Make your own beautiful gift baskets.
Want to create a labor of love or a themed gift for a special person? A gift basket is a delightfully fun and artful gift for any occasion. All gift baskets are assembled from basic ingredients: a container, gifts, basket filler, decorative accessories and fasteners. Your gift basket can be colorful, sympathetic, celebratory or cheery. The only limit to your gift basket style is your creativity.
The Container
A decorative box makes a sturdy and decorative container.
The gift basket container holds the assembly of gifts. Many gift basket containers are wooden baskets, but you can use anything as long as it is sufficient to hold all your gifts. Other suitable containers for the gift basket are decorative boxes, plastic or terra cotta flower pots, tin watering cans, tall bowls and large coffee mugs. The container should be large enough to hold the gifts without spilling over and be made of sturdy material so the basket can be carried without breaking apart.
Gifts
Keep the gifts personal and simple.
Adding the gifts is the best part of creating a gift basket. If your basket is based on a theme, such as a baby shower, add myriads of small gifts related to the theme, such as baby booties, baby toys, a pacifier and a personalized gift card. Add one or two unusual gifts, such as a personalized gift certificate or a magazine subscription. Keep in mind that it is easy to go over your budget if you're not paying attention. Keep the gifts simple and personal.
Basket Filler
Tissue paper will fill empty spaces and add color.
Basket filler materials are materials included to make your basket appear fuller. Fillers add depth and height to the basket design. They fill empty spaces and add color and aesthetic appeal. Shredded paper or raffia material is commonly used as filler, or you can add colorful crumpled paper or swatches of fabric.
Decorative Accessories
Brightly colored candy serves as delicious decoration.
Depending on your budget and theme, your gifts can also serve as decorative accessories. Items such as vintage seed packets and candy in colorful wrappers add variety and visual interest. The gift basket could also have a bright balloon, plastic pick, a silk floral arrangement or glittery garland.
Fasteners
Buy a pre-made ribbon, or make your own.
The fasteners bind the basket contents together. Choose from cellophane, colored tissue paper, netting or gauzy organza to envelop the entire basket; top off the basket with a pretty bow or ribbon. You will need scissors and tape to cut the materials and add further adhesion.
