DIY Gift Hamper Ideas
Gift hampers make ideal presents for family, friends, colleagues and business associates but ready-made hampers can sometimes be expensive. That's where DIY hampers come in. With a DIY hamper you get the personal touch of a hand-selected gift combined with the savings, and the fun, of doing it yourself.
The first thing to think about when making the perfect DIY gift hamper is the content. Items that are slightly indulgent, or a little bit out of the ordinary, are often the best. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking along the right lines...
Food Hampers
Food hampers are probably the most common choice when it comes to gift hampers. A mixed food hamper might include a selection from any of the following...
- Sweets & Chocolate
- Dried Fruit & Nuts
- Jams & Marmalades
- Chutneys & Relishes
- Cakes, Biscuits & Crackers
- Beers, Wines, Liqueurs & Spirits
- Cheeses & Pates
- Smoked Meats & Fish
- Tea & Coffee
- Vinegars, Oils & Dressings
- Herbs & Spices
Non-Food Hampers
Hampers needn't always contain food. For some occasions you may prefer to come up with something a little bit different. Choosing from any of these ideas would be a great place to start...
- Toiletries
- Essential Oils & Candles
- Beauty & Massage Treatments
- Scents & Perfumes
- Gifts for Pets
- Books, Magazines, DVDs & CDs
- Novelty Items such as Mugs, Key-rings etc.
- Toys
- Clothing
- Baby Gifts
Themed Hampers
One of the great things about gift hampers is that you can tailor them to the recipient. Themed hampers make wonderful presents that people really appreciate. Just combine one or two of the ideas listed above to make the perfect hamper. Here are few examples...
- Chef's Hamper, includes vinegars, oils and exotic herbs and spices.
- Cheese Lover's Hamper, includes cheese, wine, chutney and crackers.
- Beer Hamper, includes real ales, organic ales etc.
- Coffee Hamper, for budding baristas.
- Regional Food Hamper, E.g. Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Italian etc.
- Aromatherapy Hamper, contains essential oils, candles and massage treatments.
DIY Hamper Baskets and Packaging
Once you have all your hamper goodies together it is time to assemble the finished article. You will need a basket or box plus a selection of cellophane wrapping, shredded paper, ribbons, bows etc. You can buy packaging items individually but it is often easier to buy a DIY hamper kit. These kits usually include a basket and all of the bits and pieces that go towards making your hamper look pretty.
If you do decide to purchase a DIY kit, remember to check the size carefully to make sure it is big enough to take all of your items. Also check that the basket material is suitable. Bamboo is fine for lighter items like tea and coffee but for heavy bottles and jars you might need to choose something more sturdy like willow.
Find Out More About DIY Hampers
I hope you've enjoyed reading my DIY hamper ideas. If you've been inspired to find out more then please have a look at my blog... hamperideas.co.uk
