Creative Gifts in a Basket – From a Hardware Store!

With a “new” house & lots of projects, we’re in Lowe’s frequently. When I saw them transforming their lawn & garden area into holiday, I was inspired. The artificial Christmas tree section looked like a tree farm with Edison light bulbs surrounding it! The cozy knitted decor, plaids & woodland creatures made me want to completely update our decorations this year. Given the amount of time I spend at Lowe’s, I always coming up with ideas that I can’t resist creating. I enjoy creating “gifts in a basket”. There’s just something that’s always appealed to me about a thoughtful theme gift wrapped in itself! Maybe it’s that I can’t wrap anything other than a standard square/rectangle? I created several “gifts in a basket ideas” to get you thinking outside of the box! All of these gift ideas can be put together in just 5 minutes from start to finish {about as fast as I can wrap a gift!}

For Kids:

The first gift I’m excited to share is the Snowman in a Can. When I brought it home, Adalyn asked “can I have one mommy?” Aniston said “me, too, mommy, me, too!” It’s a fun gift for kids of all ages!

To create your own Snowman in a Can you’ll need:

• Valspar 1 quart empty paint can with lid
• Waxman 2 pack black plastic tips
• 1/2 x 6 coupling copper
• 3/8″ rubber foam weather seal
• natural paint brush

It takes just 3 minutes start to finish to create this little snowman kit that will create memories of a lifetime! Just cut a piece of weather seal & add everything but the paint brush {for dusting} in the can & seal. Tie the paint brush on with a ribbon.

This gift will be enjoyed for years to come!

My nephews enjoyed the Build to Grow Kit I created for them! It even got them working together. To build this gift you’ll need:

• Bucket
• Build and Grow kid’s beginner woodworking project pirate ship kit
• Build and Grow kid’s starter kit OR goggles, apron & hammer
• Build and Grow 2-piece screwdriver set
• Valspar Pantone Bossa Nova paint sample
• Valspar Dark Kettle Black satin paint sample
• Foam paint brushes

One of my tips for creating gorgeous gift baskets is unwrapping! I removed the plastic from the goggles, hammer & apron to make a more presentable gift. Again, I used dried moss – it’s one of my gift-giving staples.

If you’re not familiar with them, I think one of the best kept secrets are the Build & Grow workshops hosted for children each month! As soon as registration opens, I’m signing the girls up to make their own train in December!

Hostess Gift

Give the gracious hostess beautiful blooms that will last longer than fresh cut flowers. Give her pretty potted paperwhites that will surprise in the weeks ahead!

• Terracotta clay pot
• Soil
• Paperwhites Bulbs
• *optional – dried moss {craft store}

Pot the paperwhites & add a little dried moss to secure the soil & for a decorative element. Add a ribbon & a paint chip gift tag! Easy & inexpensive!

The Gardener {or anyone who loves beautiful blooms!}

Give your friends a head start on spring blooms! January is a great time to plant bulbs, while keeping them a cool area like a garage.

Using clear cellophane favor/treat bags, cut a few small slits so the bulbs can breathe. Add bulbs to the bag, secure with a piece of tape & tuck into the pot. I just added a ribbon to tie it all together & a snip of berries for a pop of color.

She’ll also love this gardening gift basket! This gift basket was made with:

• Hand bulb planter
• Crocus bulbs
• Tulip bulbs
• Leather gloves
• Chocolate clay pot – in stores only

Remove packaging & tags from gloves & bulb planter. Remove the cardboard tag from bulbs & tape to the bottom of the pot. Tuck the top of each bag of bulbs back & secure with tape. Nestle items in dried moss & add a ribbon!

For the griller:

Skip the usuals & design a grilling gift basket they’ll be excited to receive! Filled with the extras like:

• Leather grill gloves
• Williams-Sonoma grill master cookbook
• Meat thermometer
• Wood chips

all wrapped in a grill basket!

Which gift would you be most excited to receive?