Dollar Store Gift Baskets: 15 Christmas Ideas Under 20 Dollars That Look Boutique Made

Dollar Store Gift Baskets are the happiest secret of a tight Christmas budget. Picture a friend opening a basket packed with things she will actually use, wrapped with a big bow, and never guessing it cost less than a takeout dinner. That is the magic of a good theme. When every item tells the same little story, a pile of one and two dollar finds suddenly looks planned, generous and personal. Below are 15 fresh ideas, from a pizza night pan to a cat lover’s bin and a baby’s first Christmas set. Each one stays under 20 dollars if you shop smart, and most take less than half an hour to put together. Grab a cart, pick a theme for everyone on your list and let us get building..

Dollar Store Gift Baskets That Look Boutique Made

Dollar Store Gift Baskets look boutique made when you follow one simple rule: one container, one filler, five or six items that share a theme, and a big bow. Before you shop, set a cap of 20 dollars per basket and write the theme on your list, so you do not drift into random bargains. Fill the bottom with crinkle paper or a folded towel so the items sit high and look abundant. Put the tallest piece at the back and the smallest at the front, just like a shop window. Ready to see which theme fits each person on your list..

You will need: A basket, bin or tub, crinkle paper or a folded towel, five or six theme items, clear cellophane or a clear gift bag, wired ribbon and a gift tag. Budget: about 12 to 20 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Pick a theme and a container that suits it. 2. Fill the bottom so the items sit high, then place the tallest piece at the back. 3. Wrap in cellophane, gather it at the top and finish with a full bow and a handwritten tag.

A Manicure Night Basket in a Pink Bin

Every friend who loves a fresh set of nails will smile at this one. A bright pink bin holds three or four polish colors in holiday shades, a pack of nail files, cotton pads, a hand cream and a small towel rolled like a spa robe. Add a tiny glass bowl for soaking fingertips and the whole set feels like an at home salon visit. Keep the polish colors to one palette, like reds and golds, so the bin looks curated instead of random. Who on your list would love a cozy manicure night in?

You will need: A pink bin, crinkle paper, 3 or 4 nail polish bottles, nail files, cotton pads, a small hand cream, a hand towel and a small glass bowl. Budget: about 12 to 15 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Fill the bin with crinkle paper. 2. Roll the towel and lay it at the back, then line up the polish bottles in front by color. 3. Tuck the files, pads and hand cream into the gaps and tie a ribbon around the bin.

Dollar Store Gift Baskets for the Cat Lover

Dollar Store Gift Baskets for cat lovers make two people happy at once, and one of them has whiskers. Fill a small basket with a feather wand, a few fabric mice, crinkle balls and a soft brush for the cat. For the human, add a mug, a lint roller and a box of cocoa or tea, because every cat owner needs both. Paint a simple paw print on a plain white mug with a paint pen to make it feel handmade. Just be ready for the cat to claim the basket itself as a new bed. Does your favorite cat person already have too many toys?

You will need: A small basket, a feather wand, toy mice, crinkle balls, a pet brush, a lint roller, a plain white mug, a paint pen and a hot drink packet. Budget: about 12 to 16 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Draw a paw print on the mug with the paint pen and let it dry as the pen directions say. 2. Stand the mug and the feather wand at the back of the basket. 3. Fill the front with toys, the brush and the lint roller, then tie a bow on the handle.

A Pizza Night Kit on a Pizza Pan

A pizza pan makes the base and part of the gift, which means no basket to buy. Lay a red checkered towel across it, then add a pizza cutter, a jar of sauce, small jars of oregano and chili flakes, a bag of flour and a wooden spoon. Tuck in a handwritten card with your favorite easy dough recipe and the family has a ready made Friday night. This one is a great pick for neighbors and busy parents. Wrap the whole pan in cellophane and gather it with a bow in the center. Which family on your street would love a pizza party?

You will need: A round pizza pan, a checkered kitchen towel, a pizza cutter, a jar of sauce, small spice jars, a small bag of flour, a wooden spoon and a recipe card. Budget: about 13 to 18 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Lay the towel over the pan so the corners hang over the edge. 2. Stand the sauce and spice jars in the center and lay the cutter and spoon beside them. 3. Add the flour and recipe card, wrap in cellophane and tie a bow on top.

A Taco Tuesday Basket in a Serving Bowl

Taco night is a family favorite almost everywhere, so this basket is a safe bet for anyone. A big plastic serving bowl in a cheerful color holds taco shells, a jar of salsa, a bag of chips, seasoning packets and three or four tiny dip bowls for toppings. Add a bright kitchen towel and a couple of serving spoons and the family has everything for a fun dinner except the filling. The bowl will get used again at every party. Would your crew go for crunchy or soft shells?

You will need: A large plastic serving bowl, taco shells, a jar of salsa, a bag of chips, seasoning packets, 3 or 4 small dip bowls, a kitchen towel and serving spoons. Budget: about 12 to 16 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Line the bowl with the towel. 2. Stand the taco shells and chips at the back and nest the dip bowls together in front. 3. Add the salsa, seasoning and spoons, then tie a ribbon around the rim.

Dollar Store Gift Baskets for an Ice Cream Sundae Party

Dollar Store Gift Baskets for a sundae party are pure fun for families with kids or grandkids. Pack a tub with sundae cups, an ice cream scoop, jars of sprinkles and chocolate chips, two squeeze bottles of sauce, a jar of cherries and long spoons. Leave out the ice cream and add a note that says just add a pint. Kids love opening this one, and parents love that it turns an ordinary winter night into a treat. It also makes a sweet gift for a family that just had a new baby. What topping would your family fight over first?

You will need: A small tub or bin, sundae cups, an ice cream scoop, jars of sprinkles and chocolate chips, chocolate and caramel sauce, a jar of cherries, long spoons and paper straws. Budget: about 14 to 18 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Stand the sauces and the scoop at the back of the tub. 2. Nest the sundae cups together and place them in the middle with the jars around them. 3. Fan the spoons and straws in a cup, add a just add ice cream tag and tie a bow.

A Puzzle and Snack Night Basket

Dollar Store Gift Baskets built around a jigsaw puzzle are pure comfort. Jigsaw puzzles are the cozy winter hobby that never goes out of style, and they are easy to find for a dollar or two. Pair one with snacks that do not leave sticky fingers, like popcorn, nuts and chocolate bars, plus a mug for something warm. A wide tray basket works best, because it can hold the puzzle box flat and later keep sorted pieces together. This is a lovely gift for grandparents, college students home for break or anyone who needs a slow evening. How many pieces would your family tackle in one night?

You will need: A wide wicker tray or basket, a 500 or 1,000 piece puzzle, popcorn, mixed nuts, chocolate bars, a mug and a hot drink packet. Budget: about 12 to 16 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Lay the puzzle box flat at the back of the tray. 2. Stand the mug in one corner and fill it with a drink packet and chocolate. 3. Fill the rest with snacks, wrap in cellophane and tie a bow on the side.

Dollar Store Gift Baskets for the Craft Lover

Dollar Store Gift Baskets for crafters are the easiest to fill, because the craft aisle is full of small treasures. Use a clear plastic caddy with a handle, so the gift doubles as storage on their craft table. Add a rainbow of small paint bottles, a brush set, washi tape, glue sticks, a sketchbook, pom poms and a spool of twine. Choose a color story, like jewel tones or soft pastels, so the caddy looks styled. Older kids, teens and grandmas all love this one. Which creative person on your list would fill a sketchbook first?

You will need: A clear plastic caddy, small acrylic paints, a brush set, washi tape, glue sticks, a small sketchbook, pom poms and baker’s twine. Budget: about 15 to 19 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Stand the sketchbook upright in the largest section of the caddy. 2. Group the paints in one section and the brushes and glue in another. 3. Stack the washi rolls on the twine spool, add the pom poms and tie a bow on the handle.

A Grill Master Bucket for Dad

Dads, grandpas and uncles are famous for being hard to shop for, but a grill bucket wins every time. Of all the Dollar Store Gift Baskets here, this is the one men ask about. A galvanized bucket holds long tongs, a basting brush, a meat thermometer, two or three spice rubs, a bottle of sauce and a plain apron. The bucket itself is handy later for carrying tools and supplies out to the yard. Mix your own spice rubs in small jars and label them by hand to make it feel extra thoughtful. It is also a fun gift for anyone who just bought a new grill. Who in your family takes over the grill at every cookout?

You will need: A galvanized bucket, long tongs, a basting brush, a meat thermometer, a plain apron, small spice jars, a bottle of sauce and twine. Budget: about 15 to 19 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Fold the apron, tie it with twine and slide it in at the back of the bucket. 2. Stand the tongs, brush and thermometer upright beside it. 3. Fill the front with the spice jars and sauce and tie a bow on the bucket handle.

A Game Day Snack Tub

For the sports fan, a game day tub is a winner no matter which team they cheer for. A big plastic party tub holds bags of pretzels and chips, a jar of nuts, cups, napkins and a chip and dip bowl. Add a foam football for the kids and paint the tub ribbon in the fan’s team colors instead of buying team gear. After the big game, the tub can hold ice and drinks at the next party. It is a smart gift for a group too, like the whole family next door. Which team colors would you pick for the bow?

You will need: A large plastic party tub, bags of pretzels and chips, a jar of nuts, cups, napkins, a chip and dip bowl, a foam football and ribbon in team colors. Budget: about 13 to 18 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Stand the chip bags and the cup stack at the back of the tub. 2. Set the chip and dip bowl in the middle and fill it with the nut jar and napkins. 3. Tuck the football on top and tie a bow in team colors.

Dollar Store Gift Baskets for a New Home

Dollar Store Gift Baskets for a new home are the most useful gift on this list. Anyone who just moved knows the feeling of opening a drawer and finding nothing inside. Fill a plastic dish tub with striped dish towels, sponges, a scrub brush, wooden spoons, a soap dispenser and a little potted plant. The dish tub becomes part of the gift, and the plant adds life to an empty kitchen. Add a small doormat rolled up with twine if the budget allows. Do you know someone moving in before the holidays?

You will need: A plastic dish tub, two dish towels, sponges, a scrub brush, wooden utensils, a soap dispenser, a small potted plant and a small doormat. Budget: about 15 to 20 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Fold the towels and lay them flat on the bottom of the tub. 2. Stand the plant in one corner and the utensils and dispenser in the other. 3. Fill the gaps with the sponges and brush, lay the rolled doormat on top and tie a bow.

A Baby’s First Christmas Basket

A baby’s first Christmas only happens once, and this sweet set helps new parents mark it. Dollar Store Gift Baskets for babies are easy to fill, since tiny things cost little. A soft fabric bin holds a blanket, tiny socks, bibs, a plush bear, a board book and a simple ornament. Write the baby’s name and the year on the ornament with a paint pen, and it becomes a keepsake they will hang every December. The fabric bin is handy later for toys or diapers. Choose soft whites and one bright accent color to keep it calm and pretty. Is there a new little one in your family this year?

You will need: A fabric storage bin, a baby blanket, baby socks, bibs, a small plush toy, a board book, a plain wooden ornament and a paint pen. Budget: about 15 to 20 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Write the name and year on the ornament and let it dry. 2. Fold the blanket into the bottom of the bin and sit the plush toy at the back. 3. Arrange the socks, bibs and book in front and tie the ornament to the bow.

A Letter Writer’s Desk Set

Handwritten notes are making a comeback, and this desk set invites someone to send more of them. Fill a wooden or plastic desk tray with blank cards, envelopes, a few nice pens, washi tape, stickers and a small notebook. It is a thoughtful gift for grandparents who love sending birthday cards, or for a teen pen pal. Add a few stamps if your budget allows, and the first letter can go out the same day. Tie everything together with baker’s twine so it opens like a little present. Who would you write the first letter to?

You will need: A desk tray, blank cards, envelopes, 3 or 4 pens, washi tape, sticker sheets, a small notebook and baker’s twine. Budget: about 10 to 15 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Stand the cards and envelopes upright at the back of the tray. 2. Lay the notebook flat in front with the pens and stickers on top. 3. Stack the washi rolls in a corner, tie the set with twine and add a pine sprig.

Dollar Store Gift Baskets for Gingerbread House Night

Dollar Store Gift Baskets for a gingerbread night turn a few dollars of candy into a family memory. Instead of a pricey boxed kit, pack graham crackers, a bag of icing, gumdrops, mini candy canes, peppermints and sprinkles on a wide tray. Add a small cake board as the base and a little note with tips for building the walls. Graham crackers are easier for small hands than real gingerbread, and nobody minds if the roof slides a little. It is a perfect gift for families with kids or a fun night for adults too. Will your house have a candy cane fence or a gumdrop roof?

You will need: A wide tray, two sleeves of graham crackers, a bag of icing or a piping bag, gumdrops, mini candy canes, peppermints, sprinkles and a small cake board. Budget: about 12 to 16 dollars.

How to make it: 1. Lay the cake board flat on the tray. 2. Stack the graham crackers on it and put the icing beside them. 3. Pour the candies into small bags or jars, line them up in front and wrap the tray in cellophane.

The Clear Bag and Pom Pom Finish

The finish is what makes a cheap basket look like it came from a gift shop. Instead of fighting with a big sheet of cellophane, slide the basket into a large clear gift bag and gather the top. Then tie it with a fluffy yarn pom pom instead of a bow, which costs pennies and looks handmade and modern. A plain kraft tag with the person’s name in your best handwriting is the final touch. For more theme ideas, our DIY gift baskets roundup has plenty, and the history of the gift basket goes back further than you might think. Which basket will you build first?

You will need: Large clear gift bags, a skein of yarn, a fork or piece of cardboard for the pom pom, kraft paper tags and scissors.

How to make it: 1. Wrap yarn around a fork or a small piece of cardboard about 80 times, tie the center tightly and cut the loops. 2. Trim the pom pom round. 3. Slide the basket into the clear bag, gather the top and tie it with the pom pom strings and the tag.