There’s something really special about giving a gift basket. It feels thoughtful, looks impressive, and lets you mix and match things you know the other person will love. Whether you’re putting something together for Christmas, a well-made gift basket can be one of the most personal and memorable presents you can give.
And if you’d rather skip the DIY route and go straight for a professional finish, the team at GourmetGiftBaskets.com have some brilliant ready-made options. Get ready for their Cyber Week Sale! Get 15% off 1, 25% off 2, or 35% off 3+ gifts with code DADCW25 Sale ends December 1st
But if you fancy having a go yourself, here’s everything you need to know about how to make it look great, what to include, and a few expert tricks to make it really stand out.
Start With A Theme
Every great gift basket starts with a theme. It helps everything feel pulled together and thoughtful rather than random. For Christmas, you could try things like:
- A festive food basket with cheeses, chutneys, crackers and mulled wine.
- A “cosy night in” basket with hot chocolate, snacks and a blanket.
- A “treat yourself” basket with bath salts, candles and chocolate.
- A “dad’s favourites” basket with craft beers, jerky, crisps and BBQ sauce.
Have a look at GourmetGiftBaskets.com for some inspiration. They’ve got themed baskets for every occasion and you can pick up ideas on how to balance out the contents.
Choose The Right Basket
The container matters just as much as what goes inside. You can use a wicker basket, a wooden crate, a reusable box or even a festive tin. The trick is to make sure it’s the right size – too big and it looks empty, too small and it’ll feel cramped.
Use tissue paper or shredded filler to build up the base and give it some height. Then start arranging the taller items at the back and smaller ones towards the front. Keep your colour palette simple too – two or three colours that complement each other will make everything look cleaner and more stylish.
Once it’s all in place, wrap the whole thing in clear cellophane, tie a big ribbon at the top and add a tag. It’s an instant upgrade that makes it look like something straight off a shop shelf.
If that sounds like a lot of work, there’s no shame in buying a pre-made one instead. GourmetGiftBaskets.com does the hard part for you, and you can still personalise it with a note or small extra item.
Fill It With Quality Items
When it comes to what to include, think of variety, quality and presentation. Every basket needs:
- One hero item – the standout piece like a nice bottle of wine, a big box of chocolate, or a luxury candle.
- A few complementary products – things that tie into your theme like snacks, sauces or self-care treats.
- Some smaller fillers – things like sweets, coffee sachets or ornaments to bulk it out and make it look full.
- A personal touch – a handwritten note, photo or mini card that makes it feel unique.
For a Christmas basket, think mince pies, truffles, festive biscuits, hot chocolate or small bottles of liqueur.
If you’re building one for a dad, you can’t go wrong with good snacks, beer, and something practical like a bottle opener or BBQ tool.
Make It Look The Part
Presentation is everything. Once you’ve filled your basket, step back and check the balance. You want to see a mix of colours, heights and textures. Don’t be afraid to angle things slightly instead of lining them up neatly – it adds character.
If you’ve wrapped it in cellophane, add a ribbon in a colour that ties everything together. For Christmas, a rich red or green works perfectly.
A Few Extra Tips
- If you’re sending your basket in the post, make sure the items are sturdy and well packed.
- Always check expiry dates on any food before including it.
- Stick to your theme – it makes the whole thing feel more intentional.
- Add one surprise element they wouldn’t expect. It’s what they’ll remember most.
And if all else fails, order one ready to go from GourmetGiftBaskets.com – and don’t forget to use the code DADSNET20 for 20% off.
Final Thought
A great gift basket is all about showing someone you’ve put time and care into what you’re giving. It’s thoughtful, it’s personal, and it looks brilliant sitting under the Christmas tree.
So whether you build your own or grab a pre-made one from GourmetGiftBaskets.com, it’s a gift that never fails to impress!
