Store-bought gift baskets? Anyone can do that. Homemade gift baskets? Now we’re talking! A well-curated gift basket isn’t just a bunch of stuff. It’s an experience. And we all know the best experiences include something sweet. From picking a fun theme to adding unexpected surprises, this guide is full of ideas and tips to help you build a DIY gift basket that checks all the boxes.
Tips for Building a Personalized Gift Basket
Whether it’s for Mother’s Day, a teacher gift or employee appreciation, a little planning makes all the difference. With the right mix of treats, extras and a creative touch, your DIY gift basket will feel just as sweet as what’s inside.
Plan ahead
A great gift basket should feel like a playlist of someone’s favorite things. A little planning helps make it thoughtful and not just a last-minute “I panicked and bought everything!” If you’re adding homemade treats, be sure to time it right so everything stays fresh.
Make it thoughtful
Don’t settle for a couple snacks when you can create a whole vibe! Focus on experiences to make your DIY candy basket extra special. Gym basket? Bookworm basket? Coffee and tea, or charcuterie? Talk about sweet memories in the making.
Think outside the (gift) box
Pick a basket base that’s fun and functional, such as a cute tote, a storage bin or even a mixing bowl. Use the container to play up your gift basket theme. The goal? Something they’ll actually use after the treats are gone.
Build it up
The secret to a standout gift basket? Layering like a pro. Tall gifts get the back seat while smaller treats take the front. Need a boost? Use mini boxes or stands for extra height.
Hide some small surprises
You know that feeling when you reach into your pocket and find an extra piece of chocolate? That’s the magic of a well-packed gift basket. Tuck in a few treasures like a cute keychain or individually-wrapped candies between the bigger gifts.
Keep it together
You’ve built the perfect gift basket, now make sure it stays perfect! Use glue dots, skewers, or even straws to keep everything secure. No wobbling, no shifting. Just a basket that looks just as good as the day it was made.
Add the finishing touches.
Add a little love with soft tissue paper, ribbon, or a handful of HERSHEY’S KISSES Milk Chocolates. And don’t forget a heartfelt note—it’s the sweetest touch of all!
S’mores Gift Basket
Nothing says cozy like the crackle of a fire and the ooey-gooey goodness of a perfectly roasted marshmallow. This basket brings the magic of a campfire anywhere. Whether it’s for a backyard fire pit, a camping trip or even a kitchen stovetop, pack all the essentials (and a few fun extras) to turn any night into a deliciously memorable one.
Who the S’mores Gift Basket is Perfect For
Outdoor enthusiasts, including campers, hikers and bonfire lovers, will appreciate a ready-to-go S’mores kit for their next adventure. It also makes a perfect housewarming gift for new homeowners, especially those with a backyard fire pit.
What You Need for the S’mores Gift Basket
To build the perfect S’mores kit, start with the essentials. HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bars are the star of the show, though you can mix it up with HERSHEY’S Cookies ‘N’ Creme Candy Bars 6 pack or REESE’S Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups for a fun twist. And you can’t forget the other essentials: lots of graham crackers and big marshmallows! Add in some reusable skewers for toasting the marshmallows over a campfire, grill or even a stovetop flame. A serving tray helps keep everything organized and makes it easy to assemble S’mores without the mess.
For an extra touch of convenience, include a mini torch lighter to make roasting quick and easy, even when there’s no campfire. A picnic blanket adds to the cozy atmosphere, making it perfect for a night under the stars or even a living room campout. And since sticky fingers are inevitable, napkins or hand wipes are a thoughtful addition to keep cleanup simple.
Bookworm Gift Basket
For the bibliophile who’s happiest curled up with a good book and something sweet, this bookworm gift basket is a total page-turner. It’s not just a gift—it’s an invitation to slow down and get lost in a good story. Whether they’re re-reading a beloved classic or diving into the latest bestseller, your thoughtfulness will be the talk of their #booktok.
Who the Bookworm Gift Basket is Perfect For
Know someone who always has a book in one hand and a snack in the other? This one’s for them. This book-themed gift basket makes a cozy birthday surprise for the friend who’d rather stay in with a good plot twist, or a heartfelt thank-you for a teacher who shares your love of stories.
What You’ll Need for the Bookworm Gift Basket
Pack ROLO® Caramels and REESE’S Dipped Animal Crackers alongside other curl-up-and-read essentials. Consider a soft throw blanket, a cute ceramic mug, or a box of their favorite tea. Add a flickering candle, and suddenly you've created a reading retreat they’ll never want to leave. Wrap it all up in a basket or bag they can reuse for their next library haul.
Movie Night Gift Basket
Lights, camera, snack time! A Movie Night Gift Basket is the perfect excuse for your friends and family to hit pause on a busy day and spend some quality time together. Pack the basket with everything they need for an epic movie marathon so that all they need to do is grab a blanket, dim the lights and let the show begin!
Who the Movie Night Gift Basket is Perfect For
Movie buffs will appreciate the thoughtful curation of classic snacks and extras that bring the theater experience home. Families will enjoy a fun-filled night together, complete with sweet and salty treats. Couples can turn an ordinary evening into a cozy date night with a personalized selection of goodies.
What You’ll Need for the Movie Night Gift Basket
To create the perfect movie night basket, start with the must-haves. HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bars, REESE’S Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and TWIZZLERS Twists bring the sweetness, while classic buttered popcorn adds that nostalgic movie theater touch. A variety of popcorn seasonings will let them customize their snack experience. Cozy essentials like a throw blanket and a pair of fun movie-themed socks will make the night even more enjoyable.
Charcuterie Gift Basket
Charcuterie is having a moment, and we’re totally here for it. A charcuterie gift basket is the kind of present that feels thoughtful and totally on trend. Packed with snackable favorites, it’s curated to impress without feeling over-the-top. It’s simple to put together, fun to customize, and perfect for sharing.
Who the Charcuterie Gift Basket is Perfect For
A charcuterie gift basket is perfect for any time you want to impress and indulge. It’s made for the dinner party host, the wine-and-cheese enthusiast, and the foodie who loves a good flavor pairing. It’s a go-to for birthdays, housewarmings, and thank-you gifts.
What You’ll Need for the Charcuterie Gift Basket
Help them build the board of their dreams by including olives, salami, pretzels and fig jam. Then put the “cute” into your charcuterie with bite-sized REESE’S Minis, BROOKSIDE Dark Chocolate Açai and Blueberry Candy and HERSHEY'S DiPPeD PreTzels Milk Chocolate Snack. Their rich chocolate pairs beautifully with salty meats and sharp cheeses. Thoughtful extras like mini cheese servers, a wooden cutting board, or a set of reusable spreaders make the gift feel complete.
Breakfast in Bed Basket
Rise and shine, it’s breakfast time! This basket is filled with everything needed to make mornings extra special. It’s more than just a meal, it’s a reminder to slow down, savor the moment and start the day deliciously. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this thoughtful gift turns an ordinary morning into a cozy, indulgent experience.
Who the Breakfast in Bed Basket is Perfect For
This gift is perfect for anyone who could use a slow, relaxing morning. It makes a heartfelt Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift, especially for parents who relish their morning coffee. It’s also a thoughtful baby shower gift! After countless sleepless nights, new parents will appreciate the chance to enjoy a homemade breakfast in bed.
What You’ll Need for the Breakfast in Bed Basket
Include their favorite pancake or waffle mix to whip up a warm, fluffy breakfast without the hassle of measuring ingredients. A jar of quality jam or fruit preserves adds a touch of sweetness they can spread on toast, pancakes or breads. Top the basket off with bag of homemade ALMOND JOY Granola.
Kid in a Candy Store Gift Basket
Remember the thrill of walking into a candy store, eyes wide with excitement? This candy gift basket brings back that same magic. Just think about their favorite flavors: do they like sour candies, chocolate or retro sweets? If you don’t know, add a little of everything!
Who the Candy Gift Basket is Perfect For
This basket is a hit for kids and kids at heart because nothing brings out someone’s inner child quite like an assortment of candy. It makes the perfect birthday surprise for a candy lover, adding a fun and festive touch to their big day. It’s also a thoughtful addition to a college care package, giving students the nostalgic taste of childhood when they need a break from studying.
What You’ll Need for Candy Gift Basket
Start with a mix of iconic treats that no candy lover can resist. HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bars, REESE’S Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, KIT KAT® Milk Chocolate Candy Bar and TWIZZLERS Twists create the perfect balance. Adding a glass candy jar allows for a fun and functional way to display and store the treats, turning the basket into a part of their space.
Gym Gift Bag
This gift says, “You’ve got this!” in the most supportive (and snacky) way possible. Whether it's a post-workout pick-me-up or just a little wellness boost, this reusable gym bag fuels both energy and encouragement ... especially when you pack it with snacks and protein bars that deliver on taste and nutrition in every bite.
Who the Gym Gift Bag is Perfect For
This gym-themed gift bag is the perfect fit for the wellness lover who takes their self-care as seriously as their squats. Think fitness fanatics, yoga devotees, spin class stars, or bridal parties prepping for the big day. And for a post-sweat treat? Flavor-forward fuel that feels like a reward.
What You’ll Need for the Gym Gift Bag
Pack a fun, functional gym bag with things they’ll actually use—like FULFIL Protein Bars, a cute water bottle, and a few little fitness-friendly surprises. Think cooling towel, resistance bands, or even a handwritten playlist of motivational hits. A recovery tool like a compact muscle roller is perfect for easing sore spots. Add some snacks, and you can turn any gym bag into a mini wellness retreat.
Chocolate Tasting Gift Basket
Why stop at just one chocolate when you can try them all? A Chocolate Tasting Gift Basket is the sweetest way to discover new favorites. There’s something magical about unwrapping a piece of chocolate, smelling the sweetness and having it melt on your tongue. This basket brings that experience to life!
Who the Chocolate Tasting Basket is Perfect For
This basket makes a fantastic raffle prize idea because who doesn’t love chocolate? It’s also perfect for foodie friends who enjoy exploring gourmet treats and exciting new flavors, making it a thoughtful and delicious way to treat a bestie to something special. And for teacher gifts, it’s a welcome change from the classic fruit baskets or gift cards.
What You’ll Need for the Chocolate Tasting Basket
To create a truly decadent chocolate tasting experience, start with the best! HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bars and HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Mildly Sweet Chocolate Bars provide a delicious contrast of creamy and rich flavors, making them perfect for tasting side by side. Add a bag of gourmet coffee or fine tea to make this basket feel even more luxurious.
Coffee and Tea Gift Basket
For the friend who runs on caffeine and good vibes, a coffee and tea–themed gift basket is the perfect pick-me-up. Packed with cozy sips and energizing snacks, this basket blends warmth with function. It’s a little ritual in a box—ready to help them recharge, refuel, and sip their way through the day. Because caffeine is great, but a protein-packed snack? Even better.
Who the Coffee and Tea Gift Basket is Perfect For
From busy parents and work-from-home pros to students powering through late-night study sessions, it’s made for people who crave a little caffeine and a lot of comfort. Whether you’re celebrating, encouraging, or simply showing your love, this basket brings a welcome brew of caffeine, calm and care.
What You’ll Need for the Coffee and Tea Gift Basket
Start with rich coffee blends and herbal or flavored teas. Round it out with crunchy biscotti and a couple of protein bars for a satisfying, energizing snack. If you want to elevate the mood, toss in a coffee-scented candle, a mindfulness journal, or a sachet of dried lavender. Then pack it all up in a container that will look beautiful on their kitchen counter.
