Thrift approach to a DIY gift basket

 12/18/2014

I decided to see how easy would it be to put together a gift basket thrift-store style.

Goodwill® often has a great selection of nice wicker and woven baskets. Priced as low as $1.50, they are cheaper than the $10 to $35 you could pay for full retail price.

photos by Modisane Kwanza Baskets are found in the wares at the Southwest Boulevard Goodwill Store.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

	You could fill this woven basket at the Owasso Goodwill Store with candies, holiday jewelry, or bath beads.

You can also find decorated baskets like these.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

I splurged on this basket for $2 at the Owasso Goodwill® store. It’s small and sturdy, which is what I was looking for, and I like that it had color. You could probably find a larger one with a handle for a similar price.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now it was time to figure out what to put in my basket. If you need help coming up with a theme, consider packing it with the person’s favorite things like books or movies or hobbies. Keep it DIY and stuff the basket with homemade holiday cookies, candy or crafts. Or make it a fun family project and hunt thrift stores for odds and ends.

My theme was relaxation and the basket would be for a hard-working woman. I bought everything except the tea at Goodwill:

• Lounge pants: $2.99
• Slippers: $2.99 each
• Scented candle: $1
• Tea cup: 50 cents
• Tea: $2.99
• Diana Krall CD (I went jazz for the tunes): $2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I won’t lie: Getting it all to fit and look good took some doing. I could’ve used a bigger basket.

I finally got it wrapped with cellophane I bought at a dollar store and a ribbon that was 25 cents at Goodwill. Check out these video for wrapping tips, especially on how to deal with those pesky sides.

  

 

My basket is ready for delivery! In hindsight, I’d use a more sheer wrapping and arrange the gifts better to make them all easier to see. Total cost to put it together, including tax: $20.19.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A gift basket is great for office holiday parties or gift exchanges, or for a present when visiting friends and neighbors during the holidays. And you can save money and give it personal flair if you do it yourself.

Happy holidays!

modi.K