At first glance, making holiday gift baskets seems like an easy way to spread joy. Just gather some gift cards, add a few cozy items, and sprinkle in some treats, right? But standing in store aisles or scrolling through endless options online gets overwhelming quickly—especially as costs add up.
You're not alone in this holiday shopping puzzle. Recent studies show 28% of consumers say they’re spending less per person on gifts this year. Luckily, we've assembled a selection of creative holiday gift basket ideas to help you curate memorable gifts without breaking the bank.
Thoughtful gift baskets for loved ones on your list
These themed collections take the guesswork out of gift-giving while keeping your holiday budget intact. From beauty mavens to sports fans, your creative combinations will become the talk of any holiday party.
The ultimate spa day basket
For the self-care enthusiast in your life, create a luxurious spa-day basket for pamper sessions at home:
- Start with their favorite Bath & Body Works scents or gift card for a relaxing and aromatic start to the evening
- Add an Ulta or Sephora gift card so they can choose their beauty, skincare, or haircare favorites
- Complete the experience with LED tea lights, a plush hand towel, sheet face masks, or a small beauty tool like a quartz face roller for a complete set
Pro-tip: Package everything in a stylish vanity organizer from T.J. Maxx instead of a traditional basket to round out the theme.
The bundle for your favorite couple (or your partner)
What could be a better gift for a couple than quality time? Create an unforgettable evening package for a well-deserved night out after the hectic holidays.
Box up these essentials to gift the perfect date night:
- An Olive Garden gift card for a delicious Italian meal
- A bouquet or gift card for 1-800-Flowers to set the mood
- AMC Theaters passes to see the latest blockbuster
Whether they’re newlyweds or have been together for decades, any couple will appreciate dinner, ambiance, and entertainment all in one thoughtful package.
The sports fan's dream package
For the devoted sports enthusiast, try this combination to gift the ultimate game-day experience:
- Their favorite team’s gear or gift card from Fanatics
- A Texas Roadhouse gift card for the ultimate pre- or post-game meal
- Tickets to a sporting event in your city to gift them an all-inclusive experience
This basket will score major points with casual fans and fanatics alike this holiday season.
The teen dream bundle
Teenagers might seem impossible to shop for, but with the right combination of trendy picks, you'll speak their language perfectly. Try:
- An American Eagle gift card for the latest must-have fashion
- An Ulta gift card for all their favorite makeup and skincare products
- A Starbucks gift card for their Frappuccino®, smoothie, or latte fix
Wrap it up with some boxes of their favorite candy, fun socks, and a portable phone charger or wireless speaker.
The "something for everyone" solution
For those hard-to-shop-for folks, create a gift basket full of possibilities:
- A T.J. Maxx gift card to pick from endless treasures
- A Visa gift card for ultimate flexibility
- Some seasonal treats, chocolates, breads, or jams
With a mix of more flexible gift cards, they'll enjoy the thrill of finding unexpected treasures with the freedom to spend on whatever they like.
If you’re shopping for someone who already has it all, you can’t go wrong with gourmet foods—check out our favorite picks for holiday gifting, available in various sizes and prices to fit any budget:
- Signature Royal Riviera® Pears from Harry & David
- Buttercream frosted cookies in a holiday gift box, basket, or tin from Cheryl’s Cookies
- Artisan Belgian chocolate-covered strawberries from Shari’s Berries
- Decadent fruit platters or arrangements from Fruit Bouquets
- Festive three-flavor popcorn tins from The Popcorn Factory
The quick appreciation gift
Lastly, remember to pick up small gifts for everyday heroes like teachers and postal workers, too! Pair a Visa and Starbucks gift card together with a heartfelt note or some sweet treats to make their holiday special.
Need a grander, more extravagant gift in a pinch? Check out 1-800-Baskets for an impressive range of thoughtfully curated, ready-to-go gift baskets for as low as $30.
Read more: Making the Most of Your Black Friday Shopping
Putting your holiday gift baskets together
Beyond our recommendations, it’s easy to get creative with your combinations. For example, you can curate the perfect movie night basket with a pair of AMC Theatres tickets and a Starbucks gift card for a pre-show coffee. Or, create a weekend brunch basket with a gift card to a Darden Restaurant of their choice and an afternoon of shopping at their favorite stores.
The finishing touch
You’ll want to transform your gift cards and goodies into a stunning presentation to add the finishing touches.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating your gift baskets:
- Choose a sturdy basket or container that complements your theme.
- Mix physical gifts with gift cards to add visual depth and interest.
- Add tissue paper and ribbon—it can go a long way to make your basket feel festive.
- Get creative with containers. For example, use a popcorn bucket for a movie night basket or a vanity organizer for spa and beauty gifts.
No basket? No problem. You can still thoughtfully wrap gift cards to make them look special! Just be sure to take extra time with the details—it's these finishing touches that transform your gift basket from a simple collection of items into a memorable holiday surprise.
Gift baskets that give back with RaiseRight
The holidays are about showing your loved ones you care, but you can still make choices that don’t break the bank. With these ideas in mind, you’re ready to tackle holiday gifting with purpose this season.
RaiseRight makes it easy to stretch your gift-giving dollars while shopping at all of your favorite retailers, restaurants, and grocery stores—from Bath & Body Works to AMC Theaters. Plus, every cent you spend on RaiseRight goes toward fundraising for the cause you care about. With hundreds of brands to choose from, it’s easy to complete all your holiday shopping with RaiseRight.
