How To Create a State-Themed Gift Basket

State-Themed Gift Basket: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DewMarksTheSpot #CollectiveBias

If you love setting up gift exchanges among friends (or even strangers) then you should consider a state-themed gift basket exchange.

With summer in full-swing, everyone is thinking about traveling. Some of us travel because the children are out of school, while others travel to enjoy better weather in another state.

Why a State Gift Exchange?

For many of us, traveling just isn't an option and listen: I get it! That's why I thought it would be a brilliant idea to setup a state-themed gift exchange.

Actually, the brand new MTN DEW® state bottle labels inspired this gift basket idea. The new limited edition packaging each features one of the 50 states, as a part of the DEWnited States Collection.

From now until 8/8/19, MTN DEW® lovers can visit DewMarksTheSpot.com to enter the DEW® Marks the Spot Sweepstakes for a chance to win instant Family Dollar prizes & the GRAND PRIZE – a $2,000 VISA Gift Card to plan your ultimate summer family vacation or road trip!*

*No Purchase Necessary. The DEW® Marks the Spot Sweepstakes begins on June 20, 2019 at 12:00:00 AM ET and ends on August 8, 2019 at 11:59:59 PM ET. Legal residents of the 50 US/DC only, 18+. Void where prohibited. By participating, you agree to the Official Rules.  Terms here.

So, I reached out to a friend with this gift exchange idea:

To explain, my good friend and I are huge gifters. We send one another surprise packages at least once a month. Since she can't visit Florida this summer, I thought I'd send a little Florida her way!

I brought the idea to her and she immediately jumped on board. To clarify, she lives in Michigan. So, I will be getting a Michigan-themed basket and her basket will be full of Florida goodies.

5 tips for building a state-themed Gift Basket this summer

1. Look for State Labels
   
   First and foremost, you need to find anything with your state's label on it. In this case, I went to Family Dollar to find the new MTN DEW® Florida label to go with the Florida-themed gift basket. Of course, I had to grab my friend a MTN DEW® Michigan label.
   
   
   
   
   In addition, I picked up the brand new MTN DEW® flavor because I might as well give her a little something bold and refreshing – right?
   
   
   Additional PRO TIP:  From now until 8/10/19, if you collect all 50 state labels, you'll be eligible to win $100 on this website (certain terms apply).**
   
   **Get $100 in the form of a prepaid gift card. Promotion open to legal U.S. residents, 18 years or older.  Save cap and label (residents of the States of CA, CT, HI, IA, ME, MA, MI, NY, OR and VT, do not remove the label from the bottle).  Participation is subject to complete program terms found at www.DEWNITED.COM. Enter the code under the cap atdewnited.com and take a “live” photo of your corresponding State label.  User must allow access to their desktop or mobile camera in order to complete the process.    Max of 5 redemptions per person during promo period. Max of 20 label uploads per person per day. Promotion ends on 8/10/2019. Buy all fifty (50) DEWnited individually-designed State bottles (one for each state) in either MTN DEW® or DIET MTN DEW® in the following package sizes: 20 oz, 16.9 oz, and 16.0 oz (“Labels”). 12 oz cans are not participating in the DEWnited program.
   
   
2. Find state-made goodies
   
   I visited a local grocer to find goodies made in the state of Florida. I found everything from marinades and sauces to seasonings and baking mixes.
   
   
3. Something your state in known for.
   
   It's not a secret that Florida is known for their produce. That said, I grabbed some juicy Florida oranges.
   
   
4. State Postcard
   
   I have yet to pickup a postcard for this gift basket, but it's definitely on my to-do list. You can't send anything state-themed without giving them a state souvenir! Postcards are always the way to go.
   
   
5. Something local.
   
   Visit your local shops or a downtown area to find something hand-made that supports a small business! Encourage your gift exchange partner to do the same.

How will you make your state-themed gift basket unique?

As you're searching Family Dollar for the 50 state labels, be sure to take a look at the state landmarks on each bottle. This is such a fun and unique way to celebrate the states!

Remember, to find creativity, passion, and fun in every opportunity!