How to Make the Perfect Gift Basket or Welcome Basket

Step One

Determine the budget you are willing to spend on each basket and go shopping! Gather little things you think your guests might need or find handy at the event. These particular baskets I am making are for the bathrooms at a wedding, however, you can also make thank you baskets, gift baskets or welcome baskets for many different occasions.

In my basket I put: Gum, small deodorants, combs, lint rollers, elastic bands, bobby pins, lip chap, hand sanitizer, floss and scented spray. You could also include Kleenex, mini toothbrushes, pepto bismol tablets, bandades or mints.

*Check out my facebook page for pictures: www.facebook.com/firstclasseventplanning

Step Two

Make cute little signs either using Photoshop, by hand or just buying cards and writing something in them to add to the baskets.

Step Three

Fill the baskets with tissue paper of your choice to fill in the empty spaces around the items and make the basket look pretty.

Step Four

Put it all together! Lay out the items nicely and remove any packaging that would require scissors as guests will most likely not have scissors handy.

Extras:

1.       Depending on the use of your basket you can also put the entire basket in cellophane wrap and tie with a ribbon.

2.       You can also sprinkle some sparkly or shaped confetti into the basket for an added detail

Your Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Deserve the Best

Below are a few of my suggestions to find the perfect gift for your bridesmaids/groomsmen. Keep in mind that some of the suggestions I make for bridesmaids can be used for groomsmen as well and vice versa.

I want to start off by making a brief statement about gift certificates. I really don’t understand when people say gift certificates are not personal. Gift certificates can be very personal. Someone actually has to know what stores you like and where you buy things. Just because they want to save you the trouble of having to make a return or exchange for a different size does not mean that they care any less.

Bridesmaid Gifts

Ladies who like fashion and makeup:

1.    Cute clutches with nail polish, lipstick, pocket mirror, gift certificate to favourite restaurant or spa and anything else cute inside.

2.    A beautiful scarf and gloves

3.    A bracelet or set of earrings

Ladies who like to travel:

1.    A gift certificate for Westjet or Expedia to go towards their next adventure

2.    A cute carry-on bag with her favourite CD

Ladies who like music/movies:

1.    Tickets to their favourite band’s concert

2.    A new iphone/ipad docking system with gift certificate for itunes

Ladies who like fine dining/night life:

1.    Gift certificate to favourite restaurant

2.    Gift certificate for a limo service- They can use this the next time they want to have a fabulous night out

3.    A fabulous pair of new shoes for dancing – Try to buy them from a store that she can return or exchange just in case they don’t fit

Ladies who like sweets:

1.    A basket filled with all the delicious chocolates and candies that she loves

2.    A cute mini cake in a fancy box made from the same baker who makes your wedding cake

3.    A big fancy cupcake in a fancy box

4.    Edible Arrangements: Chocolate dipped strawberries and other fruit

Groomsmen Gifts

Gentlemen who like fashion:

1.    Watch

2.    Wallet- can include a gift certificate inside

3.    New tie, cufflinks and pocket square

4.    An appointment booked with a tailor to get a custom made sport coat (already paid for).

Gentlemen who like to travel:

1.    A gift certificate for Westjet or Expedia to go towards their next adventure

2.    Ipod with itunes gift certificate for those long flights

 

Gentlemen who like adventure:

1.    A Jet ski or boat rental for a day

2.    A sky diving experience that all the guys are going to do together

3.    A day on the hill (ski/snowboard trip)

4.    A new ipod with some great road trip tunes

5.    A gift certificate for Westjet or Expedia to go towards their next adventure

Gentlemen who like fine dining/night life

1.    Gift certificate to favourite restaurant

2.    Gift certificate for a limo service- They can use this the next time they want to have a wild night out

I hope this provides you with some inspiration to help you find that perfect gift!