Gift hampers are not something new and are being presented to recipients for ages. They are amazing options and can be given to anyone as an apology, special occasion or for holidays. Hampers are also a wonderful way to thank certain people for their support like a helpful mentor or secretary. 

What does the gift hamper contain?

Traditionally, hampers contain small presents meant for the recipients. It may be food products, snacks, mementos, or other useful items like teacups, etc. However, the only limits that you might face during the selection process are your own imagination, budget and the container. 

Generally, unlimited items can be packed into the gift baskets depending on the occasions, recipient preference and your set budget. You can either choose a standard hamper or customize it to meet the specific preferences of the recipients. Usually, the items included in the hamper are foods like snacks, jellies, chocolates, wine, crackers, teas, etc. along with wineglasses. Many gift baskets are also found to have variety of cheeses, cookies and candies. Some people are known to include books, flowers, cakes, baby items, candles, soaps or loofahs in the hamper to make it feel special, unique and interesting. 

Some gift baskets might include embellishment to make it appear unique. It can be a tinsel, fruit or silk flowers. Such decorations are likely to brighten up the gift, thus making it more appealing to the recipients. 

Age-old traditional practices behind gift hamper

Giving gift hampers is being practiced in several cultures for ages. Also is present a religious background that spans across the globe. Earliest account recorded of hamper gift is young plants kept in a basket carried by Eostre, the pagan goddess for sacred offering. It is often considered to be part of Easter history. However, it is stated to be an idea source of the emergence of modern gift hamper given during Easter celebrations. 

The Old Testament states a story about Moses’ mother keeping her infant within a wicker basket. It was meant to hide the baby in the basket to be found by the Egyptian royal family. Moses was taken by the Egyptian queen and groomed. 

Also, gift hamper concept is known to have a humble beginning in France. During the 11th century, baskets filled with treats were introduced in England. The first hamper is said to have been introduced in England by William the Conqueror. The term ‘Hamper’s is rather taken from ‘hanapier’, a French word, meaning case for goblets!

Back then, hampers were taken along on long journeys made on sea and sea and mainly used for transporting wine and food. The primary material for creating hampers was ‘wicker’ that acted as food containers. It was much lighter to carry along and equally durable when compared to conventional wood. 

Gift hampers however, became quite popular as a gift option during the Victorian era. During Christmas, it became a traditional custom to send hampers as gifts to known people.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 at 12:25 pm and is filed under Gift Hampers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.