Our DIY Guide to Gift Baskets & Gift Boxes

It’s always a joy to give gifts to the people you love, but it’s always a little tough trying to decide on what to give. From treats, to sheets, to handmade crafts, there’s a world of possibilities to choose from, even if you know all of their favourite things by heart. But who ever said that you had to get only one?

This is why gift boxes and gift baskets are a dream come true. Packed with a personally-picked assortment of everything your loved one enjoys (besides you, of course!), these all-in-one gifts are sure to make anyone’s day. What’s more, they’re wonderfully easy to prepare, making them a dream for both amateur crafters and gift givers ーalthough a little experience always helps!

Interested? Well then let us show you how you can make the perfect DIY gift basket, and some ideas on how to stylishly stuff any gift basket like a pro!

What You Need

• Fabric-Friendly Scissors
• Hot Glue or Double-Sided Tape
• One Medium-Sized Cardboard Box
• Leftover Fabric

While your final product will be a gift on its own, this is a wonderfully simple craft. Most of what you need are some products that you’ll already be throwing in your recycling bin after any online order (or sending off to QE Home’s ReHome recycling program). Mostly what you need is just a box, some standard scissors, and any attachment tool like a hot glue gun to attach your materials together!

As for the fabric itself, anything smooth is a dream, but do keep in mind you’ll need a decent amount. Essentially you’ll need enough fabric to cover your entire box twice, so leftover fitted sheets and flat sheets are especially recommended. Also, make sure you have some fresh new sheets to replace anything you’re going to use!

Lastly, if you enjoy decorating and are using solid fabric, don’t be afraid to throw in some heart-shaped stickers or other decorations.

Step 1: Cut Out Your Inner (And Outer) Cover

Measure twice, cut once! Your measurements will entirely depend on the size of the box you use, but the best way to approach this craft is to spread your fabric flat on the ground and place your box in the center. You’ll also want two of these patterns, so fold your fabric in half so that you can cut both at once.

From there, lean it on each side one-by-one, and use a pen to make dotted lines around the border. Use a ruler to give a little extra space too, since you’ll be folding in the fabric to look a little neater. By the end, you should have a t-shaped pattern with squares that are each a little bigger than each box side!

Once you're done, cut carefully along the lines and you'll have your completed patterns!

Step 2: Fold & Seal Your Hemlines

It’s one thing to cover a box in fabric, but it’s another to make it look neat and tidy. The best way to do this is by using your extra few inches, which are going to fold inward for a nice smooth look! To start, make a very minor cut into the margins, so that you can easily fold them in without pulling excess fabric.

Next, fold the extra margins onto the inner side of the pattern, but only on two opposing sides (either the front or back, or left and right). This will provide a natural seam so that it looks perfectly even before you glue or tape it together.

After you’ve mapped these out, simply apply your double-sided tape or glue to the margins, and fold inwards to seal them in. If you’re using glue, we recommend using a light amount ー otherwise, it might bleed through the fabric and leave an unappealing dark mark or texture.

Step 3: Attach To The Outside Of Your Box

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You’re now ready to start applying your fabric to the box! First, fold up the sides of the non-hemmed segments, and wrap the extra margins around the corners of the box while sealing with glue or tape. From there, apply the hemmed sides overtop, covering up the unhemmed edges.

Once the sides are done, start rolling the fabric over the top of the box, and attach it onto the inside. This will give a nice smooth edge around the top of the box that’ll make it look both pleasing and professional.

Step 4: Add Your Inner Lining

It’s now time to do the same thing, but on the inside of your box, using the second pattern you cut out. After all, your gifts deserve some coziness too! Since you’ll be filling this with gifts, this can be a little messier if you’d like, but the lining helps cover up the box inside while also showcasing your gifts just a little extra.

This time, start by putting the second pattern at the base of the box, fold in the sides, and attach it just beneath (or underneath) the folded outer fabric with a little glue or (in our case) double-sided tape. Since this isn’t the most visible side, don’t worry if the lining isn’t as tidy as the outside ー remember, it’ll be filled with presents soon, which are bound to be the true stars of your gift!

Tuck and attach the inner lining elsewhere to make it as tidy as possible, or add some gift wrapping paper and a throw blanket beneath to fill space if your box is a little deep. From there, your box is ready to be decorated and filled!

What To Put In Your Gift Box or Gift Basket

So now that you’ve made your basket (or picked up a pre-made one up yourself), only one real question remains ー what should go inside? The obvious answers are things your partner loves, but you don’t want it to look like they were just thrown together like it’s being shipped in the mail.

Let us share a few of our favourite tips for how to fill the perfect gift basket!

Pure Puppy Love

Love takes many forms, and this box contains all of them at once. We’ve highlighted this box with one of our cuddly Weighted Cushions (available in select stores only), but the goal of this box is to bring as much love and comfort as possible, from a cozy themed throw to a fresh duvet cover. Beyond bedroom comforts, this is also a great place for more traditional Valentine’s Day gifts like candies and flowers.

• Valentine’s Fleece Throw - String Hearts (In-Store Exclusive)
• Weighted Cushion - Rover (In-Store Exclusive)
• Linen Love Wool Dryer Ball Set - Good Health
• Bamboo Cotton Duvet Cover - Frosted Berry

Weekend Care Package

More than just a gift, this style of basket offers a full experience for your giftee’s next day off. This box is filled with everything your loved one needs to treat themselves on a much-needed personal. Top it off with a bath bomb to turn your gift into a spa day experience, and some homemade desserts for a more personal (and literal) touch of flavour!

• Valentine’s Fleece Throw - Love Hearts (In-Store Exclusive)
• Modal Cotton Towels in White
• Chenille Hot Water Bottle in White

Chic Silk Surprise

Silk is always a beloved choice for gifts, partially for its brilliant health benefits, but also for its gorgeous colour and sheen, as it makes it just that extra bit more personal (even more if you add some custom embroidery). Throw in some more romantic gifts like gorgeous glasses or scented candles, and you're sure to make your partner as flush and speechless as you whenever you see them.

• 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase in Blush
• 100% Mulberry Silk Hair Wrap in Blush
• 100% Mulberry Silk Heatless Curler Set in Blush

If you want to stay tuned for more seasonal crafts and gift ideas, subscribe to our mailing list so we can keep you posted on all our hottest finds! Plus, be sure to also check out any of our 75+ stores so you can easily replace all the old sheets and covers you just used for your gifts.

Happy crafting!