Whether you're looking to surprise a friend, impress a client, or add a personal touch to a holiday present, DIY gift baskets never fail to delight. With just a little planning and a sprinkle of creativity, these baskets can be brought together in minutes—and even better, on a budget. We've designed two ultra-simple gift basket ideas, perfect for busy professionals, DIY enthusiasts, or even interior designers in search of presentation-worthy gifts.
And the best part? You don’t need to blow your budget. With easy-to-source materials and thoughtful curation, your basket won't just look good—it'll feel like a luxury boutique gift. Read on to discover how to craft two charming gift baskets in under 10 minutes using items available in the UK.
Perfect for the stay-at-home comfort connoisseur, this basket is a celebration of cosy nights in. A favourite among young professionals, home décor enthusiasts, and anyone needing a moment of calm, the Homebody Retreat Basket is simple, inviting, and practical.
Start with a small woven basket or sturdy box—easily found in discount shops or online for under £5. Add a soft fleece blanket or a chunky knit throw folded neatly as the base filler. Then choose 2-3 small items to build on the comfort theme: think a scented soy candle, a pair of fluffy socks, and a sachet of herbal tea or hot chocolate.
To elevate the aesthetic and tie into the tastes of design savvy recipients, keep the colour palette coordinated: perhaps soft neutrals, calming blues, or warm autumn tones. Add decorative touches with a mini dried flower bouquet or a hand-written “unwind and relax” note.
Wrap it all up with clear cellophane or a kraft paper wrap and tie with twine or ribbon. In just a few minutes, you’ll have an Instagram-worthy gift that looks curated by a pro but cost less than £15.
This one’s for your foodie friends—or work clients who appreciate premium bites. The Artisan Foodie Box is basically a mini charcuterie board in a basket: stylish, thoughtful, and delightfully indulgent.
Select a rustic wooden box or a craft paper hamper base—you can get sets of 3-5 online at value for money prices around £10. Use shredded paper or straw as your filler to give it a farmhouse market vibe.
Now choose 3-5 food items. Think locally sourced if possible: a miniature chutney jar, artisan crackers, mini cheese portions, olives, or even artisan chocolate bars. Avoid anything too perishable unless gifting the same day.
You can adapt this basket for different tastes: make it vegan, zero sugar, or gluten-free depending on your recipient. For a design-forward client or architect, you could add luxurious presentation touches, like black-and-white minimalist labels or eco-friendly packaging.
Wrap it in kraft paper or use a reusable linen pouch to align with sustainable and beautiful design values. Add a branded tag or thank-you card if you're presenting this in a professional setting or on behalf of your trade business.
If you’re crafty and love gifting, why not turn your talents into a business? Starting a gift basket business is a low-investment, high-creativity venture that combines design flair with entrepreneurial spirit—ideal for designers, decorators, and even tradespeople who want to add value to client packages or special service offers.
Here’s how you can get started right away in the UK with a budget under £200. Below is a breakdown of essential costs:
Item | Description | Estimated Cost (£) |
---|---|---|
Basket Stock (12-15 units) | Woven baskets, boxes or trays in various styles, bulk purchase | £35-50 |
Packaging Supplies | Cellophane, shredded filler, ribbons, wrap paper, tags | £25 |
Starter Product Inventory | Tea, candles, snacks, small gift items for 10 baskets | £80 |
Branding Materials | Stickers, business cards, logo design (via Canva or DIY) | £15-20 |
Website or Social Media Setup | Optional: domain name, Etsy seller fees, Instagram ads | £20-25 |
Total Estimated Start-up Cost | £175-200 |
This budget allows you to create and sell 10+ gift baskets, reinvest the profit into more supplies, and gradually scale your side business. You could begin from as little as one style of basket—home comfort bundles for housewarming gifts or personalised baskets for tradesmen to offer at job completion.
Whether you’re creating beautiful baskets for loved ones or looking to start a business venture from home, gift baskets deliver style, thoughtfulness, and utility in one elegant package. With just a few core materials and a flair for presentation, you can create lasting impressions—personally and professionally—without ever going over budget.