I would love some advice from all you wonderful crafty ladies (and gents)

[amcintyre780]

So this year I want to make some gift baskets for family, friends & people less fortunate. The only problem is I cant seem to find any baskets that will be big enough, or for that matter, any baskets at all! I was wondering if anyone had any crafty ideas for a basket, whether it is in fact a basket, or something fashioned into one. I checked a couple of Value Villages but didn't find any that were sturdy or large enough. Thank you in advance

[acosta]

You can use a regular box, found at any supermarket/grocery stores and gift wrap them to make them look nicer.
The box will be free and the gift wrap you probably have or can buy at dollarama.

:D

Value Village/second hand stores will also be selling them cheap.

[amcintyre780]

That's actually a great idea!! I may have to do this Then they can be personalized too! Thank you

[Snow In Summer]

You can use a regular box, found at any supermarket/grocery stores and gift wrap them to make them look nicer.
The box will be free and the gift wrap you probably have or can buy at dollarama.

:D

Value Village/second hand stores will also be selling them cheap.

Actually I did that last year for a single woman who was laid off 3 weeks before Christmas, who I didn't know personally. I took a normal box and wrapped it with Christmas paper and filled it up to the brim with essentials from my stockpile and then added a separate bag with tons of makeup freebies I got and placed it top with a huge bow. In return I got a four page letter back. She was SO elated and promised me she would pay it forward, because that is all I asked for. I kept her letter as it reminds me everyday how we can make a difference in someone lives each day. Good Luck & Good Work!

[MrsSunshine]

or you could use a laundry basket or rubbermaid. something they can reuse afterwards.

[Lynn49]

Both great ideas!!

[mrskoka]

I was just about to post the laundry basket idea and Mrs. Sunshine got there first. Also - price may not be right - but a cleaning bucket, recycle bin, outdoor flower pot since you indicate large size needed can work well in some instances. May depend on the contents.

[Shwa Girl]

OP, the clearance on garden center items may help. Example, Loblaws had orchid pots for 0.94. Also Home Depot has their clear shoe boxes with lids for $1, but clearance price is $0.50. Clearance is random -- they don't advertise.

[Patty Smyth]

Dollarama has some nice laundry baskets also boxes that are already xmas themed. I have used these in the past. I have also used the silver mesh waste paper baskets they sell there.

[Lynn49]

Dollarama strikes again!! It's amazing how those $1 and $2 Christmas boxes are $8+ at Michaels, and a whole lot more at Home Sense! I recall purchasing a couple of boxes at a dollar store here that looked like 'leather', and even had metal corners!
Very chi-chi-poo-poo looking!

[amcintyre780]

Thank you everyone for such great ideas I clearly came to the right place lol! I will be on the lookout at Dollarama and the clearance sections in my Home Depot. I can't wait to start making them!

[Snow In Summer]

Dollarama has some nice laundry baskets also boxes that are already xmas themed. I have used these in the past. I have also used the silver mesh waste paper baskets they sell there.

I love the dollarama silver mesh waste paper basket idea!!! I might try that one next time

[marmaduke]

This year I am using beach bags from the SDM clearance .99 each. Think they will work.

[itsmewhoelse]

I've also used the Walmart xmas theme reusable bags too. Fill and top with tissue paper to hide the goodies add some ribbon and you are done.

[dreamcatcher1962]

I have been making gift baskets for years for Christmas and have used some of the items listed above.
Last year it was the WM reuseable bags which I bought after Christmas the year before for .50 cents each and were Blue with Snowflakes.

This year I am using Christmas Stockings which I bought after Christmas last year on clearance. These will be pretty but will be more of a challenge to transport.
However the stocking works as part of the gift.

Other items were: Apple Baskets, Wicker Baskets , Dollar Store Boxes (as mentioned above), Plastic Plant Pots. Each were wrapped in clear Cellophane with a bow.

Best of luck, I'm sure they will be most appreciated