How to Wrap a Gift Basket
A gift basket can look shelf-perfect or a little sad, and the difference is usually the wrap. This is how to wrap a gift basket so it keeps its shape, shows off the gift inside, and survives the trip to the door. It takes about ten minutes, a flat surface, and a few basic supplies to get started.
What you'll need to get started
Gather everything first. For a cellophane wrap you'll want clear cellophane (or a large clear gift bag), scissors, tape, ribbon, and gift tags. A little tissue or filler adds height and keeps items from sliding. Before you wrap, arrange the basket: tall items in the back, small extras up front. Our guide on how to make a gift basket covers the arranging, and what to put in a gift basket has ideas by occasion.
How to wrap a gift basket with cellophane
1. Cut a large piece. Roll out enough cellophane to sit under the basket and reach above the tallest item, with extra to gather. For a large basket, cross two sheets so there are no gaps.
2. Center the basket. Set the basket in the middle of the cellophane on your flat surface, then pull the sheet up all four sides.
3. Gather the top. Bring the edges up and gather them into one bunch. Smooth the sides so the film hugs the gift instead of ballooning out.
4. Tape and tie. Wrap tape around the gathered neck, then tie ribbon over the tape. A double knot keeps the ribbon from slipping.
5. Trim and finish. Trim the extra above the ribbon into a neat tuft, add a bow, and attach a gift tag. Add a small sign if the gift marks an occasion.
If a large basket keeps sliding, tape the cellophane to the base first so the basket sits and fits inside the sheet.
How to wrap a basket without cellophane
No cellophane? A large clear gift bag does the same job: set the basket in, gather the top, tie with ribbon. Tulle or light fabric gives a softer look, tied the same way. Kraft paper or a printed gift bag hides the contents, though you lose the reveal that makes a gift basket fun to open. Shrink wrap is the tightest finish, but it needs heat, so it's extra work for one gift.
Ideas to make the basket look nicer
Small touches add a lot. Wired ribbon holds a bow better than flat ribbon. Layer two ribbon colors. Pull a few items higher so the basket has a shape, not a flat top. Add greenery or a small sign under the bow. Keep gift tags legible: a name and one line beats a crowded note. These are the same ideas we use when we pack baskets, and none cost much.
What not to do
The honest trade-off: skip tinted or patterned cellophane on a food basket. It hides what the recipient wants to see and makes fresh items look off-color. Clear film wins. Don't overstuff either, since a basket past the rim is hard to wrap and looks messy once the ribbon is on.
Prefer to skip the wrapping?
Every basket we ship arrives wrapped and tied, ready to give. The Deluxe Sweet Treats Wicker Basket is a real wicker basket that reads well under clear film, and the Best Sellers Gourmet Pastry Gift Box and Grandiose Classic Bakery Gift Box look finished with no wrapping at all. Browse all of our ready-made gift baskets, or read our best gourmet gift baskets guide and care package ideas for more. Wrapping a gift basket is a small skill that pays off every time.