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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'sFor The Home Depot Fans
Photo: Sophie Kaemmerle for Bob VilaFor Ace Hardware Fans
Ace Hardware Mini Bucket
Buy at Ace HardwareFor Tractor Supply Co. Fans
Tractor Supply Co. Mini Bucket
Buy at Tractor Supply CoHonorable Mention
Mini Ikea Bag
Buy at AmazonHonorable Mention
Klein Tools Mini Leather Tool Bucket
Buy at Lowe'sAs 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:
- For the new homeowner: Kobalt Assorted Metric and standard (SAE) 25-Piece Hex key set
- For the hands-on DIYer: CLC Custom Leathercraft 125 Handyman Flex Grip Work Gloves at Amazon
- For the tool buff: WD-40 Original Formula Precision Pen at Amazon at Amazon
- For the project planner: Carpenter Pencils with Original Sharpener at The Home Depot
- For the person who is always prepared: Gerber Gear Shard 7-in-1 Keychain at Amazon
- For the beginner gardener: Assorted Collection of 6 Air Plants at Amazon
- For the green thumb: Fiskars 5 in. Big Grip Garden Knife Cultivator at The Home Depot
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.