Purim Basket (Mishloach Manot)

Besides gifting friends and neighbors, I also participate in the exchange of local and national Israeli Purim baskets. These baskets or packages are filled with homemade baked goods, chocolate, and savory snacks. There are so many creative Purim basket ideas out there…I hope you will enjoy mine.

How to Make Purim Baskets

Making a basket is a fun and creative process. Every Purim gift basket has these four elements:

1. A Container
2. A Filler
3. Embellishments
4. The Gifts

Gift Basket Container Ideas

There are many cute decorative bins and baskets at stores like Target, Dollar Tree, TJ Maxx, etc… But the most creative baskets use something unique to hold the gift. Some ideas are tote bags, gift bags, coffee mugs, clown hats, empty shoe boxes, paper plates, toilet paper rolls, mason jars, and the list go on…

Filler Ideas

Here are some ideas for filler materials you can use:

1. Tissue paper: This is a classic choice for gift basket filler, as it’s inexpensive, colorful, and easy to work with. 
2. Shredded paper: Shredded paper is another option for filler, and it’s also easy to find and inexpensive. You can use shredded paper in a variety of colors to add some visual interest.
3. Crinkle cut paper: This type of filler is made from twisted paper that adds a crinkly texture to the basket. It’s available in a range of colors and is often used in gift baskets because of its distinctive look and feel.
4. Fabric scraps: If you have fabric scraps lying around, you can use them as filler material. This is a great way to recycle materials and add a unique touch to your basket.

Gift Basket Embellishments

Embellishments are additional elements that can be added to enhance the presentation of your basket.

1. Ribbons and bows: A ribbon or bow adds a festive touch to your gift basket. 
2. Gift tags: A gift tag with a handwritten message can add a personal touch to your basket. 
3. Stickers: Stickers can be used to add a decorative touch to your basket or to label items in the basket. 
4. Cellophane wrap: Cellophane wrap can be used to wrap the entire basket, giving it a polished and professional look. 
5. Confetti: Adding a sprinkle of confetti to the filler material at the bottom of the basket can create a cheerful look.

The Gifts (the best part)

There are many options for what you can include inside. Here are my staples:

• Hamantaschen: No Purim basket is complete without them. If you are looking for a recipe- check out my Hamantaschen, Vegan Hamantaschen, and Chocolate Hamantaschen with Chocolate Dough.
• Cookies: Homemade or store-bought.
• A bottle of juice or wine 
• Candies and sweets: Chocolates, gummies, or candy bars. 
• Savory snacks
• Small toys: Children will enjoy small toys such as stickers, mini puzzles, notebooks, pens, or balloons. 
• Purim-themed gifts: Masks and groggers. 
• Food items: You can include small food items such as a package of tea, a jar of honey, or a bag of gourmet coffee.
• Don’t forget to add a greeting card

Recipes for Purim You’ll Love

Cut-Out Butter Cookies

Game-Changing Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mandel Bread (Mandelbrot) Jewish Cookies

Hamantaschen (Jewish Purim Cookies)