Thanksgiving Gift Basket Ideas

Afraid of showing up to a holiday gathering empty-handed? Use this guide to prepare an amazing Thanksgiving basket for the hosts of your family or community gathering. You can think outside the box and get creative with these basket ideas. Shop online, fill up your cart, and let your creativity and generosity take over.

Wine and cheese basket ideas

Cheese and wine go together like peanut butter and jam. They are a match made in culinary heaven. Offer your friends all they need for a romantic evening once all the Thanksgiving guests leave.

1. White wine and soft cheeses basket

Nothing like a creamy and silky brie being paired with a zesty pinot grigio. Depending on your budget, choose wine-cheese pairings and add a little tasting note for a cute detail.

2. Red wine and hard cheeses basket

You might consider a robust Rioja with a hard goat’s cheese or a Shiraz and some smoky provolone. These pairings are ideal for a cold fall night.

Beer and nuts baskets

A night at home watching a football or basketball game by yourself or with friends is perfectly complemented with an ice-cold beer and some delicious nuts. Help your family and friends bring the sports bar to their living room when catching games on Thanksgiving day.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Fresh Round Brie Cheese (14 oz)

Artuke 2017 Pies Rotos Negros (750 ml)

Auricchio Provolone Cheese (per lb)

Takis Hot Nuts Hot Nuts, Hot Chili Pepper & Lime (3.2 oz)

Zhi Tea Organic Turkish Spice Mint Tea (2 oz)

Light Brown Sugar (50 lb)

La Fundidora Salsa, Fuego (12 oz)

Huy Fong Foods Chili Sauce, Hot, Sriracha (17 oz)

Greenbelt Goods Sweet Carro-Line Organic Muffin Mix (10.09 oz)

3. Lager and spicy nuts combo

Light beers are an ideal pairing for spicy chili nuts. You can’t go wrong with nuts paired with a craft lager.

4. India Pale Ale and salty nuts combo

The sweetness and hoppy character of IPA beers contrasts and complements the salty, buttery taste of the nuts.

5. Stout and caramelized nuts combo

There’s nothing better for a chilly night when snow falls. The chocolatey heaviness of the stout opens up the palate for the smoky sweetness of caramel.

Thanksgiving tea gifts

Sometimes life demands some downtime, and there is nothing more relaxing than letting your senses take in a cup of nicely brewed tea. Your hosts will love using this the morning after Thanksgiving.

6. Tea gift basket classified by region

Even though tea drinking originated in China, other countries such as India, Japan, and Turkey have developed complex tea traditions. What about a mint Turkish tea?

7. Tea gift basket classified by type

Consider black, green, tisanes carefully arrange a basket with bag and loose leaf teas classified by variety. Like with wine or aged cheeses, tea tastings can be a fun holiday gift.

8. Decaf tea basket

Some people love the taste of tea, but not necessarily the effect of caffeine. Prepare a decaf tea and tisane box which children can also enjoy.

Thanksgiving spa day gift baskets

Everyone needs to disconnect once in a while. These Thanksgiving basket ideas will help your loved ones find the perfect balance of body and mind, which is perfect after the hustle and bustle of cooking and entertaining:

9. DIY detox juice gift set

Print out some recipes of good detox juices and grab some vegetables and fruits. Ingredients such as celery, beetroot, and spinach are a must!

10. Make your own scrubs gift basket

There is nothing more soothing than manipulating different textures with your bare hands. Prepare a basket with ingredients such as brown sugar, ground coffee, and honey for a sensory journey.

11. Aromatherapy basket

Prepare a pack with essential oils, incense, and candles for that friend or family member who could really use some relaxing time at the moment. Smells can calm our nerves.

Hot sauces bouquet baskets

If you want to gift something that will last all year long, prepare a selection of delicious hot sauces. They go well with anything: pasta, eggs, quesadillas, you name it! You can even use them on the Thanksgiving turkey if it’s a bit too bland:

12. Latin American and US hot sauces

Besides classics such as Tapatio and Cholula, you can include some artisanal or small-batch brands.

13. Asian hot sauces 

Asian countries produce sauces that have a different sort of piquancy compared to their Latin American counterparts. Sriracha is a classic, but Thai and Vietnamese alternatives are pretty hot, too! 

Thanksgiving snack baskets

Even though you’ll likely have a big spread at your disposal, Thanksgiving snack baskets can help sate your hunger while you’re waiting for the turkey to finish cooking.

14. Savory snacks basket

Make it truly special and include organic potato chips, pretzels, and handcrafted nuts. The contents need to be special enough to make those breaks something to look forward to in the middle of the workday.

15. Sweet snacks basket

Make sure to include dried fruits, which pack energy and are healthy, alongside a selection of premium chocolates, hard candy, and caramelized nuts. 

16. Around the world snacks basket

Go the extra mile and include snacks from all over the world, which can be surprising and exciting.

Thanksgiving gift baskets for kids

If your Thanksgiving is a kid-friendly event, you’ll need ways to keep the children entertained. These baskets can help:

17. Child-friendly baking gift basket

Kids love getting messy in the kitchen. Gift an assortment of premade baking packages that are stress-free and delicious! 

18. Arts and crafts gift basket

Glitter, buttons, string… just let your imagination go wild. There will probably be some cute artwork coming your way as a thank you. 

19. Tiny mad scientists basket

Did you know that bicarb soda and white vinegar have an explosive, fizzy reaction? Or that you can create artwork with milk, dish soap, and food coloring? Get some humble ingredients that are sure to provide hours of scientific fun. 

Whiskey variety basket idea

When you need to impress your in-laws or a key business contact, whiskey is sure to close the deal and make you a Thanksgiving star.

20. Japan, Taiwan, Australia whiskey basket

Different countries are developing solid whiskey traditions. In Tasmania, Australia, there are some top-notch distilleries. Taiwan and Japan are also now master makers. Buy 2 or 3 bottles that show your good taste. 

Express gratitude to your hosts

Make your Thanksgiving a memorable holiday for yourself and your loved ones. These basket ideas are like a blank canvas in which you can inscribe your own personality and make someone special smile. And remember, Instacart is readily available for your pick-up or delivery orders.

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