Gift Ideas for the Perfect Big/Little Baskets

The bonds you form with your sorority sisters can't be beat. There's something magical about connecting with others who share the same interests as you. The only thing that's better is passing your knowledge, support and love on to the next generation - and that's why the Big/Little connection is so important. The culmination of this event is letting your Little know who you are and seeing their eyes light up when you hand them their Big/Little baskets. The tradition of Big/Little gifts is so special, and at Greek U, we have tons of great gift ideas to include in your Big/Little baskets.


You can almost smell the glue guns just thinking about Big/Little sorority baskets. Sorority Big/Little season is quickly approaching, and it's time to start thinking about what you'll give your special sorority sister. The best (or worst - depends if you are a Pinner or not) part of Big/Little reveal is the basket you put together for your sorority Little after you reveal who you are.

Some of the best baskets almost always include food, crafts and clothes. To ensure your basket is everything you and your Little hoped it would be, we wanted to bring you the best Big/Little sorority basket gift ideas. Including these common items and a few you might not have thought of. Use our list as a starting point to help make sure that your future Little loves everything inside her basket.

It's all about showing your Little how much you love her and how excited you are that she's in your house. After all, you chose her to be your Little. Read on to discover some really good Big/Little basket ideas, including crafts, clothing and food recipes! If your sorority chapter hasn't begun this process, check out our post on how to pick the perfect Big/Little for you.

Big/Little Basket Goodies: Food

Food is always a safe gift idea. Your Little needs to eat, and she probably has a sweet tooth. Unless you know of any specific dietary restrictions, starting off with a snack attack is always a good idea. Looking for Big/Little food ideas for your basket that will make your Little's day? Try candy - and lots of it. You know your Little is going to be cramming for those midterms soon, and you also know how much snacking is involved. Find out her favorite types of candy and fill the basket with them.

If candy isn't her thing, try some sweets that are a bit healthier. You might consider Sprout's or Trader Joe's for healthier snack options. When it comes to Big/Little gifts that come from the heart, trying making her brownies. She will really appreciate the time and effort you put into them!

Big/Little Basket Goodies: T-Shirts

When it comes to your sorority gift baskets, you can always tie the history of the house into the items you include. A great idea is to include old sorority and philanthropy shirts from previous years. You probably went crazy buying shirts your freshman year, and you might even have some hand-me-downs from older members. Now is a great time to pass those shirts on and keep a piece of the sorority's history alive. All of these hand-me-downs make for great workout shirts and pajamas, making them super special and functional. You should also get matching Big/Little shirts.

You can also give your Little her sorority letters at reveal! This is such a cute way to show her that you've been thinking about her. She'll know you want to make her sorority experience special with her first pair of letters. What an amazing Big/Little basket gift idea! Pick out a cozy sorority sweatshirt or design a custom shirt with sorority letters yourself online.

Big/Little Basket Goodies: DIY

Are you an avid Pinterest user? This is the perfect opportunity to show your Little how crafty you can be and how much love you are putting into this basket. Let's just say, the more DIY you do for your Little, the better!

She will so appreciate all the hard work you put into her gifts, and you will set the bar high for generations to come. There are many, many different options to choose from, but if you're looking for some inspiration, Pinterest is a great place to start.

Sorority mugs are adorable and super easy. Head to your local craft store to buy some blank mugs and follow the instructions to customize the mugs with your sorority's name, your Big or Little's name and whatever else you want to include.

Another easy DIY gift idea starts with a mason jar (don't they all?). Fill a mason jar with small bottles of nail polish and her own manicure set. Add a ribbon tied in a bow at the top for the perfect finishing touch.

When building your Big/Little basket, you should try to fill the basket with her favorite things. Does she collect anything? Is she obsessed with The Vampire Diaries? Does she love shopping at Forever 21? These ideas are gold, people! You can find out from her pledge class sisters what she likes, if you don't know yet. If you're paired with a Big or Little you don't know well, you can still investigate via social media or ask around to find stuff she likes.

Big/Little Basket Gift Idea: College Survival Kit

One of the best ways to let your Little know you care is to shower her with your experience and knowledge. One of the best ways to do that is with an awesome Big/Little basket designed as a college survival kit. Include in the kit all the stuff you wish someone had given you when you entered college. Here are some ideas to include in the kit:

  • Earplugs for the loud dorms
  • Useful dorm-cooking items
  • Gatorade (for those times you'll take her out on the town)
  • Makeup wipes
  • Gum
  • Protein bars

Pick and choose from the list and add other items you think your Big/Little would like. Pretty soon, it will be filled to the brim.

Big/Little Reveal Week: The Perfect Surprise

Every sorority sister looks forward to Big/Little reveal week! If you're not familiar with this concept, it's a week filled with presents and clues, and then at the end of the week, the sorority holds a ceremony to reveal everyone's new Big and Little!

At the beginning, each Big goes to their Little's dorm and decorates while her Little is in class. During the week, the Big sends the Little on a scavenger hunt of sorts. For example, you could text your Little from another sister's number and ask her to get you a coffee. It is all worth it for the Little when she finds out her Big at the end of the week! There are a bunch of fun ways chapters will organize the reveal, such as:

  • Popping out of decorated boxes
  • Standing behind a curtain with one patterned sock on and the Little has to come find the matching sock
  • Standing behind a decorated poster with your Little's name on it

The Big/Little Reveal is one of the most fun nights of the year. Afterwards, all the Bigs and Littles will have some bonding time.

Our Favorite Big/Little Gift Baskets

The reveal may be an exciting part of the Big/Little process, but the basket is just as important. Make an impression by filling your Big/Little baskets for your sorority with items your Little will adore.

With so many basket ideas available, you can really customize your Big/Little basket to your sister. Make memories, give them an advantage in the dorms and show them how much you care.

If you need more inspiration, head over to our website and check out our Big/Little section.

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