Gift baskets can go one of two ways—incredibly thoughtful and full of personal touches and creativity, or pretty darn generic. The truth is that simply filling a basket with items doesn’t make for a great gift, and that’s the trouble with too many gift basket services today. As a boutique gifting service here in Reno, NV, Biggest Little Baskets is all about elevated gifting. It means we know a thing or two about gift baskets, and we’re happy to share tips! Here’s how to make a gift basket so much more than just a gift basket.
Start With A Great Basket
One of the great things about a gift basket is that the container itself is part of the gift. It can and should be something that your gift recipient wants to reuse, which means choosing it with care. At Biggest Little Baskets, we source beautiful woven baskets with leather handles in varying sizes, and we love hearing how people repurpose them—in the bathroom to hold towels, in the family room to store blankets, and even as a stylish catch-all for odds and ends.
If you’re assembling a gift basket yourself or looking for one to send to a loved one, consider the container itself. It’s the perfect place to be creative, add a personal touch and make a great impression even before your gift recipient gets to all the goodies inside.
Be Intentional About What You Include
Run-of-the-mill gift baskets tend to contain token items that fall flat. Remember that it’s the quality of the items inside that really make the gift feel special. That’s why we source premium and artisanal products—think gourmet treats, hand-poured candles, luxurious skincare products and stylish decor pieces. At Biggest Little Baskets, we can also personalize items for an extra level of thoughtfulness.
Nobody wants a basket full of stuff they won’t use, so be mindful about what you’re including!
Create A Visual Story
With a gift basket, everything is on display. That means presentation is really important. Layering and arranging the items you’ve decided to include can tell a visual story that makes the recipient excited to explore each and every piece. As a general rule, place taller items in the back and work forward to fill the space with smaller items. Arrange pieces at varying heights to add interest and to keep everything on display. The goal is balance and visual appeal, so pay attention to the colors and textures of the items you’re including. Remember to place any fragile items securely so they don’t get jostled or damaged.
Maybe gift baskets are wrapped in cellophane and topped with a big (cheap) bow. But you can do so much better! Decorative accents in the basket, like dried flowers or fresh herb sprigs, add to the aesthetic, and so do fabric wraps or elegant ribbons. Go big on presentation—that’s part of what makes a beautiful gift basket such a sight to behold.
Make It A Multi-Sensory Experience
We love incorporating fragrance into our gift baskets, and a hand-poured candle makes it easy. But you can also opt for sachets or fresh sprigs of lavender or rosemary. They’re visually appealing and add another sensory layer.
The Bottom Line
A gift basket should be so much more than a collection of items tossed into a container. There are countless little ways to elevate a gift basket into something truly memorable. At Biggest Little Baskets, our goal is to create gift baskets and boxes that we’d love to receive ourselves—and we have high expectations! If you’re assembling a gift basket of your own, remember to start with a great vessel, be intentional about what you put in it, go big on presentation, and think beyond just the visual. Or, leave it to us! We have a wide selection of gift baskets and we work with you on customizations as well. Make it a gift to remember with Biggest Little Baskets!