We were excited to assemble this holiday gift basket for the 2019 season. With a renovation in progress, we wanted to simplify holiday gifting and focus more on quality time instead of frantic shopping. To make things easier and more personal, we decided to create themed gift baskets for family and friends.
This year’s theme is “cocoa & cookies.” It’s a cozy, simple idea: bake cookies using an easy mix and enjoy hot cocoa with all the fixings. The basket is perfect for a family movie night and makes a warm, indulgent gift without the stress of extensive shopping or elaborate wrapping.
Here’s what we included in each basket:
- Two holiday mugs
- Starbucks double chocolate hot cocoa mix (8 servings)
- Marshmallow snowflake hot cocoa toppers
- Torani dark chocolate Puremade sauce
- Sparkly gingerbread cookie mix (Pelican Bay brand)
- Gingerbread cookie cutter
- La Suissa chocolates
- Advent calendar
- Torani syrup holiday flavor trio sampler: peppermint, toasted marshmallow, pumpkin pie
- Candy canes
- Holiday sprinkles — two varieties
- Lindt Lindor chocolate truffles, assorted (10 pieces) — we filled the mugs with these
Finding the right box took some time. I wanted a container that would hold all the items without looking bulky. Eventually I selected a 12x12x6 kraft literature-style mailer, which fit everything neatly and kept the presentation clean. The box allowed room for padding and the festive arrangement of the items.
Assembly tips:
- Layer heavier items on the bottom and cushion with crinkle paper or tissue to prevent shifting.
- Arrange mugs facing opposite directions to maximize space and fill them with small treats like truffles or candy canes.
- Use clear cellophane or a festive ribbon to finish the basket for a polished look.
- Add a personal note or recipe card for the cookie mix to make the gift feel homemade and thoughtful.
We hope this cocoa and cookies basket inspires your holiday gifting. It’s an affordable, heartfelt option that invites recipients to slow down, relax and enjoy a cozy night in.