Hampers are a great Christmas gift and a brilliant way to present some tasty treats and other gifts on the big day. The problem is that pre-packed ones can often be expensive and generally contain at least a few items no one really wants.
The good news is that, with just a little effort, you can put your own homemade Christmas hamper together. This gives you the opportunity to really personalise the hamper and what’s more, it’s fun to create.
Homemade Christmas Hampers
Choosing a Wicker Basket
The first thing to think about is what you’re going to put all those goodies in. The traditional option is a wicker basket or case – they not only look fantastic but can be re-used again and again by the recipient. You can buy wicker baskets of all shapes and sizes online for around £10; you just need to pick one that’s the right size for all the goodies.
If you want to be a little more imaginative there are plenty of other options. How about a colourful plant pot bought from the local garden centre? Or a Sports Bag for fitness fans, or perhaps a child’s rucksack for your favourite nieces and nephews?
Packing Your Hamper
Everything has to fit in your hamper. Don’t forget to include some packaging which will not only help to keep everything safe, it improves the display aesthetics. You can buy various packaging from places like craft shops but if you want to save a little money, and you have access to a shredder, you can create something perfect with coloured paper. Other things you’ll need are some Christmas ribbons and cellophane wrap to make everything look.
What to put in your Homemade Hamper
If you’re collecting together a feast for your hamper, you’ll want to include tasty treats that really hit the mark, some detective work may be required to find out favourite indulgences. You can mix and match as much as you want. We have listed a few ideas for you below. Of course, you don’t have to go for food. You can theme your hamper in a variety of ways, including skin care or beauty products.
For the cheese lover you can include all sorts of exotic camembert’s, stilton and brie along with some tasty biscuits, maybe even a bottle of port.
An Italian themed hamper will give the receiver a lovely break from festive fayre, you can stuff this one with olive oil, Parma ham, balsamic vinegar, olives, breadsticks, pastries, tasty treats and some lovely Italian wine.
Another option is chocolate. How about collecting different chocolates from around the world or some individually selected luxury chocolate treats from stores such as Hotel Chocolat and Thorntons?
How about a Teatime hamper, to include a bone china cup and saucer, teapot, favourite tea tipple, luxury biscuits, jams and even a toast rack.
For beer lovers, you can include a selection of interesting bottles. How about miniature whiskeys or different vodkas? For the wine aficionado, you can include an elegant wine glass and an unusual bottle of burgundy.
Plenty of home-made goodies also look great when presented in a brilliant hamper.
Pampering hampers are becoming increasingly popular and you can include a whole range of products from makeup and grooming products to home spa solutions.
You might want to create a hamper for the whole family on Christmas Day, including treats and games that people can play while the turkey is roasting away.
Hampers are the perfect thoughtful gift for Christmas and a great way to create a theme that people will love and appreciate. All it takes is a little imagination and the right container to produce a brilliant gift.
