With rampant inflation and sky-high interest rates, money is getting tight for many people. If you are tired of spending a fortune on gifts or struggling to find unique gift ideas, Dollar Tree is the perfect place to look.
With Dollar Tree’s vast selection of items and a bit of imagination, you can create thoughtful and personalized gift baskets for your friends and family without breaking the bank. We will explore 15 of our favorite Dollar Tree gift basket ideas perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to Father’s Day or Mother’s Day to holidays and movie nights. We will also provide tips and tricks on ways to make the gift feel extra special and a list of things to put in your gift basket for each theme.
So, get ready to unleash your inner creativity, and let’s dive into the world of homemade Dollar Tree gift baskets!
Key Takeaways
- Before putting the gift baskets together, determine your budget and theme for the gift.
- We’ll go over 15 DIY gift basket ideas, including movie night treats, Christmas gifts, spa days, and more.
8 Tips For Making Dollar Store Gift Baskets
Creating a gift basket can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Before we cover the DIY gift ideas, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Determine Your Budget
First things first, decide how much you want to spend before you start shopping. Creating a budget will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.
2. Decide on a Gift Basket Theme
Next, select a theme or general idea of what type of basket you want to make depending on the occasion and the recipient’s interests. Brainstorming first will make it easier to choose the right items to include in the Dollar Store gift basket. Feel free to think outside the box and consider practical items that are also unique.
3. Select the Type of Basket or Gift Bag
Once you pick a theme, that will make it easier to decide on the type of basket or gift bag to use. Ensure the basket is the right size for the items you plan to include. You also don’t have to limit yourself to using a basket. You can use a plant pot, bucket, large plastic bowl, tote bag, or other type of container to hold the items.
4. Select the Number of Items
After finding the right basket, decide how many items you’ll need to fill it up. For a smaller basket, you should have at least 3-4 items. For a larger basket, aim to have at least 8-10 items.
5. Fill the Bottom of Your Basket
To make your gift look visually appealing, you should properly fill your gift basket. Start by adding some bulk at the bottom of the basket to prop up the items that will get displayed at the top. Crumpled-up tissue paper, decorative shreds, or foam floral blocks are great options for taking up space at the bottom of the basket.
6. Arrange Your Basket
When arranging your gifts, start with the largest items first. Put them in the back of the basket or on the bottom. Then, add smaller items in between until you achieve the desired look.
7. Add Some Flair
To pull the gift basket together, incorporate ribbon or other decorative items, such as scarves or towels. These items can add a pop of color and softness to your Dollar Store gift basket and make it look more polished. You can also add other decor like bows or stickers.
8. Gift Tags or Notes
Don’t forget to include a gift tag, handwritten note, or other small DIY items to make the basket extra personal. You can find free printable gift tags online or create your own.
15 Top DIY Gift Basket Ideas with Dollar Tree
Use this list of 15 DIY gift basket ideas with Dollar Tree finds to create the perfect personalized gift for your loved ones.
1. Baker’s Gift Basket

Create a delightful baking experience for the bakers in your life with a gift basket filled with baking supplies. You can add essential items such as measuring cups, spatulas, kitchen towels, spoons, cookie cutters, a whisk, and oven mitts. You can also include pre-made baking mixes, like cake mix or brownie mix.
This baking gift basket is not only perfect for baking enthusiasts but also for beginners. You can put the items in a cute basket or add them to a mixing bowl they can use while baking.
For a holiday twist, create a holiday baking basket. In addition to the essential items, you can also add holiday-themed goodies such as holiday napkins or plates, holiday-themed mitts and towels, frosting, gingerbread mix, etc.
2. Wine Basket
If you’re looking for a gift for a wine or scotch lover, create a custom wine basket. Dollar Tree offers a wide variety of glasses and designs for any occasion. You can fill your wine basket with wine and cocktail glasses, a wine bottle opener and bottle stoppers, and snacks to pair with the wine. You can also grab a bottle of their favorite drink (though that won’t be from the Dollar Store).
During the holiday season, add a bit of extra holiday cheer by tying a festive Christmas ornament around the bottle or basket, as well as red tissue paper and holiday-specific glasses.
3. Hot Chocolate Gift Basket

If you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas, create a cozy and festive hot chocolate gift basket! Fill a basket with hot chocolate bombs, cocoa mix, chocolate and peppermint stirring spoons, a cookie decorating kit, and a Christmas-themed mug.
You can also include a snowman cup, fuzzy socks, and a metal serving tray to display the gifts. If you need additional items to fill up the rest of the basket, top it off with candy, chocolates, and perhaps a stuffed animal.
4. Car Wash Gift Basket
Help your friends and family keep their cars shiny and new with a car wash gift basket. This gift is perfect for car enthusiasts or anyone who takes pride in their ride.
To make the basket, start by using a cleaning bucket as your basket and fill it with a range of car cleaning products such as car wash soap, detailing spray, microfiber towels, tire cleaner, and glass cleaner. You can also add other items like air fresheners, sponges, and drying towels.
5. Spa Day Basket
If you have a loved one who is stressed out and needs some relaxation in their life, create a Spa Day gift basket for them. Fill it with candles, bath salts, bath bombs, body scrubbing gloves, and a body brush. You can also add other items like nail polish, books, and cozy socks to encourage them to pamper themselves.
Add some loofas as stuffing, and feel free to include skincare items like face masks, an eye mask, and a facial roller. For an extra touch of sweetness, add a bag of chocolates. With this thoughtful gift, your loved ones can relax and rejuvenate in the comfort of their own home.
6. Christmas Gift Basket

If Christmas is around the corner, put together a festive Christmas gift basket. You can use a Christmas-themed container to hold different items that will bring joy to the recipient.
Consider including holiday towels, oven mitts, gingerbread cookie mix, and Christmas signs. You could also add Christmas ornaments, nutcrackers or other Christmas characters, holiday mugs or wine glasses, and cinnamon potpourri. To make the gift extra special, add in a Santa cookie plate or other holiday-themed kitchen accessories.
7. Housewarming Cleaning Basket
If you have friends or family members who have just moved into a new apartment or recently bought a home, consider giving them a cleaning supplies basket as a housewarming gift. This is an easy but practical gift idea that will ease them into their home.
Instead of using a traditional basket, you can use a plastic carrying tote or a laundry basket they can use later for their laundry. Fill the basket with essential cleaning supplies such as microfiber sponges and cleaning towels, all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners, soap, paper towels, and toilet paper (throwback to the coronavirus panic).
8. Baby Shower Gift Basket
Starting a family and having kids are tough. Surprise a parent-to-be with an adorable baby shower gift basket. Start by including blankets, socks, diapers, wipes, and bibs. Then add baby pacifiers, baby lotion, sippy cups, and other items parents will inevitably need for their babies.
9. Coffee Gift Basket
If you have family or friends who are avid coffee drinkers, give them a cozy coffee lovers gift basket. Fill the basket with coffee beans, iced coffee, cookies, chocolate, a mug, reusable travel coffee cups, coffee mats, and a pot holder. For an added touch, add items like a scented candle to top off the gift basket.
10. BBQ Gift Basket
If you have loved ones who enjoy cooking outdoors, give them a BBQ gift basket. Use a checkered basket liner or tablecloth as a base and fill it with essentials like BBQ sauce, seasoning, condiments, pickles, a basting brush, metal tongs, and a metal spatula. You can also add grilling accessories like a meat thermometer or skewers to make the gift more special.
11. Movie Lover’s Basket

A movie night gift basket is a perfect way to give the gift of entertainment. To create the ultimate movie night experience, start with a large plastic popcorn tub or a cute basket. Fill it up with all the essentials like microwave popcorn, candy, peanuts, juice, and soda. Dollar Tree also has popcorn-themed paper bags you can include for their popcorn.
If you want to go the extra mile, include a movie theater gift card or a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu. For adults, you could even throw in a bottle of wine or craft beer.
12. Teacher Appreciation Basket
Express your gratitude to teachers with a thoughtful teacher appreciation gift. This gift can get presented in a cute basket or a reusable bin the teacher can use in their classroom.
For gift items, school supplies are always a welcomed option. Consider markers, crayons, paper, chalk, construction paper, glue, glue sticks, scissors, index cards, and dry-erase markers. You can also throw in a Target or Amazon gift card so the teacher can indulge in something for themselves too.
13. Gardening Gift Basket
Spring has sprung, which means that it’s the perfect time to gift a gardening gift basket to your favorite gardeners. Get creative with your basket and use a planter or gardening bag as your container. Fill it up with some flower or vegetable seeds, small clay pots, a trowel, gardening gloves, and any other accessories you think would be perfect for your recipient.
This gift basket is not only great for experienced gardeners, but it’s also a fun and educational activity for kids. Encourage their green thumbs with some colorful seeds and clay pots that they can use to grow their own plants.
Some other ideas to include in your gardening gift basket could be gardening magazines, a book on gardening tips and tricks, and some garden-themed décor to brighten up their outdoor space.
14. Travel Gift Basket
If you’re headed out for vacation soon, hit the road with a travel gift basket. A reusable tote bag makes a great basket for this gift. Fill it with items like travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Don’t forget to add travel-sized toothpaste and a toothbrush.
Other items you can throw in include a travel pillow, earplugs, a sleep mask, a portable charger, and a travel-size blanket. For added entertainment during the journey, consider adding a deck of cards, a travel game, or a book. If the person you’re gifting the basket to is traveling by plane, you can add a luggage tag or passport holder to make their travel experience more organized.
15. Arts and Crafts Gift Basket

For the artists in your life, gift them an arts and craft gift basket. Load the basket with materials like paint, paintbrushes, construction paper, canvas, scissors, glitter, and more. If the recipient is into scrapbooking, fill a basket with scrapbook paper, stickers, adhesive tapes, washi tapes, scissors, and other embellishments. You can even include a mini album or a photo frame to complete the gift.
The Bottom Line
Gift baskets are a fun and creative way to give a thoughtful gift without breaking the bank. From coffee lovers to gardening enthusiasts, there are plenty of gift basket ideas that fit any occasion or interest. With some creativity and Dollar Tree finds, you can create the perfect gift that is sure to put a smile on your recipient’s face.