A Christmas gift basket is one of my all-time favorite gifts to give. It started when I was in college and was the Chair of the Homecoming Dance Committee. I inherited dozens of wicker baskets which had been used as centerpieces and knew instantly everyone in my life was getting a themed basket for Christmas! That year, baskets for my friends and family included a multitude of completely random items from goofy socks to hand painted ornaments (apparently, I did not go to class much that semester). These days, when I give a Christmas basket, I tend to stick to a theme, which means I can be searching for bits and bobs, in that theme, all year long. Then, when the holidays arrive, I can simply assemble the gift!
Of course, a basket doesn’t actually have to mean… a simple wicker basket. Cloth bins, hinged wooden boxes, extra-large mixing bowls, trays, tins, cutting boards, bike baskets, picnic baskets, and vintage crates are all fun options. When searching for a receptacle, making it part of the gift itself makes the presentation even better. So, get creative!
Additionally, embellishments can run the gamut. Tissue paper can add a pop of color, but I find that paper shred is easier to work with (if a bit messy). Beautiful bows, interesting floral picks, garland, and (a recent favorite of mine) “elves legs” can add a dash of whimsy and finish the gift with a professional look. And, don’t forget the clear cellophane to keep everything in its place (pre-formed cello bags make it easy and are available on Amazon).
On the subject of whether to wrap individual items within the basket, I usually choose to wrap one item (maybe the most special piece). That way the recipient enjoys the “wow factor” of seeing the basket assembled, but is still able to unwrap a gift.
Below are some of my absolute favorite themed Christmas gift baskets, which I’ve given over the years. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Relaxation Basket
I gave two of these gifts last year – and the “basket” was actually a bamboo bath caddy! I included a host a lavender themed items from essential oil, to fragrant soap, to decadent hand cream, plus a candle. My two gal pals (who each had difficult years and significant stress) were thrilled!
A Christmas Basket for the Birds
My neighbor is an avid birdwatcher (I mean she is the type who has a birdsong identifier app on her phone). So, I knew her gift would be “for the birds!” This time, I really did use a basket in which I placed a beautiful birdhouse, a bag of bird seed, suet bells, and a stunning Old World Christmas bird ornament (she has a themed Christmas “bird tree” in the den, of course).
Christmas Breakfast Basket
This is a great gift for families! A large tray can hold pancake mix, honey, jams, jellies or preserves, syrup and a holiday tea towel. I often find vintage pieces to mix in with this (depending on the recipient) and have gifted items including a metal spatterware mixing spoon, 1950s honey pot in the shape of a bee skep, and even vintage Pyrex once when I was very lucky.
Lego Extravaganza Basket
When my son was small, he was obsessed with Legos. And, he was gifted many of the enormous sets from friends and family alike (it was always easy to know what to get him!). But those big sets take a lot of time to set up and in the Christmas rush, it was impractical to get started on such a large project. So, I began purchasing much smaller sets (all within a theme, such as Harry Potter) and combining them into a basket. He could easily open one or two, and set them up before the dinner guests arrived, keeping him busy all day and oh-so-happy. Genius!
Dinner in Italy Basket
More personal than a restaurant gift card, this is a perennial fave for parents and grandparents, who frankly, don’t really need a thing. I have gifted “Dinner in Italy” many, many, many times to a variety of recipients over the years. Gourmet pasta, an unusual regional jarred sauce, fancy Parmesan cheese from a speciality cheese shop in south Philadelphia, and some superior quality olive oil in a lovely cruet make this a mouth-watering gift they will love. (Bonus: If you live anywhere near a really good Italian bakery, traditional Italian pizzelle cookies will leave them in raptures!)
Gorgeous Garden Basket
This is a no brainer for the gardener in your list. Because they are so useful (and don’t last forever), I like to use a foam kneeling pad for the container, but a flower pot, garden trug, or even garden wagon would also be appreciated. The gifts can really be tailored to the recipient. Suggestions include seeds, small garden tools, pretty plant markets, garden décor, gardening books, gloves or hats, colorful watering cans, and pretty flags.
Baker’s Basket
A large mixing bowl or large cookie tray are useful ways to hold everything a baker might need, from a rolling pin, whisk or mixing spoon, to cookie molds or cookie cutters, plus colored sugars and sprinklers. Also appreciated would be a new cookbook (Baking with Mary Berry: Cakes, Cookies, Pies, and Pastries from the British Queen of Baking is a fave). You can even add ingredients for the special cookies that your recipient is known for, like orange extract or anise.
A Christmas Gift Basket Ideas for Book Lovers
As the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait, you can imagine how many books I’ve gifted over the years! And, a book alone is a wonderful gift. But combined with a few extras, it’s downright magical. Using a magazine rack as the container (I like the interesting vintage ones you can pick up thrifting) I fill it with everything a book lover might need. A book or two (naturally), a clip on book light, a snuggly throw, and some yummy hot cocoa and a special mug combine to create a cozy evening curled up by the fire… perfection! (Alternately, a magazine subscription with one edition wrapped in a bow is a gift that they will enjoy all year long.)
Tea for Two Basket
I do adore the custom of taking tea, as do many members of my oh-so-British family. So this theme is on constant rotation. For a proper afternoon tea, a tiered china tray makes a pretty container (if you are crafty you can make your own, using china plates and handles purchased on Amazon). Add boxes of interesting loose teas, and a tea ball or two. More casual? Pair a tea tray with a new kettle, tea bags (Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Red is my top pick), and two tea cups (these need not match). (Learn more here about the essentials for hosting a proper tea party.)
Quirky Boho Basket
Finally, if you have a creative person on your holiday gift list (I have several) a completely random boho inspired basket is like a treasure trove! Add items that speak to the recipient – this is where thrifting really helps you create a unique gift. For example, a friend’s daughter has a “wall of wonder” in her Brooklyn apartment. From floor to 12 ft.-ceiling, she is filling it with eclectic finds, so searching for new bric-a-brac is always a fun adventure (and provides us with an excuse to shop!). Currently in the stash to gift her are a Roy Rogers and Trigger decorative plate, German porcelain face plaques, and a colorful handwovern baskets. The container? A lovely tole tray that could be hung, as well.
These are only a few suggestions. When gifting a Christmas basket, the possibilities really are endless. Do you have any suggestions for other interesting themes for a Christmas gift basket? Please share them in the comments!
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Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style and was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewelry, beauty and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and stunning interiors and DIY projects, plus the latest ideas events of all kinds. Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!
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