Being on a limited budget doesn't mean you can't give great gifts to your family, friends, co-workers and others on your shopping list. No matter what the occasion or the size of your budget, you can create interesting and useful themed gift baskets for a fraction of the cost by using items commonly found at a nearby dollar store.
Some stores like Dollar Tree really do sell every item for $1.00. Five Below sells items for $5.00 or less. Other retailers, such as Family Dollar and Dollar General, may have items that cost a bit more, but they are still inexpensive. Other sources of inexpensive items include WalMart and the $1 bin at Target and thrift stores.
Things to consider when preparing a gift basket
The most important consideration when planning a gift basket is the intended purpose. The "theme" for your basket may be guided by an upcoming holiday or event (i.e., Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's or Father's Day, Housewarming or Graduation) or by a special interest of recipient, such as golfing, crafts, or gardening.
Once you decide on a theme, the next step is finding a container for your collection of gift items. While called "gift baskets", the gifts don't necessarily have to be in a basket. Try to incorporate a reusable container that fits in with the theme of the basket. For example, use a plastic tub for a new baby or new homeowner, a cosmetic bag for a teen girl's birthday, or a plastic or mesh trashcan for an off to college gift collection.
If you have a large container with only a few small items inside, consider using some sort of filler, like tissue paper or shredded newspaper, to make the presentation look nicer and to protect the items inside. To make your gift look especially nice, consider wrapping the entire thing in cellophane wrapping paper and tying it with a pretty bow when you're done.
Themed gift basket ideas based on holidays and events
Valentine's Day: chocolate, heart-shaped candy, red or white candles, candle holders, bubble bath, incense or scented fragrance oils, picture frame, CD of romantic music
Mother's Day: picture frame (even better if a photo of the children or grandchildren is inside), chocolate, bubble bath or shower gel, books, candles, candle holders, candy, cookies, perfume, shower scrunchies, hair products, cosmetics, journals, exercise DVDs, music CDs, note pads, note cards, bath gloves, moisturizing socks and gloves, body lotion, body butter, eye mask, hand-held massager, hair brush and comb, scented soap, body splash, aromatherapy products, flavored teas, tea biscuits, jellies
Father's Day: books, auto cleaning supplies, work gloves, tool kit, painting supplies, shoe shine kit, shaving cream, disposable razors
New Baby: baby skin care products (shampoo, lotion, oil, powder), baby wipes, bibs, socks, pacifier, night light, plate and spoon, sippy cups, bottle cleaner, diaper disposal bags, socks, teething ring
Housewarming: cleaning products, cleaning wipes, kitchen timer, placemats, spices, mugs, coasters, candles, candle holders, air fragrances, colored paper plates and cups, dish clothes, serving dishes, kitchen gadgets, pitchers, potpourri, picture frames, dried flowers, vases, river rocks and other vase fillers, closet organizers, storage containers, night light, flashlight, extension cords, painting supplies, soap dispenser, wine glasses, martini glasses, plates, laundry detergent and dryer sheets, dish detergent, hand duster and dustpan, squeeze bottles, sponges, microfiber dust clothes, shower/bathroom cleaner, carpet deodorizer, trash bags, dish towels, shelf liner, dish mats, cutting board, spatula set, cookie cooling rack, cake and pie pans, can opener, colander, kitchen scissors, cheese grater, candle lighter
Themed gift basket ideas based on personal interests
Crafters: yarn, ribbon, glass marbles, beads, scissors, craft clue, foam shapes, river rocks, paint, paint brushes, scissors, glue, glitter
Kids: toys, puzzles, crayons, colored pencils, coloring books, toys, costumes, stickers, DVDs, school supplies, books, notebooks, markers, watch, frisbee, socks, cookie cutters, scissors, glue
Teens: Wii accessories, CD holders, ear buds, cosmetics, electronics accessories, skin care products, hair care products, journals
Pet lovers: toys, leash, collar, pet poo disposal bags, food and water dish, portable water dish
Auto lovers: cleaning liquids, buckets, interior wipes, bucket, sponges, wheel and tire brush, air fresheners
The possibilities are endless!
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