How to Create the Best Gift Basket for Girls Under $20 (6 to 12 Years Old)
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Struggling to find a gift for a 6 to 12-year-old girl who seems to have everything? Don’t panicโyouโve landed in the right place. Atย Your Gift Ideas Guide, we specialize in curating affordable yet delightful presents. One of our favorite solutions? Thisย unique gift basket for girls under $20 is customized, thoughtful, and stress-free.
Gift baskets have become a trend among my daughterโs classmates, and for good reason. These personalized creations cater to a childโs favorite colors, hobbies, and treats, making them a hit every time. Even better, theyโre doable on a $20 budget! Thatโs rightโgift basket ideasย donโt have to be expensive to be impressive. Whether it’s aย Christmas gift basket for girls, Easter gift basket for an 8 years oldย or aย unique birthday gift basket for her, the key is personalization.
Stay tunedโI’ll even share my daughter’s upcoming birthday wishlist soon to give you even more fresh, fun ideas!
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1. The Essentials of Your Gift Box for Girls
Before we dive into the creative details, letโs get your supplies in order. Building the perfectย gift basket for girls 10 years oldย or around that age starts with the right foundation:
Basket or Container
Your base can be anything from a classic wicker basket to colorful plastic bins, decorative boxes, or reusable tote bags. Even an upcycled shoebox works if you get creative with wrapping paper and stickers. Today, I’m repurposing the box that once held a teddy bear I gave my daughter as a gift.
Ribbons
Add flair and festivity with coordinating ribbons that reflect the birthday girlโs favorite color or the overall theme.
Scissors & Tape
You’ll need these for trimming ribbons, securing items, and giving your basket a polished look.
Cello Wrap
This isn’t a must, but it adds that magical โstore-boughtโ finish. Clear cello lets all your curated goodies shine through while keeping them secure.
Themed Gifts
Hereโs where the basket becomes a memory. Choose items that speak to her interestsโbe it art, reading, pampering, or outdoor play. The result? Aย unique gift basket for girlsย that sheโll remember long after her birthday. A thoughtfully curated experience.
2. Where to Shop for a gift basket under $20
Creating a standoutย gift basket for girls 6-12ย under $20 is totally achievable when you know where to shop:
Online Retailers (Amazon, Etsy, Shein)
Score everything from toys to crafting kits at low prices, with options sorted by age and interest.
Dollar Stores & Discount Chains
Ideal for art supplies, cute stationery, candy, and fun accessoriesโgreat for filling up space in your gift basket affordably.
Thrift Stores
Perfect for eco-conscious shoppers. Look for gently used books, toys, or accessories with a second life ahead.
Local Store Clearance Sections
You can often snag high-quality items at a fraction of the price. Keep an eye out for seasonal clearance bins!
Popular categories forย gift basket ideasย include:
- DIY crafts and creative kits
- Bath and beauty products
- Stickers, stationery, and school supplies
- Sweets and treats
- Books and activity pads
This blog post is about “How to create the best gift basket for girls under $20“
3. Purple Themed Gift Basket for a 6-12 Year Old Girl
Let’s put theory into practice! For a recent birthday celebration, the birthday girl loved purple, enjoyed candies, and had a passion for creative activities (last year involved fluorescent hand painting!). She, like most 8-year-olds, already had plenty of toys, so the focus was on inspiring her creative spirit without adding clutter.
Here’s what went into creating aย purple-themed gift basketย that felt elegant, fun, and utterly delightful, all while staying within the $20 budget.
Since I did all this shopping at a Belgian store and most of you, my lovely readers, are based in the USA, Iโve linked everything lookalike I could find on Amazonโso you can shop easily and stay within your budget.
1. Sour Bottle Candies
A sweet treat is always a hit! Opt for candies that align with dietary preferences if known (many halal, vegan, and more natural options are available). While parents might monitor sugar intake daily, birthdays are perfect for a little indulgence.
2. Magic Mixies Mixlings
These popular small toys offer a short, exciting “unboxing” or “creation” experience. Finding a purple Magic Mixies for under $5 was a bonus! They’re miniature, collectible, and provide a quick burst of wonder.
3. Paint-by-Numbers Kit
For the creative soul, a paint-by-numbers set offers hours of engaging artistic fun. A dolphin and sunset design in purple hues, found for less than $3, was a perfect fit. These kits help young artists create impressive pieces and provide a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
4. Bath Flower/Scrubber
While some might debate their long-term use, these soft scrubbers are a delightful addition to bath time. They’re fun for playing in the tub or for creating a “spa at home” experience. Many girls adore them for their tactile appeal.
5. Crackling Bath Salts/Bath Bomb
To complement the bath scrubber, a fun bath additive like crackling bath salts or a colorful bath bomb elevates the bath experience. These items provide sensory delight and make bath time an exciting event.
6. Glitter Product (Hair/Face/Body)
A touch of sparkle for special occasions! A subtle glitter product, like a roll-on for hair or body, can make a girl feel extra fancy on her birthday or during dress-up play. It’s about encouraging a sense of fun and expression.
7. Secret Diary with a Lock
A diary is a must-have for this age group, and theย lock is crucial!ย It provides a safe, private space for her to jot down thoughts, dreams, and secrets. Choosing one in her favorite color makes it even more special.
8. Purple Stickers
Stickers are universally loved! Floral, ice cream, and heart-shaped stickers in her favorite colors are perfect for decorating letters, art projects, or even personal items like bike helmets. Kids love to personalize everything!
9. Gemstones Jewels
Similar to stickers but with a 3D effect, these adhesive gemstones are fantastic for decorating art projects, cards, or even faces for dress-up. They’re inexpensive and add a touch of sparkle.
10. Washi Tape
A crafting essential! Washi tape is versatile for decorating, creating borders, or adding patterns to any art project. It’s an indispensable tool for young artists.
11. Paper Stack/Decorative Paper
To go with the stickers, gemstones, and washi tape, a small stack of decorative paper provides a canvas for all her creative endeavors, perfect for journaling or crafting.
This blog post is about “How to create the best gift basket for girls under $20“
4. More Gift Basket For Girls Ideas
Depending on the child’s specific interests, here are a few more ideas that can elevate any gift basket under $20 :
- A Can of Soda or Juice: A small, special treat for the birthday celebration. Always consider parental preferences for healthy choices.
- Pearls or Elastics for Jewelry Making: If the child enjoys creating their own accessories, a small kit with beads or colorful elastic for bracelets is a wonderful addition.
- A Barbie Doll: You can often find new Barbie dolls for under $10, offering classic doll play.
- Books or Magazines: A small paperback book or a fun, age-appropriate magazine provides engaging reading material.
- Fresh Fruit (Themed!): A unique and thoughtful touch if you know the child has a specific favorite. Imagine a pineapple-themed basket with an actual pineapple โ unforgettable!
- A Birthday Card: My daughter had a particularly busy week and couldnโt get her gift into the basket in time, but sheโll still be giving it separately. That said, we never skip our little traditionโeach gift basket always includes a handwritten note to make it feel extra personal.
5. The Grand Finale: Making Your Gift Basket Look Amazing
You’ve gathered your amazing gifts, now for the presentation! The way you arrange and wrap your gift basket makes all the difference.
How to Wrap unique gift basket for girls the Right Way
- Clear Cello Wrap: This is your best friend for gift baskets. It allows all your beautifully arranged items to be seen while keeping them secure. Cut a piece large enough to gather at the top with plenty of excess.
- Gather and Secure: Pull the cello wrap up around the entire basket, gathering it at the top. Secure it tightly with a piece of ribbon or a rubber band.
- Add Your Ribbon: Tie a beautiful bow with your chosen ribbon around the gathered cello wrap. You can use multiple ribbons for a more festive look.
- Personal Touch: Attach a small handmade tag with the birthday girl’s name.
How to Make the ultimate gift basket Look Good
- Start with the Tallest Items: Place the taller or larger gifts towards the back of the basket.
- Layer and Elevate: Use crumpled tissue paper or shredded paper at the bottom of the basket to create height for smaller items, ensuring everything is visible and pops.
- Arrange by Category/Color: Group similar items together (e.g., all the craft supplies) or arrange them by color for a visually appealing effect.
- Fill in Gaps: Use smaller items, candies, or even crinkled tissue paper to fill any empty spaces, making the basket look full and abundant.
- Consider the “Reveal”: Think about what the birthday girl will see first when she looks into the basket. Place some of the most exciting items at the top or front.
This blog post was about “How to create the best gift basket for girls under $20“
Table of Contents
Thisย gift basket for girls 8 years oldย or around that age wasnโt just beautifulโit was meaningful. Each item encouraged play, creativity, or self-expression. This is what turns a simple collection of goodies into aย unique birthday gift basket for girls under $20.
