5 DIY Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

What's not to love about DIY Christmas gift baskets and brr baskets? They're fun and easy for the giver to put together, and they're a joy for the recipient to receive.

The best gift baskets are those that contain a variety of items centered around a specific theme—like book lover, new baby, or spa day. However, you don't always have to stick strictly to the theme. Feel free to toss in a few extras just because you know the recipient will love them! The Lakeside Collection has a wide selection of small, budget-priced gifts that are gift-basket ready. 

Here are 5 of our favorite holiday gift basket ideas for the holiday season:

1. Give a gift basket that sends a sincere “Thank You.”

The holidays are the perfect time to show your appreciation for the people in your life, like teachers, first responders, and healthcare workers. Put together a basket of goodies they'll really love:

1. A gift card for coffee or lunch
2. Decadent snacks
3. A stress-relief candle
4. A mug that makes them smile
5. Bubble bath
6. A heartfelt Occupational Car Charm that celebrates the hard work they do

Pro Tip: Save one small item—such as an ornament or a keychain—to tie on the outside of the brr basket as a decoration (and a hint at the theme). For instance, a handy Folding Keychain Ruler is a cute extra that will be appreciated by almost anyone.

2. Give a brr basket filled with holiday comfort and joy.

Share the sights and sounds of the season with a holiday-themed gift basket. This theme is perfect for just about anyone!

1. Christmas ornaments
2. Holiday-themed kitchen towels or guest towels
3. Holiday décor that does double duty, like Holiday Wine Bottle & Glass Holders
4. Your favorite CD of holiday music or beloved Christmas movie on DVD
5. A bottle of wine or sparkling cider
6. Handwritten and laminated recipe cards featuring your family's favorite holiday foods

Pro Tip: Think outside the basket—literally! Your gift basket or brr basket doesn't have to go in an actual basket. Try mixing bowls for a baking-themed basket, a sand bucket for a beach-themed basket, or a holiday-print tote for a Christmas-themed basket.

3. Give a gift basket that makes a little one smile.

Kids love gift baskets because it's like getting 5, 10, or even 15 gifts in one! Include a variety of items that capture their attention:

1. Toys 
2. Stuffed animals or snuggly pillows
3. A T-shirt or hat featuring their favorite character
4. Colorful socks
5. Bubble bath or bath toys
   

Pro Tip: Line the bottom of your gift container with another item related to your theme, such as a plush bath towel for a pampering brr basket, cute onesies for a baby shower gift, or kitchen linens like placemats or a table runner if the basket is for a foodie.

4. Give a gift basket that's (almost) too pretty to eat.

The holidays are hectic, so who wouldn't love a basket that answers the question, “What's for dinner?” A few fun foodie ideas:

1. All the ingredients for an easy family dinner, such as pasta, sauce, and a crusty loaf of bread
2. Gourmet foods they'd never buy for themselves, from chocolate truffles to small tins of caviar
3. All the fixings for a family movie night—including popcorn, an easy-to-use popper like the Glass Microwave Popcorn Popper with Silicone Lid, and movie theater candy
4. For recipients who live far away, assemble a basket of foods that are local to your area

Pro Tip: For an extra-special touch, include something homemade in your gift basket—like holiday cookies, your famous banana bread, or even just the handwritten tag that's tied around the handle.

5. Give a gift basket that really warms them up.

It's cold outside, so why not give the gift of warmth? There are nearly unlimited options for a cozy warming gift basket:

1. A scarf or headwarmer
2. Fluffy slippers or slipper socks
3. A comfy bath pillow
4. A fuzzy throw for curling up on the couch
5. Everything they'll need for a hot chocolate party—hot chocolate mixes, mugs, spoons, napkins, and toppings
6. All the fixings for making s'mores

Pro Tip: If you're making multiple brr baskets, buy items in sets and divide them up. The National Lampoon Gift Set includes 4 glasses and 4 drink mixes. (You might even want to save one for yourself!)

Need more inspiration? Take a look at our full selection of gifts for even more ideas. If you are looking for more holiday DIY ideas, check out our post on Easy DIY Christmas Decorations.