Create a thoughtful ice cream sundae gift basket with everything needed for the perfect sundae. Includes what to include, repackaging tips, and presentation ideas for any occasion.
Quick Look
- 🍦What: Ice Cream Sundae Kit Gift Basket
- 🎁Perfect For: Teacher gifts, hostess gifts, birthdays, party favors, thank you gifts
- 🕓Time to Assemble: 30 to 45 minutes
- ✂️Difficulty: Easy
- ⭐️Customizable: Highly adaptable to recipient preferences
Why You'll Love This
- Universally loved: Everyone loves ice cream, making this a safe gift choice for almost anyone.
- Easy to customize: Tailor the toppings and presentation to match the recipient's favorites or the occasion.
- Budget friendly: You can create a beautiful gift without spending a fortune, especially when buying in bulk and repackaging.
- Looks expensive: The repackaging and presentation make store-bought items look custom and premium.
- Perfect for any occasion: Works for teacher gifts, hostess gifts, birthdays, party favors, and more.
- Interactive gift: Recipients get to customize their own sundaes, making it more than just a typical gift.
Jump to:
Ice cream sundae kits are one of my favorite gifts to give because they're thoughtful, fun, and easy to personalize for any occasion. I've made these for teacher appreciation gifts, summer hostess gifts, birthday presents, and even party favors for ice cream themed celebrations. The best part? You can customize each kit based on the recipient's favorite flavors and toppings.
What makes these kits special is the presentation. By repackaging store-bought items in clear cellophane bags and arranging everything in a pretty basket or box, you can create a gift that looks expensive and custom made. The recipient just adds ice cream and they're ready for a fun sundae night at home.
Whether you're headed to a BBQ, cottage weekend, or need a thoughtful thank you gift, this ice cream sundae kit is always a hit. It's simple to put together, looks beautiful, and works for almost any occasion or age group.
If you love ice cream as much as we do, you'll also want to check out our complete guide to Ice Cream Party Ideas and our Ice Cream Charcuterie Board.
What to Put in an Ice Cream Sundae Kit
The key to a great ice cream sundae kit is variety. Include different options so recipients can customize their perfect sundae.
Ice Cream Cones
It's fun to include a bunch of different ice cream cone options. I always include waffle cones, sugar cones, and waffle bowls so everyone can choose their favorite style. You can find all of these at the grocery store. For something extra special, look for chocolate dipped cones, Oreo cones, or other specialty varieties.
Pro Tip: Repackage cones in clear cellophane bags tied with twine or ribbon. This makes them look custom and protects them from breaking.
Sauces and Cherries
I always include classic chocolate sauce and caramel sauce. Strawberry sauce is another great option. You could also look for magic shell (the kind that hardens instantly on ice cream) for something fun and different.
Don't forget the cherry on top! I wrap the cherry jar with a little kraft paper and twine and it looks so pretty. If you want to go the extra mile, you can make homemade hot fudge sauce and package it in a mason jar for a really special touch.
Fresh Fruit Option: Include fresh bananas for banana splits, though these should only be added if giving the gift immediately.
Bowls, Spoons, and Napkins
The sweet little bowls and spoons are from the dollar store, and the ice cream napkins too. Don't they look cute tied with a little twine? Disposable wooden spoons would be a great choice too. Small plastic ice cream sundae bowls in pastel colors are really cute and reusable.
Keep your eye out for ice cream themed bowls and napkins at the beginning of summer and stock up when you see them. An ice cream scoop would be a great addition too, especially for a hostess gift or housewarming present.
Candy and Sprinkles
I wanted to include a few candies and sprinkles for variety. I love colorful rainbow marshmallows, and a selection of favorite sprinkles. Chocolate candies like Smarties or M&Ms are always popular. I also included rolled wafer cookies because they're such a perfect addition to a bowl of ice cream. Look for them in different flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut.
Other Great Candy Options:
- Gummy bears
- Mini peanut butter cups
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed cookies
- Toffee bits
- Candy coated chocolates
I picked up sprinkles at the bulk store. The ice cream cone shaped sprinkles were the cutest! The containers are from the dollar store. I should have picked up more for myself because I love them. Small mason jars work beautifully for packaging sprinkles too.
If you're making your gift basket for a special occasion like Valentine's Day, Christmas, or Halloween, look for sprinkles in coordinating colors. Pink and red for Valentine's, orange and black for Halloween, red and green for Christmas. Shaped sprinkles (hearts, stars, holiday themes) add a festive touch.
Ice Cream
If you're giving your ice cream sundae kit immediately, and the recipent is at home and put the ice cream in a freezer you are welcome to include it. If including look for gourmet varieties, or interesting flavors. And of course you can't go wrong with classic vanilla and chocolate.
But if the recipent won't have access to a freezer immediately, it's best to leave the ice cream out. Add a not that says something like "just add ice cream and you're all set". It's also a great idea to include a grocery store gift card to cover the cost of the ice cream.
How to Assemble Your Ice Cream Sundae Kit (Step by Step)
The key to making this gift look special is all in the packaging. Here's how to create a professional looking ice cream sundae kit.
Step 1: Choose Your Container
Pick a basket, sturdy gift box, or gift bag with a cardboard bottom. The size depends on how many items you're including. For a full kit with multiple cone types, several toppings, and sauces, you'll want a medium to large basket. For party favors, smaller containers work perfectly.
Where to Find Containers:
- Dollar stores (great selection at low prices)
- Craft stores (look for sales)
- Thrift stores (unique baskets at bargain prices)
- Gift shops (for premium presentation)
Step 2: Gather Packaging Supplies
You'll need cellophane bags in different sizes, ribbon or twine, and optionally, labels or gift tags. All of these are available at dollar stores or craft stores.
Supplies Checklist:
- Clear cellophane bags (various sizes)
- Ribbon, twine, or raffia
- Tissue paper or shredded paper filler
- Gift tags (optional)
- Labels (optional)
- Scissors
Step 3: Repackage Bulk Items
This is the step that makes everything look custom and put together. Take items out of their bulky, commercial packaging and repackage them in clear cellophane bags. This is especially important for candy, sprinkles, and cookies.
How to Repackage:
- Use different size bags for different items
- Fill bags about two thirds full
- Tie each bag tightly with ribbon or twine and make sure it's air tight
- Group similar items together
- Leave some items in original packaging if they look nice (like sauce bottles)
Why This Works: Breaking up large packages lets you create multiple gift baskets from one shopping trip, and it allows you to offer a little bit of everything in each basket. Plus, the presentation is so much prettier than commercial packaging.
Step 4: Arrange Items in Container
Place taller items (sauce bottles, cone packages) toward the back. Put shorter items (bags of candy, sprinkles in containers) in front. This creates visual interest and makes sure everything is visible.
Fill any gaps with tissue paper or shredded paper to keep items from shifting and to add color. I like using bright, fun colors that match the ice cream theme.
Arrangement Tips:
- Create height variation
- Group items by color for visual appeal
- Make sure gift recipient can see everything
- Balance the arrangement (don't put all heavy items on one side)
Step 5: Add Final Touches
If you're using a basket, you can wrap the entire thing in clear cellophane and tie it with a big bow. If you're using a gift bag, arrange items inside and add tissue paper on top.
Optional Additions:
- Gift tag with recipient's name
- Small card that says "Just Add Ice Cream"
- Ribbon on the handle
- Fresh flowers tucked in (if giving immediately)
Perfect Occasions for Ice Cream Sundae Kits
One of the best things about ice cream sundae kits is how versatile they are. Here are my favorite occasions for giving these gifts.
- Teacher Appreciation Gifts: This is the perfect sweet gift heading into summer. Teachers love receiving something they can enjoy with their families, and the timing is ideal since summer is ice cream season. I put these together as thank you gifts for my kids' teachers and they were a huge hit.
- Hostess Gifts: Bringing an ice cream sundae kit to a BBQ, cottage weekend, or dinner party means you're bringing dessert and entertainment in one package. Everyone can customize their own sundae, which makes it interactive and fun. It's a welcome change from bringing wine or flowers.
- Birthday Gifts: Works for kids, teens, and adults who love ice cream. You can customize the toppings based on the birthday person's favorites. Pair with a gift card to a grocery store if you want to help them buy the ice cream to go with it.
- Party Favors: Make smaller versions as party favors for ice cream themed birthday parties. Include just 2 to 3 toppings, a cone or two, and a small sauce in a clear bag or box. Kids love taking home their own mini sundae kit.
- Thank You Gifts: A thoughtful way to say thanks to neighbors, friends, babysitters, or anyone who's helped you out. The personal touch of repackaging and arranging everything shows you put thought into the gift.
- Christmas: Red and green sprinkles, peppermint candies, candy canes
- Valentine's Day: Pink and red sprinkles, heart shaped candies, strawberry sauce
- Summer Holidays: Red, white, and blue sprinkles, festive napkins
- Halloween: Orange and black sprinkles, candy corn, Halloween themed napkins
Tips for a Professional Look
These simple tricks make your ice cream sundae kit look like it came from a fancy gift shop.
Repackaging Secrets
- Use Clear Bags: Clear cellophane bags let you see the colorful contents, which adds to the visual appeal. Stack items in bags so the colors show through layers.
- Consistent Ribbon: Use the same ribbon or twine on all bags for a cohesive look. Natural twine, colorful ribbon, or raffia all work beautifully.
- Remove Commercial Packaging: Taking candy out of branded wrappers and putting it in clear bags makes everything look more upscale.
- Small Containers: Use small mason jars, spice jars, or dollar store containers for sprinkles. They look much better than plastic bags.
Presentation Tips
- Color Coordination: Stick with a color scheme. Pastels (pink, mint, yellow) for spring/summer, or bright rainbow colors year round.
- Label Everything: While not required, small labels on bags (chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, etc.) add a nice professional touch.
- Odd Numbers: Arrange items in groups of 3 or 5 for the most pleasing visual arrangement.
- Fresh Look: Make sure everything looks fresh and sealed. Replace any items that look damaged or crushed.
Ice Cream Sundae Kit Variations
For Kids
Focus on fun, colorful toppings:
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Gummy bears
- Chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows
- Colorful cones
- Fun napkins with ice cream designs
For Adults
Include more sophisticated options:
- Dark chocolate sauce
- Caramel with sea salt
- Nuts (pecans, almonds)
- Wafer cookies
- Coffee flavored toppings
- Nice ceramic bowls instead of disposable
For Special Diets
Dairy Free Kits:
- Include only toppings that are naturally dairy free
- Add a note suggesting dairy free ice cream brands
- Most sprinkles, many candies, and fruit toppings are dairy free
Nut Free Kits:
- Skip all nut toppings
- Check candy labels carefully
- Focus on sprinkles, chocolate chips, gummies, marshmallows
Frequently Asked Questions
nclude a variety of cones (waffle, sugar, bowls), sauces (chocolate, caramel, strawberry), sprinkles, candies (chocolate candies, gummies, marshmallows), cherries, bowls, spoons, and napkins. Everything except the ice cream itself.
Only if you're delivering it immediately and the recipient can freeze it right away. Most people give these kits without ice cream and include a note that says "Just Add Ice Cream" so the recipient can buy their favorite flavors fresh.
Baskets work beautifully and look classic. Sturdy gift boxes are good for shipping or mailing. Gift bags with cardboard bottoms are convenient for transport. Choose based on how many items you're including and your presentation preference.
Most items are shelf stable, so you can assemble these 1 to 2 weeks ahead of when you need to give them. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This makes them perfect for making in batches.
Dollar stores have great containers, cellophane bags, ribbon, bowls, and spoons. Bulk stores let you buy just the quantity you need for sprinkles and candy. Grocery stores have cones, sauces, cherries, and most toppings. Craft stores have pretty ribbons and gift packaging supplies.
It depends on what you include, but most full sized kits make enough for 4 to 6 generous sundaes. You can also scale them down if you wish.
It's easy to personalize a kit like this and make it dairy free kit by including only toppings that don't contain dairy (most sprinkles, many candies, fruit based sauces). For a nut free kit, skip all nut toppings and check candy labels carefully. For gluten free, most toppings are naturally gluten free, but check labels on wafer cookies and candies, and cones or waffle bowls.
Absolutely! Homemade hot fudge sauce or caramel sauce adds a really special personal touch. Just make sure it's properly sealed in a clean jar, and be sure to mention it needs to be stored in the refrigerator right away.
More Ice Cream Inspiration
If you use this Ice Cream Sundae Kit Gift Basket or any other ideas from the blog, please let us know in the comments below. Thanks for visiting Life is a Party today!
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