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Baskets are my go-to when I’m struggling for gift ideas. Not only do they look amazing when arranged well, they allow for a highly personalized gift tailored specifically to the intended recipient. I’ve been putting together baskets to gift to friends and family for years, and thanks to some inspiration from Better Homes and Gardens, I gleaned some tips on putting together the perfect gift basket for any season or celebration.
Gift Baskets Created by the Walmart Better Homes and Gardens Team
Before putting together your gift basket, you’ll want to decide on a theme. Think about the interests and hobbies of your recipient as well as their current life situation. Does your best friend enjoy cooking and in need of some updated kitchen gadgets? What about that movie buff or fix-it guy on your list? Take what they love and create a basket filled with a mix of creative and useful items centered around that theme.
To start, select your basket of choice. One insightful tip we received was to think outside of the “basket” and select a container that is attractive and useful. If you were putting together a movie night-themed basket, you might consider using a large, melamine ceramic bowl to display your gift. Similarly, you could use an oversized straw beach bag or a large sand pail for a summer-themed gift basket.
For my Winter Warm-Up Gift Basket, I started with Better Homes and Gardens’ Black Wire Basket which includes a chalkboard to label its contents. I then perused my local store for items that embodied the spirit of winter. On a cold, rainy day, all I really want to do is snuggle on the couch with a cozy blanket, a good book and a cup of tea…all of which made it into my basket:
1. Better Homes and Gardens Velvet Plush Throw ($12.88)
2. Keep Calm English Tea Gift Set ($8)
3. Mr. Miracle: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber ($11.88)
4. Better Homes and Gardens 13-ounce candle in Wooded Mountain Trails ($3.97)
Depending on your budget, you could also include a Walmart gift card so that your giftee can purchase any additional items within the theme of your gift basket. For example, when creating a culinary-themed basket, a gift card could be used by the recipient to purchase the ingredients they’ll need to make their favorite recipe.
To assemble your gift basket, create layers so that your items are easily visualized (presentation is everything when it comes to gift baskets). I took most of the items I purchased out of their packaging so that everything displayed well. Since my basket was quite deep and my items were relatively short in length, I decided to take a small box and use it as the foundation for the gift items. I covered that box with tissue paper and added several more sheets to “hide” the box and secure the items in place. If you want your items to stay put, you could use double sided tape to secure them down, a trick I’ve seen used in professional, store-bought gift baskets.
Once your items are arranged and secured, it’s time to get creative. You can use cellophane to envelope your basket like the pros or simply add color with ribbon and/or colored tissue paper. Personalize the tag with a recipe. craft idea or a special message and be sure to include any small, last-minute items that will help make guests feel like their gift is ready to use from the moment they open it.
For more holiday inspiration, check out these gift basket ideas from my fellow Walmart Moms:
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