Gift Guide
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Looking for a fun and festive way to spread a little holiday cheer? Jingle Baskets are the perfect mix of creativity and heart. Whether you’re gifting a neighbor, teacher, or client—or just want to surprise a friend—these merry little baskets are a joyful twist on traditional gift giving. Plus, they’re easy (and fun!) to personalize.
What Is a Jingle Basket?
Popularized on TikTok, Jingle Baskets are the holiday spin on the viral “Boo Baskets” trend that swept through Halloween. The idea is simple: gather a few small, themed goodies, arrange them in a cute container, and gift them to someone special. Traditionally, Jingle Baskets were meant to be given before the holidays, filled with festive treats and cozy items to enjoy all season long—like cocoa mixes, ornaments, fuzzy socks, or holiday-scented candles.
But we’re putting our own spin on it. At Sass, we think Jingle Baskets also make fantastic gift ideas for the holidays themselves! Instead of handing them out early, use them as your go-to gift for friends, coworkers, or family—something thoughtful, personal, and oh-so-pretty under the tree.
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Choose Your Jingle Basket Theme
A great Jingle Basket starts with a fun theme! Choosing a theme helps narrow down what to include, keeps everything cohesive, and makes the basket feel more intentional and personal. Think about the recipient — what do they love, how do they like to relax, or even what inside jokes you share with them. From there, build your basket around a vibe, color palette, or shared interest. Whether you go cozy, classy or downright funny, a thoughtful theme ties everything together beautifully.
Try one of these festive themes to spark your creativity and build a basket that’s perfectly personal — and totally gift-worthy.
The Foodie Lover Jingle Basket
A delicious celebration of flavor and indulgence! This basket is perfect for those who believe love is best shared through something tasty.
The Plant Lovers Jingle Basket
Perfect for anyone with a green thumb—or those just pretending to have one. Whether you’re a plant pro or a serial succulent killer, this one’s for you.
The Book Lover’s Jingle Basket
Curl up with this one — it’s a reader’s dream. Include a cute bookmark, a book light, a holiday notebook, and a “Do Not Disturb, I’m Reading” door hanger. Add in a list of your favorite cozy winter reads for an extra thoughtful touch.
The Music Lover’s Jingle Basket
For the person who always has a soundtrack for the season, include a record store gift card, a mini Bluetooth speaker, a “Jingle Jams” playlist QR code, and maybe even a tiny tambourine or holiday ornament in the shape of headphones.
The Fitness Buff’s Jingle Basket
Give your gym pal something that says “fit but festive.” Add resistance bands, a sweat towel, a water bottle labeled Elf Mode, and a QR code to a holiday workout playlist. Because ‘tis the season to sleigh your goals.
The Crafter’s Jingle Basket
If you know someone who can turn anything into a DIY project, this one’s for them. Fill it with washi tape, paint pens, glue sticks, ribbon, and ornament blanks — basically, everything they need to deck the halls their way.
How to Assemble Your Jingle Basket
Step 1: Choose Your Basket or Container
The “basket” part of a Jingle Basket can be anything that suits your style—or the recipient’s! You can keep it classic or get creative.
- Woven baskets: A timeless, cozy option that feels straight out of a holiday movie.
- Metal tins: Perfect for that shiny, vintage-inspired vibe.
- Wire baskets: Great for a modern farmhouse look.
- Wood crates or boxes: Rustic charm meets practical sturdiness.
- Galvanized buckets: Fun and casual, especially for families or office gifts.
- Reusable totes or decorative gift boxes: Ideal for eco-conscious gifting (and easy to reuse later!).
Pro tip: You can find cute containers at local boutiques, craft stores, or even thrift shops—bonus points if you “shop small” while you’re at it!
Step 2: Add Your Base
A good base makes your basket look full and polished. Try shredded kraft paper, crinkle fill, tissue paper, or even pine branches for a natural touch. The goal is to lift your items up so they’re beautifully displayed, not buried.
Step 3: Arrange and Layer
Start by placing your largest or heaviest items in the back or center, then layer in smaller goodies around them. Think about balance, height, and color—mix textures like glass jars, paper packaging, and soft items like socks or scarves for a professional look.
Add a “hero” item in the middle, like a candle, local treat, or handmade item that really makes the basket pop.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Here’s where the “jingle” comes in! Tie a few small bells, ornaments, or sprigs of greenery onto the handle or bow. A festive ribbon, a handwritten tag, or a mini holiday card adds that personal, heartfelt detail.
If you’re gifting in person, an open basket looks beautiful as-is. For travel or delivery, wrap the entire basket in clear cellophane and tie it off with ribbon—it keeps everything secure while still letting your creativity shine through.
Step 5: Make It Your Own
The best Jingle Baskets are personal. Add something local, something handmade, or something that reminds you of the person receiving it. That’s what turns a cute holiday gift into something truly special.
So crank up the holiday playlist, grab your ribbon and bells, and start jingling! Your DIY Jingle Basket might just become your new favorite holiday tradition!
Kim is the owner and publisher of Sass Magazine, as well as the owner of Sass Studios, a boutique graphic design studio in Frederick, MD. When not in the office, Kim can be found doing some of her favorite hobbies—reading a book, dancing, traveling, or playing with her rescued pitbull.
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