Christmas Gift Basket Ideas Under $40: 6 Easy DIY Baskets with Real Fillers and Prices

A gift basket is the easiest way to make a small budget look generous. Pick a theme, add four or five things that go together and tie on a tag, and suddenly a few drugstore finds feel like a real present. They work for neighbors, teachers, coworkers, in-laws and the friend who has everything.

I priced out six themed Christmas gift baskets with real products from Walmart and Target. Every basket comes in under $40 for the fillers, and most come in well under. Use them as shopping lists, or swap in what you already have at home.

Quick picks

• CheapestMovie night basket, about $20
• Best for twoHot cocoa basket with a pair of Santa mugs, about $22
• Best for herSpa self-care basket, about $40
• Best for coffee drinkersCoffee lover basket, about $35
• Best for familiesBaker's basket, about $32
• Best thank-youTeacher basket, about $38
• Plan them allChristmas Gift Basket Kit, $4 printable (my shop)

1. Hot cocoa night basket (about $22)

The classic, and the one everyone is happy to get. Line a basket with a plaid towel or the socks, stand the mugs up in back and pile the cocoa and marshmallows in front. Add a handful of candy canes (about $3 for a box at any grocery store) to stir with.

2. Movie night basket (about $20)

The cheapest basket here and a hit with families. Use a popcorn bucket, a small laundry basket or a shoebox wrapped in red paper. Add a DVD of a Christmas classic from the thrift store if you spot one.

3. Spa self-care basket (about $40)

For the mom, sister or friend who never takes a night off. A white or wicker basket and a rolled washcloth make it look like a spa shelf. This one sits right at $40, so it is the one to trim first if prices move.

4. Coffee lover basket (about $35)

Great for coworkers, in-laws and anyone who says they are "not a morning person." Scatter a few coffee beans and cinnamon sticks between the items for the smell when they open it.

5. Baker's basket (about $32)

Everything to bake and decorate a batch of Christmas cookies. Use a mixing bowl or a baking dish as the basket and it becomes part of the gift.

6. Teacher thank-you basket (about $38)

Practical things a teacher will use every day, plus one treat. A small bucket or a reusable tote is easy to carry home from school. To add a gift card, tuck it into the tumbler or clip it to the pens. For smaller ideas, see my teacher gifts under $15.

How to put together a Christmas gift basket

1. Pick a container that is part of the gift. A mug, mixing bowl, popcorn bucket, tote bag or thrifted basket all work. Dollar stores sell small baskets for about $1.25.
2. Fill the bottom. Crinkle paper, a folded towel or a throw blanket lifts the items up so nothing sinks out of sight.
3. Tallest items in back. Stand bags, boxes and mugs at the back, then work forward to the smallest pieces.
4. Fill the gaps. Wrapped candies, biscotti, socks or candy canes keep things from shifting.
5. Wrap and tie. Clear cellophane gathered at the top with ribbon or twine, or just a big bow on the handle.
6. Add a tag. Write who it is for and one line about why you made it. Get my free printable tag sheet below.

Free printable gift basket tags

I made a sheet of eight printable tags to match these baskets: Cocoa Night, Movie Night, Spa Day, Coffee Break, Happy Baking, Thank You Teacher, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, each with To and From lines. Join my email list just below and the download link appears right away. Print on cardstock, cut, punch and tie on with twine.

From my shop: easy add-ons

If you have a little room left in the budget, these are my own designs from my Etsy shop. The towel and tote are printed to order, so give them a couple of weeks to ship.

• Christmas gift tags ($3): a printable sheet of classic tags for the rest of your presents.
• Kids Christmas Activities Printable ($4): coloring pages and games to tuck into the movie night or baker's basket.
• Holiday Season Cocoa Kitchen Towel ($29): a splurge liner for the cocoa or baker's basket that they'll keep using.
• Home for the Holidays Tote ($26): use it as the basket itself.

Frequently asked questions

What do you put in a Christmas gift basket?

Pick a theme and add four or five items that go together, like cocoa mix, marshmallows, mugs and cozy socks for a hot cocoa basket. Fill the bottom with crinkle paper or a towel, put tall items in back and finish with cellophane and a tag.

How much should a DIY Christmas gift basket cost?

Most DIY baskets cost $15 to $40 for the fillers. Every basket in this guide comes in under $40, and the movie night basket is about $20.

What is a good cheap gift basket idea?

A movie night basket with microwave popcorn, a box of theater candy, cocoa and a plush throw costs about $20 and works for families, roommates and teens.

What can I use instead of a basket?

A mug, mixing bowl, popcorn bucket, tote bag, baking dish or a shoebox wrapped in paper all work, and many of them become part of the gift.

What should go in a teacher Christmas gift basket?

Flair pens, sticky notes, a tumbler, hand cream and a small chocolate treat are all things teachers use every day. A gift card tucked into the tumbler makes it extra special.

Prices were checked on October 20, 2026 and can change. Walmart prices were read on Walmart.com on October 20, 2026 and can vary by ZIP code and seller; prices marked "about" come from Target's listings and could not be confirmed on the product page. Basket totals leave out shipping, tax and the basket itself. Check the price before you buy. My holiday printables on Etsy are 25% off through November 22, 2026 (no code needed), so you'll pay less than the regular prices listed here.