Creating gifts from scratch is rewarding. Gifting something you have worked on with your own two hands makes it worth so much more. One of the best ways to give loved ones homemade gifts is by making a gift basket. 

DIY gift baskets are completely customizable and crafted to be perfect for the receiver. There is nothing wrong with store-bought baskets, but creating the perfect gift basket for your loved ones shows how well you know them and how much you care. 

With that in mind, we have put together a list of some of the best and most affordable DIY gift basket ideas you can gift to your loved ones for any occasion. 

Important Details to Consider When Building a Gift Basket

How do you build a gift basket from scratch? Creating the perfect gift basket for your loved one can seem like a daunting task no matter what the occasion. Luckily for you, we have broken down some of the most important aspects to consider as you build. 

This approach will help you stay on track and determine exactly how to create the perfect basket, and you won’t even need gift basket tutorials.

Size of the Basket

The first thing you should think about is how big you want the gift basket to be. It may seem like a pointless step and something you can figure out along the way, but if you take the time to plan small details like the size, everything else will be much easier. You can better plan what to put in your basket once you know the size. 

Types of Materials

What you make the basket out of and how you decorate it are important as well. If you plan the theme and colors of your gift, finding the perfect things to put in it comes easy. Planning out the materials you need and the overall look of your basket gives you the ability to shop and build your gift quickly and with fewer hiccups along the way. 

What Goes in It

What should you put in the basket? The items that go in the basket vary based on the theme and receiver. Once you have set a plan for the theme, you can list everything you want to include in your basket to make the shopping and building experience less stressful. Always go into a DIY project with a plan — to ensure there is as little stress involved as possible. 

Gift Basket Ideas for Your Loved Ones

Now that you have established a plan for moving forward, let’s take a look at some of the coolest and easiest gift basket ideas for the special people in your life. 

Knowing some of the most popular gift baskets will help inspire you, and give you a sense of the standard you should be aiming for.

College/School Survival Basket

If you have a special relative or friend getting ready to head off to college, a unique idea is to create a college survival gift basket for them. You can easily create a theme based on the school they are attending and give them some essentials to survive that first year. This basket is also a great idea for children going back to school or starting a new level (high school, middle school, or kindergarten).

Coffee Lover Basket

Is there someone in your life that may be a little too addicted to their morning coffee? If so, a coffee lover gift basket is the perfect gift. You can stuff the basket with gift cards, fancy coffees, and funny mugs to show your loved one how much you care. 

New Mom Basket

Having a new baby is exciting and wonderful, but a lot of the time, we focus all of our gifting and attention on the little bundle and not the new mom trying to navigate her way through a suddenly different life (and body). Show her you are thinking about her by creating a new mom gift basket with goodies for her.

Mother’s Day Basket

Mother’s Day is a time to show every mom in your life how much they are valued and appreciated. Create a Mother’s Day-themed gift basket for them containing things like her favorite drink or snack to show your appreciation. 

Baby Shower Basket

Creating unique gift baskets for baby showers is very popular these days. With this laundry basket baby shower basket, you can give the family outfits and baby-friendly laundry products as well as a cute little basket to store everything. 

Tackle Box Craft Basket

Little kids love arts and crafts, but it can be hard to find somewhere to store all of their markers, crayons, and everything else. Create a gift basket out of a tackle box, and fill it with a bunch of fun craft ideas and tools so they have easy storage and a cute gift. 

Empty Nester Basket

If a family you know is about to send their last child off and become empty-nesters, consider creating a unique (and slightly humorous) gift basket for the occasion. Fill the basket with fun things that they can do together now that the kids are out of the house, and add a few sentimental items. 

Date Night Cuddle Kit

Sometimes planning the perfect date night is more work than fun. Gift your loved ones a date night cuddle basket and fill it with cozy blankets, drinks, and movies for the perfect night together.

Bridal Shower Gift Basket

Buying gifts for wedding showers can be hard. The next time you get invited to a shower, consider this bridal shower basket idea. Purchase a big item like a crock-pot and fill it with small accessories for the kitchen (or around the house) for a unique and fun gift idea. 

Holiday Cookie Basket

Baking cookies together is a time-honored holiday tradition among families all over the world. If you are stuck on what to get your loved one, consider crafting this holiday cookie basket out of mixing bowls, spoons, and other supplies, to give them a fun family activity that everyone will enjoy.

Housewarming Basket

This housewarming gift basket is the perfect present to give your friend or loved one as they purchase and move into a new home. Fill it with some of your favorite items for use around the house. Anything goes in this basket.

Adult Easter Basket

Who says that only kids get baskets on Easter? If you are looking for a fun way to give gifts to an adult on Easter, consider putting together this fun and unique adult Easter basket. 

New Neighbor Basket

When someone new moves into the neighborhood, you will make an impression if you present them with this welcome neighbor gift basket. Welcome your new neighbors by filling them with items that are special to your area, and make them feel at home. 

Summer Fun Teacher Basket

At the end of the school year, you need to present your child’s teacher with something to show your appreciation for all their work. Put together this fun in the sun basket filled with summer items, and they will truly feel your gratitude. 

Feel Better Basket

A fantastic and unique way to show your loved ones you are thinking about them when they are sick is to create this get well soon basket for them. Stock it full of items like cough drops, teas, and little games to help the time go by faster while they’re down. 

Spa Day Basket

Everyone needs a day to unwind now and then. This spa day gift basket is a great option if you try to come up with a perfect gift idea for a new mom, grandma, wife, or student who needs a break. 

Related Post: 7 DIY Bath Bombs For a Soothing, Relaxing Soak

Baseball Gift Bucket

Trying to come up with the perfect gift for the sports fan that has everything? Make them this baseball gift basket centered around their favorite sport or team, and fill it with snacks, trinkets, and even game tickets as your budget allows. 

Pet Basket

A man’s best friend deserves a present now and then. The next time you feel like spoiling your pet, or the pet of a loved one who is obsessed with their furry friend, craft this gift basket and stuff it full of a pet’s favorite things.

Summer Party Basket

This summer party basket is the perfect idea for someone who has just moved into a new home, hosts many parties, or enjoys spending time outdoors. You can fill it with fun outdoor activities and snacks for their whole family to enjoy. 

Dinner Basket

Show someone you love a random act of kindness with this “dinner’s on me” gift basket. Get a tote and fill it with everything needed to create a delicious meal. This basket is perfect for new parents, sick relatives, busy families, or just a random occasion.