Part of me really struggles with all the waste that comes with the holidays (wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue, and ribbons) that end up in the trash after just one use. It’s not just the waste, it’s the cost too! So this year, I’m on a mission to find holiday decor that doubles as gift baskets and holders. Not only are these options eco-friendly and budget-conscious, but they’re also beautiful enough to become part of the gift receiver’s festive home decor long after the gifts are opened.
Here are three creative Decor Steals pieces (plus a few extras!) that can easily double as gift holders this holiday season.
Article Outline
- Christmas Village Cutout Metal Lantern with Handles, Set 3 – How to use lanterns as gift holders
- Vintage White Scrollwork Metal Sleigh with Curved Runners – Themed gift basket ideas for family, friends, and parties
- Bronze Reindeer Bowl (Dapper Critter Collection) – Creative cookie and treat display ideas for gifting
- Bonus Picks – Extra decor pieces that work beautifully as gift holders
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Holiday Inspiration
1. Christmas Village Cutout Metal Lantern with Handles, Set of 3
When I first saw this Christmas Village Cutout Metal Lantern with Handles, Set 3, I thought there is so much you can do with these! They’re festive, functional, and have sturdy handles that make them perfect for gifting.
Here are three easy ideas:
Hot Cocoa Gift Basket
For the largest lantern, add hot cocoa mix, your favorite mug(s), marshmallows, a whisk, and a spoon, then wrap with tissue paper or cellophane. It’s cozy, functional, simple, and far cuter than a traditional gift bag.
Wine Bottle Holder
The medium-sized lantern is the perfect fit for a bottle of wine! Add a wine topper or holiday ribbon for that extra festive touch.
Gift Card Holder
For smaller gifts, use the smallest lantern as a creative gift card holder. It’s a thoughtful way to make even the simplest gift feel special.
After the gift is opened, your recipient can reuse the lanterns as glowing decor, a win-win for both gifting and styling!
One more fun thing you can do with these lanterns is personalize them! Discover one way to do this here: “The Easiest DIY Gingerbread Lanterns You’ll Love All Season.”
2. White Twisted Iron Sleigh
Large vessels like our Vintage White Scrollwork Metal Sleigh with Curved Runners are perfect for building themed holiday baskets. Whether you’re gifting to family, friends, or putting together a silent auction basket, this sleigh adds instant holiday charm.
Here are a few themed ideas:
Movie Night Basket
I made a movie-themed gift basket using Vintage-Inspired Sleigh Ice Bucket Beverage Cooler also doubles as an ice bucket, so the hostess could use it right away! for my father-in-law this year, complete with a blanket, popcorn socks, popcorn containers, flavoring spices, and a few movie snacks. He loved the gifts, and my mother-in-law loved the sleigh as decor by her fireplace!
Hostess Gift Basket
Headed to a holiday party? Bring a sleigh full of tea towels, serving utensils, festive napkins, and of course, a bottle of wine! You can even include some cheese, meat, and crackers for a complete hostess spread. The Vintage-Inspired Sleigh Ice Bucket Beverage Cooler also doubles as an ice bucket, so the hostess could use it right away!
Wellness Basket
For a thoughtful friend gift, fill the sleigh with candles, lotions, cozy socks, tea, a journal, and maybe even a plush robe. It’s like gifting a moment of peace wrapped in holiday magic.
For more gift ideas, check out “The Ultimate Decor Steals Holiday Gift Guide: Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List.”
3. Bronze Reindeer Bowl (Dapper Critter Collection)
Every holiday season, our family has a cookie baking day where we bake dozens of cookies to share with neighbors and friends. Instead of using disposable tins or plastic containers, I’ve started gifting the treats displayed on beautiful bowls and trays, such as on the Bronze Reindeer Bowl (Dapper Critter Collection).
Here are some favorite options that are not only stunning gift displays, but functional home decor pieces that the receivers can use well after the goodies are gone!
- Bronze Reindeer Bowl (Dapper Critter Collection)
- Cast Iron Reindeer Utensil Caddy with Wood Compartments | Christmas Kitchen Organizer
- HUGE Brilliant Stag Pedestal Bowl
- Nesting Corrugated Metal Tray Risers, Set of 2 (gift trays for two neighbors!)
- 26 Inch Three Tier Gingerbread Village Serving Stand
- Rustic Wooden Tray with Mesh Dome Cover
- Timeworn Curved Frame Tiered Tray
- Fluted Wooden Display Trays, Set of Two (gift trays for two neighbors!)
- Wooden Tray Serving Station with Black Dome Cover, Set of 2 (gift trays for two neighbors!)
- Santa Claus 3-Tier Metal Serving Stand – 42 Inch Festive Showstopper (the talk of the town!)
- Peppermint 3-Tier Tree Stand (makes a bold holiday statement!)
- Distressed Iron Intricate Cut Out Round Display Stands, Set of 3
- Wooden Two Tiered Display Shelf
You can fill them with cookies, homemade breads, or wrapped treats, then add a ribbon and gift tag for a polished, personal touch.
Need more inspiration? Read the following articles at the Decor Steals Journal:
- “Festive Peppermint Cupcakes with Candy Cane Bows Toppers” for an adorable twist on the traditional cupcake!
- “Holiday Showstopper: Gingerbread Spice Cake” for the star of your dessert table!
- “Fun & Easy Reindeer Pops for Holiday Parties & Gifts” for a kid-approved dessert!
- Learn below how to make the cutest (and easiest) gingerbread gift bags for your cookies!
Bonus: Why This Idea Works
Using decor as a gift holder isn’t just a creative hack, it’s sustainable, stylish, and sentimental. Your loved ones receive two gifts in one: something to unwrap and something they can use to decorate their home year after year.
For more gift ideas, check out “The Ultimate Decor Steals Holiday Gift Guide: Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List.”
Get More Holiday Inspiration
For more festive DIYs, holiday recipes, and creative decorating ideas, check out the Decor Steals Journal and explore our Holiday Collection.
Let’s make this season magical, creative, and oh-so-sweet… one thoughtful gift at a time!