The much anticipated Christmas is approaching and now is the time to think about getting Christmas hampers. Hampers are an effective way of spreading happiness and the gesture is incredibly wholesome.
Due to the advent of technology, you can also order these baskets filled with delectable treats online and send them remotely to your loved ones. With the unfortunate onset of the pandemic, online purchasing of gift hampers has become a viable option. Moreover, you can send Christmas hampers to your dearest ones who live overseas.
The challenge arises when trying to choose the perfect Christmas hamper online. You can’t see the products and quality in person. Furthermore, there is a wide range of options which can be overwhelming to assess them all.
This article will discuss 7 helpful tips on getting the perfect Christmas hampers online that will surely delight anyone on the receiving end.
Know What the Recipient Likes
Every person has different tastes and preferences. While some love indulgent sweets, others prefer munching on spicy and savoury treats. Everyone has their favourite Christmas treats. It is wise to be aware of their favourite nibbles and beverages.
The delicious contents of Christmas hampers should be compatible with the person’s preferences. Pay attention to their dislikes as well as likes. There are some foods that individuals cannot stand eating or can not consume due to allergies. It is best not to include such snacks in the hamper so pay attention.
It is also recommended to consider the lifestyle and diet restrictions of the individual. For instance, if the person is a Celiac or simply opts out of gluten-containing foods, it is best to include only scrumptious gluten-free treats like crisp meringues.
This also goes for someone who is diabetic. Imagine giving mouth-watering chocolates and various sweet desserts to someone who can’t consume sugar; all your efforts will go in vain. The recipient will also find it ignorant and thoughtless of you for not knowing about their health issues.
As mentioned before, pay attention to the foods and ingredients the person might be allergic to. It can be nuts, dairy, and other common ingredients in most Christmas foods. Follow the rule of thumb to opt for Christmas hampers that match with their palates and diet restrictions.
If you do not know enough, then simply ask them in casual conversations. You can also look at their social media accounts where they are most likely to openly share their distastes, likings and general lifestyle. Alternatively, you can ask one of their close friends who can give you some insight regarding their preferences.
Suppose the individual is vegan. You can include various appetising vegan treats that also go with the Christmas theme. Vegan Christmas puddings spiced clementine jams, and poached plums are recommended plant-based options.
For people who consider themselves wine connoisseurs, a hamper filled with elegant bottles of high-quality wine and compatible pairings like artisanal cheese. Hampers filled with handcrafted beers and fruit-infused spirits can be ideal for those who celebrate with alcohol during the holidays. Refreshing cordials and fun mocktails are also worthy beverages that can be ideal for those who do not consume alcohol.
Assess the Credentials of the Supplier
It is very crucial to purchase Christmas hampers from authentic suppliers. Falling for false advertisements is a common phenomenon many people face. Some companies also have poor customer service and delivery processes that you should be aware of.
High-quality delivery is vital as the packaging and durability of the hamper contents can not be compromised. The last thing you need is a leaking product or broken jar in the packaging to ruin the Christmas present.
To avoid such disasters, it is best to assess the supplier’s credentials and customer reviews. If the testimonials are legit and full of praises, then it is most likely that the company is authentic. You can also ask around and get reviews on public online forums.
Here is a list of factors to consider when evaluating a supplier:
- Whether their website is secure with an easy user interface.
- For how long the company is in the delivery business.
- The materials and integrity of the hamper packaging.
- Their range of luxury products, hampers, and other gift items.
- The endorsement and recommendations of real clients.
Check the Items of the Christmas Hamper
It is strongly advised to take your time evaluating all the items in the hamper, especially sumptuous indulgences like caviar and high-end artisanal foods like aged cheese. Each hamper should have its description in detail. The pictures should also be authentic and easily magnified so that you can check the contents easily.
Select the site filters to streamline searches for the ideal type of hamper. You can also select a price range that fits your budget. You know the supplier is legit and properly prioritises its customers when they have an engaging and up-to-date website.
For both convenience and reliability, you should only purchase hampers from websites that have such useful features.
Research and Compare Suppliers
Avoid buying the first hamper you see without any research or comparison. You do not want to end up giving a bad hamper filled with treats that are not palatable. It is also very risky as there is a high chance of buying the wrong type of hamper at an unreasonable price.
Browse different Christmas hamper websites, then take note of their prices, items, and the quality of the products they are offering. Opt for the one that you think provides the best deal.
For instance, one website might offer a luxury Christmas hamper complete with an assortment of decadent chocolate truffles, Christmas pudding, quince paste, and other delicious treats. However, you also find a similar hamper with similar snacks and specialties at a lower price. Upon close inspection, you can see the other hamper costs more because the items are from authentic brands with high-end packaging and a reliable delivery system. Furthermore, the items from the second site are cheaper because they are from bootleg brands. Hence, going with the first website is a better deal as it seems reassuring and gives the most bang for your buck.
Always prioritise the quality of the hamper and the dependability of the provider over anything else. Low-quality foods that do not even taste good have little value. Moreover, it will create a bad impression of you being stingy and not putting much thought into the Christmas hamper.
Get a Sample
Getting a sample is considered a smart precautionary move, especially when you are considering getting multiple Christmas hampers from a single site. Sometimes the pictures can be deceptive. The quality of the food in the hamper might not be up to the mark in reality.
Hence, it is wise to request a sample to ensure the quality of the hampers. It is better to be safe than sorry. You do not want your intentions to get ruined by accidentally giving embarrassingly poor-quality snacks in a wonky hamper.
Be Wary of the Delivery Dates
It is vital to keep track of the delivery date and time of the Christmas hampers. Numerous people make the common mistake of overlooking the delivery date and time. The consequences of such mistakes can impact your gift plans.
Certain aspects determine delivery time. These are mainly the type of food in the hamper and the location of the recipient and supplier. Some foods may have ingredients that are seasonal like certain fruits. Moreover, some opulent treats are available in limited stock and are made to order like certain ambrosian pastries.
The supplier will also take time to deliver certain special hampers when you have ordered in bulk. Your orders need to be within their stock and delivery capabilities.
The delivery also takes longer when the hampers are being sent abroad or to remote locations. Such luxurious specialties and seasonal foods need to be ordered in advance. You can order Christmas hampers at any time and schedule a specific delivery date.
Plan Ahead of Time
Avoid buying Christmas hampers at the last minute. Chances are that the hampers will be unimpressive and of poor quality when you buy them in such haste. Moreover, the stores run out of the desirable deluxe Christmas hampers.
Just before Christmas, the demand hikes up and so do the prices. If you order the hampers in advance, you’ll save a lot. Planning will give you sufficient time to look at various options and opt for a perfect hamper at the end. You will also have time to recover from any discrepancies caused by the supplier such as sending the wrong hamper or a damaged one.
Final Words
Christmas hampers perfectly encapsulate the generosity and essence of the holiday. One can consider that it is like a festive feast in a single basket. Going for trusted hamper providers and planning what type of hamper to get is the key to giving the perfect Christmas hamper. Remember to ensure that the recipient isn’t allergic to any of the delectable treats.
