What to include, how to make your own, or where to buy!
It’s now officially November, which means Christmas is rapidly approaching.
If you’re anything like me it’s been a crazy year filled with ups, downs, busyness, and just trying to get your head around what’s happened over the past 24 months.
By now you’ve noticed the supermarkets have started to bring out the Christmas food, toy sales are starting to pick up, and for us busy business owners struggling to make ends meet we need to think about saying thank you to the people who kept us going.
Yes, those clients that we have relied upon so long, the ones who helped keep business afloat, food on the table, bills paid, and maybe, if you were lucky, even a cheeky holiday.
Buying for clients can always feel like a bit of a minefield because what do you get them? Can’t be too friendly, they may get the wrong impression. Can’t be too corporate because bloody hell that’s boring. So what to do?
You could always go for the classic premade hampers from M&S or John Lewis. You could even go all out with a Fortnum and Mason one.
Or you could add the truly personal touch by making one yourself.
What should be in a Christmas hamper?
There isn’t a solid answer to the question “What should be in a Christmas hamper?”
It’s completely up to you.
What I would say, is most people like treats of the gourmet food and drink variety (my favourite is Scotch whisky, if you’re interested)
What you do need to do is think about the person you’re buying for. What do they like? What would appeal to them?
It can be tempting to get caught up with thinking about what you’d like if you were receiving it. But think of who your clients are? What are they into? What would they use in daily life?
The main staples are usually wine, beer, spirits, chocolates, biscuits, cheeses, and maybe some other gifts.
However, these can be tailored and adjusted to best suit the person.
Whilst you can and should stick with the classics don’t be afraid to jazz it up a little with some out of the box (or in this case hamper) thinking.
Add some beautiful merch in there that will not only serve a great purpose and get used but also make you and your gift memorable.
We’re going to be thinking about things they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves or the office but a little bit of luxury goes a long way.
Look out for natural, organic, artisanal, ethical, eco-friendly, homemade, or top-quality items. Luckily for you, we have a whole catalogue filled with such items.
Homemade or store-bought?
Truth be told, it doesn’t truly matter if it’s bought at a store or if it’s made by yourself piece by piece.
As the phrase goes it’s the thought that counts. All that matters is that you’ve or purchased it or made it with the person in mind.
Homemade hampers
Homemade hampers are absolutely perfect for that personal touch.
We’re naturally also going to advocate for them as you can make them truly individualised to the person.
Think about who is going to get the hamper. Are they a music fan? What about food and drink? What could even solve a common issue they have.
Having a little thought behind what each thing you could include in the hamper really helps make it special.
The only issue with this approach is time and cost. Buying everything individually and then assembling it can
Store-bought hampers
On the other hand, if you’re a bit strapped for time and stuck for choice, a store-bought hamper could be the way to go. You’ll be able to browse a few different options and choose one with items you think will surprise and delight the recipient.
Brand-specific store-bought hampers are fantastic if you know that someone has a penchant for a particular brand. Although you haven’t hand-picked every individual item, it still shows you care about them and listen to their likes and dislikes. They can also be great value for money, as these hampers often cost less than if you were to purchase each element separately.
If you don’t know the recipient’s tastes, it may be best to go for a store-bought Christmas Hamper. They are helpful if you’re choosing a gift for a raffle, client, or colleague.
Store-bought hampers contain a varied selection of items that have a good chance of pleasing even the pickiest of recipients. It’s still a sensible idea to find out if the person receiving the hamper has any allergies or dietary requirements. It’s also good to check whether they drink alcohol to avoid choosing one containing problematic items.
Great Items to Include In Your Hamper
Buying a hamper is going to get you remembered. However, adding that special touch makes sure you’re never forgotten. With that adding extra items that match the person you’re sending them to, or the theme of your hamper is always a great idea.
The best part is, you can put your branding on them (if you want), or do a custom job just for the client, or if you don’t want to go down that road, you can just buy them as is. That unbranded look will definitely
Music Nut?
The incredible Vader Speaker. This is a great little gift and one that would get used to. It may be small but it packs a mighty punch and is perfect for playing your music in the office or at home.
If you have a client that’s a music fan this makes a fantastic gift. Small, portable, great sound quality, and certainly very memorable.
Tea and Coffee Enthusiasts?
We are a nation of tea and coffee drinkers. With that in mind what could be better than a perfectly customised mug and insulated bottle?
Need something to keep in the office? The mug looks wonderful and is infinitely customisable. Whatever you want on it, it can be done. Oh and is dishwasher safe to 2000+ washes!
Your client never without a coffee or tea in their hand, but always on the go? Our Toronto insulated bottle is fantastic.
Firstly, it’s a well designed, beautiful thermal bottle with a robust Tritan cap. It will keep your drinks hot or cold for up to 12 hours!
Super Organised?
This could be any calendar or diary, or notepad, or to-do list pack.
We just picked this image cause it’s bright and colourful.
But with such a huge range of diaries and notepads available, you are spoilt for choice.
Find the best colour or style that suits your client, and then get to work on adding those all-important personal touches.
Avid Notetaker?
Ah, pens! The classic of promotional merchandise.
Is it a bit cheesy? Yes. Does it work? Absolutely!
There’s a reason why they are so classic and have lasted to this day because pens are fantastic promotional pieces.
They get used every day and if you have a good quality pen that rapidly becomes your favourite.
This Cross pen is a favourite of ours. It feels good to hold, nice and durable, with excellent writing flow.
This is a great experience to write with and will become a firm favourite with anyone who is an avid notetaker.
Bought wine?
This is a fantastic gift box. It works well on its own as well as part of a hamper.
Bought a nice bottle of wine? Present it in this beautiful wooden box with strong robust tools to provide a gift that your client will truly remember.
Hell, they may even display it in the office or at home.
Whatever happens, this is a gift that will impress.
Ready For Christmas
Christmas hampers are great gifts. For anyone. They provide variety and still have a touch of thought and personalisation that makes a present feel special.
The key here is not in whether you buy them or whether you create them. The key is the thought behind them. Think about who they are as people and personalise (as best you can).
It’s definitely an art and not a science so take your time, and create something that really WOWs your customers.