11 Easy Thanksgiving Basket Ideas 2023

Posts on Clarks Condensed contain affiliate links, which I earn a small commission from. These are provided for your convenience, and the price isn't increased at all.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, why not try something different and prepare a Thanksgiving basket instead? A basket of tasty Thanksgiving treats is the perfect way to show your family how much you care. So, what are you waiting for? Start browsing recipes today and get started on your Thanksgiving basket!

The holidays are such a fun time of year. Families gather together, people tend to be more loving, and there seems to be a different type of energy in the air. While many people love the holiday season, it can be hard for some people. Strained family relationships, seasonal depression, unresolved trauma, or shifting family dynamics can all contribute to complicated feelings around the holidays.

Whether your have a loved one going through a difficult time or you’ve been thinking of doing something nice for a friend or your family members, a Thanksgiving basket is a great way to show them you’re thinking of them. These would also make for a great Thanksgiving hostess gift!

Thanksgiving baskets don’t have to be huge. You can throw in a few of their favorite treats, go for a cozy theme, or simply include a loaf of pumpkin bread with a note. You can really customize this to fit what you’re looking for, so get creative with it! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Baked Goods

Fall is the time for all things pumpkin, so why not include a loaf of pumpkin bread or some cute fall-themed holiday cookies? This is such a cozy and yummy way to show someone you’re thinking of them.

You could also do pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, caramel popcorn, peanut butter pretzels, apple pie jam, muffins, spice cake, homemade bread, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, or other delicious baked treats! Nothing says “cozy” like a Thanksgiving food basket. If you don’t want to do treats, charcuterie boards are always a hit!

Candle

There’s nothing like a cozy candle to make someone feel warm and loved. Choose a scent that reminds you of them or goes well with the season. A pumpkin spice, apple cider, or cranberry scented candle would be perfect for a Thanksgiving basket! If your loved one isn’t into lighting candles, you could do a wall scent plugin or wax melts. It’s the perfect gift for fall!

Cozy Blanket

This is such a sweet and practical gift. You can find a cute throw blanket at any store, or get really personal and knit or crochet one yourself! This is perfect for snuggling up on the couch with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa or herbal tea. Target and Amazon have darling fall blankets that are so cozy!

Gift Cards

If you’re not sure what to include in the basket or what your loved one would like, gift cards are always a great option. You could do a grocery store gift card so they can get all the ingredients for their Thanksgiving dinner, or you could get them a gift card to their favorite restaurant.

You could also do an Amazon gift card, Starbucks gift card, or a gift card to their favorite store. Sometimes it’s just nice to let someone else pick out their own gift!

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit is a healthy and delicious addition to any basket. You could include apples, oranges, grapes, pears, pomegranates, or anything else that your loved one loves. This is such a sweet way to show them that you’re thinking of them. Bonus points if the fruit is in season! If you want someone else to make the basket for you, Edible Arrangements does a great job creating delicious Thanksgiving gift baskets.

Their Favorite Drink

Is your loved one a soda drinker? Make them a cute little Fall flavored soda kit! You could include a package of Dr. Pepper, a fall tumbler, and some syrups and creamer. This is such a sweet way to show that you know and appreciate what they like. If your loved one doesn’t really drink tea or soda, you could get them a bottle of specialty lemonade or sparkling cider.

Stainless Steel Tumbler

Tumblers are all the rage right now, and for good reason! They keep your drinks cold in the summer and hot in the winter. You could get a cute fall themed tumbler and fill it with their favorite drink mix or tea bags. This is perfect for someone who is always on the go! My personal favorite brands are Stanley, HydroFlask, Yeti, and Simple Modern.

Fuzzy Socks or Slippers

These are such a cozy and practical gift! Everyone loves a good pair of fuzzy socks to lounge around the house in, or some soft slippers to keep their feet warm. You can find these at any store, and they come in all sorts of colors, sizes, and styles. You’re sure to find the perfect pair for your loved one.

“Thank You” Card

A hand-written card is always a nice touch. You could write a heartfelt message, or simply say “thank you” to them for being in your life. This is such a simple way to show how much you care.

Hot Cocoa Mix

This is the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving basket! Hot cocoa is such a cozy and delicious treat, and it’s easy to make. You could even get creative and make your own hot cocoa mix with all of your loved one’s favorite flavors. Add some marshmallows, whipped cream, fall syrups, or candy canes for an extra special touch. You can make a beautiful basket with hot cocoa supplies and sweet treats!

Seasonal Candy

Candy is always a good idea, and it’s even better when it’s seasonal! You could include candy corn, pumpkin spice Hershey Kisses, caramel apple suckers, or anything else that screams Fall. This is such a fun and festive way to show your loved one how much you care and help satisfy their sweet tooth. Who doesn’t love a basket of Thanksgiving treats?

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and showing those we love just how much we appreciate them. These are just a few ideas to get you started on putting together the perfect Thanksgiving basket for your loved one. It doesn’t have to be hard work! Get creative and have fun with it! Most importantly, don’t forget to include a hand-written note letting them know how much they mean to you. Happy Thanksgiving!

From traditional favorites to international cuisine, we’ve got you covered. So get creative this year and add a little extra flavor to your Thanksgiving celebration! What will you be putting in your Thanksgiving basket this year?