How to Create Attractive Gift Basket Arrangements

A gift basket arrangement is an attractive, cost-effective way to present multiple gifts in a single container. Gift baskets can be themed for any occasion, such as a holiday, birthday, anniversary or other special event. Using the right containers and fillers to support and protect your gifts is important for an appealing finished product. When arranging your gift basket, remember to include a card with the “to” and “from” information and a brief note about the occasion or the gifts you’ve included.

Start with the basket or vessel itself. While a classic wicker basket will give you the most traditional look, you can also use any kind of container that fits your theme. A large bowl, collander, mug, basket or wooden crate are ideal for a food-themed gift, while a laundry basket, cleaning buckets or toy carts work well for kids’ gifts. Baskets aren’t your only option, either; glass jars, stiff hats and sleek trash baskets can make for unique gifts as well.

Add a layer of filler to the base of your basket before adding any gifts. This will help lift items for better visibility and provide a cushion for the heavier objects inside. Crumpled paper, shredded tissue paper or gift wrap works well as filler. A few sprigs of fresh or dried greenery can be added for color and texture.

Select your gift items, taking into account any dietary or allergy restrictions of the recipient. A gift basket for a wine lover, for example, would benefit from including several bottles of wine, gourmet coffees and teas, snacks like cheese and crackers, and desserts. Consider the time of year if you’re creating a themed basket; autumnal foods are often associated with pumpkins, apples and cinnamon while winter themes might use hot chocolate or mint.

Choose a size for your gift basket. It’s best to start with a larger basket and add items in layers to keep the overall arrangement aesthetically pleasing. When creating a layer, balance your items by size and weight, keeping height in mind as well. Place the largest, heaviest items at the back of the basket and lighter, smaller or shorter items towards the front for easy viewing. If you’re including any fragile items, reserve them for the front or center to avoid crushing.

Once you’ve layered your gifts, add a final touch with a coordinating ribbon or bow. You can also tuck a sprig of greenery or a small ornament into the gift basket bow to finish off the look.

If your gift basket is particularly delicate or expensive, wrap it in a layer of cellophane or bubble wrap for protection. This is particularly important if the recipient is going to be transporting the gift or storing it for an extended period of time. For a festive touch, tie the cellophane or bubble wrap with a beautiful, decorative ribbon in a matching color to the basket. You can even attach a gift tag with the recipient’s name or message to add a personal touch.