Let’s be honest here: buying gift baskets is expensive. All you have to do is to walk into any major retailer and you’ll see what I am talking about. Often the least expensive gift basket is around $50 and they go up dramatically from there.

What the gift basket companies aren’t telling you is that they make at least 50% profit on those.

wine gift baskets are even worse as the average wine gift basket comes with cheap wine, made to look expensive.

Also, if you purchase your wine gift baskets online, you’re going to be paying at least $15 for shipping. Even if the gift basket is marked as free shipping, you can be sure that you’re paying for it one way or the other!

So what can you do? Build your own of course! Why let the gift basket companies make all the money, when you can save it instead!

Go to your local wine store where they are going to have a selection of wines. Even if you end up at BevMo, that’s ok because there will be something on sale. I also try and find the best Cabernet Sauvignon I can find since that seems to fit with most people’s palates. You can, of course use Syrah, Sangioves, a red wine blend, Pinot Noir or any good Chardonnay for most of your friends as well.

Next, try and create your gift basket by using either a nice wooden box or one of the gift baskets from a local crafts store. End the entire process by stopping at a local bakery or high end food store to add popcorn, baked goods or whatever else you want in your gift basket.

It might take more time, but you’ll save money and give your friend something to truly remember you by! At the end of the day, isn’t that what we all want when giving gifts?