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Gift Basket Ideas: 14 Presents For All Types Of Occasions

From baby showers to a friend who needs a pick-me-up.
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Wedding Party App

Gift baskets often get a bad rap. We’ve probably all received a dud of a basket — something that was filled with sub-par products like shower gels and candy.

But when it's done right, gift baskets can be the kind of gift people really remember. With a bit of thought and effort, you can put together a basket for a particular occasion that’s tailored to the recipient, with a great mix of fun items and those they really need.

These 14 baskets are relatively simple to put together and can be assembled at a variety of price points. Let us know, what kind of gift baskets do you make?

Gift Basket Ideas For Any Occasion
Wedding Guests(01 of14)
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A gift basket waiting in your guests' hotel room is a great way to welcome anyone who is travelling for your wedding. Include a map of the event’s host city, a few transit tokens, passes to a must-see attraction, info on the wedding schedule, and local treats — like a couple of beers from a favourite brewery, maybe. Get more tips from Wedding Party App here. (credit:Wedding Party App)
Baby Shower(02 of14)
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Provide the parents-to-be with the essentials in a big tub that can be used for toys or storage. Items like a Sophie teething toy, board books, and unscented wipes will work for any family. Get more tips at A Spotted Pony here. (credit:A Spotted Pony)
New Mom(03 of14)
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The first days with a newborn are rough. A simple basket filled with treats and essentials like snacks, caffeine, and really absorbent maxi pads (just trust us) will ease some of the journey. Get more tips at See Kate Sew here. (credit:See Kate Sew)
Off To School(04 of14)
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A shower caddy is a must-have for dorm living. Gift your favourite freshman with one filled with other helpful items like flip-flops, pens (you can never have enough!), dorm-friendly snacks, and earplugs. Get more tips from Creation Corner here. (credit:Creation Corner )
Housewarming Party(05 of14)
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Cleaning supplies are the kind of thing that tend to get used up in a move. Load up a cleaning bucket with must-have items like all-purpose cleaning spray, dish liquid, trash bags, and paper towels and drop it off at the new place. Get more tips from Mommy Gaga here. (credit:Mommy Gaga)
For A Road Trip(06 of14)
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Planning a long driving vacation for the family? Surprise the kids with a gift basket the night before you leave, and stock it with car games, books, snacks, and other essentials. Get more tips from The Chaos And The Clutter here. (credit:The Chaos And The Clutter )
For The Homesick Canadian(07 of14)
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Surprise your favourite expat with a box full of treats only available in Canada: ketchup chips, imported British chocolates, Crush Cream Soda, and packets of Swiss Chalet dipping sauce. (credit:coffee shop soulja/Flickr)
Mani/Pedi Basket(08 of14)
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Treat a friend or relative to a spa day at home with a basket filled with polishes, foot scrub, lotions, and nail-care tools. Get more tips from Jo Lynne Shane here. (credit:Jo Lynne Shane )
Wine Aficionado(09 of14)
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Treat an oenophile a red and a white wine paired with a few fancy cheeses. Crisp apples and fine dark chocolate round this basket out. Get more tips from Good Cheap Eats here. (credit:Good Cheap Eats)
Chocolate Lover(10 of14)
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Hit up your favourite local gourmet-food store and load up on exotic or just plain luxurious chocolates for the chocoholic in your life. We’d include chocolate bars, chocolate spread, chocolate-flavoured tea, and hot cocoa — to start! Get more tips from Pretty Handy Girl here.
Grill Master(11 of14)
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Surprise your favourite fan of charred meats with a collection of grilling goodies. Use a small portable grill as the basket! It’s a great gift to bring along on picnics (check rules about outdoor cooking at your favourite park this time of the year) or for those with small outdoor spaces. Get more tips from An Enchanted Imagination here. (credit:An Enchanted Imagination)
At-Home Date Night(12 of14)
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This is a great gift basket to put together as a wedding or engagement gift, or just because you know a couple who could use a fun night together but can’t get out for one reason or another. Put in a recent DVD releases or a couple of great classics, and add in a bunch of great movie snacks. Don’t forget the popcorn! Get more tips from Crafting In Laymon's Terms here. (credit:Crafting In Laymon's Terms)
Coffee Addict(13 of14)
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Know somebody who can’t start the day without a cup of coffee? Give them some new options for doing that with this basket. Load it up with some great beans from a local roaster and don't forget cold-brew coffee, bottled latte drinks and a new mug as well. Get more tips from The Tomkat Studio here. (credit:The Tomcat Studio)
A Friend Who Needs That Extra Support(14 of14)
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Starting chemo is a scary time for anyone, and the side effects can also make it uncomfortable. Surprise your friend going through chemo with a basket filled with helpful items like fuzzy socks, ginger candies (for nausea), assorted teas (for hydration), and a special treat particular to your friend’s interests. Get more tips from Milk and Cuddles here. (credit:Milk and Cuddles)
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