I am frequently asked what makes a good gourmet hamper. Well a good hamper is one that is enjoyed by the recipient, not just appreciated but truly enjoyed.
Knowing the recipient will certainly make this easier. Do they drink white wine or red wine? Do they like cheeses and pate? Do they have a sweet spot for chocolates? The more you know the better your gift will be, but it's not simply about eating habits, maybe the recipient enjoys long walk in the country or days spent on the beach. If this is the case a picnic gift basket or picnic backpack would be a great gift idea, most picnic hampers come filled with a picnic blanket, thermal area to keep foods cold, plates, glasses, cutlery and topped up with a few gourmet products.
What do you do if you don’t know the recipient? You maybe sending a gourmet hamper on behalf of a company. What do you send under such circumstances? Well, first of all do not send a gift basket containing wine or any other form of alcohol. Religion, diets and health may prevent them from being able to drink alcohol. Imagine sending a gift basket containing wine to a recovering alcoholic? How will this make you look and feel?
Of course you won't please everyone, even if you know them well, so here is a list of "safe" hamper contents to consider
Cheese and biscuits, Savoury or sweet
Chutneys and relishes
Jams and cookies
Bread sticks and nuts
Marinated olives and pesto
Chocolates
Bear in mind that many gift basket companies offer great sounding products, such as seaweed flavoured biscuits, strawberry chilli jam and hot spicy chilli teas. While these sound great often they are less than satisfactory, they are usually sampled and then sit at the back of the refrigerator for years. Products which are commonly available at local supermarkets may also detract from your gifts appeal. While the products maybe fine, it will enable the recipients to calculate the value of your gift basket. That is not a good idea as more often than not they will think they are worth more than you spent on them. This is especially applicable to corporations sending gourmet gifts to good customers and employees. Instead find GOURMET products which are not commonly found but which can be consumed and used on a daily basis.
Many mass produced gift hampers often found in major chains and supermarkets can contain over sized packaging and cheap products. Oversized packaging is common in the gourmet hamper industry. For example manufacturing companies pack 100g of nuts in a box capable of holding 300g of the same nuts. It may make the finished hamper look bigger but the overall perception will be negative.
The old rule of "you get what you pay for" applies here, gourmet products are not cheap but well worth the extra expenses, remember that the gourmet hamper you send will be a reflection of you and your company.
Corporate Gift Baskets - Ordering Advice
Gift giving is an essential part of running a successful business; the right gift will go a long way to solidifying business relationships while the wrong gift may do more harm than good.
Gift Baskets - A few easy marketing ideas
So you're creative and good with your hands, love crafts and starting a gift basket business seems a natural progression. You start a new business venture, you have the best range, the most beautiful gift baskets and hampers in town yet sales are low and hard to come by. You receive glowing testimonials and recommendations yet business is not growing as you had forecast.
Baby Gift Baskets - Buying the right one
Buying and sending the right baby gift basket will reveal a lot about you and your company. While any gift will be received with much appreciation, not all newborn gifts will be received equally.
