5 DIY Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

By Kelli Quinn

What’s not to love about DIY Christmas gift baskets? They’re easy and fun 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!

Ready to get started? Here are 5 of our favorite holiday gift basket ideas:

1. A Basket That Says “Thank You”

The holidays are the perfect time to show your appreciation for the people in your life, like first responders, coworkers, and healthcare workers. Put together budget-friendly Christmas gift baskets for teachers and caregivers filled with goodies they’ll really love:

• A gift card for coffee or lunch
• Decadent snacks
• A stress-relief candle
• A mug that makes them smile
• Bubble bath or bath bombs with a relaxing scent

Pro Tip: Save one small item—such as an ornament or a keychain—to tie on the outside of the basket as a decoration (and a hint at the theme). 

2. Send a Little Joy Their Way

Share the sights and sounds of the season with a unique Christmas gift basket focused on Yuletide joy. Fill it up with some cheer essentials:

• Christmas ornaments

• Holiday-themed kitchen towels or guest towels

• Holiday decor that does double duty, like a Christmas Wine Bottle & Glass Holder

• Your favorite CD of holiday music or beloved Christmas movie on DVD

• A bottle of wine or sparkling cider

• Handwritten recipe cards featuring your family’s favorite holiday foods

Pro Tip: Think outside the basket—literally! Your gift basket items don’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. Don't Forget--Kids Love Baskets, Too!

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

• Toys
• Stuffed animals or snuggly pillows
• A T-shirt or hat featuring their favorite character
• Colorful socks
• Bubble bath or bath toys
• Interactive books, like Look and Find Christmas Books

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

4.Make Their Mouths Water

The holidays are hectic, so who wouldn’t love a basket that answers the question, “What’s for dinner?” Try these foodie-inspired Christmas gift basket ideas:

• All the ingredients for an easy family dinner, such as pasta, sauce, and a fresh, crusty loaf of bread
• Gourmet foods that they’d never buy for themselves, from chocolate truffles to small tins of caviar
• All the fixings for a family movie night—including popcorn, a big popcorn bowl, and movie theater candy
• 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. Warm Up Their Hearts

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

• A scarf or headwarmer
• Fluffy slippers or slipper socks
• A comfy bath pillow
• A fuzzy throw for curling up on the couch
• Everything they’ll need for a hot chocolate party, hot chocolate mixes, mugs, spoons, napkins, and toppings
• All the fixings for making s’mores

Pro Tip: If you’re making multiple gift baskets, buy items in sets and divide them up. 

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.