The Ultimate Checklist Of Things To Include In A Christmas Cooler Gift Basket

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If you love giving gifts that feel thoughtful and look ridiculously aesthetic, you’re going to be obsessed with the christmas cooler gift basket trend. 

It’s such a classic, and modern upgrade to the traditional holiday gift basket or hamper. But making a christmas cooler basket can be hard, especially if you are not sure of what gift items to put inside the cooler. 

I've taken the time to curate everything you need from budget-friendly must-haves to splurge-worthy indulgences that'll make your cooler basket look high-end, cohesive, and totally giftable.

Whether you’re building one big cooler for the whole family or a few smaller ones for friends or coworkers, here’s a complete list of things to include for a pinterest-worthy christmas cooler gift.

Exactly What To Include In A Cooler Gift Basket

First off, to assemble, choose an affordable sturdy cooler, heavily layer the base with tissue paper or shredded filler, and top with a bow or Christmas ribbon. 

Second, choose gifts tailored to the recipient for example, boozy/survival gifts for adult men, practical holiday kits for teachers, coworkers, friends, or snack-heavy for families. 

Third don't overthink it, as this setup procedure not only looks great but provides lasting utility for picnics or parties year-round.  

1.

Beverages & Mixers

What’s a Christmas basket without something to sip on? Drinks that feel festive and fun form the core of many cooler baskets, keeping things chilled for holiday toasts or cozy nights in. 

Drinks instantly make your cooler come alive. From sparkling wines that scream celebration to cocoa kits that warm the soul, mix and match them depending on cooler theme, and what the recipient likes to drink.

• Craft beers, freezable beer glasses, or seasonal ales (e.g., winter IPAs or holiday-themed packs)
• Wine or champagne bottles, paired with a wine chiller for easy serving.
• Non-alcoholic options like sparkling cider, gourmet sodas, or eggnog
• Old-fashioned cocktail kits, including a shaker set, mixers (e.g., cranberry juice for festive drinks), and freeze-proof glassware
• Hot cocoa packets or mulled wine spices (the cooler can store them until ready to heat)
• Whiskey smoker kit perfect for whiskey or bourbon lovers which they can use to entertain guests or just enjoy a quiet evening drink
• Finish off with a cute drinkware like a holiday tumbler or mini mugs for that perfect finish

2.

Festive Snacks & Treats

This is the heart of your basket the edible happiness that makes everyone’s eyes light up. Because let’s be honest, food is everyone’s love language during the holidays. 

Different variety of snacks like sweet, salty, and a little indulgent are the kind of treats everyone secretly sneak bites of before having dinner.

• Artisanal chocolates, peppermint candies, hot cocoa bombs, or candy canes
• Gourmet nuts, spicy trail mix, or small-batch popcorn (flavored like caramel or cheese)
• If you bake a lot during the holidays, these excellent holiday cookie tin will help you gift assorted homemade cookies to your family, friends or neighbors, or try these super cute, and sturdy cookie gift boxes 
• Cheese assortments, portable pizza tool set, crackers, or olive oils for a charcuterie vibe
• Themed plush toys or blind boxes with candy elements for a fun, kid-friendly surprise
• Buttery Christmas cookies, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and caramel popcorn that smells like nostalgia
• Finally, toss in an epic holiday baking cookbook with over 50 seasonal treats that will warm their hearts

3. 

Accessories & Practical Items

These little touches make your basket feel personal and well-thought-out, they are the kind that turns a “gift” into an experience. 

These are the surprise-and-delight moments that make people linger before digging in. These enhance usability and add value beyond the holidays.

• Bottle opener, koozies, or reusable cups (e.g., festive red solo cup stacks)
• Playing cards or small games for fun or entertainment after dinner
• Cozy add-ons like a small blanket, gloves, socks or small stocking stuffers for winter outings
• Gift cards to stores like Starbucks or Amazon for personalized touches

4. 

Relaxation & Spa Gifts

For a soothing, self-care spin on the Christmas theme, add a few pampering goodies that make your basket feel like a mini spa day in disguise. 

Whether your recipient is the family hostess or the friend who’s been running on Christmas chaos, these self-care treats remind them to take a moment for themselves.

• Aromatherapy diffuser or essential oils (e.g., pine or cinnamon scents for holidays).
• Bath salts that smell like vanilla sugar cookies bombs
• A cute fuzzy socks, a scented candle, holiday lip balm that smells like holiday fresh pine
• Add in a tiny festive hand lotion, you'd normally gift in bulk every christmas or a sweet treat body lotion 
• Massage tools, like a wooden trigger point massager
• A holiday-silky sleep mask for those long winter naps

5.

Finishing Touches That Make It Pop

Presentation matters, it’s all about those final details that make your gift feel intentional and full of personality. Add a strand of fairy lights or tie a bold red ribbon around the handle for a festive statement. 

A handwritten card tucked on top instantly adds a personal touch because nothing beats a heartfelt note during the holidays. Then sprinkle in a few pine cones, faux holly, or a sprig of fresh greenery.

So, when they lift that lid, it should look, and feel like Christmas joy just burst out from the perfectly wrapped and photo-ready cooler basket.

I hope you found what to include in your christmas cooler gift basket, merry christmas, and a happy new year in advance to you!