There is something luxurious about a Christmas hamper, but with luxury comes expense. Here is a look at how you can achieve the same results by making your own, even if you’re on a tight budget!
Do it yourself
The first thing you need to do is decide what receptacle you’ll use to hold the gifts. If you are planning on making several hampers, consider bulk-buying baskets as this works out to be much cheaper than buying them individually. If you prefer, you can buy kits to make yourself.
Do your research
Take a look at some of the big names in hampers and look at the gifts that are included. Go online and research some price comparisons. Remember to consider weight as this will have an impact on your delivery methods. If using your local post office in Penzance or same day courier Manchester, it’s worth weighing this up! Cheese straws, for example, are much lighter than jars of jams or conserves!
Personalise your hamper
A homemade hamper is a very personal gift that shows the recipient you went the extra mile. You can tailor your gifts to the person you are making the hamper for. Bespoke and creative, you may even save enough money to use a courier service to deliver it. There are so many around, all eager for business, from choices in Manchester such as (http://allaboutfreight.co.uk/same-day-courier-service/same-day-courier-manchester/) to Malvern. Plan ahead and start early by adding a few items to your weekly shop.
Questions, questions, questions!
Our advice is to have a plan. What is your theme? This doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. For example, your chocolate-loving niece will be delighted with a hamper full of her favourite sweet treats. What is your budget? It’s important that you stick to your budget. To keep the cost down, you can always make some of the items yourself, such as jams and biscuits.
Think creatively
Although hampers traditionally come in wicker baskets, you don’t need to stick to this. Other suggestions include decorating a cardboard box, which you can pick up free from any supermarket. Alternatively, wooden crates, metal baskets or even fruit bowls from your local charity shop will suffice.
The extra mile
To keep everything in place, use shredded or crepe paper and wrap it in cellophane.
