You need not spend a lot of money to buy gifts for loved ones. A good alternative would be gift hampers. Gift hampers can make use of your creativity and be assembled as per your budget. The best part is that it has a personal touch or can be customized as per the liking and taste of the recipients- your loved ones.

 It is good to begin your gift hamper project by determining a budget that you can afford. There are five aspects about making cheap hampers: container or basket, shred or stuffing, cellophane or transparent wrap, ornament or bow, and personal gift card. Of course, you must not forget the most crucial items: the actual gifts you have bought for the recipient.

Containers

Look for containers beyond the usual and expensive wicker baskets- they can be new and interesting.   By including new types of baskets, you can leave the recipient unable to judge the cost of these which they are not familiar with. Gift stores often use this ploy to charge a higher rate for their hampers.

You can find baskets and containers from grocery stores, dollar stores, thrift stores and garage sales. In case you are assembling identical gift hampers, buy containers from dollar stores as they have multiple items of the same type. You can go in for flower vases, flower pots, decorative tins, plastic containers, platters, bowls, cardboard or wood boxes and many more.

Shred

It is used mostly to fill up empty spaces in the container to make it look full and for providing cushioning to individual items such that they don’t rub and bump against each other.

You can create your shred with ease if you have access to a paper shredder. You could even cut out bits with a pair of scissors. You can use brown paper bags, old tissue paper, glossy paper or newspaper to create shreds. Each type will give different looks.

You can even curl the shred by pulling it gently over the edge of scissors.  Making this for several baskets might be time-consuming. You can also make use of Easter grass, in case some are left over. But it is totally not mandatory that you must use shred. You must decide only if it will look good in your hamper. But the key thing is- the shred must not cost anything.

Cellophane Wrap

This transparent wrap will provide a great look for hampers. Avoid plastic cling wraps or plastic bags which have a cheap look. Cellophane wrap can be obtained from florists, dollar stores or party stores. Ensure that it fits the hamper without ripping.

Ribbons, Bows, And Cards

The card, ornament, and bow should fit the theme of the gift basket. For instance, a baby shower hamper can feature a cute little silver spoon. A satin ribbon of good quality can transform the hamper to look sumptuous and rich. You can use silk flowers instead of a bow. Attach a card to a personal message before hamper delivery.

Gifts

There are countless choices for gifts including inexpensive items. Gifts can be bought as per the theme of the hamper. Or you can look out for special deals and discounts from offline or online stores. Most common types of hampers are food hampers. You can make them from store bought items or homemade items. In case of fruit baskets, make sure it includes fruits in different stages of ripeness. Search for food items in bulk food aisle of your local grocery store.

These are some tips to make inexpensive gift hampers.