There are many gift options available for you to choose from, but gift baskets are the easiest way to go. Think about it — there’s no pressure on a single item to make someone’s day; you can choose a bunch of items you know the recipient will appreciate and customize them by adding notes or pictures to make it special for them.
Having said that, once you’re set on going for a gift basket, it’s not all smooth sailing from there. A lot of people often make common mistakes when buying a gift basket, and we’re going to help you avoid them. Here’s what to watch out for:
Buying Generic Baskets
The market is full of pre-made baskets, but they often feel impersonal. And hey — what’s the point of a gift basket if it’s not going to be customized to suit the unique needs of your recipient? You might as well give any other off-the-shelf product.
Rather than blindly picking up a generic gift basket, add a note or a photo frame, or throw in one or two additional items to personalize it so it feels more thoughtful.
Ignoring Dietary Restrictions
This is a serious consideration, and you can’t skip it. Snacks make a lovely addition to any gift basket and are usually appropriate for every occasion. Therefore, it’s important to know what your recipient can and cannot eat, and choose items that respect their food choices.
For example, don’t give packs of chips to someone who doesn’t eat processed food or a box of donuts to someone who avoids sugar and gluten. At the end of the day, you want your recipient to enjoy the items in the basket—not pass them off to someone else!
Choosing Style Over Substance
A pretty-looking basket is pointless if the products inside are low quality or meaningless. A gift basket is a gift, and it needs to contain items that the recipient will genuinely enjoy having. So it’s important to plan this out properly.
Forgetting the Message
This isn’t a dealbreaker compared to other mistakes on the list, but a gift basket without a gift card message or note has a huge void that prevents it from becoming memorable. A personalized message, or a card with a few thoughtful words written inside, goes a long way in creating an impact on the recipient and making them feel special.
Overstuffing the Basket
This is a common mistake and often occurs when you gather the items first and assemble them later. That’s why you should plan your gift basket holistically and consider which basket or box size will be appropriate for the size and number of items you want to pack inside. Overstuffed baskets look crammed and lose their charm.
Pro tip: You don’t need to stuff the basket with everything the recipient likes. Choose 2–3 thoughtful items and use fillers to cover up any empty spaces in between!
Not Considering the Occasion
Just like any other gift, gift baskets also need to be appropriate for the occasion. Otherwise, they can come across as impractical—or worse, offensive. For example, a basket full of gourmet snacks or a box of cigars might be great for a birthday but not for a baby shower. Always keep the event in mind and plan accordingly.
Skipping the Presentation
Even a carefully curated gift basket can fall flat if it’s poorly packaged. Thoughtful wrapping, color coordination, and a neat arrangement go a long way in making the basket memorable.
How to Make a Gift Basket
Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, making a gift basket is super simple!
It only takes three steps:
- Plan the basket: Consider everything the recipient likes, the occasion, the items, the arrangement, and the common mistakes to avoid.
- Gather everything: If you’ve ordered something online, wait for it to arrive. Collect all gift items and packaging materials first, then start assembling the basket to avoid any hassle and minimize the risk of reopening it once packed.
- Add your personal touch: Don’t forget to include a note or a card with a thoughtful message to elevate your gift.
Ship or deliver: And that’s it! All you have to do is deliver it on time—or if you’re getting it shipped, place the order in advance so it reaches on time.
Get Some Help if You Need It
If you love the idea of a gift basket but find the process of making one overwhelming, there are plenty of companies out there that can help you. Texas Treats is a great choice — we deliver all over the country, package everything by hand so your instructions and considerations are well taken care of, and handle all the legwork from start to finish.
We also provide custom cards to add a personal touch to every basket. That way, you can focus only on the fun part: making someone’s day!
Takeaway
A gift basket can be one of the most thoughtful and memorable gifts—if done right. While it may seem easy, small missteps can lead to a gift that misses the mark entirely.
Taking the time to avoid these common mistakes not only makes your gift more meaningful but also helps you avoid wasting money or making the wrong impression. Thoughtfulness doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be intentional.