Once you’ve decided what to put in your hamper, there’s a whole art form that goes into perfecting the presentation. So, let’s dive in and make sure your next gift is dressed to impress with our ultimate guide to making a hamper look good.
Choosing the right container
Let’s start with the thing that holds everything together.
Now that hampers are so popular and getting more and more creative, there are a wealth of container options out there. And as your container sets the tone and adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your gift, the best approach would be to think about the recipient and what would match their taste and personality.
Keep it traditional
If you want the classic look, a wicker basket (like we use for our own Great Glen Basket) will do the job. Timeless and elegant, it adds a rustic charm to your gift. And once all those treats have been enjoyed, the basket itself can become a beautiful storage piece or keepsake for your recipient’s home.
Go more modern
For someone who prefers a more sleek and contemporary style, a sturdy, minimalist wooden crate or chic box (like the striking 22” red box we use for most of our Baxters food hampers) could be the perfect choice. They’re a modern twist on the traditional hamper and can double as trendy décor or storage solutions, adding a touch of modern elegance to any space.
Go all out on sophistication
If luxury is the order of the day, a leather or fabric lined basket, or even a stylish hatbox adds a high-end feel to your gift. Perfect for marking those extra special occasions, these containers give a touch of grandeur.
Make it unique
If you’ve decided to gift a themed hamper for your loved one, why not go all out with a container that’s just as unique? If you’re gifting a garden-themed hamper, opt for a window box, or if they’re a foodie, try an oversized serving bowl or a picnic basket. If you’re putting together a collection of gifts for a child, you could try a toy chest or backpack.
Consider something sustainable
You can find lots of hidden gems in second-hand stores, especially when it comes to sourcing a unique container. Or you could get creative by repurposing items like a vintage create or upcycled tin.
Selecting and arranging the contents
The star of the show should be your lovingly selected products, so it’s wise to make sure that you choose them carefully and show them off as much as possible.
Step 1: Choose a theme
If you know your loved one well, this step is easy. Select a theme that aligns with an interest or hobby. Or choose something that they’d enjoy in their spare time such as pamper essentials or movie night hamper.
Step 2: Organising the contents
Start with your base which may mean adding things such as fabric or tissue paper which can offer some support to keep your items secure. Then it’s all about layering – place the largest and heaviest objects first and at the back of the hamper to add some stability. From there you can start adding smaller items at the front and to fill the gaps. One thing to keep in mind is making sure you avoid overcrowding your hamper. There is such a thing as too many items, so leave space for a balanced look.
Step 3: Securing your items
You want to make sure that your hamper can withstand transport – you don’t want all your hard work falling flat before it reaches its new owner. That’s where a bit of clear sticky tape or ribbon will come in handy to secure fragile or unstable items to each other and your chosen container.
Step 4: Add filler and padding
Fill any gaps and add extra decoration with some filler material. You could use shredded paper, straw or tissue paper. Choose colours that complement your theme and tie the whole look together – the goal is to cushion the items while making sure your hamper feels full and visually appealing.
Decorating your hamper
When it comes to gifting, presentation is key. The way that you style and present your hamper can elevate it from a simple gift to something truly special. So, now it’s all about creating that wow-factor before your recipient has even peeked inside.
Here are a few ways that you could add some extra style to your gift:
Wrapping
The most common hamper wrapping that you’ll come across is cellophane – it’s a popular choice because its see-through nature means that your recipient can clearly see the entire hamper contents. It’s also easy to use as you’ll just need to roll out a large sheet, place your filled hamper in the middle and gather it all at the top. You can also get themed and printed cellophane with various designs – perfect if you have a specific theme in mind.
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, try using fabric instead of plastic, or use a recyclable bag. Recycled fabric or a scarf would add a charming touch while reducing potential waste. Or for a minimalist look, you can leave your hamper unwrapped instead.
Ribbons and bows
You can use these to tie the top of your hamper or embellish any handles. These sorts of decorations are easy to source and you could even save some from past gifts to reduce your costs and waste.
Personalised labels
Not only are labels the perfect way to leave a note or extra message for your loved one, but they can also look good. A handwritten label adds that personal touch, but you could also design up a quick custom-printed gift tag online that would perfectly match your theme.
Themed decorations
If you’re creating a seasonal hamper, you’ll be able to get hold of little decorations easily, with not too much extra cost. If it’s a Christmas hamper, try adding miniature ornaments, holly or pinecones for a wintry feel. For an Easter hamper, you could choose pastel-coloured ribbons or tiny decorative eggs. And if it’s for a birthday, think colourful confetti or even tie some balloons to your hamper.
Eco-friendly decorations
There are always ways to decorate that make use of more eco-friendly materials. For example, natural elements such as twine, dried flowers or greenery can add a rustic touch and homemade charm without added cost.
Themed hamper ideas
Who doesn’t love a good themed present? There’s a world of options out there with a theme for every little quirk and interest.
If you’re after some inspiration, we’ve put together a few fun and thoughtful theme ideas to get you started.
Pamper hamper
Give the gift of relaxation with a spa-themed hamper filled with indulgent treats like bath bombs, essential oils, face masks and a scented candle. For an extra touch, you could even create your own personalised playlist that they can listen to while they put their feet up.
Wine and cheese hamper
A perfect pairing for any occasion, it’s a classic choice for food lovers. Include a bottle (or two) of their favourite wine and pair it with a selection of gourmet cheeses. You could even base it on their favourite holiday destination with local products from that area. For some extra tasty extras, pop in some crackers, dried fruits and nuts, artisan breadsticks or a jar of chutney. Go one step further by including a set of wine glasses, a cheese knife set or a wooden cheese board to complete the experience.
Green-fingered hamper
A lovely gift for the gardener in your life. You could include a few packs of seeds, small gardening tools, twine and plant markers. A quality pair of gardening gloves in their favourite colour would go down a treat, along with some more practical items such as plant food and organic fertilisers. If they’re more of an indoor plant enthusiast, you could choose a couple of plants and some pots – or even decorate your own for a handmade touch.
Movie night hamper
Give the gift of the ultimate night in. Start with a selection of classic films or a streaming gift card so that they can pick their favourites. Then, add plenty of cinema-style snacks like gourmet popcorn, a selection of chocolates, sweets and crisps. Throw in a couple of soft drinks or their favourite bottle of wine for extra indulgence. To complete the cosy experience, you could also include a comfy blanket or some fuzzy socks.
Travel-lover hamper
If you know an adventurous jetsetter, a travel-themed hamper is the perfect way to fuel their wanderlust. Start with some handy essentials like a travel journal, a compact power bank or a travel-sized toiletries kit. Add in a reusable travel water bottle, a travel pillow or some packing cubes. You could even add something quirky like a scratch-off travel poster for commemorating all their trips and planning the next one.
Fitness enthusiast hamper
Perfect for someone who’s into their health and fitness, this hamper could be both practical and motivating. You could include smaller essentials such as a reusable water bottle or protein shaker, resistance bands, and some energy bars to fuel their workout sessions. Then depending on their preferred type of exercise, you could add in a pair of fitness socks, a yoga mat strap, foam roller or a massage ball.
Bookworm hamper
If you know an avid reader, this is a thoughtful gift that caters to their love of literature. Start with a new release or a classic that’s been on their reading list for ages. Add a soft, warm blanket or throw for those long reading sessions and a set of bookmarks. You could even include a stylish book light or reading light for late-night page turning. For that extra thoughtful touch, choose some of their favourite teas, coffees and snacks to enjoy while they read.
Hampers for coffee/tea lovers
Perfect for those who can’t start their day without a cuppa. Handpick a selection of high-quality coffee beans or ground coffee for them to try and include a stylish or personalised mug. You could then add extras such as artisanal syrups and some gourmet treats like biscotti, chocolate-covered espresso beans or a selection of sweet pastries. Finish off your hamper with a coffee-themed book or a gift card for their favourite café so that they can grab one on the go.
Baking whizz hamper
If they’re always rustling something up in the kitchen, a baking hamper could include some unique recipe books for inspiration, measuring spoons and a stylish apron – brownie points if it’s personalised. Then add some everyday basics such as flour, baking chocolate, fun cookie cutters and decorations.
New parent hamper
Celebrate the new arrival with a collection of practical and thoughtful items like baby clothes, soft blankets, bibs, socks, teething toys and baby skincare products. Include something for the parents too like some self-care products or their favourite treats to help get through those long nights.
Employee or client hampers
If you want to show some appreciation to clients and employees, a hamper is an excellent way of making sure there’s something for everyone. With the right combination of thoughtful or relevant items, these thoughtfully curated hampers can be a successful and simple way of conveying your brand’s values and making people feel valued.
What makes a great corporate hamper?
Choosing wisely
Include items that align with your brand or business. For example, you might want to focus on locally sourced products or eco-friendly items to make a thoughtful statement.
Branded merch
If you want to emphasise your brand and keep it front of mind, you could include some branded merchandise such as company mugs, notebooks or pens.
The personal touch
People want to feel appreciated, so ensuring there’s something personal to them included in the hamper is a smart move. This could involve altering some of the contents to the individual and their tastes, or could be as simple as adding the human touch with a handwritten note.
Have a theme
Just because you’re putting together a corporate hamper doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve a theme. Whether it’s a holiday or seasonal celebration, a commemoration of a successful partnership or an employee milestone, a themed hamper can make the gift feel much more thoughtful and special.
Presentation matters
Invest some time in how it looks. A well-presented hamper not only looks more appealing, but also reflects your company’s commitment to quality and attention to detail.
---
No matter the occasion or the recipient, next time you’re pondering about what to get someone to show you really care, look past the gift cards and gift sets and make your go-to present a gift hamper.
And of course, if you want to save yourself the work of putting together an entire hamper from scratch, why not explore our range of Scottish food hampers – packed with a variety of premium goodies.
So, get creative, pay attention to the little details and use our tips and tricks to make your next hamper a showstopping gift that they’ll cherish and remember.
