Thanksgiving is all about showing gratitude, and what better way than with a little basket full of thoughtful goodies?
You don’t need to break the bank or spend hours crafting something fancy – sometimes the simplest baskets are the ones that make the biggest impact.
How Much Should You Spend on a Thanksgiving Gift Basket?
When it comes to Thanksgiving gifting, there’s no strict price tag to follow. Most people spend between $20 and $50 on a Thanksgiving gift basket, depending on how personal or elaborate they want it to be.
If you’re creating your own basket at home, you can easily stay under $25 by using affordable finds – think cozy mugs, cocoa packets, or mini candles. These small touches often feel more heartfelt than expensive store-bought versions.
For a family or group gift, a budget of $40–$60 lets you include homemade treats, gourmet snacks, or even a bottle of sparkling cider.
Remember, it’s not about the cost but the thought behind it. A simple Thanksgiving basket ideas gift can feel incredibly special if it reflects the season’s warmth – like adding a handwritten note, some fall-scented goodies, or a small DIY craft.
Even thrifted or handmade items can make your basket look thoughtful and curated without going over budget.
Where Can You Get a Thanksgiving Basket?
You have a few great options for finding the perfect Thanksgiving basket, depending on your style and budget. If you prefer ready-made baskets, many grocery stores and online retailers offer seasonal Thanksgiving baskets filled with chocolates, teas, and autumn snacks. Search for “harvest gift baskets” or “fall-themed gift boxes” for the best seasonal selections.
If you enjoy a hands-on approach, creating your own basket can be more affordable and personal.
Grab a :
- Simple wicker basket or reusable crate
- Add tissue paper or shredded filler
- Fill it with a mix of comfort treats and handmade touches from the ideas below
For a modern twist, many small shops online sell customizable Thanksgiving gift baskets, where you can select your own items – like cozy socks, coffee blends, or mini pumpkin decor.
Whether you buy or DIY, the goal is the same: to make your simple Thanksgiving basket ideas gift feel heartfelt, festive, and easy to give.
16 Cozy Thanksgiving Gift Basket Ideas
I’ve rounded up some fun, practical, and slightly quirky ideas for simple Thanksgiving basket gifts that your friends and family will actually use.
1 | Cozy Mug + Hot Chocolate Kit
Nothing says “autumn” like a warm drink. I made one of these for my neighbor last year after spotting the cutest mug cozies at a thrift store (yes, thrift stores have the weirdest treasures).
I just grabbed a fun mug, a little bag of cocoa, and a couple of cinnamon sticks. She texted me later, saying she ended up sipping it while binge-watching a holiday movie, and it was “super cozy.”
Quick tip: wrap the cocoa and sticks in a small cloth napkin to keep it from spilling.
2 | Mini Scented Candle Trio
I swear these little candle sets make any Thanksgiving gift basket feel instantly fancy.
They are the perfect basket filler and your friends and family can burn them right through until Christmas! They will definitely fill the house with a festive scent and it creates the ultimate nostalgia for Christmas.
Tiny touches like these make it look like a full-on boutique gift.
3 | Gourmet Popcorn Pack
I tried this one myself last year after buying fancy kernels I didn’t even know existed (cheddar jalapeno…who knew?).
Here is a pack of different flavoured popcorn I saw online that had loads of different flavours! It was super handy as I cooked them up and then packaged them in these tiny bags!
I portioned them into little clear bags and added a note with instructions to pop in the microwave.
4 | Autumn Spice Jar Set
I saw this on the roadside at a farmer’s market last fall and it stuck with me.
Small mason jars like these are perfect for this as it helps to keep the spices sealed and fresh! You can fill them with pre-mixed cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove and add them as your Thanksgiving basket filler.
For an extra cute touch try tying them together with twine, add a handwritten “sprinkle some joy” note, and you’re golden.
I once added a pinch of chili powder in one jar just for fun – it ended up being a surprisingly good combo in hot chocolate.
5 | Hand-Painted Wooden Spoon
This is my “craft fail turned success” story.
I tried painting tiny leaves on a spoon for my mom, and honestly, it looked like a toddler made it. But she loved it anyway! Above, I have included a better version of cute mushrooms!
Even a slightly imperfect DIY item can feel incredibly personal.
Bonus: You can usually find inexpensive wooden spoons in bulk packs online, so you don’t have to hunt forever.
6 | Mini Pumpkin Decor + Treats
Last year, my friend Sam filled a tiny decorative pumpkin with chocolate-covered pretzels, and it was a hit.
He found this perfect ceramic pumpkin at a yard sale for $3, and the treats fit snugly inside. But you can find perfect ones here also!
It’s a simple idea, but visually so satisfying. The best part? You can reuse the pumpkin for table decor after the treats are gone.
7 | Tea Sampler Bundle
I saw this idea roadside outside a tiny tea shop, and I had to try it.
Grab a few individual tea bags – ginger, chai, and cinnamon apple – and arrange them in a small basket with a mini honey jar.
If you are using loose tea leaves then these DIY disposable tea bags are perfect for adding them to!
I added a little handwritten note with brewing tips. My aunt swore it was “the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up,” which honestly, made me feel like a gifting genius!
8 | DIY Mini Fruit Pie Kit
If you love to bake then this one is for you!
In your Thanksgiving gift basket include a small pie crust, a packet of brown sugar, and some dried fruit and let your friend cook it at home themselves!
This is perfect for friends or family who are terrible bakers! It allows them to have a home cooked treat without any of the hassle of actually preparing it! They will love it!
9 | Pumpkin Spice Bath Bomb Set
I am a sucker for a nice smelling bath bomb and they make brilliant gift basket fillers!
Pop a few into a small basket with some dried flowers or leaves and it becomes a luxury Thanksgiving gift.
You can buy festive scented bath bombs in bulk here and package them up individually in cute gift bags for friends and family!
My friend Lila loved that they were festive yet practical, and she kept saying the scent “made her apartment feel like fall.”
Quick tip: wrap in cellophane and tie with a ribbon to keep them from crumbling.
10 | Cookie Decorating Kit
Credit: https://goodmorninggloucester.com
I made one of these for my niece last year. It included pre-baked cookies, a few tiny frosting tubes, and sprinkles.
Watching her decorate each cookie like a tiny artist was hilarious – she ended up eating most of them herself, but that’s kind of the point, right?
My little trick: sandwich the frosting tubes between cupcake liners to keep them from rolling around.
11 | Mini Jar of Homemade Jam
My mom gave me this idea years ago, and it’s a classic.
She used her famous apple butter recipe, filled tiny mason jars, and tied them with gingham ribbon.
Every Thanksgiving, she gifts these, and people always ask for the recipe – which she refuses to give out!
12 | Thankful Notes Envelope
I once saw this on the roadside at a local craft stand and instantly loved it.
Fill a small envelope with folded notes like “Thank you for always making me laugh” or “You’re the best at making mashed potatoes.”
Sometimes small gifts like this can make people feel extra special! It’s personal, simple and heartwarming.
13 | Tiny Jar of Maple Syrup
Perfect for pancake lovers.
I grabbed these mini glass bottles online and added a little tag: “Pour on gratitude.”
My neighbor, who’s obsessed with breakfast foods, was thrilled.
It’s super simple but instantly makes the basket feel seasonal.
Pro tip: double bag it in tissue paper so it doesn’t leak during transport.
17 | Caramel Apple Kit
I made this for a roadside gathering once.
Grab a couple of small apples, a mini caramel pot, and a sprinkle bag.
Stick everything in a small basket, and you’ve got an instant crowd-pleaser.
Pro tip: put parchment paper at the bottom so caramel doesn’t stick.
15 | Fall-Themed Socks
Honestly, as you get older there is nothing better than getting a gift of a pair of socks! They also make perfect Thanksgiving gift basket fillers!
You can get a bulk of fall socks here and roll them up individually for each of your gift baskets!
Cute leaves, tiny pumpkins, and soft wool!
16 | Mini Bottle of Olive Oil + Herb Sprigs
Credit: thehillarystyle
My friend Dani gifted this to her neighbor last Thanksgiving, and it looked way more expensive than it was.
A tiny bottle of olive oil, a sprig of rosemary, and a few dried flowers in a small basket – done. If you want to feel extra special you can add a mini chopping board like these ones.
