Gift-Giving Tips: How To Build A Christmas Basket
Here’s how to build a Christmas basket for all the relatives and friends we’re gifting this season
While some buy a Christmas basket as a gift, others prefer building their own. In a way, it can come out cheaper—especially if most of the items are bought in bulk or during some massive sale. Plus, all we have to do is set a budget. The only issue, probably, with arranging the Christmas baskets ourselves is the time and effort we have to put in. The kids and the teens will most likely help. For a price.
Here are some tips for parents who want to build a thoughtful-looking Christmas basket without thinking too hard:
Always have a Queso de Bola
Queso de Bola has always been part of the Filipino charcuterie board, alongside the Christmas ham. Wrapped in red wrapper, it’s quite eye-catching in the Christmas basket. These are available in most grocery stores and come in their own boxes. Of course, delicatessens do sell higher grade Queso de Bola—which might be better for the bosses, CEOs, or even just those relatives who have more “refined” tastes.
Go for simple flavored chips or crostinis
The trick about building a Christmas basket is to not have so many items competing for the spotlight. Salt and pepper or salt and vinegar are the way to go. Considering there’s already a Queso de Bola, it might be better to pair it with something milder and flavor.
Crostinis may be a better choice, especially if we’re planning to help people manage their sodium levels for next year.
Bubbly or Juice instead of Wine
Wine may be good, but these bottles get either incredibly heavy or too expensive to source. While places like Boozy.ph or Wine Depot can source those wines, some are watching their liver health—meaning alcohol should be kept to a low.
Plus, younger recipients may prefer moscatos that they can bring to parties or potlucks they’re invited to. Older recipients will prefer the juice for health reasons or as an alternative to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Bottled goodies are a must
When all the restaurants are closed, and we have the munchies, it’s the bottled goodies that save the day. Heat a bit of rice in the microwave, then top it off with some chilled sardines or tuyo in olive oi,l and it’s an instant snack!
Bottled goodies range from tuyo, bacalao, sardines, atsara, and even kimchi. While kimchi can be bought from most Korean convenience stores, foods like the sardines, tuyo, and bacalao can be found in supermarkets—usually popular (and rightfully so) brands include Connie’s Kitchen and Doña Elena.
Trail Mix is highly appreciated!
A texture bonanza of various nuts and seeds, trail mix is the king of energy snacks—especially for diabetics.
They’re often sold in unbranded foil packs, making them easier to position in a Christmas basket. Make sure to get the resealable ones so that working parents can bring them everywhere they go!
The baskets don’t always have to be so big
Sure, the appeal of the Christmas basket comes from its size. Unfortunately, the magic also wears off once given. Eventually, it just becomes clutter in the recipient’s home.
Either opt for something smaller or gift it in a container that they can use in the kitchen. All you’ll need after that to make it more festive is just a bow and some bells anyway!
Tips When Sourcing for Christmas Baskets
Although we’ll know what to put in it, sourcing becomes the next logistical hell. Because it’s the holiday rush and most items in the Christmas basket are food, we can’t buy them too early. Here are some tips to sourcing the items for the basket:
- Buy in wholesale or bulk. Best to contact the company so that they can give discounts.
- If you’re buying from a home business, order early! Some shut shop come December.
- Try to buy from small businesses. It’s a win-win; you get your gift, and these small businesses have money for Christmas.
- Ask the kids to come help you pack. Bribe them if you have to. Nobody wants to pack 100 baskets by themselves!
- Order the stuff online! Traffic is terrible nowadays.
Tis the season to be giving. But let’s be practical too when giving Christmas baskets to our loved ones. Nothing screams holiday spirit than a thoughtful basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
They’re impressive to look at, full of food, and easy to create once we settle all the things we want in the Christmas basket.
Most delicatessens or pastry shops sell Christmas baskets. Santi’s is the most common one, but some bigger groceries like S&R and Unimart have some selections.
It’s a sweet and personal thought, but Good Lord, that is why we have computers. Just print them in bulk and have a blank on the “To:” line so we can use them over and over again.
There’s no hard rule to building one. The one that will settle how the basket will look is budget. Quick tip: always try to balance simple items with luxury ones to make sure it still has some spice.
Food’s the usual, but nobody said we can’t make a skincare-based one or a tech-based gift box!
More gift guides?
Modern Parenting’s 2024 Gift Guide for Mom
