The holiday wishlist winner? A DIY Christmas hamper for the design devotees

'Tis the season of gifting! Explore our top tips and go-to picks to create a custom Christmas hamper for the design aficionado in your life.

Give a one-of-a-kind gift and create your own Christmas hamper.

A CLASSIC GIFT BASKET is all about the recipient’s favorite treats – whether homemade or hand-picked. But why not treat a loved one to something timeless as well? Inexpensive design gifts such as candles, home textiles, holiday ornaments, and beauty items are perfect additions to make your DIY Christmas hamper feel extra special.

To make it easy, we’ve curated four unique gift basket ideas from Finnish Design Shop's Holiday season Shop. Mix and match the affordable design finds to create a one-of-a-kind gift basket – or pick your favorite stocking stuffer pieces!

Who says a gift basket has to be a basket? Get inventive with your containers! The Maxim Stripe storage box by HAY is both fun and functional.

1. Think outside the basket

Start with a statement! A unique basket or creative container can be a gift on its own. Think of it as a beautiful addition to someone’s decor – or even a practical piece they can reuse.

And it doesn’t have to be a basket, either. Our team of creative crafters has styled holiday hampers in everything from self-made wooden crates to saucepans. Instead of a traditional wicker basket, consider making your DIY hamper more memorable with:

  • A versatile serving tray
  • A generously sized bowl or platter
  • A canvas tote
  • A storage bin or box
  • A saucepan

Shop baskets and small storage >
Read also: No wrapping paper? No problem! >

Find your perfect base

Homemade treats make a perfect addition to your Christmas hamper. They’ll stay fresh in HAY's colorful tin (if they last that long!)

2. The goodie basket with a twist

When it comes to gift baskets, indulgence is key, and who wouldn't love a basket filled with their favorite treats? While store shelves are packed with festive sweets, why not impress with homemade holiday confections, delicious and long-lasting homemade granola, or warm bagels dropped off fresh from the oven? These thoughtful touches will surely leave a lasting impression – and give you the perfect excuse for a cozy, holiday break while preparing them!

Pack chocolates into a beautiful wooden box, store granola in a glass jar, and nestle them into your Christmas hamper. Even store-bought treats will look extra special when presented in a personalized container! Add beautiful spoons, dessert bowls, or glass straws – little accents curated with care to elevate your gift basket.

Shop inexpensive design gifts >
Read also: Sweeten the holidays with homemade truffles and cookies >

Timeless treats

Swedish brand Printworks' classic games are ideal for laid-back moments.

3. The cozy gift basket

As the year winds down, the pace often seems to speed up – a gift of stillness can truly be the perfect surprise. Think of a hamper filled with items for cozy, uninterrupted moments: a throw, a lovely book, a board game or puzzle, or perhaps a beautiful ornament.

Candles are always a winter favorite, and a set of high-quality candles or a lantern makes an ideal gift that keeps giving year-round. For an added touch of ease, Uyuni’s LED candles offer a flicker so realistic you’d swear it was live flame – great for homes with curious kids or pets!

Shop gifts for loved ones >

Pick your favorites

For a foodie-friendly gift basket, sprinkle in a few chic kitchen utensils alongside other thoughtful treats.

4. The hamper for a foodie

For the foodie in your life, curate a gift basket inspired by a recipe. Choose a standout cookbook as the star, or handwrite your favorite recipe on elegant paper – then pack the hamper with the ingredients needed to bring the dish to life. Fresh herbs, kitchen utensils, chopsticks, and quality napkins are also a perfect fit for this gourmet gift basket. And who knows, you might even score an invite to enjoy the results!

Shop gifts for a foodie >

Mix and match

Plush bathroom textiles and indulgent beauty products transform a bathroom into a serene home spa.

5. Home spa gift hamper

We love cozy gifts, and textiles are an ideal pick for any gift basket. A plush face towel or cozy slippers paired with a luxurious skincare product? Sounds like the perfect post-holiday retreat!

Round out the relaxation with something tasty to sip and nibble on – and of course some candles for ambiance. Skandinavisk’s scented candles and Finnish brand Hetkinen’s stunning diffusers are the ultimate finishing touches for a holiday staycation in a box.

Shop gifts for the bathroom >
See also: There's no place like a home spa >

You can't miss with these 

See also:

Finnish Design Shop's Holiday Season Shop >
Explore Finnish Design shop >

Text: Mira Ahola Images: Mira Ahola and manufacturers

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