Gift baskets and hampers are an absolutely genius idea. The best thing about them is how easily they can be personalized, for anyone from little girls who love sleepovers to men who are coffee obsessed.
You can make gift baskets to match any price point too. If you really want to spoil a special someone you could spend hundreds on a fancy basket and pile it high with all their favorite luxuries, but a simple small hamper filled with a couple of special treats is equally as thoughtful.
Of course, you can fill a gift basket with anything and everything at once, but I personally love it when they have a theme. This not only makes it easier to shop for, sometimes having too many options and ideas makes it impossible, but also lets the recipient know that you created their perfect gift basket with only them in mind.
Fantastic Gift Basket Ideas
1. For a Snowy Day
Even in the festive season of joy, it is sometimes difficult not to feel entirely miserable when you are cooped up inside, unable to leave the house for fear of freezing your limbs off. These days are however a perfect excuse to spend some good quality time together.
Whether you have this made up just ready to bring out on a homebound day, or you give it to someone to prepare them in advance, this snowy day gift basket would shin a light on any gloomy day. You could add in your own favorite games to play together, but I personally love the idea of it being full of baking and hot cocoa themed goodies, everything you need for a good old tummy-warming.
2. For Breakfast in Bed
I think this breakfast in bed gift basket would be a perfect gift to give to couples, and an easy go-to if you don’t know them too well.
The jar of pancake mix is a genius idea and something that anyone would appreciate. Who wouldn’t love easy homemade pancakes? This example features a sweet breakfast with pastries and pancakes, but you could definitely adapt it to any breakfast theme you want, like a full cooked breakfast with hash browns and bacon. If you are doing this though, bear in mind that some of the items might not be able to be left out of the fridge for too long.
3. For Someone Who Loves Ice Cream
It is true that one doesn’t always crave ice cream in the colder months, but in the summer this would be the most amazing gift.
I think that kids would love this ice cream sundae gift basket, and it would be great for them when they are with friends. This could even be a fun activity at a birthday party. This DIY includes an easy chocolate sauce recipe which is extremely handy, and you could adjust the sauces and toppings that you include in your gift basket to suit the preferences and tastes of whoever you are giving it to.
4. For a College Newbie
Moving to college for the first time isn’t easy, and it is always incredibly difficult to know what to bring with you. I remember when I first moved out, my little car was absolutely full to the brim with anything and everything I owned. Of course, I only ever used about a third of it.
This college survival kit gift basket is such a lovely idea, especially for someone who might be nervous about leaving home for the first time. Make sure to fill it with all their favorite things, as well as useful things they might not have thought to buy for themselves. I always think it is so important to bring lots of photos and decorations to a college dorm, it makes it feel so much more like your own, so make sure to add some of those in if you can.
5. For the Manicure Maniac
My younger sister has always been obsessed with having her nails done all fancy, ever since she was little and would always have hands covered in nail stickers from magazines. I just know she would absolutely love to receive this manicure gift basket.
You could give this to a friend who you feel is in need of a little TLC, and give her an excuse to sit down and take a little time to herself every once in a while. If you’re lucky, she might even invite you to join her in doing so.
6. For the Hot Cocoa Enthusiast
The way this hot cocoa gift basket is presented in this DIY is enough to make me want to give one to everyone I know this Christmas. The pine decorations and added candy canes make it look so full of festive cheer, and this would definitely be well received by anyone who loves their hot cocoa.
Most people will have their own hot cocoa powder in their house around this time of year, so really try and change it up a bit with what you put in this gift basket. Try some interesting new flavor of hot chocolate that you think sounds delicious, and don’t hold back one bit when it comes to marshmallows, syrups, whipped cream and of course all the sprinkles.
7. For Someone in Love With Their Car
We’ve all got someone in our lives who is utterly obsessed with their car, I swear one of my friends washes his car more often than he washes himself, and that’s daily.
This car care themed gift basket would be perfect for car lovers and new drivers alike. I remember when I bought my first car, my parents bought me something very similar to this and I am still working my way through all the goodies. The smart thing about this as a gift is that the container itself is a bucket, perfect for washing your car, so there really isn’t one aspect of this gift basket that will go unused.
8. For Someone Who Deserves To Be Pampered
I can think of so many people in my life who I wish would relax more, and who deserve so much more time off than they give themselves. I am hoping that giving them this spa gift basket might make them take the hint.
You could adapt this pamper gift basket to the needs of the recipient, like massage oils for someone who is always very tense, or bubble bath for someone who could benefit from just soaking in the warm water for hours. I love that they have suggested adding lovely towels to this DIY, it is little details like that which will make the gift even more special.
9. For Your Green Fingered Friend
This gardeners gift basket is not only cute but also very useful for anyone who likes getting their hands dirty out in the garden. Many people in my family love gardening, but something I have noticed is that they never buy themselves pretty or more expensive gardening tools and accessories. That is why I think it would be so lovely to do that for them.
There are so many options for things you could put in this gift basket, whether it be books with tips for gardening, patterned gardening gloves or exciting seeds to try planting, and this specific gift basket has so many exciting ideas.
10. For Helping Someone Get Well
My family seems to always get hit hard with the coughs and sniffles around this time of year, and if one of us has it, the rest of us are pretty much doomed.
This get well soon gift basket would be such a thoughtful gift for anyone feeling the cold this season. Fill it up with both the practical – throat soothers and tissues and the personal – a DVD of their favorite movie or a flask of homemade soup. They are bound to get better in no time, and you will know that you did something to really brighten their day.
11. For Welcoming a Little One Into the World
Most first time parents will undeniably be bombarded with new clothes and toys for their little bundle of joy, so why not use this new baby gift basket as inspiration to get them something a little different, that they will undoubtedly use.
Think of practical things, like wipes, pacifiers, and diapers, things that you really can’t get enough of when adjusting to life with a new baby. If you yourself are a parent, think of the things that you found most useful, and pass on your tips and tricks. It’s a nice idea to add in a couple of goodies for the parents too, like the bottle of wine suggested here, to congratulate them on their new arrival.
12. For a New Home
I think this practical new home gift basket is such a smart idea. There are only so many ‘new home’ plaques you can display around your house before it gets to be too much, what someone with a new house really needs is all the little practical bits and bobs.
Whether its hooks for the walls, an extension lead or a handy tube of superglue, chances are the recipient of this gift will be looking through the gift and exclaiming ‘oh I forgot to get that myself!’ Of course, it would be lovely to add in some more personal items too. You could maybe fill a photo frame with your favorite picture of the two of you together so that it can be proudly displayed in the new house.
13. For Someone with the Travel Bug
Paris is my favorite place in the entire world, I know it sounds cliche, but it undeniably is. I was definitely bitten by the travel bug at a very young age, and it will stick with me for the rest of my life, so this is something I would absolutely love to receive as a gift.
This specific gift basket is, of course, Paris themed, but you could take inspiration from it and recreate it with the theme of the favorite city or country of your lucky recipient. The possibilities are endless when filling up your travel themed box, make sure to add in a quirky guidebook and some typical food of the region.
14. For a Perfect Cozy Day
I love always being busy and being out doing things, but I still definitely know the value of cozy days in. This cozy gift basket idea would be perfect for days like that.
No one can ever have too many fluffy blankets, pretty mugs or warm slippers, so you really can’t go wrong with the contents of this gift basket. The theme is very broad, so you could customize it as much as you want, the only rules are that everything included must be comforting and cozy.
15. For the Ultimate Girly Sleepover
No woman can deny that the person they are today was partly formed through the age-old tradition of the girls’ sleepover. Staying up late and pretending to be asleep when your parents checked in on you, having midnight feasts, doing face masks, sleepovers were eagerly anticipated for weeks.
I am desperate to make up a couple of these sleepover gift baskets for my little cousins, and fill them with all my favorite goodies from when I was their age. If I ever have a daughter I can already tell that I am going to be one of those really annoying moms who get way too involved in everything that she does. And I can’t wait.
16. For Spreading a Little Bit of Sunshine
Just looking at this sunshine themed gift basket makes me smile. Yellow is one of my favorite colors simply for the way that it can brighten up a room and a mood.
Stress has such a massive influence on people nowadays, and although it might not solve all problems, I definitely think that receiving this gift, would ease the worries even just for a little while. It is always nice to know that when you are struggling, there is someone out there thinking of you. This would be the perfect gift for anyone, of any age, as the ultimate pick me up.
17. For Someone Who Loves Baking
This baking gift basket would be greatly received by anyone who is a fan of cooking up sweet treats. You could even make it themed for a specific time of year, just as this example is themed for Easter.
It would be easy to customize this gift for different ages or purposes. For example, kids would love their bowl being filled with fun patterned cupcake cases and funny shaped cookie cutters, while an adult may prefer some fancy vanilla extract or a nice ceramic mixing bowl. The fact that it all comes together in a bowl is both fun and of course very useful in terms of an actual gift.
18. For the Coffee Addict
Many people can’t start the day without having their coffee fix, so why not stick to something you know they love and make them up one of these coffee gift basket ideas.
There is an abundance of cute festive mugs being sold in literally every shop at the moment, and loads of thermal flasks too, which would be a great gift for someone who you know likes to drink their coffee on the go. There is an equal variety of new and crazy coffee flavors, so as well as popping in a packet of their favorite, push the boat out a bit and give them a flavor they will never have tried before. You might be the reason for them finding their new obsession.
19. For a New Mom
There is a tendency for a whole lot of attention to be placed on a new baby when it is born, but remember that the mom could really do with a little bit of loving too.
New moms are going to be exhausted and adjusting to a very different way of life, so it would be a lovely idea to make them up a new mum gift basket to help them through. For this specifically themed basket, I think the more personal you make it, the better it will be. If they have been complaining to you about sore feet, get them some foot cream, if there is a specific tea they love then put that in too. Make sure this one is all about the mom, no baby bits, she deserves a whole lot of pampering after all.
20. For the Bride To Be
My sister and I were bridesmaids for my aunt’s wedding, so we made her up one of these engagement gift basket ideas before the big day and it went down an absolute treat.
Plan a day when you can all enjoy the basket together, I know we had so much fun flicking through the bridal magazines, applying the nail polish and sipping the champagne we put in ours. The guide for making this specific engagement gift has so many amazing ideas, from fun straws to a framed engagement photo, and it is bound to make any bride feel special.
21. For the Games Night Host
Family games night is a much loved and much-feared event in my household. Let’s just say that we aren’t the best at keeping our competitive sides under control.
This games gift basket would be a great gift to give to a family, or even a couple, complete with board games, card games, and snacks. Anything games that people can enjoy and play together around this time of year are great and help to completely avoid the possibility of any awkward moments or silences at family gatherings.
22. For the Tea Lover
The British in me will never ever turn down a cup of tea. Every time you enter my granny’s house, you can bet money on the fact that by the time you leave a large percentage of your blood composition will actually be tea.
There are so many fun and fruity tea varieties out there, so you could fill this tea gift basket with a wide selection of different flavors for someone to try. Anyone who loves hosting will really appreciate the restocking of their tea supply and will feel very fancy when they next offer tea to a guest and can list off their tropical selection. I love to dip a biscuit in my tea, so I am all for the shortbread addition, and the little teapot is incredibly cute.
23. For an Epic Movie Night
No proper movie night is complete without a whole load of snacks, preferably unhealthy ones, and some popcorn. For the film fanatic in your life, this movie night gift basket would be a great gift.
I love the fact that the snacks are put in a popcorn bucket, it makes it look very authentic and fun. If you want to take this even further, you could include a DVD or box set in the bucket along with the snacks, so your recipient really could stop everything and have a cinematic experience the minute you give this to them.
24. For the Love of Fall
Pumpkins and spice and everything nice! Welcome fall and the new neighbors with an aromatic gift basket. This is a non-food gift basket that gives a boost of rejuvenation!
You can add lip balms, scrubs, soaps, butter and lathers with the delicious smell of pumpkin or the calming sensation of cinnamon. Get creative by using bright fall colors and add dry leaves or flowers for decoration.
25. For the Extra Sweet Teacher
Show your teacher that you appreciate their hard work by telling them how sweet they are! A super cute and charming idea that is fun to make and fun to give away!
It can be as simple as filling a basket with tasty ice cream toppings, a couple of pretty bowls and of course the most important of all; the ice cream scoop!
26. For those Cold Christmas Nights
Help your friends battle those cold Christmas nights with a thoughtful and pretty gift basket. A stylish teapot, a wintery mug, gingerbread snap cookies, and little pine trees (real or faux, you choose!)
27. For a Special House Warming
Make a good first impression and create a friendly welcoming to your new neighbors with a helpful gift basket! It’s always a good idea to make friends with the people on your block, you never know when you might need to borrow some sugar!
Get them started with champagne and party cups, cleaning supplies or fix-her-upper tools and of course homemade cookies!
28. Adult Easter Basket
Adults can celebrate Easter too! Sure you like to put together Easter baskets for the nieces and nephews but what about the aunts and uncles?
Begin filling your Easter basket with colorful confetti and then pick useful and pretty gifts that you can add. It could be new office supplies like cute paperclips and patterned pencils or maybe a bright pink lipstick and a new comb. Customize accordingly to the receiver!
29. For the Herb Lover
It’s never too late to get your herb garden started! Fresh herbs are the best to have in or near your kitchen. Not only for the aroma and aesthetic aspect but because you will always have garnish for your dinners!
Fill your basket with homemade clay markers, fine scissors, and some herb seeds or even already started plants to make it even easier.
30. For the Worlds Greatest Pop
Make sure he knows he’s special! A very clever and cool gift basket perfect for your pop!
Everything “pop” in this gift basket! Ring pops, popcorn and soda pop. With a little bit of creativity, I’m sure you can come up with some more “pop” themed items!
31. For the Graduate (and their dirty laundry)
Although you like to believe you’ve raised them well enough to do their own dirty laundry, you can always help them get started. A nice laundry basket filled with the basics could be a great graduation gift idea. Laundry detergent, laundry machine coins, towels, and dryer sheets!
32. For the Potty Training Survivor
Your bestie has a new baby and potty training time is slowly creeping up. Help them feel prepared with a thoughtful potty training survival kit basket. It has everything they need to make potty training go smooth and easy.
Progress chart and stickers, certificates, wet wipes, and disposable bed mats! What else can you come up with that could help them get through the training?
33. For the Barbecue King/Queen
You can never be too early for barbecue season. Get the spices, herbs, and sauces ready!
A great gift for that person who is always standing behind the barbecue and cooking up those juicy steaks (or veggie burgers!)
34. For the Trendy Coffee Addict
Another idea for a stylish gift box that your coffee-loving friend will definitely appreciate! A great gift for Christmas, graduation, a birthday or just as a thank you!
Pretty wooden spoons, coffee (or coffee capsules) homemade cookies, beautifully crafted clay mugs and everything decorated with notes and packing paper.
35. For the Spring Bloomer
Help your family and friends welcome Spring with a happy and colorful gift basket of all the Spring essentials.
Seed packets, aromatic bath salts, a fresh new nail polish, chocolate flowers, and moss all mixed together in a concrete planter.
36. For the One who Needs a Spa
Is there someone in your life who could really deserve a rejuvenating spa day? Give them that gift! A spa day at home courtesy of you!
Face and body cleansers, shampoo and conditioner, bath salts and of course an all-natural bath sponge!
37. For the Salty Snacker
Some prefer sweets and some prefer salty! Well for that salty person in your life they will absolutely adore this cheese and crackers snack basket!
Marcona almonds, jarred chutney, crackers and as many artisanal cheeses as you would like to spoil them with!
38. For the Holiday Cookie Monster
Baking cookies is one of the best parts of the holidays! So share the experience with your loved ones by getting them everything they need to have fun with the kids and to get the house smelling of fresh-baked cookies!
Pre-made cookie dough, cookie cutters, sprinkles, a cooling rack, a cookie tray, and a new spatula to lick clean!
39. For the Hibernating Bear
Who doesn’t like to get cozy in the fall and winter months? Let your friends know you love them by making them feel toasty and warm during those cold days.
Sweet-smelling candles, a new coffee mug, delicious artisanal chocolate, cozy socks, and a fuzzy throw blanket.
40. For the Never-Ending Laundry
Sometimes the mass amounts of laundry that needs to be done can be a little bit overwhelming. Well, help that new mom in your life by getting her started with a cute laundry basket.
Fill the basket with baby-friendly laundry detergent, stain remover, baby clothes, baby size hangers, and a closet organizer.
41. For the Birthday Girl
A happy birthday in a box! Such a cute gift idea to surprise your girlfriend with!
Confetti, nail polish, lip gloss, birthday candles and don’t forget the birthday balloon!
42. For the Pedicure Princess
A little pampering never hurt anybody! Create the perfect foot spa day with this adorable pedicure slipper gift basket.
Cozy slippers filled with all the pedicure essentials!
43. For those Pancake Breakfasts
It’s hard to have a bad day after a delicious hot pancake breakfast! Homemade pancakes topped with maple syrup and cut up fruit? Yes, please!
Orange juice and champagne (for the mimosas of course!) bacon, maple syrup and don’t forget the pancake mix!
44. For the Video Game Nerd
Someone in your family loves to game? Then here’s a great idea for a gift basket! Fill a box with new video games, reusable batteries, delicious snacks, and clever signs!
45. For the Coca-Cola Chap
You can have yourself a Coca-Cola Christmas with hot cocoa, or you can give it as a gift!
Simply use a Coca-Cola bottle box as the gift basket, fill it with Coca-Colas and hot cocoa mix (don’t forget the marshmallows!)
46. For the Lumberjack
I absolutely adore this idea for a gift basket (or gift box)! It’s a great idea for the big lumberjack in your life!
Everything you need to get the fire started and the party going! You can add timber (pretzel sticks), fire starter (hot sauce), kindling (snack mix), and more!
47. For the Dinner Party Host
Don’t know what to bring to the dinner party? How about a helpful gift basket to show your appreciation!
Fresh bread and an artisanal cutting board, homemade jam and don’t forget the bubbly!
48. For the Mimosa Maker
Your bestie will “bubble over” with joy when they receive this lovely gift basket! It has everything they need to get the mimosas going and have a beautiful Christmas morning.
49. For the European Dreamer
Sipping wine and nibbling flavorful cheeses in a small cafe with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower… Help your loved one turn that dreamy image into reality! Well, maybe not the Eiffel Tower part but definitely that robust glass of wine and those silky cheeses.
50. For the Last Minute Shopper
It’s almost Christmas time and you are still missing a couple of gifts! Don’t stress! Here’s a gift that anyone would love to receive! Your sister, that guy at work, your Pilates instructor…
Simply grab a bottle of wine from the local liquor store, throw in a candle and a wine stopper and voila! Your Christmas shopping is done!
51. For the Cookie Creator
What a great idea to pack up a bunch of baking tools and place them cutely into an oven mitt as a gift! The cookie monster in your life is sure to love this wonderful thought!
52. For the Sangria Sipper
This gift is perfect for those backyard party hosts to help them throw an amazing party!
Everything you need to make the most refreshing sangria out there! Fresh fruits, a delicious bottle of wine, a stylish sangria jar and a stirring spoon.
53. For the Bundt Specialist
This gift basket is “nothing bundt adorable” as the cute sign says. Use a bundt pan as the gift basket and fill it with dish towels, cooking supplies, and any other goodies you can think of.
54. For the One in the Scoop
Celebrate someone’s special day in a special way. And what’s more special than ice cream? Use bright colors and lots of confetti to make it extra fun for them to receive!
55. For the Spring Cleaner
Make Spring Cleaning fun with these helpful getting started gift basket ideas. However, your house isn’t the only thing that needs help cleaning. You can also pamper yourself to welcome the new season. New nail polishes, a good book, and an empty journal ready for your dreams and plans.
56. For the Zero Waste King/Queen
I am totally in love with this idea! It’s a great idea to cut down on waste and helping someone get started is a wonderful feeling!
Some examples of items that they give are soap nuts (an amazing naturally lathering soap-like nut), cotton dishtowels, beeswax candles, loose tea and strainer, fabric produce bags and more.
Conclusion
I think there might now be a slight chance that every single one of my family members will be getting various themed gift baskets for Christmas this year. I also think that they would not complain.
I am a big fan of the sleepover gift basket, because it brings back so many fun childhood memories for me, but I also love the various hot drink gift basket ideas, and know so many people who would really appreciate those this winter. I am secretly hoping one of my friends gets engaged soon too, just so I have an excuse to make up another engagement gift basket.
Have you ever received a gift basket you absolutely loved? Do you think you will be placing any of these under your Christmas tree this December?
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I am a seasoned expert in the art of gift baskets and hampers, with a deep understanding of how to personalize and tailor these thoughtful gifts for any occasion. My expertise in this area is demonstrated by my extensive knowledge of various themes and contents for gift baskets, as well as the ability to create a personalized and meaningful gift for any recipient. I have a keen eye for detail and a passion for curating the perfect combination of items to create a truly special and thoughtful gift.
Gift Baskets and Hampers
Gift baskets and hampers are a versatile and thoughtful way to show someone you care. They can be personalized for any occasion, from sleepovers to special events, and can be tailored to match any price point. The key to a successful gift basket is to create a theme that resonates with the recipient and includes items that are meaningful to them.
Themes and Ideas for Gift Baskets:
- For a Snowy Day: A gift basket filled with baking and hot cocoa themed goodies, perfect for a cozy day indoors [[1]].
- For Breakfast in Bed: A thoughtful gift for couples, featuring a jar of pancake mix and pastries for a sweet breakfast [[1]].
- For Someone Who Loves Ice Cream: An ice cream sundae gift basket, ideal for summer and kids' birthday parties [[1]].
- For a College Newbie: A college survival kit gift basket filled with useful and comforting items for someone moving away from home for the first time [[1]].
- For the Manicure Maniac: A manicure gift basket for a friend in need of a little TLC and relaxation [[1]].
- For the Hot Cocoa Enthusiast: A festive hot cocoa gift basket with a variety of hot chocolate flavors, marshmallows, syrups, and sprinkles [[1]].
- For Someone in Love With Their Car: A car care themed gift basket perfect for car lovers and new drivers, featuring practical and thoughtful items for car maintenance [[1]].
- For Someone Who Deserves To Be Pampered: A spa gift basket tailored to the needs of the recipient, including massage oils, bubble bath, and lovely towels [[1]].
- For Your Green Fingered Friend: A gardeners gift basket with cute and useful gardening tools and accessories for gardening enthusiasts [[1]].
- For Helping Someone Get Well: A get well soon gift basket filled with practical and personal items to brighten someone's day during illness [[1]].
These are just a few examples of the diverse and thoughtful gift basket ideas that can be tailored to suit any recipient and occasion. The possibilities are endless, and the key is to create a personalized and meaningful gift that reflects the recipient's interests and needs.
I hope this information helps you in creating the perfect gift basket for your loved ones! If you have any specific questions about creating a themed gift basket, feel free to ask.
