Crumbling cookies, weird-flavored lip balm, dried fruit — care packages usually arrive looking like they’ve been assembled with little thought or, well, care. So, if you’re prepping a gift basket, why not create one to make laundry day a breeze for your loved ones? A DIY laundry gift basket is not only a practical present they’ll actually use and appreciate, but it’s a standout choice anytime of the year.
We’ve curated a selection of items to create the ultimate laundry care package — one that’s both functional and environmentally conscious. So, if you want to ensure your loved ones are geared up to tackle wash day with ease, let’s spread the laundry love together.
How to make a laundry gift basket Â
When you’re ready to curate the perfect laundry gift basket for someone special, start with a small hamper or basket as your base and fill it with laundry room essentials from there. The basket is the first piece of your gift so choose one made from renewable, natural fibers like bamboo or straw. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they’ll provide ample ventilation to prevent musty odors. From there, you can fill it with all the laundry care items your budget will allow, then top it off with a thoughtful bow or note card for an additional touch. Of course, you should always consider the person you’re shopping for when choosing hampers and scents. Let’s get into what you should put into your laundry care package.Â
Laundry gift basket essentials Â
From the most effective and eco-conscious detergent for your clothes and home to game-changing stain hacks, it’s easy to create a thoughtful and sustainable care package that packs a fresh linen punch. Â
Eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets Â
Any laundry care package is only as good as the detergent it carries. But why not upgrade your gift? SaltyLama’s eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets offer the same powerful clean as regular detergents with none of the plastic waste and toxins. Dread lugging around that plastic jug of liquid detergent — or having to clean up the dripping, sticky mess that’s left behind? Your loved one does, too. SaltyLama will save them from all that. All they need to do is rip a sheet (two strips to a sheet), toss it in where the liquid or powder chemicals used to go, and add their clothes. Our sheets are pre-measured so they’ll never have to break out the measuring cup again. Best of all, because our detergent is plant-based, it’s hypoallergenic and ideal for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
Dryer balls Â
Switching from single-use dryer sheets to reusable dryer balls not only reduces the environmental impact of doing laundry, but will let your loved ones enjoy all the practical benefits: faster drying times, savings, and chemical-free fabric softening, among them. Crafted from materials like wool, recycled plastic, or rubber, these balls efficiently separate clothes in the dryer, eliminating static cling. As a bonus, your loved ones can infuse them with essential oils for a subtle, natural fragrance that lingers on freshly laundered clothes. All they need to do is add a few drops to the balls and enjoy a personalized experience free of synthetic chemicals. This is a great laundry gift that will keep on giving — most wool dryer balls can be used for 1,000 laundry loads before needing to be replaced.
Stain remover pen Â
Accidents happen — and having a stain remover pen on hand can be a game-changer. Look for an eco-friendly option that’s gentle on fabrics but proven to be effective on stains. With the power to save an outfit from an unexpected spill or smudge, it’s a small addition sure to earn big thanks from the person receiving your care package.
Scent-infused vinegar Â
When it comes to laundry care, vinegar may not come to mind, but hear us out. A versatile and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fabric softeners, vinegar is actually a wonderful addition to a laundry room gift basket.You can create an aromatic blend by infusing vinegar with herbs or citrus peels — but be careful to choose scents your loved one will appreciate. Not only will this concoction soften clothes, but it will also help eliminate odors, leaving their laundry with a fresh, natural scent.  Â
Natural fabric freshener spray Â
No laundry care package is complete without a way for your loved one to revitalize their clothes between washes. If you want to make your own fabric spray as a gift, combine distilled water with essential oils like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus for a refreshing, chemical-free alternative to commercial sprays. Â
Organic cotton laundry bag Â
Encourage sustainability by including an organic cotton laundry bag. These breathable, durable bags make sorting and transporting soiled clothes a breeze. Bonus: they’re an eco-conscious choice compared to disposable plastic laundry baskets. Why organic cotton? Unlike regular commercial cotton, organic cotton isn’t produced with synthetic chemicals. They are also grown more sustainably with cover cropping to reduce water usage and natural fertilizers to support healthy growth. Â
Upcycled towels
Give a fresh start to discarded fabrics by including them as upcycled towels in your gift basket. As towels, they can do everything from dry hands to clean up spills. If you want to include new towels instead, opt for organic cotton.
Miniature sewing kit Â
Because no one can ever be too prepared, why not add a mini sewing kit to your laundry care package? Maybe a button falls off a shirt or a small hole needs to be quickly patched up, but having a sewing kit on hand will make laundry day — and life — a lot easier for your gift basket recipient.
Now doesn’t all this sound better than sending a gift basket of single-use drink mixes, tweezers, and vacuum-sealed beef jerky? A laundry care package curated with eco-friendly choices is a gift that combines utility with sustainability. Remember, every small action brings us one step closer to a more responsible, mindful world. Your DIY laundry gift basket is not only helping your loved ones minimize the hassle and headache of a routine chore, but by promoting a greener approach to even a mundane task, it can inspire other meaningful pro-planet changes. Let’s see a bag of trail mix do that.