55 Gift Baskets You Can Sell Online: Make Money from Home

Looking to turn your creativity into cash? Whether you're a DIY enthusiast in Birmingham, an architect in London, or a freelance designer working from Manchester, gift baskets are a practical and profitable way to start a home-based business in the UK. With minimal start-up cost and endless customization possibilities, they appeal to a wide range of buyers, from corporate clients to thoughtful gifters. In this blog post, we’ll explore 55 gift basket ideas you can create and sell online today—and how to make strong profit along the way.

Why Sell Gift Baskets Online?

Gift baskets offer flexibility, creativity, and low overhead costs—ideal for anyone starting a side hustle from home. Because they appeal to a wide variety of customer types—from businesses looking for unique employee gifts to individuals sending birthday cheer—they offer a sustainable stream of potential income.

If you already have an eye for design, enjoy curating quality products, or even run a small handmade goods business, gift baskets are a natural extension of your existing skills. Unlike perishable or bulky handmade products, curated baskets are easy to ship locally in the UK or abroad, especially with helpful platforms like Etsy, Not on the High Street, and Shopify.

Better still, building your own gift basket brand opens the opportunity for recurring sales around holidays, birthdays, and corporate events. With each season or occasion, there’s a new reason to create and promote a unique set of baskets.

55 Gift Basket Ideas to Inspire Your Online Business

Below is our curated list of 55 gift basket ideas designed to appeal to every kind of customer—from foodies and pet lovers to home decorators and busy professionals. Each idea offers room for personalization and branding, making it ideal for online sales.

#	Gift Basket Idea	Ideal Audience
1	Self-Care Spa Basket	Busy professionals, wellness enthusiasts
2	Luxury Tea Experience	Tea lovers, homemakers
3	Craft Beer Hamper	Young professionals, beer lovers
4	Artisan Coffee Basket	Architects, creators, work-from-home people
5	Whisky Tasting Box	Corporate gifts, liquor enthusiasts
6	Vegan Gourmet Sampler	Health conscious eaters
7	Gardener’s Delight	DIYers, garden and plant lovers
8	Pet Care Bundle	Pet parents across the UK
9	Home Decor Starter Kit	New homeowners, designers
10	Charcuterie & Cheese Board Basket	Foodies, party hosts

This list can easily be expanded based on trends or seasons. For example, offer holiday-themed baskets (Halloween Treat Hamper or Christmas Cosy Box) or create bundles designed for specific life stages (Baby Arrival Basket, First Flat Hamper, Bridal Gift Box).

Essential Tips for Designing Gift Baskets That Sell

Creating a gift basket is more than just putting products in a box—it’s about building an experience. The key to success lies in the thoughtful selection of items, eye-catching presentation, strategic pricing, and clear target audience.

1. Quality Over Quantity: Your customers are looking for unique and memorable gifts. Choose premium or locally sourced items where possible. Avoid stuffing in too many low-value products as this dilutes the appeal.

2. Packaging is Everything: The right packaging makes your basket stand out and justifies a premium price. Use reusable crates, eco-friendly boxes, tie with organic ribbons, or include handwritten notes to boost emotional value.

3. Cater to Local Trends: British buyers appreciate artisanal and homegrown items. Consider including UK-made products such as Cornish fudge, Yorkshire teas, or Scottish shortbread to enhance appeal.

4. Create a Signature Look: Consistent styling sets your brand apart. Choose a colour palette, wrapping style and branding elements that make your gift basket instantly recognisable online or on social media.

Where to Source Products for Your Gift Baskets

When it comes to filling your gift baskets, quality sourcing is key. Depending on your niche, you might mix handmade items, retail goods, and wholesale options. Here’s where to start looking:

• Local Markets: Farmer’s markets and craft fairs are treasure troves for handmade soaps, candles, and syrups.
• Bulk Suppliers: Buy non-perishable goods in bulk from UK wholesalers to save costs.
• Independent Makers: Partner with other UK-based artisans to mutual benefit and variety in your offerings.
• DIY and Handmade: If you enjoy craft, you can make some of the items yourself, like candles, bath salts or jams.

It’s important to test product combinations for visual appeal and cost margin. Keep a sample inventory and experiment with baskets before you list them online.

How to Price Your Gift Baskets Correctly

Pricing gift baskets can be tricky. You want a healthy margin while staying competitive. Here’s a simple formula to guide you:

Price = (Cost of Goods + Time/labour + Packaging) × Markup Factor

Be mindful of platform fees, transaction costs, and, if applicable, shipping. A markup of at least 2x is typical for home-based gift basket businesses in the UK. Make sure you track all costs, especially if you're sourcing from multiple vendors.

Best Platforms to Sell Your Gift Baskets Online

Choosing the right platform can determine whether your business thrives or stagnates. Here are some of the most popular options for home-based UK sellers:

• Etsy: Ideal for handmade, creative and themed baskets. Great for holiday baskets and personal gifts.
• Not On The High Street: British-focused platform ideal for upscale or artisan baskets.
• Shopify: Great if you want full control over your branding, design, and back-end logistics.
• Amazon Handmade: Opens up a larger market but with more competition and fees.
• Facebook Marketplace & Instagram Shops: Excellent if you’re starting locally or want visibility without overhead costs.

Whichever route you choose, great photos and captivating product descriptions will help convert browsers into buyers. Use SEO-optimised titles containing popular UK search terms like “Luxury Hamper UK,” “Handmade Gift Box,” and “Next-Day Delivery Hamper.”

Legal and Logistical Considerations

Before selling your first basket, it’s smart to cover the legal basics, especially in the UK. First, register your home business with HMRC if you’re earning money. You may also need food-handling certification if including edible items.

Invest in good packaging that prevents breakage in transit, and understand Royal Mail parcel sizes and shipping rates. Include clear refund and return policies on your website or sales platform. If you’re serious, consider business insurance and consult with a local small business advisor.

Start Small, Grow Large

The beauty of gift basket businesses is how scalable they can be. Start with a few themed baskets, gather feedback, gauge what’s selling, and then refine your product offerings. Many successful sellers began with 3–4 popular gift baskets before developing a full line that attracted corporate clients or formed partnerships with boutiques or interior design studios.

In fact, if you’re an interior designer or tradesperson looking to offer a branded client appreciation gift, a customised home-themed basket can serve both as a marketing tool and a memorable touchpoint.

Final Thoughts: Creativity That Pays

With the right focus, selling gift baskets online is a low-risk, high-reward venture for UK creatives and professionals. It brings together artistic expression, business acumen, and customer service in one, packaging it all—quite literally—into beautiful bundles that people are eager to buy.

Whether you’re looking for passive income or a potential full-time gig, this niche industry lets you monetise what you already love. So, which of the 55 baskets will you start with?