This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dollar General. All opinions are 100% mine.
Receiving a gift basket is so much fun. But do you know what can be just as fun?? MAKING a gift basket. Spending some time choosing little treats to brighten someone's day can feel almost as rewarding as seeing the smile on the recipients face when they dive into their gift basket.
This week I wanted to brighten up my sister's day by making a special “no occasion” gift basket for her. While we often make gift baskets for holidays, birthdays, and other special events, a gift basket to just show you care or to say thank you can be extra appreciated. I headed to Dollar General to choose the items for my basket and found everything I needed. When planning what to include in your gift, here are some helpful gift basket tips to to keep in mind.
5 Gift Basket Tips:
Choose Indulgent Treats
In my opinion, the best gift baskets always contain treats! Knowing the tastes of the recipient makes it easier to choose. Candy beyond your average candy bar makes things a bit more special. You can also add in healthy, but yummy foods like the pistachios I chose. My sister loves them!
Think Fun
Everyone likes to be a big kid once in a while, so throw in a little toy, game or other kids' item. My sister and I always loved Hello Kitty and still think she is super cute, so I just had to get her at least ONE Hello Kitty item.
Gift the Gift of Activity
Having something to do can take someone's mind off their problems and give them a little escape in the day. Things like crossword puzzles or word find books can do that. I found an awesome little herb garden at Dollar General for only $6. Not only will it be fun to plant and watch, but it will also produced herbs for cooking!
Practical is Appreciated
You can always add in items that are needed on a regular basis. This can be things like lotion, bath products, postage stamps, pens, etc. I added in pocket-sized tissue packages that are not only practical, but come in cute packaging.
Include Something Personal
Add a unique and personal item to your gift basket. This could be a note or poem that you have written, a picture your child has drawn, or a framed photo. I found this silly picture of me and my sister in matching sweaters from way back in the 90s and put it in a frame that was only $1.50 at Dollar General. That is sure to make her laugh.
Bonus Tip: When it comes to assembling your basket, try to use a container that can be used again. I found this great storage bin at Dollar General for only $4. To dress things up a little, I simply lined it with alternating sheets of tissue paper and then placed all the gifts inside.
All together, I was able to get EVERYTHING for the gift basket, including the basket itself and the tissue paper, for under $25. That is way less than ordering a gift basket from someplace and much more personalized. Plus, I had so much fun picking it all out too. It is all more than worth it to see a smile on my sister's face. Shop online and save with Dollar General!
What do YOU like to give or receive in a gift basket?
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
These are awesome ideas! You can get some really cool stuff at the dollar store.
Pam says
I always love getting fun things in gift baskets. I love when someone adds in a Sudoku or something!
Nicole says
I love little gift baskets like this. I make them for the kiddos for Easter every year.
Krystal says
I love Dollar General. You’d be surprised by all of the great stuff you can find there.
Liz Mays says
Making personalized gift boxes is so fun for me. That herb garden is a great idea!
Christie says
I love adding a personal touch to mine! Great gift basket addition ideas
Catherine S says
These are really great ideas for a gift basket. You can get some great deals at Dollar General.
Amy says
I love the way you can make gift baskets perfect with items from DG! They have so much to chose from there for all ages.
Felicia says
I always forget about Dollar General when it comes to gift giving. I really need to take advantage of the place more often.
Jaime says
I love giving things that people can use. If it’s a child, a coloring book and crayons are perfect. If it’s someone older, I try to go with something specific to the house (maybe spices for the kitchen.)
Mary O'Malley says
My favorite gift basket items are definitely M&Ms. I love them so much, and they’re very tasty.
Lisa Bristol says
Gift basket are a great gift to make for someone. There are so many great things you can put in.
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
I like to give pampering gifts in a gift basket. Like candles, comfy socks, a good book, bubbles for a bubble bath and more!
Theresa says
I like to get food related items in a gift basket. I think health and beauty products are lovely too!
Jenni E. {Sweet Pennies from Heaven} says
I love to personalize gifts anytime I can. Making gift baskets, is a great way to do that! I’d love everything here in your gift basket. I’d really enjoy one of those countertop herb gardens. CUTE!
Crystal says
It sounds like you’ve got the gift basket perfected! I love receiving them myself, especially when there’s chocolate involved.
Veronica says
Cute ideas for gift baskets. I love putting them together too
Rosey says
I love that you included the photo with matching sweaters. I think baskets are thoughtful gifts to give.
Jeanine says
This is really wonderful! I love making gift baskets but I have never thought of including a photo! Brilliant I love that idea!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
What a fun idea. This might be a little pick me up for a friend who is going through a hard time.
Debbie Denny says
This is a thoughtful idea. Love the contents of yours.
Chrystal @ Nevermore Lane says
I like gift baskets that are practical to whatever the occasion. I would like to have things that are actually useful, like this, than something that has no thought and I would never use.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I like to put different types of candy in my gift baskets. It is always fun personalizing a basket for someone.
Shell says
You put together a cute gift basket! I love picking out the right presents for someone!
Amanda O. says
What a thoughtful and inexpensive way to show someone you care. Dollar General is the best!
Debbie L. says
Very good tips – I love making gift baskets. I always like to add something neat that I know the person would like but would not have purchased
April Decheine says
Great ideas, we love the Dollar General, there are SO Many fun things for a buck. We bought a bunch of stuff for the bathroom that worked out perfect.
Megan @ C'mon Get Crafty says
Very cute basket, and great tips!! Now I want an herb garden, haha!