The best way to save money and make a beautiful Christmas gift basket is to make it yourself. This way you can find great deals and cheap finds that look anything but cheap.
The first thing you need is a basket. Check out yard sales for baskets. I can’t tell you how many yard sales I have been to that are selling baskets for less than a dollar. If you don’t want to scour yard sales, then check out your local dollar store. You may be able to find baskets (and few things to fill the baskets) that look exactly like baskets you would find at a craft store. The last place I would go for a basket would be a craft store; however, every once and while you can find affordable baskets if you hit a sale.
Once you have your basket, you need to fill it up with goodies. Again, check out the dollar store. If you are giving the basket to a family, then you can find amazing gifts for children like coloring books, play dough, and stickers. If you are giving it to a friend or family member who is an adult, you can find kitchen gadgets, holiday decorations, ornaments, and Christmas cards. Pick up some Christmas containers to fill with cookies or candy.
Stop by the craft store to get some ribbon to decorate the basket. If you know how to knit, grab some yarn, and knit a quick scarf to throw in. Your local grocery store can also be a resource. Pick up some cookie dough and candy canes. Also, grab a box of hot chocolate and a bag of marshmallows. Everyone loves hot chocolate when it’s cold outside.
Does your recipient like to read? Go to your local used book store and find a couple of books he/she can cuddle up with on a cold night. Put a ribbon around a couple of books and throw them into the basket.
One last place that always has great Holiday garb is Target. You can buy a fleece throw blanket for less than ten dollars most of the time. Also, you can pick up multicolored gloves for only a couple of dollars. On their website, you can find a hat, glove, and scarf set for only ten dollars. Are you giving the basket to someone who likes to cook? Find measuring prep bowls in pesto for only twelve dollars. Target usually has dollar bins at the front of the store where you can find things for pets, children, and adults. Check it out before you check out.
One of my best tricks for holiday shopping is to do it right after Christmas. I go to Bath and Body Works when they are having their semi-annual sale, and I pick up lotions and body gels (that don’t go bad for long time) at a fraction of the price. I spend about fifty dollars and get two-hundred dollars worth of products. They make great additions in Christmas baskets. Also, you can pick up beautiful ornaments at Pier I right after Christmas at fifty percent off.
Think about the person you are putting the basket together for and match the items to that person’s personality. There is a multitude of choices. Get creative.
