This Year’s Viral Mini Buckets Are the Best Last-Minute Gifts

They say that the best things come in small packages—and after planning these mini gift baskets, we'd agree.
Lowes Mini Bucket In Store
Photo: Kathleen Corlett for Bob Vila

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

My lifelong procrastination has often left me shopping in the final days before the holiday gift exchange. (Even as I write this, I have one curbside pickup order waiting for me!) Occasionally, I have to admit a gift card can be the best—even the most thoughtful—last-minute gift. A gift card from The Home Depot could cover lumber for a DIYer’s project in the new year, or a Fast-Growing Trees gift certificate can give a gardener the green to hand-pick an addition for their front bed. But I rarely ever like to print out a gift card and hand it to my recipient in a thin envelope. This year, I’m convinced that the best way to package a gift card is in a mini bucket, with room for a stocking stuffer. And, voila, you have a mini gift basket!

For Lowe's Fans

Lowe's Mini Bucket

Buy at Lowe's

For The Home Depot Fans

The Home Depot Mini Bucket

In-store only, while supplies last

Check at The Home Depot

For Ace Hardware Fans

Ace Hardware Mini Bucket

Buy at Ace Hardware

For Tractor Supply Co. Fans

Tractor Supply Co. Mini Bucket

Buy at Tractor Supply Co

Honorable Mention

Mini Ikea Bag

Buy at Amazon

Honorable Mention

Klein Tools Mini Leather Tool Bucket

Buy at Lowe's

As a person who constantly has a project happening at home, I’d love to receive—and would just as soon gift—these under-$15 stocking stuffers in the bucket:

There’s some inspiration out there for turning these buckets into the tiniest gift baskets.

Check out more of our favorite uses for these buckets below.

8 Genius Uses for the Viral Lowe's Mini Bucket
 
BobVila.com Recommended Gifts Wrapped in Brown Paper and Red Twine and Green Ribbon

The Best Holiday Gifts for 2025

Whether you’re shopping for a new homeowner or a serious hobbyist, we’ve got a gift idea for you.

 
Kathleen Corlett Avatar

Kathleen Corlett

Editor in Chief

As the editor-in-chief at BobVila.com, Kathleen Corlett is as passionate about crafting quality how-to guides for household projects as she is cleaning, organizing, and building DIY solutions for her own home in New York. She has worked on the Bob Vila team for 10 years; before that, Kathleen previously contributed to Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, and Cleveland magazines.


Learn more about BobVila.com Editorial Standards