Thursday, December 8, 2016

Gift Ideas for the Gracious Host - A DIY Gift Basket

It's that time of year- holiday open houses, Christmas cocktail parties and progressive dinner parties begin dotting calendars left and right. If you're like me and refuse to show up empty handed to any little soiree then this post is for you. It's time to ditch that bottle of wine your girlfriend may never, ever drink and check out this easy DIY hostess gift basket that you can put together for as little as $25 and guarantee yourself a repeat invite into their home. 

When gathering trinkets to add to the basket, I try to think of things I would like to be on the receiving end of. That may sound selfish but the truth is, I tend to choose sweet, thoughtful accessories for my home and self that while I wouldn't necessarily splurge on them personally, I'd undoubtedly love to receive them from others. It's a creative way to say "thank you" to that gracious hostess and friend in your life. 


1. Start with your basket. Now, this doesn't need to be a basket in the literal sense, as there's many receptacles you could choose to fill. My girlfriend once gave me a beautiful little serving bowl filled with spa goodies that was just as appreciated had it been stuffed in a sock. Whatever you choose, aim for something that could be used time and time again. For this basket I chose a little wooden crate from TJMaxx that could easily be re-purposed as next year's Christmas decor.

2. Who doesn't love a pretty candle? Whenever I pull together a gift basket, I always try to include a seasonal candle in a decorative jar. This one comes in an ornate mercury glass jar and smells like a fir tree!




3. Include something for the hostess herself. For this particular basket, I threw in a pair of tech-savvy buffalo plaid gloves and a knit pom hat (because what woman couldn't use an extra winter hat or gloves?) Other great ideas include a pair of costume earrings, nail polish or a lip gloss set. 

4 and 7, The kitchen is the heart of a home. Therefore, I always like to include something for the kitchen when I'm putting together a gift basket. This basket includes an oven mitt and Kate Spade dish towel set. 



5. Sneak in some sweets. While a homemade snack would undoubtedly go the extra mile, chocolate is chocolate no matter how it gets in the basket. In past years I've whipped up a generously sized batch of Moose Munch and divvied it up among hostess gifts- this year, however, these dark chocolate covered mint patties will have to suffice. 

6. Don't forget the bubbly. Ever.

Read on below for some more great gift basket ideas from some of my favorite blogging gals. Whether you're shopping for the coffee lover, beer drinker, spa frequenter or mom to many in your life, there's some excellent ideas for everyone!


Craft Beer Gift Basket - Ellie & Addie

Coffee Lovers Gift Basket - Chasin' Mason

DIY Money Tree - Seeing All Sides

Homemade Hot Chocolate Gift Basket - Running From The Law 

Champagne Gift Basket - East Coast Chic

Spa Day Gift Basket - Secrets of a Stay At Home Mom

Kid Craft Gift Basket - The Adventure Starts Here

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6 comments :

  1. Love this! You added some things I wouldn't have thought of like the gloves and hat. So smart and I agree that any woman would love that. Such a cute gift basket that anyone would love.

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  2. Oh my gosh I would love to get this basket! Send it right over please :)

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  3. This is such a great idea!

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  4. I love love love this basket! And now I must invite you to a party so you can give me one! ;) But seriously, love every item - bubbly and pom pom hat and that towel! You win!

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  5. Love this basket!! Bubbly is always a must ;) Love the hat and gloves idea!

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