HAMPERS 'R' US

This post is long due. Should have posted two weeks back, events just kept taking over. Am glad i finally got the opportunity to today and it comes at the perfect time. 

I digress, back to blog topic of the day.

Hampers, gift packs, gift baskets, the term gets coined day in day out.

What are they? Where did they originate from?

 According to Wikipedia "A hamper is a primarily British term for a wicker basket, usually large, that is used for the transport of items, often food" while A gift basket, or fruit basket is typically a gift delivered to the recipient at their home or workplace. A variety of gift baskets exist: some contain fruit; while others might contain dry or canned foods such as tea, crackers and jam; or the basket might include a combination of fruit and dried good items. Gourmet gift baskets typically include exotic fruit, and often include quality cheese and wine, as well as other non-food items. (source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift_basket) 

While growing up, i recall that my dad received loads of hampers from clients, friends, colleagues and the contents always got me excited. My sister was after chocolate bars , goodies. I was after keep sakes and unique items such as fancy diaries, pens and the likes. My mum? She was content with food items she usually used to recreate recipes.

The history of hampers

Hampers have a long and illustrious history, dating as far back as the time of William the Conqueror.

The concept of hampers originally started in France and the baskets full of treats were introduced to England back in the 11th century.

But it was not until the Victorian era that giving such gifts became a popular choice.

The massive development of the railways in the 1800s made it much easier to send perishable goods in hampers to friends and family around the country - and it became something of a tradition to send hampers at Christmas. Employers also used to present their staff with a basket of goodies at this time of year to ensure that they had a wonderful Christmas with plenty of festive food and drink to enjoy.

Nowadays, you don't just have to wait for December to send hampers - you can give them as gifts all year round.

And with a wider selection of items to include in your basket than ever before, you can find one that perfectly suits the recipient - or even choose the exact contents yourself. (Source: http://www.highlandfayre.co.uk/The-History-of-Hampers/)

You wondering what the fuss is about gift baskets?

Well, if you give someone a book, it's a gift. But imagine giving someone adding a compiled CD of the receiver's favourite songs, other books (maybe e-books or a kindle), beverages etc, you give a mood altering experience. The excitement on the person's face. OMG!!! It's priceless. That what sets a giving a gift apart from receiving a gift.

Back in the University, i had an obsession for getting the perfect gift for my then boyfriend. Ironic when i think about it now, how ladies hardly go the extra mile to get the special gift for that special person.

I would go window shopping for hours just to get a gift that was not only special but rare and unique in all aspects. I didn't mind spending my savings (after all it was probably  once or twice a year) either his birthday, valentine's day or our so called anniversary. lol. Things we do for love.

That routine soon developed into not only a habit but  passion and i gradually started scouting for presents for a couple of friends and my hamper business started on a  rather small scale.

That was ten years ago, though i continued to scout for gifts after graduation for people who knew i had that talent, i never considered it a business venture till a week to Valentine's day of 2011 when a friend asked i do something special for his girlfriend then (now his wife) and deliver it. 

My first gift basket 2011 (before)

After (not bad for a first try)

After that i got another call two days to Valentine that same week for another delivery this time with fresh flowers

Pardon the picture quality am still battling with photography and most times i take a quick picture with my phone before delivery.

After three more deliveries i felt it was best to learn more about the art of gift basket aka hamper making. I bought the book by Shirley Fraser " THE GIFT BASKET DESIGN BOOK" , need i say its like my gift basket bible and i decided to include gift baskets to services DRAB TO FAB provides.

Ramadan fruit basket

Before (ramadan fruit basket 2)

after 

A photographer friend of mine helped with this picture.
Spot the difference right. 

My sewing machine i inherited from my mum peeping from behind.

Gift don't always have to come in baskets or boxes. Like the picture above, it was an order for a duvet and cute throw pillows. I enjoyed sewing them. I simply topped it with an organza bow and a personalized note inside the duvet neatly rolled up.

I have had clients who don't open the baskets at the fear of ruining the beauty. I have others who have enjoyed every item in the basket. It turns out beautiful but its not always fun all the way.

I had a client once who wasn't happy with the contents of her basket, i almost gave up on hampers. Like they say you win some, you loose some. I must confess that event helped me get better at gift baskets.

An impromptu delivery. I enjoyed the rush.

Fast forward a few years and a cup full of fun and inspiration with loads of love of creating something creative and beautiful with your hands and what do you get? A gorgeous gift everyone will remember and treasure forever.

Baskets for all occasions Baby showers, Get-well soon, Birthdays, Valentine, Festive season, for him, for her to mention a few. Hampers are an excellent way to show your appreciation for someone's hard work, say thank you or celebrate any occasion.

One of the best things about hampers is that they are great for sharing, making them perfect for any celebration or gathering.

I am excited this year because i now have a blog and can reach a wider audience than ever before, with a lot of referrals too.

So are you looking to gift someone or an organization that unique gift?

Drab To Fab has just the hamper for you. With our range of hampers, there is something for everyone. We cater for individuals as well as Corporate organizations. What's more its pocket friendly. 

Our range of hampers include but are not limited to:

• 
  
• Needs and treat baskets 
• Fruit baskets 
• Gadget lovers basket 
• Gourmet baskets 
• Chocolate haven baskets 
• Personalized/Customized baskets

Which come in 4 categories

* Jadeite

* Alexandrite

* Peridot
* Diamond

10% discount on Bulk hampers. For bookings, further details or delivery details, please call 08037000709.

This was delivered today.