The Perfect Wedding Basket Gift: A Guide To Wow

Wedding gift baskets are a great way to show the couple how special they are to you. They are a unique and thoughtful way to celebrate the union of two souls and help them create a home and a life together. When creating a wedding gift basket, it is important to keep in mind the couple's hobbies, interests, and shared moments. Scouring the gift registry can give valuable insights into their style, colours, and preferences. From personalised aprons and hand-painted champagne glasses to gourmet cooking kits and wine gift baskets, there are endless possibilities to customise a wedding gift basket that reflects the couple's tastes.

Plan ahead and shop early for items on sale

Planning ahead and shopping early for items on sale is a great way to save money when creating a wedding basket gift. This strategy allows you to be thoughtful and creative while also being budget-conscious. Here are some tips to make the most of this approach:

• Start with a theme: Think about a theme that reflects the couple's interests, hobbies, or wedding vibe. This could be a kitchen or cooking theme, a spa or relaxation theme, a movie night or adventure theme, or something else that suits the couple's personality. Having a theme will help guide your shopping and ensure a cohesive basket.
• Make a list of items: Once you have a theme, make a list of items that fit within that theme. For example, if you choose a kitchen theme, you might include items like personalised aprons, wooden utensils, or a recipe book. If you opt for a relaxation theme, you could include scented candles, bath bombs, and plush towels.
• Look for sales and discounts: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts at various stores and online. Websites like Retail Me Not and Ebates offer coupons and cash-back opportunities. You can also check out the clearance sections of stores, especially after holidays when items are often marked down.
• Shop in bulk: Buying items in bulk can often result in significant savings. If you plan to create multiple wedding basket gifts, purchasing items in larger quantities can help you save money.
• Compare prices: Don't be afraid to compare prices between different stores and websites. You may find the same or similar items at varying price points, allowing you to choose the most cost-effective option.
• Include a mix of items: Vary the size, texture, and colour of the items in your basket to create visual interest. This will make your gift basket more appealing and exciting for the recipients.

By planning ahead and shopping early for items on sale, you can create a thoughtful and personalised wedding basket gift while also staying within your budget.

Make the basket part of the gift

Making the basket part of the gift is a great way to elevate your wedding gift. There are many ways to do this, and it doesn't have to be difficult or expensive.

For example, if the couple has a gift registry, you can choose a large item from the list, such as a bowl or basket, and use that as the vessel for your gift. This way, you are giving them something they want while also making your gift stand out. If there is no registry, you can ask the couple to create a wish list of items they would like, or you can choose a container that aligns with their interests or hobbies. For instance, if they love cooking, you could use a fun bowl or colander as the basket. If they enjoy spending time outdoors, you could use a picnic basket or a vintage wicker basket.

Another idea is to personalise the basket by adding their names, initials, or wedding date. You can also decorate the basket with items that match their wedding theme or colours. For example, if they are having a rustic wedding, you could use a burlap bow to tie the basket together.

When choosing a basket that will be part of the gift, consider the weight and size of the items you plan to include. Make sure the basket is sturdy enough to hold everything and that it has a wide base for support.

By making the basket part of the gift, you are creating a unique and memorable wedding present that the couple is sure to appreciate.

Elevate items in the container

Elevating the items in your wedding gift basket is an important step in creating a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Use attractive filler: Choose a filler such as crinkle-cut shredded paper, tissue paper, or basket filler to elevate your items. This will make the items appear more prominent and prevent them from sitting low in the basket. You can find these fillers at craft stores or online. Nestle the items in the shredded paper, adding extra under heavier items to provide support and lift.

Build up the base: If your container is shallow, use crumpled newspaper, bubble wrap, or boxes to create a higher base. This will ensure that your items are displayed at varying heights, making the basket look fuller and more interesting. For deeper containers, use boxes to build up the height and provide stability.

Layer your items: Arrange your gifts in layers, with the tallest items at the back and shorter items in front. This creates a visually appealing display and ensures that all items are visible. Play around with the arrangement until you find a composition that looks well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing.

Use clear cellophane: Wrapping your basket in clear cellophane can help to elevate the overall presentation. It adds a touch of elegance and allows the recipient to see the carefully curated selection of gifts inside. Attach a pretty bow or ribbon to finish it off.

Consider the weight of the items: When elevating items in the container, it's important to consider the weight of each item. Heavier items may need extra support, so place them towards the bottom or centre of the basket to avoid tipping. Distribute the weight evenly to ensure the basket is stable and easy to carry.

By following these tips, you can create a visually appealing wedding gift basket that showcases your thoughtful selection of gifts. Remember to choose fillers and arrangements that complement the theme and colour scheme of your basket.

Include a variety of colours, textures and sizes

When creating a wedding basket gift, it's important to consider the colours, textures and sizes of the items you include. This will make the basket more visually appealing and exciting for the happy couple to unpack.

Start by choosing a variety of colours that complement each other and create a cohesive look. You might want to opt for a neutral colour palette or something more vibrant and bold, depending on the couple's style and the theme of the wedding. If you're unsure, you can always refer to their wedding registry or home decor for colour inspiration.

Adding different textures will create interest and depth within the basket. Soft items like towels, robes or blankets can provide a cosy element, while smooth surfaces like glass or ceramic can add a touch of elegance. Don't be afraid to mix and match materials, such as wood, metal, fabric and paper, to create a multi-dimensional gift.

Varying the sizes of the items in the basket will also make it more visually appealing. Include a mix of larger and smaller gifts, ensuring that the smaller items don't get lost by placing them in front or using creative packaging techniques. You can also use filler materials like tissue paper, crinkled cut paper or shredded paper to add volume and height to your basket, making it look fuller and more abundant.

• Coloured or patterned towels
• Scented candles in different sizes and colours
• A personalised, hand-painted wooden sign with their names or initials
• A set of wine or champagne glasses, perhaps with a unique design or engraving
• Gourmet snacks, such as artisanal chocolates, crackers or cookies
• Small decorative items like figurines, ornaments or vases
• Fresh flowers or plants to add a pop of colour and a natural element
• Soft, plush robes or slippers for the couple to relax in
• A mix of larger and smaller kitchen items, such as bowls, utensils or appliances, especially if the couple enjoys cooking
• Personalised aprons with the couple's names or wedding date
• Handcrafted items like DIY bath bombs, scented candles or homemade treats

Wrap the basket in cellophane and add a bow

Wrapping your wedding basket in cellophane is a great way to elevate your gift and make it look more elegant and put-together. It also helps to secure all the items inside, ensuring nothing falls out or gets damaged.

To start, you'll need to purchase some clear cellophane. Look for a roll that is wide enough to comfortably wrap around your basket with some overlap. You can usually find this at a craft store or online. Once you have your cellophane, cut off a length that is slightly longer than the height of your basket—this will give you enough material to work with and ensure full coverage.

Now, place your basket in the centre of the cellophane. If you want, you can add some clear tape to secure the cellophane to the bottom of the basket, but this is optional. Take one long side of the cellophane and bring it up and over the basket, then do the same with the other side, creating a tent-like shape. You should now have two layers of cellophane covering your basket.

At this point, you can tape the cellophane together at the top, right above the basket's highest point. You can also add some tape along the sides, securing the cellophane to the basket's handles or sides. This will help create a neat, smooth finish.

Now for the fun part: adding the bow! You can use a variety of materials for the bow, such as ribbon, raffia, or even a pipe cleaner. Choose something that complements your basket's theme and colour scheme. If you're using ribbon, cut a length that is about 1.5 times the width of your basket. You can also cut V-shaped "tails" into the ends of the ribbon to create a fancy finish.

To create the bow, start by forming a loop with the ribbon, with the right side of the ribbon facing you. Cross the right loop over the left loop, then thread the right end behind and through the loop, pulling it tight to create a knot. You should now have two loops of ribbon. Adjust these loops to your desired size and separate them to create the bow shape. Finally, use the tails of the ribbon to secure the bow to your wrapped basket. You can tape or tie it in place, whichever you prefer.

If you're using raffia or a pipe cleaner, simply tie it around the basket in a bow. You can add extra loops and tails to create a fuller, more festive look.

And there you have it! A beautifully wrapped wedding basket gift, ready to be presented to the happy couple.

Frequently asked questions