Personalized gift baskets are a great way to create meaningful presents. Items selected from local businesses will make your Kentucky gift basket a special treat. The beauty of these unique gifts is that you are able to customize the contents to fit any occasion such as a birthday, house warming, thank you, bridesmaid treat, emotional support or just because. The basket is flexible in size, color and style. You can accessorize your wicker with colorful or earthen tones.
What I find most enjoyable is filling a basket with items specifically chosen for the recipient. You might select components to relax such as bath bombs, candles and soaps. Try something larger for your favorite cook, featuring gourmet pasta, sauces, oils and kitchen gadgets. And don’t forget the men in your life. Complete his basket with bourbon and rock glasses, assorted beers, socks and tees or classic shaving items. A smaller vessel carries a gift card or tickets to a show. Add a couple related goodies to transform your offering into something extra special!
Bottom up, left to right: Wixology- candle, Triple J Farm– salsa, Lexington Pasta– pasta, Boone Creek Creamery-cheese, Stuartos Olive Oil-infused oil, Harkness Edwards Vineyards- wine, Forever Lasered Memories– etched wine glasses, Martine’s Pasteries– cookies.
I am a true believer in upcycling and recycling. We often buy new, rather than using what we have or easily obtained. I try to keep creative reuse in mind when shopping for ideas.
To begin your Kentucky gift basket, start with a sturdy and rustic basket. Consider one you have, if appropriate. If not, I suggest your local Good Will. You will find a plethora of woven beauties for a couple dollars. Reuse packing materials like craft paper or bubble wrap. I find these at work or have friends who order on-line and donate to the cause. There’s no shame in helping to save our planet!
Choose items of different heights for your basket so that arranged, all can be viewed. Begin at the back with the tallest pieces. Place medium-sized articles in the middle, saving the shortest or smallest prizes for the front. Heavier products may need a boost by adding some folded or crumpled paper underneath. Adjust to ensure everything is visible. Try to keep your basket balanced in appearance by placing same height or similar colored products on opposite sides. Fill in with small, lightweight items, such as the tasty treats from Martine’s Pastries.
Once your basket is complete with gifts, it’s time to add color and texture with Easter grass. There are crinkle cut, paper, plastic and eco friendly varieties; all reusable! Of course, Easter is the easiest time to find them and I buy a little extra when they’re on sale after the holiday to keep on hand.
It might appear that you’ll need a lot of grass. However, packing material and gifts will likely take up most of the room in your basket, depending on how much it’s filled. For example, this container has just over half of a small bag. Now that you’ve added some pop with some frilly turf, take one more look at your basket from the front to assure everything can be seen. Maybe lean something back a little; adjust accordingly. Make certain your particulars are fairly stable so nothing tumbles easily when picked up or carried.
Finally, add the bow. Tie a test bow for length before cutting as you may need a couple tries to get it right. You might slip a few silk flowers behind the bow or something else to add a nice touch.
Voila! You have designed a personalized Kentucky gift basket your recipient will love and appreciate for all the thoughtful care you put into creating.
Please don’t forget to shop local, y’all. Everything in my gift baskets can be procured in our own community. Please click on the links under the first photo. Just for fun, challenge yourself to shop only local. I’ve included a list below with some stores where you’ll find Kentucky proud items, as well as some resident makers and links. Feel free to message me for more ideas or suggestions on anything local.
Click on any of these shop names for more ideas and information on creating your own Kentucky gift basket.
Completely Kentucky – Frankfort, KY. Everything in this store is made in Kentucky, so you can’t go wrong. They carry lovely artwork, kitchen ware, wood products, soft lines, totes, photography, soaps and plenty of tempting, Kentucky made edibles. The good folks at Completely Kentucky will also prepare a basket to your liking and ship it!
Boone Creek Creamery – Lexington, KY. They provide a multitude of fabulous cheeses, made in-house from the rich milk of grass-fed cows. There is a bounty of Kentucky proud products including sauces, honey, chips, pretzels, Wiesenberger Mill mixes and more. Stop by for a taste and a tour.
Tastefully Delicious – Lawrenceburg, KY. This is a Kentucky foodies’ dream with most of the goods produced in the state. You’re sure to find what you need from cheeses, sauces, chips, candy, cakes, oils, pastas and beverages. They create nice, pre-made baskets as well. Visit them on Tasting Saturday for a ton of samples.
Miss Behaven – Georgetown, KY. With locally-fashioned goods, Miss Behaven carries an interesting variety of art, books, cards, accessories, coffee, candies and sauce. All make fabulous gifts!
A Taste of Kentucky – Louisville, KY. Shop with these locals for all things bourbon and Derby related. They stock delicious cakes and candies, art, books, home goods and music. They offer gift baskets ready to ship.
Artique Gallery – Lexington, KY. This unique gallery is home to Kentucky crafted artwork, jewelry, soap, pottery, stained glass, greeting cards and other fine products. Visit them to kick your gift basket up a notch!
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