seasoning
- Kettle Corn Popcorn Seasoning
- Chicago-Style Popcorn Seasoning
- Washable Straw Cups with Lids
- Snacks – Purchase these at your favorite store. I usually get big boxes of candy because they look good and fit nicely in the basket. I find them at the Dollar Store!
- Movie, Movie ticket, Movie theater gift card – use your best judgment on what to include here based on who is receiving the gift.
Option 2 – $30-$40
- Popcorn Kernels
- Popcorn Bucket
- Kettle Corn Popcorn Seasoning
- Snacks – Purchase these at your favorite store. I usually get big boxes of candy because they look good and fit nicely in the basket. I find them at the Dollar Store!
Festive Gift Basket
Option 1 – $75-$90
Option 2 – $30-$40
Cozy Night In Gift Basket
Option 1 – $80-$100
- Hot Chocolate
- Gold Monogram Mug
- Candy Cane Stirrers
- Mini Vanilla Snowflake Marshmallows
- Cozy Socks
- Cozy Blanket
- Good Book
- Cozy Onesie
Option 2 – $30-$50
Cookie Night Gift Basket
Option 1 – $80-$100
- Customized Plates
- Food Coloring
- Cookie Cutters
- Sprinkles
- Holiday Gingerbread Cookie Mix
- Holiday Sugar Cookie Mix
Option 2 – $30-$50
Homemade Food Gift Basket
Option 1 – $80-$100
- BBQ Rub
- Brownie Mix
- Pancake Mix
- DIY Cookbook: Can It, Cure It, Churn It, Brew It
- Mozzarella Cheese Making Kit
- Kraut Source Fermentation Kit
- DIY Bacon Kit
Option 2 – $25-$35
For the Home Cook Gift Basket
Option 1 – $175-$200
- Tom’s Steak Rub
- Redmond Real Salt
- Rainbow Peppercorns
- Pepper Grinder
- Thermapen Mk4 Instant Read Thermometer
- Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Blue Classic Oven Mitts
Option 2 – $75-$100
- Tom’s Steak Rub
- Redmond Real Salt
- Rainbow Peppercorns
- Pepper Grinder
- Thermapop Instant Read Thermometer
- Blue Classic Oven Mitts
For the Baker Gift Basket
Option 1 – $175-$225
- Silicone Baking Mats
- Silicone Spatula Set
- Stainless Steel French Whisk
- Microplane Professional Paddle Grater
- J.K. Adams Dowel Rolling Pin
- Thermapen Mk4 Instant Read Thermometer
- Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract
- Nielsen Massey Pure Almond Extract
- India Tree Whole Nutmeg
Option 2 – $85-$135
- Silicone Baking Mats
- Silicone Spatula Set
- Stainless Steel French Whisk
- J.K. Adams Dowel Rolling Pin
- ThermoPop Instant Read Thermometer
- Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract
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