How to Embellish a Store-Bought Gift Basket

Change the wrapping paper on a store-bought gift bag.

Although giving someone a store-bought gift basket is a thoughtful gesture, it can seem less personal than giving a homemade gift basket. To save time and still present a gift that has personal touches, embellish a store-bought gift basket with creative add-ons. One idea is to replace the basket's wrapping paper with tulle, and add a ribbon and personalized note card.

Things You'll Need

• Tulle
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Note card

Instructions

1. Measure the basket from top to bottom. Record the measurements and take the size with you to a craft store.

2. Purchase a spool of tulle and a decorative ribbon from a fabric or craft store. Tulle works well for covering gift baskets because it's transparent. Make sure the tulle spool is large enough to accommodate the measurements of the basket. Choose a tulle and ribbon color that complement the general color scheme of the store-bought gift basket. Purchase a themed note card.

3. Remove the original wrapping paper from the basket. Do not throw it away. Save it for wrapping another gift or as material for another craft project.

4. Pull all sides of the tulle up over the basket to the top of it. Hold the material together with your hands and wrap a twist tie around it to keep it in place. Cut off any excess tulle.

5. Attach the ribbon you purchased to the basket. Tie it so that it hides the twist tie. Write a brief message or original poem on the note card and tape it to the basket.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add other embellishments to the basket, such as colored confetti under the gift items, bow ornaments or glittery sparkle.

References

• Money Crashers; How to Make a Gift Basket at Home with Cheap Supplies; Myscha Theriault
• HGTV; Decorative Gift Basket; Shari Hiller
• YouTube; Nashville Wraps Presents Wrapping a Basket With Tulle; March 2011