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A gift basket is one of the easiest ways to give something that looks generous without spending much. It works for almost anyone – neighbors, coworkers, hosts, in-laws, teachers – and it can be as simple as a ready-made box of treats or as personal as a basket you fill yourself around a theme.
This guide covers Christmas gift baskets under $40 in three groups: food and treat sets, self-care sets, and themed baskets you can put together yourself. Ready-made sets are the fastest option. A do-it-yourself basket takes a little more time but lets you choose every item. Prices change often, especially in December, so check the current price before you buy.
| For… | Try |
|---|---|
| Families and hosts | A meat-and-cheese or chocolate gift box |
| Tea and cocoa lovers | A tea sampler or hot cocoa set |
| Anyone who needs to relax | A self-care or bath set |
| A personal touch | A themed basket you fill yourself |
Hickory Farms Holiday Gift Box
Why it makes a good basket: Hickory Farms is known for its holiday gift boxes of summer sausage, cheese and crackers. The smaller sets are an easy, crowd-pleasing gift for a family or for a host to put out when guests arrive.
Best for: Families, hosts, neighbors and office gifts.
What to check before buying: Gift box sizes and contents vary a lot, so check what’s included and the current price. Read the storage instructions, and consider dietary needs.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares Assortment
Why it makes a good basket: An assortment of individually wrapped chocolate squares is easy to share and looks festive in a basket. Many holiday editions come in a gift-ready bag or box.
Best for: Chocolate lovers, coworkers and teachers.
What to check before buying: Check the flavors and whether the product may contain nuts. Chocolate can melt if a delivery is left somewhere warm.
Harney & Sons Tea Sampler
Why it makes a good basket: A sampler with several different teas lets the recipient try new flavors through the winter. Tea is light, shelf-stable and easy to ship.
Best for: Tea drinkers and anyone who enjoys a cozy evening drink.
What to check before buying: Check whether the teas are loose-leaf or bagged, and whether caffeine-free options are included.
Hot Cocoa Gift Set
Why it makes a good basket: A hot cocoa set with mix and toppings such as marshmallows turns a basket into a ready-made cozy night. It’s especially fun for families with children.
Best for: Families, kids and anyone who loves a sweet winter drink.
What to check before buying: Check the contents, the best-by date, and any allergen information.
Popcornopolis Gourmet Popcorn Gift Set
Why it makes a good basket: A set of flavored popcorn cones or tubs makes a colorful, shareable gift and a natural base for a movie-night basket.
Best for: Families, offices and movie lovers.
What to check before buying: Check the flavors, allergen information and the current price against your budget.
Stonewall Kitchen Jam Sampler
Why it makes a good basket: A trio of small jams turns into a breakfast basket when you add a bag of coffee or a loaf of bread.
Best for: Hosts, neighbors and anyone who loves a slow breakfast.
What to check before buying: Check the flavors and jar sizes, and wrap glass jars carefully if you’re shipping.
Self-Care Gift Sets
Burt’s Bees Holiday Gift Set
Why it makes a good basket: Burt’s Bees releases holiday gift sets each year, usually with lip balm and hand or body care in festive packaging. They’re affordable, practical and ready to give.
Best for: Coworkers, teachers, friends and relatives.
What to check before buying: The contents change from year to year. Check what’s included in the current set and whether there’s anything scented if the recipient prefers unscented products.
Spa Gift Basket Set
Why it makes a good basket: A spa set usually combines bath salts, body wash, lotion and a small accessory in a basket or box. It’s an easy way to say “take a night off.”
Best for: Busy parents, caregivers and anyone who deserves a break.
What to check before buying: Read the ingredient list and scents, check the item sizes (some are travel-size), and look at reviews for packaging quality.
Cozy Fuzzy Socks Gift Set
Why it makes a good basket: A multipack of soft socks is an inexpensive, useful filler that suits almost anyone and adds color to a basket.
Best for: Rounding out a self-care or cozy-night-in basket.
What to check before buying: Check the size range and fabric.
For more self-care ideas, see our beauty and self-care gifts and gift ideas for Mom.
Build Your Own Themed Gift Basket
A basket you fill yourself feels personal, and it lets you shop around for the best prices. Start with a basket, box or large mug, then add three to five items around one theme.
Wicker Gift Basket with Liner
Why it makes a good basket: A reusable basket makes a DIY gift look finished, and the recipient can use it for storage afterwards. A fabric liner hides the gaps and adds color.
Best for: Anyone putting together their own basket.
What to check before buying: Check the dimensions against the items you plan to include, and whether cellophane wrap or filler is included.
Themed basket ideas
- Movie night: microwave popcorn, a few boxes of candy, cozy socks and a note suggesting a favorite Christmas movie.
- Coffee break: a bag of coffee, a mug and biscotti. Our coffee gift guide has more ideas.
- Baking day: a cookie mix, a wooden spoon, cookie cutters and a handwritten recipe.
- Game night: a card game, snacks and a deck of cards.
- Cozy night in: hot cocoa, a candle and a soft throw.
Themed baskets can usually be put together within $40, depending on what you choose. Adding a few items you already have, like a family recipe, helps keep the cost down.
Tips for a Better Gift Basket
- Think about the recipient’s diet. Allergies, vegetarian or alcohol-free preferences can change what’s appropriate.
- Check storage needs. Avoid perishable items unless you’re delivering in person.
- Mix sizes. One tall item at the back and smaller items at the front make a basket look full.
- Add a card. A short note turns a basket of products into a gift.
Buying for the office? See our Christmas gifts for coworkers under $50.
Christmas Delivery Dates
Update this section every holiday season. Last checked: September 2026.
Food and chocolate should arrive close to when they’ll be enjoyed, but not so late that you miss the holiday. If you’re shipping a basket you packed yourself, allow extra time for packing.
The U.S. Postal Service publishes recommended mailing dates for December 25 delivery each year. For the current season, USPS recommends mailing within the contiguous U.S. by:
- USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail: December 17
- Priority Mail: December 18
- Priority Mail Express: December 19
These are recommendations, not guarantees. Retailers set their own holiday cutoffs, so always go by the delivery date shown at checkout for the recipient’s address. See the USPS holiday shipping dates page for Alaska, Hawaii, military and international dates.
Final Checklist
- Pick a ready-made set or a theme for a DIY basket.
- Check contents, sizes and the current price.
- Consider allergies and dietary needs.
- Avoid perishables if the basket is being shipped.
- Add a handwritten card.
- Check the delivery date before you pay.
A great Christmas gift basket under $40 doesn’t have to be big. It just needs a few good things chosen with the recipient in mind.