| I am frequently asked what makes a good gourmet | | | | Marinated olives and pesto |
| hamper. Well a good hamper is one that is enjoyed | | | | Chocolates |
| by the recipient, not just appreciated but truly | | | | Bear in mind that many gift basket companies offer |
| enjoyed. Knowing the recipient will certainly make this | | | | great sounding products, such as seaweed flavoured |
| easier. Do they drink white wine or red wine? Do | | | | biscuits, strawberry chilli jam and hot spicy chilli teas. |
| they like cheeses and pate? Do they have a sweet | | | | While these sound great often they are less than |
| spot for chocolates? The more you know the better | | | | satisfactory, they are usually sampled and then sit at |
| your gift will be, but it's not simply about eating | | | | the back of the refrigerator for years. Products |
| habits, maybe the recipient enjoys long walk in the | | | | which are commonly available at local supermarkets |
| country or days spent on the beach. If this is the | | | | may also detract from your gifts appeal. While the |
| case a picnic gift basket or picnic backpack would be | | | | products maybe fine, it will enable the recipients to |
| a great gift idea, most picnic hampers come filled | | | | calculate the value of your gift basket. That is not a |
| with a picnic blanket, thermal area to keep foods | | | | good idea as more often than not they will think |
| cold, plates, glasses, cutlery and topped up with a | | | | they are worth more than you spent on them. This is |
| few gourmet products. | | | | especially applicable to corporations sending gourmet |
| What do you do if you don't know the recipient? | | | | gifts to good customers and employees. Instead find |
| You maybe sending a gourmet hamper on behalf of | | | | GOURMET products which are not commonly found |
| a company. What do you send under such | | | | but which can be consumed and used on a daily basis. |
| circumstances? Well, first of all do not send a gift | | | | Many mass produced gift hampers often found in |
| basket containing wine or any other form of alcohol. | | | | major chains and supermarkets can contain over |
| Religion, diets and health may prevent them from | | | | sized packaging and cheap products. Oversized |
| being able to drink alcohol. Imagine sending a gift | | | | packaging is common in the gourmet hamper industry. |
| basket containing wine to a recovering alcoholic? How | | | | For example manufacturing companies pack 100g of |
| will this make you look and feel? | | | | nuts in a box capable of holding 300g of the same |
| Of course you won't please everyone, even if you | | | | nuts. It may make the finished hamper look bigger |
| know them well, so here is a list of "safe" hamper | | | | but the overall perception will be negative. |
| contents to consider | | | | The old rule of "you get what you pay for" applies |
| Cheese and biscuits, Savoury or sweet | | | | here, gourmet products are not cheap but well worth |
| Chutneys and relishes | | | | the extra expenses, remember that the gourmet |
| Jams and cookies | | | | hamper you send will be a reflection of you and your |
| Bread sticks and nuts | | | | company. |