There's a moment during every Big/Little reveal when a Little sees her basket for the first time. Her face lights up, she starts pulling things out one by one, and she realizes someone put real thought into every single piece. That moment is the whole point.
A great Big/Little basket isn't about how much you spend. It's about how it comes together. Over the years, I've been on both sides of sorority recruitment, and I've seen hundreds of baskets. The ones that stand out all follow the same simple formula. Here it is, step by step.
Step 1: Choose Your Base (Skip the Basket)
Here's our favorite trick: Don't buy a basket. Use a gift she'll actually keep as the container.
- A canvas tote is our number one pick. Every chapter has one in our shop, like the Gamma Phi Beta Canvas Tote or the Pi Beta Phi Canvas Tote ($68). She'll carry it for years after reveal.
- A storage bin or crate works great too, especially if she's in a dorm and needs the organization.
Step 2: Start With a Base Layer
Something big and soft goes in first. It fills space, gives your basket height, and is usually the gift she loves most.
Our pick: a chapter sherpa blanket ($72), folded and tucked into the bottom. We carry them for Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Gamma, and Pi Beta Phi.
On a budget? Use tissue paper or a cozy throw you already have to build up the bottom.
Step 3: Add Your Anchor Pieces
These are the medium-sized gifts that stand up and catch her eye. Two or three is plenty.
- A chapter mug ($18), filled with candy
- A quilted cosmetic pouch ($32)
- A tumbler fanny pack ($18)
Step 4: Fill In With Little Things
This is where it starts to feel full and fun. Tuck small items into the gaps.
- Sticker sheets ($6)
- Acrylic keychains ($8 to $14)
- A twirl and tie scarf accessory ($14)
- Tumbler lid tags ($4)
- A pack of Teleties or a Ruffle Up Scrunchie ($11)
Step 5: Add Snacks (Non-Negotiable)
Her favorite candy, a coffee gift card, and something salty. Ask her friends what she loves if you don't know yet. It shows you did your homework.
Step 6: Make It Personal
This is the step people skip, and it's the one that matters most.
- A handwritten letter. Why you're excited to be her Big, what you hope for her, and a favorite memory from your time in the chapter.
- A photo of the two of you. Print one from reveal night and pop it in a small frame.
- Something only she would get. An inside joke, her hometown, her favorite show. One personal touch beats ten generic items.
Step 7: Make It Look Amazing
- Put the tallest items in the back and the smallest in the front.
- Let a few things peek out the top so it looks overflowing.
- Tie a ribbon in your chapter colors around the handle.
- Snap a photo before you give it. She'll want it for her Instagram.
Sample Baskets by Budget
Around $45: Mug + candy ($18), tumbler fanny pack ($18), sticker sheet ($6), and a letter.
Around $100: Mug + candy ($18), tumbler fanny pack ($18), quilted cosmetic pouch ($32), keychain ($14), scarf accessory ($14), sticker sheet ($6), and a letter.
Around $225: Canvas tote as the base ($68), sherpa blanket ($72), quilted cosmetic pouch ($32), mug + candy ($18), keychain ($14), scarf accessory ($14), sticker sheet ($6), and a letter.
Find Everything for Your Chapter
Shop by chapter: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, and Pi Beta Phi. Or see everything in our Big/Little Gifts collection.
Want to shop in person? Come build your basket with us at 2302 N. Interstate Drive in Norman. We love helping Bigs find the perfect pieces.
