Just saying the word 'hamper' is satisfying in itself. Actually receiving one takes the luscious association to another level. So much more than the sum of its parts, a hamper is received in giddy anticipation of plumbing its depths for delightful treasures.
It is also true that, months later, a few random jars of syrupy nectarines or a mini tea set will be collecting dust in your cupboard. Choose to overlook the few duds among the gems, if you will, and opt for a classic hamper from the people who do them the best: high-end hotels. Alternatively, customise your own hamper with hand-picked goodies.
The Mandarin Oriental and the Peninsula are world-famous for their holiday hampers, and rightly so. Classic hampers usually include gourmet food items or spa and beauty products. Mandarin Oriental's classic, The Hamper at HK$988, will get you Christmas pudding, cookies, homemade XO sauce, their famous rose petal jam, mulled wine spices and Christmas stollen, which is like a cake. The Peninsula offers six different gourmet hampers, ranging in price from HK$1,298 to HK$4,298, plus a children's hamper with seasonal goodies and an activity book, for HK$698.
MAKING YOUR OWN
Custom-made hampers or gift baskets send a clear message to the recipient that this is a hand-selected gift tailored to their personality, and it also reflects your investment of time and careful thought. Select a theme inspired by the recipient's tastes and interests. Does he golf? Is she a style maven? Give your creativity free rein.
The trick to making a successful gift hamper is to build from the base up. You need a container, some substance to fill it with for displaying the gift items, then the items themselves. Finally, add the wrapping and ribbons.