Easy May Day Basket Ideas to Surprise Neighbors (+FREE PRINTABLE)

May Day Baskets are such a fun and uplifting way to surprise neighbors, family and friends on May 1st. Usually made of gathered flowers and fun little treats, you simply drop these surprises  off on a loved one’s porch (and don’t tell them who it’s from)!

I can remember my grandma talking about May Day Baskets and how much she looked forward to May 1st each year it rolled around. It has always been a way to lift others up and signal that spring and sunshine is here! It’s such a special tradition.

All you need is a container of sorts + items to put inside, and then you deliver your May Day Baskets anonymously.

Simple, Last-Minute May Day Basket Ideas:

Containers for May Day Basket Ideas

First you need something to put your goodies in – get creative, crafty, or use items you have from around the house:

Soup/Tin Cans

Baskets 

Gift Bags

Mason Jars

Paper Plates

Homemade Paper Cones (like this one)

Fillers for May Day Basket Ideas

Traditionally, May Baskets had flowers picked from home gardens, but you can get creative and fill them with anything!

Flowers – Trader Joes or Dillons are favorite spots for inexpensive flowers, or pick some from your yard, or even dandelions are so sweet (my 5 years old thinks they are absolutely beautiful!)

Tissue Paper Flowers – does anyone remember making tissue paper flowers as kids? Here is a cute tutorial.

Seed Packets

Little Toys from Dollar Store/Target Dollar Spot

Baked Goods

Small Books

Art Supplies

Homemade Artwork

Tea or Coffee

Candy *Pro Tip: Grab Easter candy from clearance aisles 

Fresh Berries 

Puzzles

Recipients of May Day Basket Ideas

This is such a special way to surprise neighbors, family and friends. But below are a few other great ideas for those who might need a pick me up!

Neighbors

Grandparents

Police/Fire Stations

Nursing Homes

Doctors’ Offices

Churches

Does Your Family Put Together May Day Baskets?


 

Angela Green
Angela is the founder of Wichita Mom, the premier parenting website and digital guide for families as they navigate life in Wichita, KS. She is a wife, business owner, avid reader, proud gymnastics & dance mom, Peloton lover, and is always planning her next trip.