Brighten Someone’s Day with a Little Gift of Sunshine!
A Box of Sunshine is a gift basket filled with various bright yellow items. It’s simple to make,
One of the reasons I love the Sunshine in a Box idea is that it’s so versatile. You can make small gifts with just two or three items or go all out and make a larger one with dozens of cute “yellow” surprises.
In fact, you don’t even have to use a box. I’ve used jars, baskets, buckets, coffee mugs, and gift bags as containers. I’ve just changed the names to fit the container used—“A Bucket Full of Sunshine,” “Sunshine in a Basket,” and “Little Gift of Sunshine.”
I first came across the “Box of Sunshine” gift idea several years ago on HappyMoneySaver.com. Since then, I’ve used this idea in many ways.
Honestly, I think I get more enjoyment out of making these sunshine gifts than the recipients get receiving them. They are so much fun to make.
A Thoughtful Way to Let Someone Know You Care.
This gift can be used for so many occasions and for many different reasons: gifts for new mothers, get-well gifts, birthday gifts, college care packages, thank-you gifts, secret pal gifts, house-warming gifts, presents for expectant moms, surprise gifts for children, gifts for shut-ins and the elderly, teacher appreciation gifts, military deployment care packages, missionary care packages, thank you gifts, or as a gift for anyone just to let them know you care.
But one of my favorite uses for the Sunshine in a Box is as a gift for someone going through cancer. This little gift of sunshine is ideal for adding those items someone going through cancer needs and appreciates.
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What Should You Include in Your Basket of Sunshine?
Well, Yellow items, of course! I’m always looking for yellow things to include in my sunshine packages. Instead of trying to find everything when I really need it, I like to pick things up as I come across them while shopping. I then store them until I need them. This saves time and money.
Where can you find items for your Box of Sunshine? Anywhere and Everywhere! If you walk into any store, you will likely find something yellow: Dollar stores, Walmart, Target, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, grocery stores, gift shops, etc.
The gift items don’t have to cost a lot of money. Most of the items in my baskets only cost only a dollar or two. And since you decide on the container size you use, you control the amount your gift of sunshine will cost.
Ideas for Items to Include in a Box of Sunshine:
Snacks:
Candy
Chips
Crackers
Cookies
Gum
Mints
Bottled or Canned Drinks
Personal Care Items:
Travel Size Shampoo, Body Lotion, or Cleansing Gel
Soap – especially lemon-scented
Lip Gloss
Hairbrush
Body Sponge
Kleenex
Gift Items:
>Pens/Pencils
Notebook
Notepads
Gift Cards
Picture Frame
Jig-saw Puzzle
Word Search, Crosswords, Sudoku Books
Books
Magazines
How to Make Your Gift of Sunshine
Choose the container you wish to use for your gift. If you are shipping your package, then it is best to use a white shipping box.
If you are delivering the package yourself, then you have a multitude of options to choose from:
Any size box
Wooden Crate
Metal or Plastic Bucket
Basket
Glass Jar
Coffee Cup
Gift Bag
You will need some type of filler as the base of your package: tissue paper or shredded paper. If one of the gift items is a throw blanket or a shawl, use that as your base.
Gather the gift items you are going to place in your box. Remove everything you can from its original packaging, allowing space for more gift items. Of course, you don’t want to remove food items from their packaging, but the less excess packaging you have, the prettier your gift package will look.
Arrange the items in your box, basket, bucket, etc. Add a little more filler if needed. Attach your gift tag. Your Sunshine gift is ready to give.
Useful Tips for Making Sunshine Gifts
Keep Yellow Items on hand for impromptu gifts. I find having items always on hand allows me to be more spontaneous with my gift-giving. If I think of someone who could use a little pick-me-up, I can just grab my box of yellow items and whip together a gift package in no time. If I had to shop for the items, I would be less likely to make one.
The end of the Easter season is a fantastic time to stock up on yellow gift items, decor, tissue paper, and shredded paper at a discounted price.
If you are worried the contents of your basket will fall out, place the completed basket in a clear plastic basket bag. Tie the bag with a pretty yellow ribbon. This adds a polished look to your gift. You can purchase these clear cellophane bags at most craft stores.
So, what are you waiting for? Give the gift of a box of sunshine today and brighten someone’s day!
Perfect idea! And I love the uplifting yellow instead of pink. Thank you so much!