Looking for a unique gift for the crafter in your life? Here are some tips for When thinking of a making a gift basket for a loved one, choosing a pre-made one can seem like the easiest and most convenient option. However, while it may save you time, it will also lack the personal touch that makes such gifts so special. If you want to show your loved one how much your care, why not try building a gift basket from scratch? This gives you full control over not only the cost but also the appearance, size, theme and contents. Here’s some tips for you when building a craft basket for a loved one.
1. Decide on a Theme
The design of your craft basket depends on the occasion. Is your daughter having a baby? Maybe your brother is graduating from college. These are just two ideas that you can structure your theme around. Another ideal occasion for making craft baskets is Easter. Kids will love the fun designs and enjoy them long after the holiday is over. Base your colors and style off of the theme to create a lovely craft basket that your family member will love. For example, a basket woven from pastel cardstock would be ideal for a baby shower, whereas one shaped like a graduation hat would suit a graduation party.
2. Basket-Making
Normally, basket-making is an incredibly complex and time-consuming process, but only if you’re sticking to traditional wicker baskets. In reality, a basket can be made from virtually anything. People have created all kinds of unique and beautiful craft baskets using decorative paper, plastic, popsicle sticks, poster board and even rolled-up paper strips. Whatever material you use, be sure that your basket is durable enough to hold the contents without tearing or coming apart. One way to ensure this is to use good quality materials, especially where tape and adhesives are concerned.
3. Selecting the Contents
Once you’ve completed your gift basket, it’s time to fill it with goodies. Think about the kinds of things your loved one would enjoy or that would be useful to them. Nearly everyone appreciates gourmet chocolates and candies. Spa items are also popular, and baby-related items are perfect for someone who is expecting. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. You can include most anything you think the recipient would like, regardless of the occasion.
4. Bringing it All Together
Now that the basket is finished and you’ve acquired everything you want to put into it, you’ll want to create a nice presentation. If you’re opting to use a decorative filling, such as colorful paper shreds or coconut fiber, settle that into your basket first. Next, arrange the items neatly according to their size and shape. Heavier items should be on the bottom to prevent the basket from tipping over.
Smaller items can go in between or on top of larger ones. To add more surprise, try hiding another small item, like a gift card, at the very bottom of the basket. Make sure to drop a hint so they know to take a good look. You can either leave your craft basket au natural or wrap it up with some ribbon. It’s all up to you!
There’s nothing quite like a handmade craft basket to show your loved one how special they are. Keep in mind that there are also craft kits that you can use to help with this project. Either way, it’s always a fun project, and it’s an inexpensive yet thoughtful way to give gifts to the people who matter most to you.
About the Author
This post was contributed by The Ribbon Retreat. They offer a wide array of fabric and ribbon options, including grosgrain ribbon, fold over elastic, and more for all your latest craft projects.
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