How to Make a Hot Cocoa Mug Gift Basket
A cocoa basket looks like a lot of effort and takes about twenty minutes. The mug is the star; everything else fills in around it.
What you need
- The mug: pick one big enough to be worth it. 16 oz and up.
- Cocoa: two or three packets, or a small tin.
- Toppings: mini marshmallows, chocolate chips or crushed peppermint in a small bag.
- A stirrer: candy canes or peppermint sticks.
- One cozy extra: fuzzy socks, a small throw, a holiday dish towel or a book.
- Packing: a small basket or box, crinkle paper, clear cellophane, ribbon and a tag.
Start with the mug
A mug set that already comes with cocoa does half the work for you.
Or pick a single large mug and build around it:
Put it together
- Fill the bottom of the basket with crinkle paper so the mug sits near the top.
- Set the mug in the center, facing front.
- Put the toppings bag and cocoa packets inside the mug so they peek out.
- Hook two candy canes over the rim.
- Tuck the cozy extra along the back so it frames the mug.
- Wrap in cellophane, gather it at the top, and tie a ribbon with the tag.
Tag idea: "Warm hands, warm heart. Merry Christmas." Or write the recipient's favorite way to make cocoa.
Three budgets
| Budget | Build |
|---|---|
| About $15 | A single mug, two cocoa packets, candy canes, cellophane and ribbon |
| About $30 | A large or character mug, cocoa, marshmallows, peppermint, fuzzy socks, small basket |
| About $50 | A boxed mug set or insulated tumbler, gourmet cocoa, toppings, a small throw, a nicer basket |
Hot cocoa gift sets
A mug and cocoa in one box. A safe pick for coworkers, neighbors and teachers.
Shop on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Tumbler gift boxes
Sturdy boxes sized for a 30 or 40 oz tumbler, so the gift looks finished under the tree.
Shop on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
What goes in a hot cocoa gift basket?
A mug, cocoa mix, marshmallows, a candy cane or peppermint stick for stirring, and one cozy extra like socks or a small throw. A short card ties it together.
How do I keep a cocoa basket from looking messy?
Use a basket or box just a little bigger than the items, fill the bottom with crinkle paper so things sit up high, put the mug in the center, and wrap it in clear cellophane with a bow.