Home made Christmas family hampers

[Snadger]

The seed companies are selling "crates" personalised with a stencilled name. Cost an arm and a leg for summat that looks like its made from an old pallet - but it might be an idea for you!

For example
Crates - Gift Ideas - Gardening - Suttons Seeds and Plants
Other crates are available

Yep, I'd already spotted these, that's where i got the idea from. You can't get any more 'Sustainably sourced' than by using pallet wood!

[Aberdeenplotter]

We started doing a hamper for my elderly aunt and uncle(he died fairly recently)a few years back because it was really difficult trying to buy things for them.. Classic what do you give someone who has everything they can use and anything else would just be a waste. We have used trays,boxes, washing up basins etc. We target shopped for them putting in little luxuries they wouldn't normally buy for themselves. Jars of beetroot, nice teabags, lidl's olive oil oatcakes, small bottles of ginger beer, sweeties, etc.etc. We threw in a chocolate orange for my uncle, some ferrero roche chocolates for my auntie, tins of Bird's custard/rice , choccie biscuits etc. It's amazing how good it looks on top of some red tissue paper and covered with sellophane. The beauty of it is you can target each hamper at the recipient. In your case, you can leave out the alcoholic stuff and add other stuff but still come to the same value.

Have fun with it matey. Much more interesting than just buying something for the sake of giving a present.

Like us, I suspect you'll find your efforts are very much appreciated too.

[bearded bloke]

This design would suit pallet wood well Snadge ..... VINTAGE WOODEN STORAGE CRATES SLATTED FOOD DRINK WINE BOTTLE APPLE FRUIT BOXES | eBay

[Nicos]

Those look nice BB.
I like the idea that you could use the box again for something else.

Thing is...it all adds to the price!

[Nicos]

Nice one AP!

When I was a little girl ...and didn't have much pocket money, I used to buy my granny a selection of sachets of different types of hair shampoo and wrap them prettily.
She said it was a lovely thing to do as she got to try lots of different types and the pressie lasted months.
She said she thought of me every time she used them which was sweet.
Then she went back to using her block of green soap!

[Small pumpkin]

I did the Christmas hamper last year for my grandparents. I don't think I can come up with any new ideas that haven't already been discussed. I used the cardboard box wrapped in Christmas paper. It was filled with all home made and a lot of home grown stuff. Pickles, jams, chutneys, biscuits, soups, pies, curries, chilli's, smoked salmon, smoked cheese. And a bit of fresh produce as well. Bread, eggs, home grown veg and turkey ( for there Christmas dinner).

[PyreneesPlot]

You could add little foodie gadgets too, if they're going to someone who likes to cook - zesters, oil drizzle spouts, cookie cutters. pastry wheels, julienne cutters, fancy jam pots lids ... The sort of things that are fun to have but they might not buy for themselves.

[bearded bloke]

Those look nice BB.
I like the idea that you could use the box again for something else.

Thing is...it all adds to the price!

Didn't mean buy them Nicos, I just thought Snadge could copy the design & having 3 sets of dimensions may also help

[muddled]

I like to add an after dinner game to hampers...
Matchbox Puzzles - Puzzles - Fun and games | Hawkin's Bazaar

and a home made table decoration or door wreath.


A good idea for anyone making several hampers is to make one square xmas cake and cut into four before icing. My mother in law does this for her four 'children'....each iced slightly differently according to the recipient.

Remember also to put their card in there (adds to the prettiness)

and if its for the whole family, include a bag of dog/cat treats.

I sometimes put in a tree decoration if I see a really unusual one on my travels.

[Guest]

You could always make a few crackers as well to put in.

[veggiechicken]

Bit of a tangent here - but Snadger's used to that!!
An Aunt and Uncle in law, were coming to stay with us over Christ*** and she and I were discussing what was needed. I said I'd get the meat, cheese and fresh stuff as they would be travelling.
She said she'd bring the crackers.
I thought - What a cheapskate, I buy all the expensive stuff and she brings some measly crackers for the cheese.
She turned up with homemade crackers, with our names on, containing some luvly pressies

As you were..............

[Scarlet]

I like to add an after dinner game to hampers...
Matchbox Puzzles - Puzzles - Fun and games | Hawkin's Bazaar

and a home made table decoration or door wreath.
.

I always make a wreath or table dec with a candle etc to go in but I love the little game idea!

[Snadger]

Bit of a tangent here - but Snadger's used to that!!
An Aunt and Uncle in law, were coming to stay with us over Christ*** and she and I were discussing what was needed. I said I'd get the meat, cheese and fresh stuff as they would be travelling.
She said she'd bring the crackers.
I thought - What a cheapskate, I buy all the expensive stuff and she brings some measly crackers for the cheese.
She turned up with homemade crackers, with our names on, containing some luvly pressies

As you were..............

Be as tangential as you like VC.......it is Christmas after all!

[hamamelis]

Ooh, I've been wondering about doing this; my Aunt's just gone gluten free, so I was thinking of doing a little hamper for her. Problem is, I can't decide if I should go with nice nibbles or stuff for baking (maybe with a GF cookery book).

She does like baking, but everyone likes nibbles!

[vixylix]

I have made the usual jams / chutneys / marmalades - but on the more unusual side I've made flavoured salts (lemon and chilli) which were nice and easy and also making hot chocolate sticks to stir into hot milk

My problem now (and always) is finding suitable baskets without spending a fortune!!