Christmas is Coming! Thinking Ahead Towards Affordable Gift Basket Gift Ideas

It’s definitely not too early to start planning for Christmas…….  especially with all the great deals we have been getting lately. 

The baskets at right are what I gave last year to the gals In the family.

I picked up the tubs at Target in the Dollar Spot, and collected items to fill the basket for 4-5 months.

Lets think forward ….. we’re not far from Christmas, and with that, many of the things we have gotten lately would work perfect for a gift basket of some type – whether for a gal in the family, the mailman, the teacher of your children, daycare provider… police offer, military Service member you may know, or even just your cashier at CVS/Walgreens or local grocer.

The baskets are relatively easy… as long as you start early!  Starting early ensures that you don’t break the budget –

What are some great ideas for gift baskets? Lets see what we’ve gotten the last month or two…

• NYC Nail Color or Sally Hansen
• Inexpensive Starbucks – maybe Via, or Folgers Instant Sticks
• Nivea Lip Care 
• Febreze Air Effects 
• Skintimate
• Febreze Set & Refresh 
• Old Spice/Gillette Items
• Breathe Right Strips (believe it or not, people go crazy for those…)
• Thermacare
• Organic/Natural Soap 
• Candy – of any kind especially for the mail man!
• Olay products
• CoverGirl (you know we got that stuff free!)
• Revlon Nail Files
• For the guys: Peanuts, Poppycock Popcorn – Tools from Harbor Freight
• Nivea Body Wash
• St Ives Lotion
• Poufs for the bathroom
• Essential Oils
• Edge Shave Gel, Schick Razors, Axe Body Spray
• McCormick Grinders, Marinades, BBQ Grill Tools…
• Men’s Soap, Razors, Shaving Cream

During the year, and every time I shop, I always have my eyes peeled wide for things that I think would make great, unique additions to a gift basket.

I would also suggest writing to companies to ask for trial size samples, or coupons (Nivea is a great company to contact!)   Use those opportunities for coupons to buy Lip Care FREE when it goes on sale.

Bath and Body Works has many freebies – including lotion, that I sock away and keep for Christmas too!

Right now I am halfway there to gift baskets at Christmas. I then grab a nice containment device (Target has them in the dollar spot for $1, and Dollar General had buckets for the men for $1) and stuff away, I stuff the tissue inside, fan it really beautiful… then use the cellophane wrap from the Dollar Tree to doll it up.

Last year, and the year prior, I actually made everybody in the family a basket of my deals – including the men. It’s a great way to give something they’ll use, and appreciate!