How to create gift baskets like a pro

Remember my post last week, when I discussed tips to save money on Christmas gifts? One of those tips was to create your own gift package alternatives. 

So, today I'm sharing a small tutorial on how to create amazing gift baskets at a very small cost and using materials we all have at home. You can save money and the end result will be just as attractive as the more expensive store bought alternatives.

Have you ever noticed how often those cute Christmas baskets of beauty products cost a lot more than the price of the individual items inside? Well, now you have the perfect solution for this problem.



Start with the set you want to fill the basket with. I went with beauty products too (because I needed to wrap them for an upcoming birthday), but you can do this with any other set of items, from kitchen utensils or food to office supplies.

You'll need a small basket to hold the items (ideally, with the sides a bit higher than the one below, but I was reusing one I already had at home so I had to make do). A small bucket or a cute bowl work too, depending on what you're putting inside. What else? A roll of cellophane paper (mine had small orange dots in it, but regular transparent works just the same) and matching ribbon.

I added a bit of glitter paper to the bottom of the basket, more to cover the holes in the bottom than for embellishment, but the end result looked rather nice.

Place the items inside, tastefully organized. If necessary secure with an elastic or adhesive tape. I added a few styrofoam stars I had in my craft closet as an afterthought, just to cover the empty spaces and add a bit of flair, but that's totally optional.

Next, cut a large square of cellophane and place the basket in the middle.

Pull the corners of the cellophane up, adjusting in nice pleats as you go, until all the basket is enclosed in the cellophane.

 

Secure the cellophane in place with an elastic (optional, but will help you to adjust the ribbon around without the cellophane slipping through your fingers).

Place the ribbon around the top and tie a knot. Then, if you want, cut some extra bits of ribbon and tie them in place too before you create a bow. Of course you can just add the bow, but this way you'll have a lot more ribbon cascading through the gift basket, not just two lonesome tips.
 

Adjust all ribbon ends to the same size (or not, depends on what you prefer) and add a gift tag.
 

I made a tag using my Sizzix and the rest of the glitter paper I placed at the bottom of the basket, but any other tag will work.

Yay! Your gift basket is finished!

It's easy, it doesn't take longer than ten minutes as long as you have all the materials with you, it looks great and it's almost inexpensive. Win win all the way!

 

For other original and inexpensive gift package ideas check out below:

And remember, becoming creative with homemade gift packages can help you save a lot of money!

Have a wonderful week,