A food hamper gift can be any size; elaborate or simple, filled with luxury gourmet foods or simpler, everyday fare. It can contain a general variety of foods or follow a theme. You can make a food hamper gift fit any budget, but in most cases it will be less expensive than a shop-bought hamper.



The first thing you need to do when planning your own food hamper gift is find something to put the food items into. Wicker baskets are cheap and easily available and come in many different sizes. If you've received a gift in a basket, keep the basket for future use. If you want to give a large or heavy gift, a sturdy cardboard box will be fine if you cover it with wrapping paper. It's nice, whatever container you use, to line it with shredded paper. It looks good but it also protects the items from damage. You can make your own shredded paper or buy it in colors ranging from pastels to metallic; gold or silver is particularly nice for a luxurious look. Cellophane wrap, tied at the top with ribbon, will complete the look.

The next thing to do is decide on the contents of your food hamper gift. An elderly friend or relative will be delighted with a hamper filled with items such as preserves, beverages, fruit cake or all-butter cookies. Make it a mixture of items they use every day and little luxuries that they perhaps don't normally treat themselves to.

For someone who enjoys cooking, a themed food gift hamper is ideal. Fill it with exotic spices for someone who likes curries; pasta, grissini, parmesan and Parma ham for a lover of Italian food; lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, jasmine rice and fish sauce for a Thai food enthusiast; there are endless variations. For a vegetarian or environmentally aware friend, consider making them an organic food hamper. Most large food stores now have an excellent selection of organic and vegetarian foods to choose from.

A gourmet food hamper is best for someone who appreciates the finer things in life or who is a food connoisseur. Champagne truffles, single-estate coffee, infused olive oil, p"t? or smoked salmon are just a few ideas for inclusion. They may also enjoy a food and wine hamper, with perhaps a good bottle of red wine, a crisp white or even a bottle of port or sherry. This type of food hamper gift is also suitable for a couple.

Making your own food hamper gift does take time, and with an almost unlimited choice of food it can take some thought too. However, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you've given a unique gift to that special person, and they will appreciate your effort too.