1. Determine what products will go into your gift. Whenever possible I like to select items that have a similar or complimentary color scheme. It makes a big difference in the overall final product.

2. Select your container. You want to select the correct size for your contents and also the correct style that complements the contents. Keep an open mind for the container as you can use all kinds of wicker baskets, boxes, bags, trunks, etc. You can select one that goes with the contents (ie. using a diaper bag as the container for a baby gift basket).

3. In order to present the products nicely, you need to add some sort of filler in the bottom so that the contents will be lifted up to a height where they can be seen in the basket. Use crumpled kraft paper, tissue, basket shred, etc. If you use brown paper or another filler that is not attractive, put tissue on top so that it looks nice under the items. I don’t recommended newspaper as the ink rubs off on your hands and the container.

4. Place the items in the basket. Larger items in the back and working forward with smaller items in the front. Usually I place them in the basket and then rearrange afterwards if needed. I am looking for the contents to be symmetrical with colors balanced out. I want to see a little bit of everything in the basket with nothing completely hidden. Pay particular attention to the front. That will be the first area that is noticed. Make sure you have a ‘centerpiece’ item that is attractive. When doing a food basket, I usually pick an item that has unique or attractive packaging. Or if there is a special item that you want them to notice right away, put it in the front.

5. Decorate the inside of the basket. With my gift baskets, I don’t want all of the ‘glitz’ to disappear once the wrapping is taken off. I want the basket to look great on its own without the wrapper. I decorate the inside of the basket with one or more of: ribbon, bows, flowers, greenery, picks, etc. Don’t overdo the inside decorating or it will look too cluttered. Also, decorate based on the recipient and whether it is a personal or corporate gift basket. Choose colors that match or enhance the color theme of the items in the gift basket.

6. Wrap the basket. There are so many options for wrapping the gift basket. You can use clear cello bags or cello wrap, patterned cello bags/wrap, tulle, mesh fabric, etc. Again, pay attention the color scheme. Since I like to decorate my gift baskets, I often use clear professional cello for sale so that the gift basket can be seen through the wrap. Make sure the cello/wrap is the right size for the container. If you have a wrap that is too small or too big, it ruins the look of your finished product. Make sure there is no bunching at the front of the basket that obscures the view.