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.
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.
For the self-care enthusiast in your life, create a luxurious spa-day basket for pamper sessions at home:
Pro-tip: Package everything in a stylish vanity organizer from T.J. Maxx instead of a traditional basket to round out the theme.
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:
Whether they’re newlyweds or have been together for decades, any couple will appreciate dinner, ambiance, and entertainment all in one thoughtful package.
For the devoted sports enthusiast, try this combination to gift the ultimate game-day experience:
This basket will score major points with casual fans and fanatics alike this holiday season.
Teenagers might seem impossible to shop for, but with the right combination of trendy picks, you'll speak their language perfectly. Try:
Wrap it up with some boxes of their favorite candy, fun socks, and a portable phone charger or wireless speaker.
For those hard-to-shop-for folks, create a gift basket full of possibilities:
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:
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
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.
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:
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.
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.