Over the years I’ve learned that one of my ‘love languages’ is giving gifts. There is such truth in the passage, “It is better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), as I can honestly say I get so much joy from the delight of those on the receiving end. It just feels good to spread some love and light into the lives of others.
And here’s the great thing…it doesn’t have to break the bank in order to do it! With some creativity coupled with some shrewd shopping techniques, I’ll show you how to make an affordable but fabulous gift basket or hostess gift!
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A few tricks to slicing the budget:
1. Stock up on items you would use in multiple gift baskets.
- Candles – these work great for a variety of care packages and run the gamut for pricing. I love Voluspa and Capri Blue, but you can find some yummy scents for great prices at TJ Maxx or Home Goods, Target, Trader Joe’s and Bath & Body Works. Keep your eyes out for sales or holiday specials for best pricing.
Sand + Fog makes a fantastic reasonably priced candle, is a women-owned biz & locally headquartered in Southern California. (Check, check and check ✔)
Target’s Threshold brand and Trader Joe’s both make soy blended candles in tins which are great for travel.
- Fuzzy socks, slippers & blankets – found aplenty during the holidays; always great additions for self-care or friends/family going through treatment.
- Hand creams, lotions & lip balm – can often find multi-packs, excellent brands are sometimes found at places like Costco depending on the season & work well with self-care and travel gift baskets, too.
2. Dollar bins can be your best friend.
Stores have definitely upped their game in this department, offering all kinds of seasonal goodies for the bargain shopper. No longer limited to the Dollar Tree, Target and Michael’s do a great job with bins full of inexpensive “finds” to scoop up for everything from tablescapes to treats for care packages aplenty. When you see a bargain, grab multiples and tuck them away!
3. Reusable is the gift that keeps on giving.
What’s even better than a gift basket? A gift basket that can be upcycled for the recipient to use in a new way! Keep a look out for baskets, handle bags, bins or beach bags that are priced well or on sale that could be used to put together your next care package. Finding a cute, reasonably priced beach bag is easier during the end of summer sales, which is perfect when putting together a little travel care package for your friend headed to the Bahamas in the off-season!
4. Fun-Size makes “cents”.
When putting together gift baskets, Fun-size AKA travel-size is often the perfect route to go—especially when putting together a travel care package. Travelers don’t need large quantities as space is limited.
Loved ones going through chemo treatments bring small bags of their supplies with them, so often fun-size fits the bill. Check out most pharmacies like CVS or Rite Aid, Target and Dollar Tree for their travel-size sections for a variety of choices at a bargain price.
5. Make it personal.
The best gifts are those that have special meaning to the recipient, things you know are near and dear to their heart. Have a friend who loves cats or someone who adores the smell of lavender?
Keep that in mind when you’re out and about. Then, when you spot that adorable kitty tray or lavender sachet, pick it up for when it’s their birthday & you’re getting together at their pad. You’ve already nailed it or you’ve already got a great jumpstart on a perfect gift basket with them in mind.
*This gift basket was for a friend going through cancer treatment. He loves to garden so I added items I thought he would enjoy while recovering.
CARE PACKAGES FOR:
* GET WELL
* SELF-CARE
* GOING THROUGH TREATMENT:
There are so many occasions or reasons to put together gift baskets, but one that is top of my list in importance is for someone needing some good old-fashioned TLC.
Is a loved one recovering from surgery or undergoing treatment? Have a friend going through a difficult time? Or just want someone to feel a little spoiled? A self-care basket could be just the ticket. Sending a box of love or delivering a basket can go a long way in making them feel like they aren’t going through it alone.
Some things to consider when putting your care package together would be:
- What physical restrictions might they have post-surgery?
- Does their treatment lend itself to perhaps having unscented items?
- Do they have any dietary restrictions to keep in mind?
- Personal interests, likes and dislikes of the recipient
- Their home environment and what will fit/work
I’ve put together a comprehensive list of items to pull from. You can select the items that are a fit for your recipient.
Fuzzy socks (with grips on bottom for safety is best)
Lounge wear / Cozy oversized sweater – for recovering at home
Eye mask for sleeping or relaxing
Silky Satin Pillowcase – make their bed extra cozy
Microwave heating pad with lavender – I love mine!
Bath bombs, bath salts or bubble bath
Face, feet or hand mask(s) for some home spa treatment
Hard candies
Small succulent – Easier care & “Being Sick/Cancer/Surgery Succs”/Artificial is a great option
Puzzle – Perfect thing to “personalize” depending on their interest
Paperback book – light and uplifting read
Adult coloring book with color pencils
*also available, more “colorful” language adult coloring books depending on the humor of the recipient.
Insulated water bottle – keep them hydrated
Insulated mug – keep their beverages nice and warm
Tea – green, jasmine, hibiscus, lemon, rooibos, echinacea, ginger or peppermint for healing
Treats like: Cookies, chocolate or their favs
Hard candies
Practical foods like: Chicken Soup & crackers
Reacher/Grabber Mobility Device – perfect for post c-section or hip replacement
Every basket is going to be unique and tailored to the likes and needs of the recipient. Think of their favorite colors, scents, styles…personalize it to make it special for them!
And…it doesn’t have to be a ton of items. Even just one or two meaningful items with a lovely card goes a long way in making someone feel pampered and make someones day.
CARE PACKAGES FOR:
* CARE-GIVER
Several years ago my dad was in a horrible car accident that, thanks to God, he survived. He was airlifted to a hospital about an hour away from our home and I spent the next several weeks keeping vigil in ICU. The kindness of our friends, family and even strangers buoyed me during that incredibly difficult time.
On Day 2, one of the ICU nurses had gotten me a cup of water. I thanked him and he said: “There are two patients in this room. The one who is in the bed, and the one sitting next to it.” It was profound and I have never forgotten his words.
With this in mind, I came up with a “Caregivers Care Package”. Something to give to the one holding vigil for their loved one. This is a list of items that I reached for over and over again during my dads’ hospital stay. Gathering even a few of the items together for someone going through it would go a long way in showing your love and support.
Canvas Bag – Easy to carry & can use this to stuff full of all the goodies you’re gifting!
Healthy snacks – and some not so healthy, too. A little chocolate can sooth the soul 😉
Spiral notebook/journal & pens – I documented everything! Date/time/nurse/doctor, etc.
Chapstick – Hospital air can be really drying
Hand lotion – Travel sizes works great
Mints and/or Gum
Emergen-C – It’s exhausting and anything to try and stay healthy is a plus!
Tylenol and/or Advil – Travel size is best
Lozenges – Again, hospital air can be drying.
Sweater/Sweatshirt – Hospitals tend to be cold to reduce the spread of bacteria.
Magazine – Something light. I had the concentration of an ant so keep that in mind.
Of course Meal Trains, errand runs, bringing lunch, supportive texts, cards, phone calls and time just sitting with you is not just helpful…it sustains you.
Once all your goodies are gathered, let the jeuging begin. Using tissue paper or shredded paper or artificial flowers are great options for elevating the basket items. Using tags on each item with a little note or cellophane wrapping it up with ribbons can also add some flair.
When placing the items, a good rule of thumb is to put the larger items in the back and the smaller items in the front so the various items can be seen. You can also use tissue, packing paper or newspaper under some of the items to elevate them.
Another trick is to use tape (I prefer painters’ tape) and use it to keep some of the items in place if you’d like to fan the items out so they can easily be seen. Varying heights of the items makes it more appealing to the eye.
There’s no “right” way to put it together, just have FUN with it. You by no means need to be an expert or artist to make a lovely gift basket.
I hope you find these to be helpful in bringing some comfort to your loved ones. Please let me know in the comments if there are things you might add to the lists! Now go spread some kindness…One gift basket at a time!
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So many great ideas! And I love that you thought about the caregiver as well. So thoughtful.
Thank you so much! Yes, caregivers definitely need extra love, too!