Gift Basket Theme Ideas from the Co-op

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We all want to buy that “just right” gift, but sometimes we’re stumped! Let us take the pressure off with helpful gift themes and ideas! Make their holiday with a bundle of sustainably made, thoughtfully selected items from the co-op. From kids to foodies, from friends to family, we help you check off everyone on your gift list in one stop, with unique ideas they’ll appreciate.

Localvore Gift Basket

Share your love of local with delicious, special food from artisanal makers. These gifts delight the taste buds while supporting local food makers, small business owners, and the local food economy.

Local Gifts: Wild Rice, Locally Roasted Coffee, Cheese, Honey

  • Local honey

A gift that promotes happy people and healthy pollinators, too. The co-op has a number of local honeys to enjoy that make the perfect gift for foodie and bakers.

  • Eichten’s bison summer sausage

Bison summer sausage is delicious, protein packed and low in fat. Its smoky, tangy flavor pairs well with sharp cheddar and grapes.

  • Red Lake Nation wild rice

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians grows and harvests this wild rice as part of their commitment to producing unique products that honor their cultural traditions.

  • Locally roasted coffee

There are a number of locally roasted coffee brands, including Wonderstate Coffee, roasted in Viroqua, WI, and Fika, roasted in Lutsen, that have rich, delicious, specialty coffees that make great gifts.

  • Local cheeses

Find a wide array of local cheese at the deli. From goat cheese to cheddar, blue cheese to brie, we have a variety of world-class local cheeses your loved one is sure to enjoy (and that support local farmers as a bonus).

Baker’s Gift Basket

Wintertime is baking time. Mixing bowls, a beautiful cookbook, baking mixes and unique flours are all ways to feed the passion of bakers on your list.

Gift Basket Ideas for Bakers

  • Mixing bowls and baking ware.

While selection varies by store, you can find certain mixing bowls, pie dishes, and cooking utensils at the co-op.

  • Baking mixes, like Coconut Whisk

Sometimes it’s fun to bake but time is short. Add a baking mix for artisan bread, muffins, or cookies to the gift basket, so your loved one can enjoy homemade treats, faster.

  • Cookbooks

Wintertime is the perfect time to try new recipes and cooking techniques. The co-op has a wide selection of ever-changing cookbooks, including for special diets, using local ingredients, and created by local chefs and authors.

  • Specialty flours & sprinkles

Add in a few other fun items for baking. Options include naturally colored sprinkles and local flours made from Kernza® perennial grains or hazelnuts.

Kids Gift Basket

Treat the littles on your list with books by local authors, colorful puzzles and wooden toys, and bright, cozy outdoor wear.

Little Girl Reading a Picture Book

  • Hats and scarves

Find warming hats, headbands, and neckwear, so your loved ones stay warm all winter.

  • More for kids

There’s a rotating supply of kids books, puzzles, and eco-friendly toys.

Home Gift Basket

Kitchen items make perfect gifts, something you know people will enjoy using year-round. From cutting boards and linens to mugs and reusable food storage, we’ve gathered ideas for the food lovers in your life.

Sustainable Home Gift Basket

  • Mugs

The co-op has a variety of unique mugs to add to your gift basket. There’s a changing inventory, but current items include handcrafted, local mugs and more.

  • Stasher bags

Reusable silicone bags are durable and reusable, helping eliminate single-use plastics. They can go in the dishwasher, microwave, freezer, even the oven!

  • Bee’s Wrap

Another eco-friendly gift basket idea is reusable food storage from Bee’s Wrap. It keeps food fresh and can be used over and over (and finally composted when you’re done), eliminating plastic use.

  • More for the home

Peruse the aisles and you’ll find a variety of items for your gift basket. Consider adding linens, eco-friendly food storage, bamboo reusable flatware, or cutting boards.

Self-care Gift Basket

Everyone could use more time to rest and relax. This winter, give the gift of precious “me” time: hand moisturizer, bath salts, face masks, tea, and gummies that promote restful sleep.

Woman At Mirror Applying Facial Moisturizer and Looking in Mirror

  • Local teas, such as Rishi and Sacred Blossom, are soothing and delicious — self-care from the inside out.
  • More self-care items

There are numerous lovely, luxurious items that help your loved one take care of themselves. Consider face masks to hydrate skin, candles to add a bit of warmth and calming vibes, gummies that promote sleep, and lovely hand creams that repair and protect skin.

Fair Trade Gift Basket

Be sure your gifts support the safety, dignity, and prosperity of workers and a healthy environment as well. With these Fair Trade-certified choices, you don’t have to guess.

Fair Trade Gift Basket Ideas

  • Peace coffee

Local and B Corp-certified, Peace Coffee has long-term partnerships with farmer co-ops to purchase organic coffee beans at fair prices.

  • Fair Anita

These sustainably stylish items are made from recycled materials by a local company that empowers women artisans around the world by paying fair wages.

  • Eco Lips

This organic, local lip care is as clean as it comes: made with plastic-free packaging in a facility powered by solar.

  • DZI felted ornament

More than 1,000 artisans in Nepal and India make hand-felted wool ornaments and other craft items, providing makers with economic stability.

  • More Fair Trade items

All of the chocolate found at Lakewinds is Fair Trade Certified or from companies that prohibit child labor and other unfair labor practices. You and your loved ones can enjoy this chocolate, assured that farmers and workers who helped bring it to you have been justly, fairly compensated. You can also stay warm and cozy this winter with woolens at the co-op. Andes scarves and mittens are handmade in Peru by Indigenous women artisans who are part of knitting cooperatives, helping build economic security for families who live in the Andes Mountains.

Make your holiday easier by picking up lovely, unique, thoughtful items while you’re doing your grocery run. You can group a few items together for a “DIY gift basket” that’s consumable or has a fun theme. Give gifts you and your loved ones can feel good about, with items that are Fair Trade, locally made, or eco-friendly!

See more holiday gift ideas, ideas for alternatives to wrapping paper, and delicious cheese board tips for the holiday.

Updated December 2024.