How to Build the Perfect Gift Basket on a Budget
We all love our friends and family and wish that we could give them the world. Unfortunately, our wallets don't exactly allow for that kind of gift-giving—but that doesn't mean you can't still give an amazing gift that the receiver will absolutely love!
It's actually super easy to create a good gift on a budget, and the best way to do that is by making a gift basket. Sure, at first this might sound like it would actually be more expensive (it involves more components, after all), but when you do it right you can actually save yourself some big bucks without cutting corners on quality. With that said, here's how to build the perfect gift basket without breaking the bank:
Consider the Person You're Giving It To
This is the first step in figuring out how to give any kind of gift, whether you're a broke high school student or a millionaire mogul with an unlimited budget. What does your friend or family member enjoy? Consider everything from their favorite movies and TV shows to their favorite smells and candy. Have they ever mentioned some sort of style or scent that they love while you were out shopping? Take note—it could help you big time when shopping around for small items to include in the basket.
(via Shutterstock)
Get Sentimental
When it comes to gift-giving, there's nothing quite like tugging at someone's heartstrings with a bit of sentimentality. The easiest way to translate this is with one of the simplest gifts on the planet: a framed photo. All you have to do is pick your favorite photo (preferably of the two of you, especially if it's from a happy memory you share together), print it at a local drugstore (this should cost no more than a few dimes for a single print of the average 4×6 photo) and pick up a frame at the dollar store. If you're super short on cash, you can just give this plus some cheap candy and a well-written card and your gift receiver will cherish it no less than an expensive present.
(via Shutterstock)
Raid The Dollar Section
If you have a dollar store near you, it's time to get down to business. Stores like this are usually stocked with more things than you'd realize, including great gift basket elements like:
- Candles
- Trinkets
- Books
- Stickers
- Photo frames
- Candy
- Bath bombs
Pick a couple of the items from the list above that are suited to the person receiving your gift (your dad probably wouldn't appreciate a pink sparkly bath bomb and flavored chapstick quite like your BFF would), and be sure to grab your desired gift bag and tissue paper while you're at it. Put it all together with a handwritten card on top (you can even make this one yourself if you don't want to get one from the dollar store) and voila! A gift that goes a long way without stretching your budget in the process.
(via Shutterstock)
Still short on ideas and need to get gifting soon? Worry not—we've got you covered! Click HERE for 5 budget-friendly gift ideas for your friends.