How to Make a Gift Basket

Although gift baskets can be purchased at Harry and David and other assorted online retailers, they can also be extremely expensive. Paying upwards of a hundred or more dollars for a loaded gift basket would be easy to do. However, a quick trip to a grocery store and another to a craft store can make nearly the same basket at a quarter the cost, and in less than an hour.

1. First: The Basket and Filler

   The craft store should be the first stop. Wicker baskets of every shape and size stock the shelves here, and a medium-sized one can be bought for less than ten dollars. Along with the basket, shelves of filler decorate the gift nicely. Straw filler can be bought for less than three dollars a bag, and a bag is enough to fill a half-dozen baskets.

2. Second: What should go in the basket?

   Hundreds of things can fill the basket, but a few traditional ones are best. Buying a half-dozen pieces of fresh fruit is always a good, economical idea. Apples, pears, oranges or bananas work great, but avoid lemons. Next, as long as the recipient is of age, Martini and Rossi makes a four pack of sparkling white wine for less than ten dollars. A gift basket delights when braced with four small bottles of wine. Fannie May candies, in individual packages, cost less than a dollar. Small packs of coffee might work, and instant cappuccino or lattes also please any coffee drinker.

3. Third: Putting it Together

   Arranging a basket might be difficult for those not artistically-inclined, but a builder should not over think it. Decorate it neatly, and put the tallest items in the center. Place the fruit evenly on the edges and place the candies and small items in the edges. No matter what, make sure the basket is set off with a bow.