Birthday, graduation, anniversary, housewarming, baby shower: gift-giving occasions can certainly be varied and frequent these days. But it can be a struggle to give a thoughtful, special present for each individual instance. A handmade present is always a good idea, but when you don’t have the time to craft a totally from-scratch gift, consider putting together a themed gift basket of a combination of store-bought and personalized, homemade items. Gift baskets offer a great way to make smaller presents feel more significant, they add a much more personal touch to a set of readymade items, and of course, allow you to forgo the expensive gift wrap. So, when your next gift-giving occasion approaches, pull up this list for some creative gift basket ideas.
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DIY Easter Basket
For a whimsical take on a children's Easter basket, create a hot air balloon perfectly sized for a stuffed chick. Don’t forget the colorful cellophane shredded paper and plenty of sweet treats to accompany this birdie on her Easter flight.
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His & Hers Coffee Gift Basket
Perfect for a couple moving into their first apartment together, this thoughtful coffee-lovers bundle offers everything they’ll need to start the morning with a jolt of caffeine. Take the extra few moments to personalize a set of matching mugs—they truly make this basket special.
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Paper Lovers Gift Basket
There are a ton of great options when it comes to filling a paper lover's gift basket (think: hand-stamped stationery, personalized note pads, and thoughtfully-curated sticker sheets). This is a fantastic option to help little ones feel excited and ready for the start of a new school year.
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Self-Care Gift Basket
Put together a self-care gift basket for a friend’s birthday, to celebrate an engagement, or just to let someone know you're thinking of them. This lovely little basket also makes for a cute goody bag or party prize at a bridal or baby shower; your guests will appreciate the thoughtful curation.
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Toast and Jam Basket
Once you’ve mastered your homemade sourdough or you’ve perfected your croissant recipe, put together a breakfast-themed gift basket that truly anyone would be delighted to receive. To go the extra mile, add from-scratch jam and hand-whipped butter too.
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Valentine's Day Gift Baskets
Next Valentine’s Day, forgo the predictable flowers and chocolates and instead opt for a fully customizable gift basket. For this one, start with a fun vessel (check the storage container section at a big box store), then add cutesie treats and trinkets in every shade of pink and red.
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Holiday Food Gift Basket
Don’t show up to your next holiday party empty-handed. Instead, present your hosts with a bundle of cozy winter snacks and drinks. Gourmet or small-batch versions of pantry staples are an easy way to go, but consider making a few sweets from scratch too (this basket is a fantastic destination for that ever-expanding cookie exchange you’ve been doing for years).
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Rosé All Day Basket
For the perfect way to gift a pretty on-the-go tumbler and a special bottle of wine (or two), try a rosé-themed basket. Tailor the decorations to match the occasion (think: chocolates for a bridal shower or lingerie for a bachelorette party), and you’re set with a very welcome gift for any recipient.
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Teatime Basket
This tea-themed basket is coziness embodied in a thoughtful present. Add some fresh citrus or a pretty bouquet to take things up a notch and introduce a pop of color to your selection of teabags, loose leaf tea, and a proper leaf strainer.
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Mother’s Day Gift Basket
Stock up on Mom’s favorite things for a beautiful Mother’s Day gift basket. Scented candles, fancy homemade soaps, and rich hand cream are all great options here, and a length of satin ribbon tied into a simple bow finishes this off perfectly.
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Housewarming Basket
It’s especially lovely to gift a new homeowner or first-time renter with a few household essentials as they begin to furnish and decorate a place of their own. Select an easy-to-care-for houseplant to anchor this bundle, then add a couple of pretty countertop accessories to finish the gift.
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Dollar Store Gift Basket
A gift basket doesn’t have to be full of expensive components to make it meaningful and special. Try your favorite dollar store (or thrift shop) for a few useful and pretty items.
Pro tip: Stick to an overall theme or color scheme to make your basket look cohesive and complete.
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Bloody Mary Gift Basket
A homemade bloody mary can rival a gastropub version any day, especially when you amp yours up with a variety of seasonings and fresh garnishes. Get creative putting together a DIY bloody mary basket; include glassware, hand-made pickles, and vibrant veggies—just don’t forget the vodka.
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Baby Shower Gift Basket
When the registry’s exhausted, opt for a basketful of daily-use items new parents will be grateful to stock up on. This is a great option for parents who are expecting a second or third child, and you want to lend your support without going overboard with things they already have.
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Fall Vibes Gift Basket
Consider this autumnal gift basket social-media ready. A warm mug of cocoa, spicy scented candle, and a couple of rustic wood coasters will have you snapping the perfect still-life photo that will live happily on your Instagram grid.
Fall Vibes Gift Basket from Hello Honey
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Gift Basket for Teens
Teenagers are notoriously difficult to shop for, so instead treat them to a curated bundle of mini-presents. Raid the store’s bargain bins or end-of-season clearance to score budget-friendly items to create a colorful, joyful, teen-ready basket.
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DIY Slime Gift Basket
It’s slime time! Keep your little one occupied for hours after gifting them a create-your-own slime basket complete with beads for texture, glitter for sparkle, and food dye for color.
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Cheeseboard Basket
When in doubt, stick with a tried-and-true gifting fave: everything you need to build a cheeseboard. Select luxury goods for this one; it should feel like a special treat to your recipient. And don’t forget to include a sturdy cheese board and crusty baguette.
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Get Well Gift Basket
It’s often tough to show your support for an ailing friend, but a gifted set of feel-better items is a thoughtful (and safe) way to wish them well. Finish this basket off with a box of soft tissues and a bunch of lemon tea bags.
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Movie Night Gift Basket
A cozy movie night at home can be just as appealing as going to the theater—and it’s socially acceptable to wear your pajamas for the at-home version. Provide a lucky friend everything they need to put together a tricked-out movie night in their own living room.
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DIY Spa Gift Basket
When your recipient can't get to the spa (or your gifting budget doesn't allow for an expensive full spa day treatment), present them with everything they need to recreate a relaxing experience at home. Lavender and chamomile scents are especially calming, so try to stick to those when filling this basket.
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Cozy Christmas Gift Basket
This festive basket gives your recipient more than just a pair of warm socks and a DIY hot cocoa kit; it sends the idea that it's absolutely okay to slow down during what can be a chaotic holiday season. Consider gifting this to the hosting household of your family's big holiday gathering and they'll be able to look forward to a cozy evening in.
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Wine Gift Basket
This one's an easy win. Round up a couple of your favorite bottles of vino (ask your local wine shop for their recommendations if you're totally stuck), and pair them with a nice cheese and a couple of stemless glasses for a gift basket that will definitely be warmly received.
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Baker's Dream Gift Basket
For the amateur baker in your life, choose a few baking tools, accessories, or ingredients to build a practical and pretty gift basket. Definitely splurge on those fancy expensive sprinkles here—they're so fun to use and most bakers would love to add to their collection.
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Breakfast in Bed Gift Basket
Congratulate a newly engaged couple, or a pair celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, with everything they need for a snug breakfast in bed.
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Girls' Night Gift Basket
Treat the girls to some specially selected treats on your next night in. Be sure to include plenty of fresh fruit and florals—they really bring this basket over the top.
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DIY Manicure Gift Basket
When you're set up with all the essentials for an at-home manicure or pedicure, it can be a truly relaxing self-care moment (and costs way less than a salon visit). Share the experience with your friends by gifting this DIY manicure basket for your next occasion.
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Father's Day Gift Basket
Not sure what to get dad this year? Put together a playful "pop" gift basket to show your appreciation on Father's Day. Dad will surely appreciate an excuse to indulge in some favorite junk food for the day.
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Kids' Craft Basket
If you're looking for an alternative to a candy-filled, junk food basket, consider colorful arts and crafts supplies. In addition to being visually exciting, this gift basket also provides plenty of activity options for an arts-inclined kiddo.
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Fresh Flowers Gift Basket
Build a basket around a bouquet of fresh flowers (bonus points if they come from your own garden). Add floral-scented hand cream and candles, or a flowery tea towel and plant seeds to complete the gift.