This years hampers - 2009

As I said this morning we make Christmas Hampers. I don't suppose we're unique at all but if you're new to this blog or the idea I thought I'd put a bit about them.

I've covered this in previous posts on here in Christmas Hampers2006 and Christmas Hampers 2008 Both contain ideas for things to make to go in them.

As I put in the 1st post this is something that started as a way of sharing our harvest and the things we've grown or made over the year.

The sort of things we put in are things you could make in to nice presents for anyone whether you go to the trouble of creating a whole hamper or just to be able to make nice simple homemade gift for someone.

I start with a nice container for the goodies. I make sure its part of the gift so it might be a reusable bag or basket, or one year I got wooden wine crates from a local wine warehouse which could be reused in the garden.

Often the things that go in the hamper will be things we've made throughout the year like jams from summer fruit harvests or honey gathered from our bees. With a little pre-thought it needn't be a last minute thing at all.

Some new thoughts since I last wrote a post about hampers are -

Calenders - Boots do a calender kit which is cheaper and easier than going to a printer. It just needs 12 photos. The grandparents would love a year of the kids photos or perhaps your garden or travels would make a great calender. Either way try and make it seasonal so the kids and a snowman goes in to February's slot and kids on the beach is for August. If you get really enthused by this idea then try to think about calenders when you're taking snaps throughout the year so you've a ready file of options.

Christmas cake - I tried this idea out last year with great success. Very popular with those who love Christmas cake but for whatever reason wouldn't get round to making their own. It needn't be an arduous job for you. Making one big square cake and then carving it up in to little square ones is easy. Decorating it is lots of fun.

Other foodie ideas include homemade biscuits and fudge - my eldest is particularly good at the latter. Such a simple gift is all about the packaging to make it look especially scrumptious.

Things that go together are nice - in the past I've done a homemade loaf of bread plus the jam to go with it. I'm toying with the idea of homemade lemon curd or marmalade this year.

Things the kids have made - up to you what you include here but I would make sure they are made with care. For example if they've gone mad with glitter you might consider covering it with clear plastic to ensure the glitter stays enhancing the gift and doesn't just get all over everything. School made gifts fall in to this catergory.

Crafts you've made - you know what you're good at whether its knitting or crochet, embroidery or canvas work. There are plenty of patterns for ideas on the net or in books for simple things that would be lovely to make and recieve. Just make sure they're fairly quick and simple so that you enjoy making them. Time consuming items that you need a quantity of is not what you need to be doing at such a busy time of year. Also make sure that you finish off all things to the highest standard - it will make all the difference to the finished item.

I'm still working on ideas for this years hampers but hope this inspires you to have a go at some homemade items too


* photo is of the cake I made for my mum's hamper last year