The gift basket assembly process doesn't have to be extremely difficult if you start with planning. All you really need is your own ideas and creativity plus a few items that are readily available at craft stores as well as dollar stores. Here is a list of what you might want to consider during the planning stage:
Containers,
such as wicker baskets, trays, planters, etc., that will hold your gifts
Filler material to fill in the bottom of deep containers, such as brown paper or floral foam
Purchased colorful shred, brown paper for coffee gift baskets, shredded sheet music for a music lover, shredded comics for children, or Easter "grass"
Small well-wrapped packages of snacks or other small gift items
Double stick tape to hold gifts in place (optional)
Ribbon, bow, and gift card
Decorative items such as toys, cutter cutters, or homemade
chocolate spoons
for coffee, champagne, or wine baskets
Cello basket bags or cello wrap to complete your finished gift baskets (optional)
Begin by laying out all of the necessary elements you have chosen for your gift basket assembly. If your container is too deep, place enough brown paper, newspaper, or a floral foam block (trimmed to fit) in the bottom so all the gift and food items are visible. Strofoam peanuts are not recommended as they move around and make your finished basket unstable.
The next step is to add shredded material to cover the base. In addition to purchased shred, excelsior (which is shredded natural wood material) can be also used as decorative filler (see photo on the right). You can purchase excelsior at craft stores, some card shops, and anywhere that sells boxes and other packing materials. The benefit of using excelsior is that it is inexpensive and helps cushion breakable items.
When you are satisfied gift basket assembly so far, it's time to arrange the gifts in your container. I always play around with the placement of the gifts and food items until I get them placed just right. If the container has a handle (either above the basket or at each end) it works well if you attach items to the handles with ribbon or raffia. If needed, tape gifts to each other with double stick tape or glue dots to keep them from moving around. This is particularly helpful with light weight packages of edible items, which move around.
Now you are getting to the fun part of the gift basket assembly and your gift basket should begin to take shape. Add small bunches of the decorative filler around the edge of the container, between the food and gift items, and also to fill in any empty spaces.
If you choose to wrap your gift basket in cellophane wrap, you should watch any one of the many You Tube videos; search the words "wrap gift baskets" to choose a video.
Even when I place a completed gift basket in a cello bag, I also add ribbon or a decorative bow along with the gift card inside the gift basket. (TIP: Mesh or other open-design ribbons are beautiful as a finishing touch for spa gift baskets.) Simply gather the excess cello, netting or tulle at the top and tie it with ribbon. If desired you can add a bow and allow the ribbon to cascade down the front of the gift basket.
Last, but not least, here are several tips you may want to consider that should help personalize the gift basket assembly process for the recipient:
Use a paper shredder to make your own filler; use colored paper.
Shred old maps for someone who likes to travel or campers.
Shred music sheets for a music lover.
Wide tulle ribbon is lovely for feminine gifts.
Use appropriate colors of ribbon together such as red, green, and gold for Christmas.
Place small silk flowers instead of shred to fill in any empty spaces.
Add a small baby rattle, a silk flower, or other theme item to the center of your bows.
Color coordinate your gifts, filler materials, and container as too many different colors are distracting.
Fill wine glasses with colorful shred.
Print out these adorable free gift boxes to wrap small items before placing them in your gift baskets.
If you'd like to try something a little different, and easier, you may want to consider using a theme gift bag as the container. The only
gift basket assembly
information above which you should follow are for the filler. Your finished gift will look much nicer if the gifts show above the bag. If you use a decorative bag it's not necessary to add finishing decorations.
The video below should be helpful for anyone who is undertaking making gift baskets for the first time!
When you are satisfied gift basket assembly so far, it's time to arrange the gifts in your container. I always play around with the placement of the gifts and food items until I get them placed just right. If the container has a handle (either above the basket or at each end) it works well if you attach items to the handles with ribbon or raffia. If needed, tape gifts to each other with double stick tape or glue dots to keep them from moving around. This is particularly helpful with light weight packages of edible items, which move around.
Now you are getting to the fun part of the gift basket assembly and your gift basket should begin to take shape. Add small bunches of the decorative filler around the edge of the container, between the food and gift items, and also to fill in any empty spaces.