What NOT to Put in a Big Little Basket

So you just got matched with your Little! Now your TikTok is 80% reveal ideas and big and little basket ideas that look like they cost more than your meal plan. Dw, you don’t need a huge budget or a three-part haul series to make your basket meaningful.

Big little baskets are a rite of passage—and the best ones aren’t the flashiest. They’re the ones that actually feel like you put thought into it for your little. So before you hit checkout on 30 random items that’ll probably never see the light of day, here’s what to skip and which big little basket ideas to go with instead.

But first, what even is a big little basket?

A big little basket is something a Big gives to her new Little, usually during the sorority Big Little reveal. But sorority big little baskets are more than just gifts. They’re symbols of one of the most meaningful bonds in sorority life. The Big/Little relationship is a mentorship, a built-in support system, and a way most people find their bestie within the chapter. It’s a relationship that helps new members feel connected, included, and grounded.

Think of it as a warm welcome to sorority life. And no, it is not a shopping competition! The best big and little baskets say, “I’m excited you’re here, we’re in this together.” So when you’re making your basket, you’re not just giving things, you’re creating a first impression.

If you’re unsure what to put in big little basket, a good formula is: 1-2 standout items + a few thoughtful big little basket stuffers + a personal note. That’s it. No panic purchases necessary.

What NOT to put in big little baskets

This is the part nobody tells you until after you’ve already bought something and you’re standing in your room like “wait, is this weird?” So make sure to take notes!

Anything allergy-inducing or hyper personal

Skincare and perfume are a gamble because fragrance and certain ingredients can easily be allergy triggers. Supplements are also just…not it. Unless your Little gave you a detailed wish list, steer clear of anything scented, flavored, or meant to go on skin. That $40 serum might just end up collecting dust (or worse, cause a reaction). Go neutral and let personal stuff come later when you actually know what they like.

Food that melts, spoils, or stains

Everyone loves snacks and sweet little treats. But even if your chapter does a cute outdoor setup with some shade, baskets can sit out longer than you think. Chocolate melts. Drinks get warm. Sugary stuff leaks. Things get crushed. Things can turn into a messy situation fast, so be careful!

Cute clutter

Just because it’s small, cute, and cheap doesn’t mean it belongs in your big little basket. If it’s only there to make the basket look “full,” it’s probably headed to the bottom drawer by next week. Things to skip:

• cheap mini fidget toys / squishies that rip instantly
• decor that doesn’t match their dorm setup or overall aesthetic (random signs, knickknacks)
• low-quality makeup sponges, mystery nail polish, or unbranded cosmetics
• tiny trinkets that aren’t usable: mini figurines, fake flowers, etc.

A good rule: if it can’t be worn, eaten safely, used weekly, or stored neatly, it’s probably clutter. A lot of gift guides suggest “small accents” like pins and keychains as filler, which can be cute—but only when they’re intentional and not 10 random ones thrown in.

High-pressure expensive gifts

The fastest way to make a sweet moment feel intense is giving something that screams “I went overboard, now this has to mean something.” We love generosity. But expensive jewelry or high-end tech gifts (AirPods, we’re looking at you) can feel more pressuring than thoughtful.

Items that assume one personality/aesthetic

Ultra-specific aesthetics can miss the mark—especially if you haven’t had enough time to get to know them well yet. A basket should feel welcoming, not like you decided who they are based on one Instagram post.

Better alternatives

Now this is the part where you go from filling a basket to putting one together with care. If you want big little gift basket ideas that still feel intentional, these swaps are simple, practical, and won’t end up forgotten.

Practical campus essentials

These are boring in theory, elite in real life:

• Mini lint roller (especially if they have a pet)
• Stain stick or pen
• A new journal or a book on their TBR
• Hair ties + claw clip
• Mini hand sanitizer
• Lip balm
• Compact mirror
• Sticky notes + a good pen

This category is the backbone of solid ideas for big little baskets because it works for literally everyone.

Cute, custom, and actually worth it

This is where the "thoughtful" comes in without guessing their whole identity:

• Sorority block letters
• Matching sorority shirts or sweat sets
• A personalized picture frame for your first pic together
• Name/letter stickers for a laptop or water bottle
• A makeup pouch
• A mini jewelry tray for rings/keys

These make great big little sorority gifts because they feel customized without being too personal too fast.

"Experience" add-ons 

Instead of gift cards, keep it simple and fun:

• A printed mini bingo card of things you’ll do together (study date, campus walk, coffee run, etc.)
• A playlist QR code
• A one-page "things I wish I knew as a freshman/sorority girl" sheet
• A “pick a night this week” coupon for dinner

This is the easiest way to turn big little gift presents into actual bonding without overspending.

Big little basket fillers + stuffers that don’t feel cheap

If your basket is missing that "finished" look, the trick is cohesion, not more stuff. Pick one vibe and repeat it.

Here are big little basket fillers that feel intentional:

Study buddy vibe

• highlighters, sticky notes, mini notebook
• screen wipes
• mini pack of tissues

Dorm reset vibe

• small storage pouch
• command hook sample pack
• mini laundry mesh bag in her favorite color

Self-care but safe vibe

• plain hand cream (unscented if possible)
• sleep mask
• cuticle oil pen

That’s it. You don’t need 40 things. These count as great big little presents sorority without being over-the-top. A few smart big little basket stuffers > a pile of random.

How to pack it so it looks good

If your chapter is doing a box for big little reveal, you can make it look so aesthetic with layering (and it’s easier to carry).

Packing tips that always work:

• Put your “main item” on top 
• Use tissue paper to build height and structure
• Frame the main item with smaller items like a flat lay
• Keep fragile items away from corners
• If it’s getting carried around campus, avoid anything liquid or crushable

If you’re using actual baskets, you can still use the same rule: height in the back, flat items in front, and repeat one color palette so it looks cohesive in photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to put in a big little basket if I don’t know my little well yet?

Go neutral: practical basics + one small personalized item + a thoughtful note. That’s the safest formula for big little baskets when you’re still learning about them.

What are the best big little basket fillers that don’t look random?

The trick is to not buy “fillers,” but to buy mini versions of useful things. Pick one category and stay in it. For study essentials, use sticky notes, highlighters, a good pen, screen wipes, and a little pouch to hold it all. If you do a “dorm reset” vibe, put a cute storage tray, command hooks, and a laundry bag. Also: choose 2-3 colors and repeat them (even just neutrals) so everything looks cohesive.

Are big little letters required (and what should I write)?

Not always required, but honestly, they’re kind of the best part. A letter is the one thing your little will keep even after the candles burn out and the snacks disappear. You don’t have to write a novel—just make it feel real.

What are good big/little gifts on a budget?

Budget baskets can be so cute if you focus on cohesion instead of quantity. Pick one main item (even if it’s small, like a pouch, a claw clip set, or small stuffed toy), then add 4-6 useful minis that your little will actually use. That’s way better than 20 random things. You can also upgrade the presentation without overspending: simple tissue paper layers, a cute tag, and a letter in a nice envelope. That’s how you make big and little sister gifts feel thoughtful without stressing your wallet.

Make Your Little Feel Welcomed!

Big little baskets aren’t about going viral or out-gifting everyone else. They’re about making your Little feel seen, supported, and genuinely excited to be part of your chapter. Whether you’ve known her for five hours or five weeks, a well-thought-out basket shows you care—and that matters way more than quantity or cost.

And if your chapter wants to go all in with custom Big Little reveal apparel (shirts, matching sets, accessories, etc.), we’ve got your back. You can start designing your look on our Design Tool.

Make your Big Little reveal day look as good as it feels.