This “Mini” Gift Wrapping Idea Will Make Your Friends Feel So Special (And It’s Reusable!)

As luck would have it, nearly all of my friends’ birthdays are in the spring. That means that around this time every year, I have to figure out gifts for my best friends — but that’s the fun part. The annoyingly expensive part is the cost of wrapping paper and gift bags, which I know they’ll probably toss out anyway. 

I love the idea of more creative wrapping that is part of the gift itself, and, of course, helps my present stand out. So, when I came across this TikTok video by Libby (@lifeaslibby), I knew I’d found the perfect solution to my lack of funds and desire to create an adorable gift. 

The World Market Chrome Shopping Cart is such a cute way to package a gift for your roommate or bestie. This mini metal cart has a chrome finish, and it looks just like a miniature version of the grocery store staple, measuring 4 inches wide by 6.5 inches high. Most importantly, it has an empty interior you can fill with little objects. It costs $19.99, though World Market also sells a little shopping basket for $14.99, if you want a similar vibe for a lower cost.

This mini empty cart is a darling vessel for some tiny treats, which, when packaged all together, make for such an adorable gift. In her TikTok video, Libby fills the cart with a little cheese grater, perfume, small jams, and other small items to create a gift basket of mini things.

What I love about this gift “wrapping” idea is how you can customize it in so many different ways. For instance, for your skincare-obsessed friend, you could fill the cart with travel-size skincare products or makeup minis. You could also fill it with small notebooks, sticky notes, and pens for your stationery-loving friend, or even lots of little notes about what you love about them. 

The best part? Once they use up the gifts inside, they can use the cart in their room as a little catchall dish or storage solution. I’d probably use it to store markers or thread for my latest needlepoint project, but I know my sister would use it to display all of her lip products. I love the idea of spending my money on a trinket the recipient can use, rather than pricey gift bags and tissue paper that will end up in the trash bin.