Fantasy Football Fun: Crafting the Ultimate Kickoff Gift Baskets!
curate a festive sports-related gift basket for your family & friends
57 days until football is back. Sigh. In the meantime, I’m focusing my efforts on Fantasy Football (FF) prep as that activity starts in a mere 31 days! Inspired by a Target find this March, I decided to curate “welcome to the start of a new football season” baskets for my fantasy league members.
the inspiration
These adorable football-shaped baskets are actually Easter baskets that I spotted during a trip to Target early Spring. I wasn’t 100% sure how they’d be utilized, but knew I had to get them. One of my general “life tips” is to collect items in which you envision a future use (assuming you have adequate storage space and a good chance of using the item). I am NOT a proponent of buying for the sake of buying, clutter or spending outside your means — so use discretion. However, if you get a spark of inspiration and believe you can bring joy to someone via your idea, be proactive and grab that item before it’s gone.
the contents
After doing a bit of light research and brainstorming what I though would be useful and fun during the FF season, I selected the following items for my baskets.
Sahale Snacks: for protein and stress eating (I chose a fall-inspired favor to bolster the theme)
Football themed napkins: to stay tidy and display while hosting guests on game day
Mini squishy footballs: for fun and to mitigate nervous energy
Under eye glare blockers: to look the part and show your competitive edge
Alani energy sticks: to stay hydrated and motivated on Football Sundays
Coca Cola: a joyful beverage
Local caramels: an “in case you lose” or “in case one of your players gets injured” treat to boost your spirits
Bubble gum: to feel like a kid again
American flag: to thank USA for creating this magical sport
Fantasy Football Workbook: Not pictured with the baskets, see last image below. I designed this workbook in collaboration with my sister for a one-stop shop to captures notes and strategy in a beautiful travel-friendly format
Football shaped tags: I crafted these using basic watercolor supplies and some string I had laying around. I am unskilled at the art of watercoloring — but find that making small pieces like a gift tag is manageable and a good creative exercise. As a bonus, each tag is unique and contains a personalized message on the back.
the results
I’m overly pleased with the outcome — these baskets are exactly what I imagined and contain useful and fun components to enjoy all season long. It may become an annual tradition!
They were also easy to assemble and offer many opportunities for customization (see below for variation inspiration).
variations
Snacks: popcorn, pretzels, crackers, protein bars, trail mix, kettle chips, etc.
Beverages: iced tea, bottled coffee, etc. — or consider an alcoholic beverage like a spiked seltzer
Tools: pen, pencil, football-shaped eraser, highlighter, bookmark, etc.
Sweets: lollipops, gummy candies, chocolate bars, Reeses peanut butter footballs, custom-colored M&Ms, etc.
I can’t wait to share these with my family and see their reactions. What would you put in your baskets?!
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Fantasy Football Workbook
A cute + functional notebook you can utilize during any game, be it at home or at the stadium.
