I have a confession, I am obsessed with gift baskets and boxes. For every birthday, graduation and holiday present, I like to give a few items I think the person will love. This obsession started after I began celebrating Christmas with Brian’s family, almost eight years ago. Besides spending time with his family and eating a ton of food, I love the little gifts I would get in my socking. I loved finding a new pair of fuzzy socks, a great smelling lotion and my must have Neutrogena makeup wipes. These little gifts were my favorite and led me to this next gift basket idea.

My oldest sister’s thirtieth birthday was last month. I was struggling to figure out what I should get her. Over the last year, there has been a lot of great and stressful events in her life. She finished up her last year of law school with honors, studied and passed the bar and started a new job. I am so proud of all her accomplishments and wanted to give her something she could use well past her birthday.

I contemplated keeping some of the things in the gift basket for myself.

While I was out shopping in March, I saw this journal that reminded me of her. This started off my idea to put together a gift box inspired by the little things she would love. Over the next few months I collected things I thought she would like and added them to the box. My sister and I share the same taste in a lot of things. I contemplated keeping some of the things for myself. I am so proud of the box and was excited to send it to her. Brian was impressed with my collection, and insisted I share it with you.

When my sister received the gift box in the mail she sent me the cutest video of her reaction to each item. I’ve never seen her so excited about a gift. In the box, I included a note about why I picked each item, which I will keep private between her and me. I will tell you I let her know it’s important to find little things in life that make her happy. I hoped the things in her box could be her something little that day.

Thirtieth Birthday Gift Basket Items

We found most of these items at HomeGoods and T.J. Maxx. Lilies and Loafers has affiliate relationships, so we may get a small share of revenue from your purchases. Items are sold by the retailer, not by Lilies and Loafers.

• Journal
• Smashbox Red Lipstick
• Lush Charity Pot Lotion
• Lush “Floating Island” luxury Bath Oil
• 2 Scented Candles
• “Hot Sauce” Socks
• Pink Headband
• Chipotle gift card
• Copper Water Bottle
• Essie “Marshmallow” Nail Polish
• Hello Gorgeous Pink Mug
• Tazo Chamomile Tea

It was so much fun putting this gift basket together. Seeing her reaction made it all worth it. If you are thinking about putting a gift box together here are a few tips:

1. Make a list of the items you know they love.
2. Start early and slowly pick up items every week to avoid the stress of running around at the last-minute.
3. Don’t over think it. You most likely know this person well, so trust your instincts.

Warning: you may become obsessed with putting together gift boxes once you see someone’s reaction.