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The short answer: the best Christmas gift baskets are built around one theme and one good “hero” gift, then filled out with a few small extras. A hot cocoa basket, a movie night basket or a Christmas breakfast basket always goes down well because everyone can enjoy them.
A themed basket feels far more thoughtful than one big present, and it is easy to make it fit any budget. Below are 15 basket ideas with the hero gift for each and what to tuck around it, followed by the baskets, filler and wrap that make them look finished.
A quick tip before you shop: pick your theme first, then buy the hero gift and the basket together so everything arrives at the same time. Baskets, shred filler and large cellophane bags get harder to find in December, so grab those early.
Short on time? The five baskets I would make first (we earn a small commission if you buy, at no cost to you):
- Hot cocoa basket: Nestle hot chocolate packets: Add two mugs, a bag of mini marshmallows, a few candy canes and a small bag of peppermint bark.
- Movie night basket: Kernel Season’s popcorn seasoning variety pack: Fill out the basket with microwave popcorn, a few boxes of theater candy, popcorn tubs and a cozy throw.
- Christmas breakfast basket: Dash mini waffle maker: Add a box of pancake and waffle mix, a bottle of maple syrup, sprinkles and a festive spatula.
- Spa night basket: LifeAround2Angels bath bomb gift set: Add a soft robe or towel, a face mask, a candle and some fuzzy socks.
- Game night basket: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game: Add a bag of popcorn, a few candy bars and a second game for older kids or adults.
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Cozy night in baskets
1. Hot cocoa basket: Nestle hot chocolate packets
SaveA hot cocoa basket is the easiest crowd pleaser there is, and a big box of cocoa packets is the base for several baskets at once. It works for neighbors, teachers, families and anyone who loves a cozy evening.
Good to know: Add two mugs, a bag of mini marshmallows, a few candy canes and a small bag of peppermint bark.
2. Movie night basket: Kernel Season’s popcorn seasoning variety pack
SavePopcorn seasoning turns a plain bag of popcorn into a real treat, and the variety pack means there is a flavor for everyone. It is the heart of a movie night basket that a whole family can enjoy together.
Good to know: Fill out the basket with microwave popcorn, a few boxes of theater candy, popcorn tubs and a cozy throw.
3. Cozy reading basket: Gritin rechargeable book light
SaveA clip on book light is a small, practical gift that bookworms use every night. It makes a reading basket feel thoughtful rather than just a book in a box.
Good to know: Add a paperback you think they will love, a bookmark, a little bag of tea and some fuzzy socks.
4. Snuggle up basket: Bedsure sherpa fleece throw blanket
SaveA soft sherpa throw is one of the most loved cozy gifts around, and rolled up it fills a basket beautifully. It suits anyone, from grandparents to college students.
Good to know: Roll the blanket and stand it at the back of the basket, then add a candle, cocoa and a good movie.
5. Candle basket: Yankee Candle Balsam and Cedar large jar
SaveBalsam and Cedar smells like a fresh Christmas tree and is one of the most popular holiday scents. A good candle is a gift almost everyone enjoys, and it anchors a pretty, simple basket.
Good to know: Pair it with a long lighter, a seasonal hand soap and a small bag of cookies.
Foodie gift baskets
6. Christmas breakfast basket: Dash mini waffle maker
SaveA mini waffle maker is a fun, affordable hero gift that makes Christmas morning feel special. It is one of the best loved small kitchen gadgets on Amazon.
Good to know: Add a box of pancake and waffle mix, a bottle of maple syrup, sprinkles and a festive spatula.
7. Coffee lover basket: Two Rivers flavored coffee pods variety pack
SaveA variety pack of flavored pods lets a coffee lover try something new each morning. It is an easy, generous base for a coffee basket.
Good to know: Add a festive mug, a bag of biscotti and a small bottle of coffee syrup. Ask first if they use a pod machine.
Want a finishing touch for every basket? Our editable Christmas gift tags come in 10 pun designs, like Have a Cocoa-riffic Christmas! for a hot cocoa basket or Have a Poppin’ Christmas! for movie night. Type the name once, print, cut and tie it to the handle. It is an instant download from our Etsy shop.
8. Tea lover basket: Ahmad Tea variety gift box
SaveA boxed tea collection looks lovely in a basket and gives a tea drinker lots of flavors to try. Each bag is individually wrapped, so it stays fresh.
Good to know: Tuck in a honey jar, a tea infuser mug and some shortbread cookies.
9. Charcuterie basket: SMIRLY charcuterie board set
SaveA bamboo charcuterie board with built in knives and tools is a gift that gets used at every party. It turns a snack basket into something special for the host in your life.
Good to know: Add crackers, a jar of fig jam, nuts and a small cheese knife set, or a gift card for their favorite cheese.
10. Chocolate lover basket: Ghirardelli chocolate squares
SaveIndividually wrapped chocolate squares are easy to share and feel a little luxurious. They are perfect for filling the gaps in any basket.
Good to know: Add hot cocoa, chocolate covered pretzels and a mug for an all chocolate basket.
11. Grill master basket: McCormick Grill Mates spice set
SaveA set of Grill Mates rubs is a practical, well loved gift for anyone who loves to barbecue. It gives the basket a clear theme and gets used all year.
Good to know: Add a pair of grilling gloves, a basting brush and a bottle of their favorite barbecue sauce.
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Pamper and self care baskets
12. Spa night basket: LifeAround2Angels bath bomb gift set
SaveBath bombs are one of the most popular gifts on Amazon, and this 12 pack is pretty enough to be the star of a spa basket. Everyone deserves a night off.
Good to know: Add a soft robe or towel, a face mask, a candle and some fuzzy socks.
13. Cozy feet basket: Unboxme fuzzy socks
SaveFuzzy socks are an easy, inexpensive hero gift that everyone ends up wearing all winter. A few pairs rolled up look sweet tucked into a basket.
Good to know: Add a foot cream, a hot cocoa packet and a little note that says “for cozy toes”.
Family fun baskets
14. Game night basket: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game
SaveThis fast, silly card game is a family favorite with tens of thousands of glowing reviews. It is quick to learn, so the whole family can play straight away.
Good to know: Add a bag of popcorn, a few candy bars and a second game for older kids or adults.
15. Family snack basket: Cheez-It crackers variety pack
SaveA big snack basket is a great gift for a busy family or a whole office. A variety pack of crackers is the perfect base because everyone has a favorite.
Good to know: Fill out the basket with chips, candy, fruit snacks and a few drinks.
Supplies to make your gift baskets
16. Seville Classics handwoven baskets, 2 pack
A sturdy woven basket makes any gift look finished, and it becomes a useful storage basket afterwards. The handles make it easy to carry and to tie a bow on.
Good to know: Pick a size that fits your hero gift snugly so the basket looks full.
17. MagicWater Supply crinkle cut paper shred
Crinkle paper fills the bottom of the basket so your gifts sit up and look abundant. A little goes a long way.
Good to know: Use a neutral or kraft shred with red ribbon for a classic Christmas look.
18. Morepack large cellophane basket bags
Large clear cellophane bags turn a basket into a professional looking gift and keep everything in place. Gather the top and tie it with a bow.
Good to know: Add a gift tag to the bow so they know who it is from.
How to choose a Christmas gift basket theme
Start with the person, not the shop. Think about one thing they love (coffee, baking, movies, a long bath) and build the whole basket around it. Choose one good hero gift, then add three to five small extras that match. Consumables are always safe because they get used up, and a matching mug, towel or blanket adds a keepsake.
How to put together a Christmas gift basket
SaveFill the bottom third of the basket with crinkle paper shred so the gifts sit up high. Put the tallest item at the back, then work forward with medium and small items so every label faces out. Tuck small treats into the gaps, slide the basket into a large cellophane bag, gather the top and tie it with a big ribbon and a tag. One evening is enough to make several baskets at once.
More Christmas gift basket ideas on Amazon
Keep reading
- Christmas Eve box ideas for the whole family
- Christmas gifts for dad
- Neighbor Christmas gifts that are small and easy
- Christmas gifts for coworkers they will actually use
- Christmas gifts for mom that feel thoughtful
- Teacher Christmas gifts teachers actually want
- Christmas gift wrapping ideas
Frequently asked questions
Choose a theme, one main gift and three to five small extras. A hot cocoa basket might hold cocoa, mugs, marshmallows and candy canes. A movie night basket might hold popcorn, seasoning, candy and a throw.
Fill the bottom with crinkle paper shred so the gifts sit up high, put the tallest item at the back and tuck small treats into the gaps. A basket that fits the gifts snugly always looks fuller.
A movie night, game night or snack basket works best for families because everyone can enjoy it together. A Christmas breakfast basket with a mini waffle maker is another favorite.
Whatever suits you. A small basket with cocoa and a mug is perfect for a neighbor or teacher, while a basket with a blanket or a kitchen gadget makes a bigger family gift.
Slide the finished basket into a large clear cellophane bag, gather the top and tie it with a wide ribbon and a gift tag.
About the author: Shinku Studio builds gift ideas around well reviewed, easy to find products from popular options on Amazon, and the kind of simple packaging anyone can put together in an evening.