Gift baskets make for great gifts for any occasion. They allow you to customize the basket with a variety of items that cater to the recipient’s likes, hobbies, or dietary needs. Gluten free gift baskets are especially thoughtful for those who follow a gluten free diet.
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. It acts like a glue, giving breads and baked goods their chewy texture. However, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate gluten. When they eat it, it damages their small intestine and causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, fatigue and more. The only treatment is following a strict lifelong gluten free diet.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble the perfect gluten free gift basket for the gluten free person in your life.
Decide on a Theme
First, decide on a theme for your gluten free gift basket. This will help you select coordinating items for a cohesive gift basket. Here are some gluten free gift basket ideas to get you started:
- Breakfast – Include gluten free baked goods, cereal, coffee, fruit spreads
- Italian – Include gluten free pasta, sauce, olive oil, spices, biscotti
- Spa – Include gluten free bath products, candles, essential oils, face masks
- Movie night – Include gluten free popcorn, candy, hot cocoa mix
- Soup and salad – Include gluten free crackers, croutons, dressings, soup mix
- Holiday – Tailor foods and treats to the holiday like Christmas cookies or Easter candy
Select a Basket
Next, select a basket, bag or other container for your gluten free gift. You want something sturdy yet lightweight if you’ll be shipping or traveling with the gift basket. Some popular options include:
- Wicker baskets – Classic and natural looking
- Wooden crates – Rustic chic appeal
- Metal tins – Sturdy and reusable
- Fabric gift bags or boxes – Available in different prints
- Cellophane gift bags – Lets recipients peek inside
Or get creative and use alternatives like a stock pot for a soup themed basket, a mixing bowl for a baking themed basket or a serving tray or platter to neatly arrange items. Add tissue paper, packing peanuts or crinkle cut shreds to protect items and add a finishing touch.
Select Gluten Free Items
Now comes the fun part – selecting delicious gluten free foods and products to include in the gift basket! Shop at specialty health food stores or browse the gluten free aisles of major grocery stores. You can also order gluten free items online. Read all ingredient labels carefully to make sure they do not contain wheat, barley, rye or malt.
Here are some gluten free gift basket ideas to consider:
Gluten Free Baking Mixes
- Pancake and waffle mix
- Brownies
- Cakes
- Cookies
- Muffins
- Bread or pizza crust mix
Gluten Free Baked Goods
- Cookies
- Muffins
- Scones
- Donuts
- Crackers
- Granola bars
- Cereal treats
Gluten Free Snacks
- Popcorn
- Potato chips
- Tortilla chips
- Pretzels
- Crackers
- Trail mix
- Dried fruit
- Nut assortments
- Candy – chocolate, gummies, hard candy
Gluten Free Spreads
- Fruit jam
- Nut butter
- Honey
- Tapenade
- Hummus
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Spinach artichoke dip
Gluten Free Drinks
- Coffee – ground or beans
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
- Juice – shelf stable boxed
- Wine
- Craft beer – many gluten free options
- Cider
Other Gluten Free Gift Ideas
- Seasonings and spices
- Olive oil and vinegar
- Pasta and pasta sauces
- Quinoa or rice mixes
- Soup mix
- Gluten free oats
- Candy and chocolate
- Gluten free flour blend
- Xanthan gum – useful for gluten free baking
- Natural beauty products – soaps, lotions, bath bombs
Arrange Items Attractively
Once you’ve gathered all your gluten free goodies, it’s time to assemble and arrange everything in your gift basket. Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Keep similar items grouped together. Here are some tips for an eye-catching presentation:
- Line the basket with shredded paper, cloth napkins or towels to add color
- Wrap bulkier or irregular shaped items in tissue paper or cellophane bags
- Arrange items from tallest to shortest
- Fill in gaps with shredded paper or crinkle cut shreds
- Tie a bow around the handle using raffia, ribbon or twine
- Affix a gift tag or note card
- Display baked goods attractively on a tray or platter
- Scatter bulk snacks like nuts or candy in separate sections
- Stand bottles of sauces, dressings and drinks upright
Feel free to get creative with the arrangement and overlay items for a full, bountiful look. The presentation possibilities are endless!
Include a Gift Message
No gift basket is complete without a personalized note or greeting card. This is a chance to share a heartfelt message and highlight that the basket is gluten free for their dietary needs. Sign your name and include the date on the tag or card. Here are some examples of what to write:
- “Enjoy this gluten free gift just for you!”
- “Have a happy birthday full of delicious gluten free treats!”
- “Hope this gluten free gift helps make the holidays special!”
- “Happy Anniversary! Wishing you a lifetime of love and gluten free goodies!”
- “Congrats on your new home! Enjoy these gluten free housewarming gifts.”
Add additional gift tags or labels to the individual food packages detailing what they contain. The personal touch will make your basket extra thoughtful.
Ship or Deliver
If you need to ship or mail the gluten free gift basket, select a sturdy box or shipping container. Protect fragile items with generous amounts of packaging material like bubble wrap or crumpled tissue paper. Place items snugly so they don’t shift and get damaged. Clearly label the box as fragile.
Opt for fast shipping to ensure freshness of any perishable baked goods or items. Or deliver the gift basket personally to maintain the presentation and enjoy seeing their excitement firsthand!
Creative Gluten Free Gift Basket Ideas
Now that you know the basics, you can start crafting creative gluten free gift baskets suited to each recipient’s taste. Here are some fun theme ideas to get your inspiration flowing:
Gluten Free Breakfast Gift Basket
Help start their mornings off right with these gluten free breakfast treats:
- Muffins – banana nut, blueberry, corn
- Scones – cinnamon, orange, chocolate chip
- Bagels and cream cheese
- Cereal – gluten free oats, granola
- Syrup – maple, fruit flavored
- Butter or fruit preserves
- Coffee or tea
Gluten Free Soup and Salad Gift Basket
Bundle up gluten free ingredients for quick soups and salads:
- Soup mixes or canned gluten free soups
- Salad dressings – ranch, Caesar, balsamic vinaigrette
- Oil and vinegar
- Croutons
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Dried fruits
- Salad toppings – bacon bits, seeds, cheese
Gluten Free Pasta Lover Gift Basket
Perfect for the gluten free pasta aficionado:
- Gluten free pasta – penne, rotini, elbows
- Pasta sauces – marinara, alfredo, pesto
- Seasonings – Italian blend, garlic powder, oregano
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Breadsticks or dinner rolls
Gluten Free Movie Night Gift Basket
Snack on these gluten free treats for movie night:
- Microwave popcorn
- Candy – gluten free chocolate, skittles, Swedish fish
- Chips and gluten free pretzels
- Trail mix
- Hot cocoa mix
- Popcorn seasoning
- Movie theater candy – red vines, skittles, junior mints
Gluten Free Holiday Gift Basket
Make the holidays merry and bright with these gluten free holiday favorites:
- Christmas cookies – shortbread, thumbprint, snowball shapes
- Fruitcake or gingerbread house kit
- Hot cocoa mix
- Candy canes
- Holiday candy – peppermint bark, caramels
- Festive holiday snacks – pretzels, nuts, trail mix
- Panettone – Christmas fruit bread
Gluten Free Baking Gift Basket
A dream basket for the gluten free baker:
- Gluten free flour – brown rice, almond, coconut
- Xanthan gum
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Sugar – white, brown, powdered
- Chocolate chips
- Extracts – vanilla, almond, peppermint
- Cooking oil
- Measuring cups and spoons
Gluten Free Self-Care Gift Basket
Pamper with these gluten free self-care treats:
- Bath bombs
- Body lotion or body butter
- Soaps – goat’s milk, shea, oatmeal
- Loofah
- Face masks
- Candles
- Tea – herbal, chamomile, mint
- Essential oils
The possibilities are endless when making homemade gluten free gift baskets. Have fun tailoring baskets to the recipient and occasion. Follow these tips and with a little creativity, you can put together gift baskets that are both tasty and gluten free. Your gift will be cherished by those who must follow a gluten free diet.
Conclusion
Whipping up a gluten free gift basket is a thoughtful way to make someone feel special while catering to their dietary needs. Decide on a fun theme, select a quality gluten free assortment of food, snacks and other items, artfully arrange everything in a basket or container, and include a heartfelt gift message. Your homemade gluten free gift basket is sure to bring joy to anyone who has to eat gluten free. With an array of tasty gluten free products available, you can create gift baskets that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition. Your gift will remind them that you care about their health and happiness.
