Let's Revamp Gift Baskets

Trying to find a one-of-a-kind present for a friend, coworker, or significant other? A DIY gift basket overflowing with goodies is perfect for any occasion and will leave a lasting impression. Move over mediocre plastic tubs full of stale crackers and boring candy sealed with cellophane!

No matter the size of your budget, gift baskets can be customized for any event. Big or small, your effort will shine through with decorative accents and curated products. Hobby Lobby has a fantastic selection of affordable baskets, tins, excelsior moss, artificial flowers, realistic greenery, and tiny knickknacks. Check out your local boutiques and artisanal shops for unique keepsakes and gourmet foods. The possibilities are endless!

Housewarming - Welcome to the Neighborhood

Gift baskets are a great way to break the ice with new neighbors. Include tried-and-true restaurant and business recommendations with a batch of tasty desserts to help them feel welcome. Recently, two friends in our apartment complex bought their first home. To wish them well in their new digs, I put together a gift basket with items to help them celebrate and relax.

I included a bag of coffee from a nearby café to kickstart their mornings, small bottle of champagne to toast their accomplishment, aromatic candle to cozy up the space, and bath tea bags to ease the stress of unpacking. I also added a small galvanized metal milk can to go along with their farmhouse aesthetic.

Father's Day - Birthday

Have a sportsman in your inner circle who loves the great outdoors? Make a gift basket to reflect his adventurous hobbies. Fill it up with hunting, golfing, camping, or cooking supplies. A cooler, backpack, or grill would be a fun vessel to hold items.

Since my Dad enjoys ice fishing every year, I bought him some useful gear for the upcoming season in Wisconsin. I included my annual Bass Pro gift card along with a gigantic mug, hand warmers, and jigs. As a joke, I stuck a new bobber on the side to replace the one I lost out on the boat last summer!

Thank You - Mother's Day

Sometimes a big favor warrants a little something extra to show your appreciation. Brad's cousin recently watched our cat, Dexter, for a week while we were out of town for a wedding. To express our gratitude, I curated a gift basket filled with reinvigorating beauty products.

I picked up a purifying facial mud mask and hydrating rose hair mask at Target. I also grabbed a bottle of hydrating cucumber hand cream, scented candle, and bar of decadent chocolate. Every woman enjoys a little pampering!

Christmas - White Elephant Party

Spread the holiday cheer at your next Christmas party with a merry gift basket! Don't fret if you have a random recipient. Go gender-neutral with a variety of snacks, games, event tickets, or gift cards. Be sure to also show a little love to your personal trainer, babysitter, or beautician.

José, our apartment handyman, recently replaced our balcony storage door that was damaged during a tropical storm. To express our thanks for his hard work and positive attitude, I gave him a gift basket full of tasty treats. I found a cute espresso mug at Hobby Lobby to use as a gift tag holder.

Valentine's Day - Sweetest Day

Spoil your best friend, girlfriend, wife, or daughter with a thoughtful gift basket for Valentine's Day. Tuck a spa certificate for a facial, massage, manicure, or pedicure inside a festive heart-shaped box. Add a soothing candle and set of inspirational sticky notes to reinforce the hallmark holiday vibes.

Gift baskets are little treasure chests of fun that can be customized for anyone. Plus, the containers can be reused for storage, home decor, or future events. Picking items that you would also like is a good place to start. Themes are helpful if you become overwhelmed with ideas. Let's bring a bit of personality and creativity back into presents!