How to Make a Candle Gift Basket

Candle gift baskets are appropriate for almost any occasion. Making a homemade basket will save you money and help to make your gift more personal. The best way to create a luxurious candle basket is to arrange it on a theme, so be sure that you know your recipient's color and scent preferences before you begin. If she loves long, luxurious baths or hasn't been feeling well lately, consider giving her a spa candle gift basket full things that will soothe, comfort and relax her.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basket
• Fabric or tissue paper
• Ribbon bow
• Assorted candles
• Assorted candle accessories

Setting Up the Basket

1. Get a heavy duty basket made from rattan, wicker or bamboo. Check thrift stores, superstores and garage sales for the best prices.

2. Line the inside of the basket with colorful shredded paper or tissue paper. If you prefer, you may line it with decorative material with an attractive print.

3. Find a bow in an appropriate color. If the basket is a Christmas gift, use a red or green bow. For an Easter candle gift basket, use a pastel color. For Valentine's Day, choose red, pink or white. For other occasions, match the bow to the color of the candles. Attach the bow to the front of the basket with wire.

Basic Candle Gift Basket

4. Get several different kinds of candles for your basket. Find pillar candles, votive candles and floating flower candles in similar or matching colors. Make sure the scents of the candles go together. For example, you could get all of your candles in floral scents such as gardenia, rose and honeysuckle. Or you could find candles in berry scents such as cherry, raspberry and blueberry. Another option is bakery scents such as apple pie, pumpkin pie and gingerbread cookie.

5. Find some votive and candle holders to go in the basket. Make sure that they work with the color theme you have chosen for the basket. For example, if your candles are mostly red, purchase clear, white, red or pink candle holders.

6. Find any other items you would like to place in the basket. Small stuffed animals, miniature books and small packages of candy or potpourri would be welcome additions. Arrange the items in a decorative pattern inside the basket.

Spa Candle Gift Basket

7. Purchase a few candles in invigorating or soothing scents, such as vanilla, ginger, melon, violet or peppermint. If you are getting pillar candles, only get one or two. Make sure that the candles will fit in the basket you selected.

8. Find some bath salts, body wash, bubble bath, soap and lotion whose scent coordinates with the candles you chose. Look for products made with natural essential oils and green tea. Add accessories such as bath mitts and a small absorbent towel in matching colors.

9. Add any additional treats, such as gourmet chocolates, hot chocolate or mocha mixes, teas and cookies. Arrange all the items in the basket with the candles as the centerpiece. Avoid placing the food items directly beside the bath items.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more eco-friendly basket, look for all natural soy candles.