Ribbon Tail

Ribbon Tail

How to Make a Gift Basket

We will discuss and examine the gift items below. They can be purchased from local stores.

1) Purchase a basket large enough to hold the gifts you want to give. Explore ideas regarding alternative containers for gifts.

2) Purchase a major gift for the focal point of the basket. Such things as a nice mug, a plush animal, a pretty plate or frame make nice focal points. Explore ideas of other possibilities for focal points.

3) Purchase an odd number of minor gifts 3, 5, 7, etc. to compliment the focal point gift.

4) Purchase other inexpensive filler gift items from the dollar shop to fill the basket. This also creates a full basket look Such items as a notepad, puzzle book or novel, containers of treats or other trinkets to give structure to the basket. Make sure they will coordinate with color scheme and theme of the other items.

5) Purchase shredded paper, excelsior, easter basket grass, or some other filler to place in the basket to lift products up and above the edge of the basket. This creates a full basket look.

6) Purchase cellophane paper for wrapping the basket. Explore ideas about other wrapping material such as netting, lace, tulle, etc.

7) Purchase ribbon to make a decorative bow. Or purchase a premade bow.

Use enhancements such as fern leaves, silk flowers, balloons, or a floral spray,etc. Whatever you like. These items are added to the bow for your unique and creative look.

9) Create or purchase a gift tag or greeting card.

Step 2. Arrange the supplies in order of assembly:

1) Materials for contructing the basket (above)

2) Basket and basket filler

3) Main focal point gift

4) Minor coordinating gifts

5) Filler gifts

6) Cellophane and ribbon to tie closed

7) Ribbon, bow, enhancements

Gift tag or card

Step 3. Construct the gift basket:

1) Place basket filler (excelsior, shredded paper, etc.) in basket to the level of the sides. Be sure to pack it down so it is sturdy enough to hold the gift contents.

2) Place the focal point gift in the center front of the basket.

3) Place coordinating gifts around the focal gift where you think you may like them.

4) Add extra basket filler under coordinating items to elevate them even more.

5) Add each item and secure them to their nearby item with some tape or small spot of glue.

6) Place your filler gifts all around and rearrange how you like them before securing them.

7) Cut some cellophane wrap that is long and wide enough to surround the basket and have extra at the top when tied together. You may need to do a practice wrap to see how much to cut.

Gather the cellophane up around the basket. Try to keep the pleats neat as you bring it up. Use some ribbon to tie a knot around the cellophane gathered at the top of the basket.

9) Cut the ends of the cellophane with scissors. Cut straight across about 3-5 inches above the ribbon knot. Then fan out the cellophane above the ribbon knot.

10) Cut some ribbon long enough to tie around the first ribbon, and have long tails after tied. At the 2 ends of ribbon, cut away a triangle shape from the center to make the ends have tails. Now you are ready for the bow.

Step 4. Create the decorative bow

1) Create a bow, or use a pre-made bow

2) Add the floral or greenery enhancements to the sides of the bow and secure with glue. Build up each side evenly and as dramatically as possible.

3) Add the other decorative items you chose for the bow and secure with glue.

4) When your decorative bow looks nice to you, then you are done.

5) Secure the decorative bow, using glue, tape, or ribbon to the front of the gift basket at the top. Make sure to cover the ribbon knot you made earlier. Nestle the bow just below the cellophane fan at the top.

*Look for our report on Creating a Decorative Bow . . .
email us for more info:
bridget.mouton@gmail.com

Step 5. Personalize the gift basket

Personalize the tag or card and attach to gift basket. Nestle the tag or card at the bow, trying not to cover the front of the basket. The focal gift and decorative bow should be the center of attraction.

Step 6. Preserve your work

Take a picture of the basket
Start a scrapbook of your creations

Step 7. Your basket is ready to give or sell

If your basket looks like something you would like to recieve . . . you are done.

Word of caution: Do not fall in love and keep it for yourself.

**Look for our information report on Gift Basket Kits.
Buy the kits, assembly yourself.
All the contents you need to create
a professional looking gift basket.
email us for more info:
bridget.mouton@gmail.com

About the Author

Bridget is a provider of crafts, gifts, and fun work at home opportunites.

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