Give the Gift of Citrus: 5 Ideas for DIY Fruit Baskets

With the holidays quickly approaching, you may be looking for the perfect gift. Why not citrus? Here are some great ideas for homemade citrus fruit baskets.

Looking for an easy, thoughtful DIY gift that friends and family are sure to love? DIY or homemade citrus fruit gift baskets are a great way to spread holiday cheer, and unlike many other festive treats, they're actually good for you!

You can customize your fruit baskets in so many ways to make a perfect gift for a friend or loved one. Here are five tips to help you make a homemade fruit basket you will be proud to give. 

1. Choose a Nice Container

Choosing a lovely container is the first step in making a fruit basket that's as nice to look at as it is to eat. While traditional wicker baskets are a great choice, don't be afraid to get creative. Flower pots, elegant bowls, and nice boxes are all good alternatives. 

Make sure to pick the correct size container for the amount of fruit you want to give. You don't want the fruit packed too tight or the basket looking empty.

2. The Best Types of Fruits for DIY Fruit Baskets

The best fruits to use in a fruit basket are hardy and on the larger side. Small and delicate fruits like berries are generally not a great idea. There are many types of citrus fruits that are perfect for a homemade fruit basket.

Navel oranges, mandarins, and grapefruits are classic favorites. If you celebrate Christmas, you may be familiar with the tradition of Christmas oranges. You can also spice up your fruit basket with some more unusual selections like kaffir limes and kumquats. 

Make sure to choose fruit that is not quite ripe. This ensures it won't go bad before the recipient has a chance to eat it. 

3. Arranging Your Fruit

When placing your fruit in your chosen container, start by putting the largest and heaviest pieces on the bottom. Next, fill in around them with mid-size fruits. Finish up by placing the smallest fruits on the top, filling in spaces wherever necessary. 

4. Make a Fruit Arrangement

An edible fruit arrangement, or a fruit bouquet, can give your gift some extra wow factor. In order to create your own do-it-yourself arrangement, you can cut fruits into fun shapes. Then, place the fruit shapes on skewers in a way that looks festive. 

You can get more creative by adding other elements, such as marshmallows and other sweet treats. You could even dip some fruit in chocolate to make a decadent dessert. Place the ends of the fruit skewers into a nice flower pot or vase, and you've got a delicious gift that doubles as an eye-catching centerpiece. 

5. Adding Other Treats

You might want to add some other small treats to your fruit basket to make a well-rounded gift. Some things that complement fresh citrus fruit are nuts, dried fruit, and artisan cheeses. 

For a gift other than food, personalized accessories are always a heartwarming touch. Consider a serving plate or engraved cheese board with the recipient's initials or another personalized message. 

Giving the Gift of Citrus This Holiday Season

Do-it-yourself (DIY) or homemade fruit baskets are a classic gift, and citrus fruits help bring the cheer to the next level. Their bright colors and sparkling flavors are sure to delight everyone on your holiday shopping list. 

Looking for more citrus gift ideas? Check out our citrus blog for helpful info and insights on citrus fruits, trees, recipes, and more.

Try our seasonal citrus box while its available...the Craft Citrus Club!

Our Rio box is a 15-lb curated box of our fresh-harvested citrus from South Texas. The fruit is NOT gassed, rather it is tree-ripened. Our season runs from Nov-May for  oranges, grapefruit and mandarins.

Our Grande box is a 30-lb box of either fresh-harvested Rio Red Grapefruit or Sweet Oranges from South Texas.