Crafting the Perfect Color-Themed Gift Basket

With Teacher Appreciation Week right around the corner and the school year drawing to a close, I wanted to share a fun and creative way to show gratitude to the incredible educators in our lives. Crafting the perfect color-themed gift basket is not only an enjoyable project but also a thoughtful gesture that teachers will appreciate. I’ve been working on one for my daughter to give her teachers.

The first step is choosing a theme that sets the tone for your basket. One of my favorite approaches is going with a color theme—it’s simple yet impactful. Once you’ve settled on a color, the real fun begins: gathering items that fit the theme. This allows you to create a cohesive and visually appealing gift that’s as charming as it is meaningful.

To take it a step further, pair the color with a playful, pun-filled saying. For my current basket, I went with the theme “Orange You Glad It’s Almost Summer,” using the cheerful color orange as the centerpiece. Adding a witty phrase like this not only adds a personal touch but also brings a smile to the recipient’s face.

From citrus-scented items to orange colored snacks, the possibilities for your themed basket are endless. You can customize it based on your chosen color, incorporating items that are practical or indulgent, depending on your preferences. It’s a heartfelt way to show teachers how much their hard work and dedication mean to us and our children. However, this idea works perfectly for any occasion when you want to give someone a thoughtful and fun gift. Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a moment to let someone know you appreciate them or are thinking of them, this approach adds a personal touch.

Color Theme Ideas with a Punny Saying

Red – You are a berry great ……
Orange – Orange you glad….. (I did Orange You Glad It’s Almost Summer for a teacher gift)
Yellow – Just a little sunshine to brighten your day
Green – I am so lucky…..
Teal – Wanted to teal you….
Blue – Something out of the blue to say …..
Purple – Have a purpley perfect…..
Pink – Pinking of you……

For my tag, I made one from a template I found on Canva. It was called Orange Spritz Cocktail Summer Party Invitation Card. I just edited it to fit what I wanted the card to say. Then I downloaded it and printed it on cardstock from my home printer.

Crafting the Perfect Color-Themed Gift Basket

Next, you need a container for your basket. The Dollar Store is a great option for inexpensive containers. Anything that can hold items can be used as your container. It can even be an item to fit the theme. Amazon is another great option for containers or as is your local craft store. I keep a stock of these 2 cup drink carrier from Amazon to make smaller gift baskets like in the photo below. I also like to include shredded paper filler at the bottom of the container.

In this basket I included – EOS Lotion (pomegranate raspberry), EOS Lip Balm (strawberry sorbet), Kroger Lite Vinaigrette (raspberry), strawberry gummies, ICE drink (strawberry kiwi), Strawberry Mentos, and Ice Breaker Mints (raspberry lemon seltzer).

Items to Include in the Basket

Food

Drinks – canned or bottled drinks, drink powders
Something Salty – pretzels, chips, popcorn, nuts
Something Sweet – candy, chocolate, cookies, jam
Gum or Mints
Salad Dressing

Personal Care

Soap
Lotion
Hand Sanitizer
Face Masks or Under Eye Masks
Chapstick or Lip gloss
Candles
Hair Items – scrunchies, clips, etc
Earrings
Nail Polish
Bath Bombs, Shower Steamers, Bubble Bath

Office Supplies

Markers or Pens
Notebook, Note Pads, or Journal
Clips or Push Pins
Magnets

Entertainment

Books
Book Marks
Card Games
Puzzle or Puzzle Book
Magazine

Other Items

Mug or Water Bottle
Socks
Small Plant
Gift Cards

For my orange-themed gift basket included:

White container ($1.25 from Dollar Store)
a Peach Nectarine Sparkling ICE drink (88 cents at the grocery store)
A couple of Sunkist Orange drink powder packets (42 cents from a pkg of 6 from the Dollar Store)
Cheetos or Sun Chips Harvest Cheese Flavor ($1.25 from Dollar Store)
Reese’s Thins ($1.25 from Dollar Store)
Trident Tropical Twist Gum ($1.25 from Dollar Store)
Bath and Body Works Pina Colada Swirl Hand Soap ($2.95)
Bath and Body Works Sunlit Palm Trees Hand Sanitizer ($1)
Orange Sharpie Marker ($1.25 from Dollar Store)

Total cost before tax was $11.50 (I didn’t include the cost of the shredded paper because I already had that on hand.)

Have fun bringing your gift basket to life, and don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine! This is your chance to create something truly special and unique that reflects your thoughtfulness and care. Whether you’re choosing items that match your theme, brainstorming a witty tagline, or arranging everything into a beautiful display, enjoy the process and make it your own.

Remember, it’s the heartfelt effort and personal touch that make these gift baskets so meaningful. No matter the occasion or recipient, your finished masterpiece is sure to brighten their day and leave a lasting impression. So grab your supplies, dive in, and let your imagination guide you—happy crafting the perfect color-themed gift basket!