Ten Things to NOT Put in Your Gift Baskets

Ten Things to NOT Put in Your Gift Baskets

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Of course all of these items that you shouldn’t put in gift baskets come with the caveat that some people do in fact need these things. That said, many times, people already have a lot of these things on hand.  In fact, people usually have nicer versions of these things already, too.

So What Shouldn’t I Put in My Gift Baskets?

When going to give a gift basket, think to yourself, “would I want to have this thing?

Also ask yourself, “would this person want to have this thing?” The needs of a fresh university graduate are a lot different than the needs of a 40-something minimalist!

Need more ideas? You might like these First Year Anniversary Gift Ideas too.

Do you know what to avoid putting in gift baskets? Things that people don't actually want or need? This list has changed the way I think about making gift baskets for gift giving and for fundraisers. Pin it to keep it in mind!

And now, on to the list:

Ten Things to NOT Put in your Gift Baskets

1 – Plastic Measuring Scoop Sets

Most already have measuring cups so this is a great thing to not put into gift baskets.

Unless they are good ones that would be considered an upgrade, most people have a set already.

Here are some good quality versions to check out, instead:

2 – Cheap Bowls

The same as above.  Bowls are large.  Does the person have a place to store this?  Will it be a welcome addition to their home?

3 – Body Wash

Lots of ladies are “awash” in body wash already.  Ditto for lotion.  Many people already have their favourites, have sensitive skin, or are particular about which scents they like to have.

Skip this item.

4 – Baking Pans


Are they likely to already have this type of pan?  Are you planning to give just one of these pans? Muffin tins that don’t stack drive me nuts.  Shaped ones, like perhaps a Thomas the Tank Cake Pan,  however, are different!

5 – 800 Spatulas or Wooden Spoons


A new spoon or a new heat resistant spatula is nice.  Ten more for your drawer is too many!

6 – Ice Cream Scoops & Pizza Cutters


Again, most people already have these items. If you are going to give one, make sure it is a very good quality one that represents an upgrade, not something that needs to finds its way to the thrift store quickly.

7 – Single Mugs or Glasses

Unless the person has a wide variety of coffee mugs, many people prefer their matching sets. Single wine glasses? Awesome when you’re a student, after that, not unless you’re Jules Cobb. That being said, you could take a different approach. Consider a more practical gift like this Giant Wine Bottle Wine Glass which is perfect for a party of one. 

8 – Colander

Colanders, like bowls, take up a lot of space and you only need so many in the house.  If you plan to use one, opt for a collapsing one, to be an upgrade for the recipient.

9 – Summer Sausage & Non-Refridgerable Cheese


As per Kathleen, this one usually applies at a time where people are receiving lots of gift baskets, like the passing of a loved one. The contents of the multitude of gift baskets tend to all be the same!

10 – Loofah

 

Like with the body wash, many people already have a collection, and a great number of people do not use a loofah at all.

What else do you recommend to NOT put in your gift baskets?

Do you know what to avoid putting in gift baskets? Things that people don't actually want or need? This list has changed the way I think about making gift baskets for gift giving and for fundraisers. Pin it to keep it in mind! #gifts #giftbasket Bad gift ideas | Fundraising tips | How to give good gifts

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