How to Make a May Day Basket Out of Craft Paper

Learn how to make a May Day basket with this easy DIY using craft paper, ribbon, and fresh flowers. It’s a simple and charming way to celebrate spring!

One of my earliest childhood memories is delivering May Day baskets to family and friends. 

My mom would fill them with popcorn and other little treats, pack my sister and me into the car, and we’d spend the afternoon making stops around our small Iowa town.

Now part of the memory I don’t remember, is if we dropped the baskets off anonymously or if we waited to make sure the person saw them. 

But what I do remember, is the feeling of excitement.

How fun it was to surprise someone with a little gift when they were least expecting it. 

There was something so joyful about that simple act of kindness.

No big occasion, no reason other than to just make someone smile.

Those memories have stuck with me (40+ years later), and each year as the first day of May approaches, I find myself wanting to recreate that feeling, not just for myself, but for others too. 

This simple DIY May Day basket made from scrapbook paper is the perfect way to do just that. 

It’s a small gesture, but one that can bring so much happiness (we can all use a little more of that these days) whether you’re surprising a neighbor, a friend, or even leaving one for your own family to find.

I’ll show you just how easy (and fun!) it is to make your own.

Let’s do it!

What is May Day & Why It’s Celebrated

You might be surprised to learn that the celebration of May Day actually dates back centuries. 

In the British Isles, May 1st marked the halfway point between the northern hemisphere’s spring equinox and June’s summer solstice.

People would gather wildflowers, perform a maypole dance, and crown a Queen of May.

By the 19th century and early 1900s, a new custom emerged in the United States.

Making small paper cones or baskets, filling them with flowers and/or little treats, and leaving them anonymously on the doorknob of a friend or neighbor.

The idea was simple but oh so cozy…to bring a little spring cheer to someone’s day!

Materials to Make Simple May Day Baskets

You’ll need these supplies to make your own DIY May baskets…

For the Cones:

For the Flowers:

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How to Make a Craft Paper May Day Basket

Now that you have your supplies, here are the easy steps on how to make little baskets…

Cut the scrapbook paper in half diagonally to create two large triangles.

One piece of paper will make two baskets.

Begin at one point and roll the paper into a cone, adjusting as needed until you’re happy with the shape.

You’ll notice some excess paper at the top where the paper overlaps.

Then trim the extra paper from the top edge to give it a clean, finished look.

Make sure to space them out evenly.

This will add a decorative touch and give the basket a more finished feel.

Just like you’re lacing it, then tie the ends into a bow to create a ribbon handle.

This makes it easy to hang on a door knob.

Gather a handful of fresh flowers, trim the flower stems to the right length so they fit nicely inside the cone, then wrap the cut ends in a damp paper towel. 

Cover the towel with a small plastic baggie, and secure it with a rubber band. 

This little trick helps keep the flowers hydrated without leaking through the paper cone. 

Gently tuck the bouquet into the cone, and you’re ready to surprise someone with a cute basket!

May Day Basket Variations & Substitutions

One of the best parts about making May Day baskets is how easy they are to customize!

Here are a few fun variations and simple substitutions you can try to make your own baskets…

• Try Construction Paper: If you don’t have scrapbook paper, construction paper works just as well. You can even decorate it yourself with stamps, stickers, or hand drawn designs.
• Swap Out the Ribbon: Twine, yarn, baker’s twine, or even strips of fabric are great alternatives for handles.
• Fill With Treats Instead of Flowers: Instead of fresh flowers, you can fill the baskets with popcorn (just like my childhood memories), wrapped candies, seed packets, or even homemade cookies.
• Personalize with Gift Tags: Add a small gift tag with a handwritten note. I designed free printable cards that email subscribers can use. Not an email subscriber? You can become one here.
• Change the Container: Use berry baskets, a mason jar, or even paper cups for something a little different.

What do I do with the small baskets once I’m done making them?

Once your May Day baskets are assembled, the fun part begins…delivering them! 

Hang them on the door knob of a neighbor, friends, or family members as a surprise. 

You can also leave them on porches, mailboxes, or even bring them to a local nursing home or community center. 

May Day baskets are often delivered anonymously, but you can leave a little tag or note if you want the lucky recipient to know who it’s from.

Final Thoughts on May Day Baskets

I hope this DIY inspires you to create a few easy May Day baskets this spring!

It’s an old tradition that feels just as meaningful today as it did generations ago.

There’s something so special about taking the time to craft something by hand, and then sharing it with someone else.

Happy May Day!

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xoxo, heidi

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