How to Make a Housewarming Gift Basket

A finished housewarming gift basket.

Finding a thoughtful and appropriate housewarming gift for a friend or family member can sometimes present a challenge. Next time, instead of simply buying the traditional houseplant or bottle of wine, try creating a personalized housewarming gift basket. With the use of five steps and some creativity, you can offer the recipient a one-of-a-kind gift packed full of useful products. Not only will you convey your congratulations on the big move, you'll also provide items necessary for cleaning, repairing and decorating the new home.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic carrying tote
• Tissue paper
• Small hand tools
• Cleaning products
• Decorating book (or magazine)
• Light bulbs
• Picture hanging kit
• Paint samples
• Cellophane
• Clear tape
• Scissors
• Card

Instructions

1. 

   Select an attractive and sturdy plastic carrying tote to hold the housewarming gift items. A tote with a handle and two separate compartments will work best.

2. 

   Decide on the items with which to fill the gift basket. Focus on objects a new homeowner will need to clean, fix and decorate his house. Choose three or four basic hand tools, such as a hammer, screwdriver, tape measure or paint brush. Add common cleaning products like air deodorizer, scrubbing sponges, toilet bowl sanitizer, disinfectant cleanser and paper towels. Also, include three or four home decorating products, such as a how-to book about cleaning and decorating a home, a small picture hanging kit, light bulbs and a collection of paint samples from the local paint or hardware store.

3. 

   Cover the inside surface of the plastic tote with tissue paper. Apply the tissue paper generously since it will shift once the gift items are placed inside the basket.

4. 

   Fill the plastic tote with the housewarming gifts. Place larger items on the ends or towards the rear of the tote compartments. This will balance out the appearance and weight of the gift basket. Use crumpled pieces of tissue paper to prop up small or short gift items.

5. 

   Spread the cellophane across the top of the housewarming gift basket to determine the size needed to cover it. Cut the cellophane to size and wrap the basket. Begin by pulling the cellophane tightly over the front of the package and taping the end to the underside of the tote. Repeat the same procedure to secure the cellophane on the backside of the tote, and once it is pulled taut, secure both sides of the tote in a similar fashion. Neatly fold any excess cellophane toward the center and tape the ends underneath the basket. Attach a personalized note of congratulations and well wishes to the front of the basket.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid objects shifting or falling out while you're covering the gift basket with cellophane, carefully tilt the basket away from the side on which you are working. Repeat this procedure for all four sides of the package and the result will be a tightly wrapped and professional looking gift basket.

• Be careful with the placement of any sharp objects in the gift basket. To prevent injury to the recipient, wrap the sharp end of the object with tissue paper and place it facing down inside the basket.