Eco-friendly gifts for Valentine

One special day for couples is the Valentine, which no one can miss. This is a custom that has been in vogue the last two hundred years and different types of gifts are exchanged by the lovers that range from simple cards to luxurious gifts. It has been noticed that most gifts that are designed for this day are both expensive, and sure to burn a hole in the pocket of the purchaser and are neither ornamental nor of great use. Hence, it would be a better way to celebrate this occasion in a different manner by selecting eco friendly products that are easily available or can be created. Besides saving the environment, these types of gifts are also quite reasonable and also perfect for the individual.

Green Valentine cards

Greeting card industry is, said to be presently in the UK, worth more than £1.5 billion and has been growing with every passing day. The prices of the card are increasing and have become expensive since the last decade. Also, it does create a good amount of waste and pollution. However, retailers have come with a wonderful solution and are selling ‘green cards’ that are created from the recycled materials that have a great respect to the environment. Plenty of online retailers do sell such cards, and there is a huge collection for individuals to select from and pick the one that would fit their requirements.

nestle_ferreroandlindt_1-300x300Delicious chocolates

In fact, one of the most popular choices among gift buyers is the chocolate. This is one item that can be given at any occasion to anyone of any age, anytime and anyplace, without having to worry of being embarrassed. Most individuals love to present their partner with varieties of chocolates or with chocolate hampers on Valentine’s Day. This is why the most chocolate companies have been spending millions of pounds to come with a variety of chocolates that would be tempting and sure to win appreciation from the receiver of the gift. A wonderful way to give a thoughtful present is by selecting the right kind of premium chocolates, instead of the regular ones. Ranging from beautifully wrapped chocolates to simple bars, this is indeed a gift that can be shared with anyone.

Presenting eco-hampers

Eco-hampers are considered to be a wonderful way to purchase for the beloved one and also useful. They are available in different ranges suiting to the budget of the individual, and include everything from premium biscuits to eco-radio and water powered clock. In case, the individual is quite serious and concerned about the environment, then, these can make fabulous gifts on the occasion.

Creating a present

If the individual is creative enough, he can make the gift himself that would involve very less expense. Moreover, it is also sure to add a personal touch to the gift while making it much more personal, and something that can be cherished with others for a long time to come.

The best part is online gift stores make it possible to send gifts online to your loved ones. Other ideas could be in planning for a day out with the beloved one to make the day special and interesting.

Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

Mother is someone special, who has been taking care of her children and helps them to grow to be a wonderful man or woman. Every mother takes the responsibility of her children and ensures that they are safe and sound. She understands their requirements, and tries to fulfill them every time, irrespective of the time. As a matter of fact, the bond that takes place between the child and the mother is something that is unbreakable, and it simply cannot be imagined. It has been noticed that the relation between the child and the mother is much stronger than the father. This is why grown up children should reciprocate their love and affection for their mother on the special Mother’s Day. This is one day that they should ensure that their mother is showered with all the gifts and affection that she very rightly deserves for helping them to be what they are presently. One could also express with mothers day hampers that come in various shapes and sizes and are easily available in the market. One can also have it ordered online.

family-hamper-300x300Repaying back with unconditional love

Since mother has been doing everything within her means to provide happiness and comfort to her children, they should now reciprocate with the gifts and wonderful items to show that they also love and care for her. The Mother’s day has been specially created for all the mothers of the world to be appreciated and lauded for their efforts.

Tips to make the Mothers day special

With some tips and research, it is possible for the child to make the mother’s day a significant one without having to go overboard or crossing the budget.

Expressing with her desired chocolate gift basket

Chocolate is a delicious item that is sure to be loved by everyone of any age. Nothing is better than this, and it can be gifted to anyone without any second thought since no one would be able to refuse the assorted, wonderful chocolates. There are several types of chocolate gift hampers available. One can browse through them and gift the hamper that is sure to win the heart of the mother. Rather, this is a gift that can be shared with the entire family.

Orchid Sensation Spa

It is without doubt that every woman loves to look beautiful and attractive, irrespective of their age. This mother’s day, the individual can pamper his mother with the luxurious spa hamper set that does come with various spa items, such as a scented body soap, shower gel, soothing tea and much more.

Fresh fruits and candy gift hampers

Most women are quite health conscious. They would prefer not to indulge themselves in those things that would make them look unattractive. In such a case, the individual should plan to gift hampers that would help her to maintain her looks, and also be a healthy option. Fruit baskets having a mix of different types of exotic fruits are likely to be the best gift that she would receive this Mother’s Day.

Selecting and giving gifts made easy

Gifts are given not only on special occasions, but on any given day, to make it special. Occasions like birthday, anniversary, Christmas, New Year, getting the degree, promotion in the office, a special achievement, receiving an important research grant, a vital academic achievement or just about anything does invite a celebration and is sure to be showered with gifts from someone special or from others.

cranberry-crush-packshot-300x300Presenting oneself

There are times when one can present themselves also for some accomplishment as a reward for their effort undertaken, or to have achieved an important milestone at the work. The best part in rewarding oneself is the fact that no guesswork is involved in regards to the purchase of a gift. Rather, it could be anything unique and special, like the favourite electronic device like the tablet PCs, latest smart phones, a new flat screen television or a fancy watch.

Selecting a gift for someone unknown

Choosing the right gift for someone whose taste and preferences are not much known could be something of a difficult task. The gift should be as such that it should be liked and not be thrown in some or corner of the house or be gifted away to someone else. However, gifting to a business client or someone in the office could be much of a challenge since selecting the wrong gifts would look awkward. A better way to ensure the right gift hampers for women and men are selected, a proper and thorough research is to be done on the web. There are indeed a huge variety of gift hampers to be found on the online stores that are ideal for any type of occasion and also would fit easily any kind of budget. A great thing about the gift hampers is they do have an interesting appeal to the individuals’ basic instincts for drinks and food. No one would like to say ‘no’ to a selection of the best cheeses or a wonderful bottle of wine.

Some exceptions to the rule

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However, the selection has to be careful, keeping in mind the person to whom the gift is to be presented. People, who do not prefer alcohol, should be gifted wine bottles as a gift since it would not be properly received by them. But, do not perceive it as a challenge as such people can be gifted with fruit and chocolate hampers. Basics like chocolates, tea, coffee, fruit cakes, and smoked salmon are undoubtedly favourites among many, and hence, would be enjoyed by them and appreciated when being gifted. By being a bit creative and selecting the right variety of salsas, the gift can have a more meaning.

Visiting the countryside

In case, the individuals plan to treat themselves and their loved ones with a special treat, then they can consider having a customized special gift picnic hamper. It would have the right amount of drinks and food suitable to the number of people going to the picnic. Apart from the fresh air in the countryside, the individuals can enjoy their food and drinks and make the most of the day.

WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS FOR BIRTHDAY HAMPERS?

The birthday of a near and dear one is just around the corner, and you are stuck, not knowing what to choose as a gift. Instead of buying a single item (difficult to choose), how about assembling a whole gift basket for him or her.

One can create a gift hamper at home or order one from an online store. Many online stores today allow you to personally choose items that go into the hamper, thus customizing the gift for the recipient. You can choose a theme for the hamper based on the likes, dislikes and hobbies of the birthday boy or girl.

Here are some ideas for birthday gift hampers:

sweets-relish-hamper-300x300Bath theme: Bath goodies like bath salts, bath towels, bath oils, sponges, brushes etc that will be used to pamper the recipient. A bath themed basket can contain luxurious soaps and lotions.

Music theme: Music is a universal favourite. Music stationary, CD’s, music books, tapes, music composition notes, are all good items to pack into music themed hamper. Small models of violins or trumpets can also be used.

Candles and scents: Who will not appreciate wide varieties of candles –different shapes, designs, sizes and scents? Add some candle holders or candle plates for big candles. In addition, include some Pot Pourrie, or Pot Pourrie liquid or gel or even a Pot Pourrie burner.

Gardening theme: This hamper can be filled with small garden tools, seed packets, gardening gloves, bulbs, small potted plants, books and magazines on gardening. All these can fit inside a hamper for a gardening freak.

Homemade items: Goodies made by hand are very valuable. These include cookies, breads, cakes, fudge etc. Pack each item in an individual cellophane cover. Small items can be packed in tins.

Kitchen theme: Measuring spoons, whisks, wooden spoons, oven mitts, aprons, pot holders, dish towels, egg timers, measuring cups and recipe cards. One can download recipe cards from the net.

boulevard_chocolate_hamper-300x300Jars filled with goodies: Jars filled with goodies and tied up with ribbons can make good gifts. You can fill it with kitchen items or special teas or coffee. To add to the theme include coffee mugs. Chocolates can be kept along with marshmallows. There are many online sites for jar recipes. Try Google or Yahoo or other search engines.

Movie and Popcorn: Fill the hamper with a variety of popcorn and different flavours. Add some DVD’s of favourite movies. A big popcorn bowl, recipe cards for popcorns are also good additions.

Fishing theme: Ideal for avid anglers. Add some hooks, lures and worms and plastic containers also. A fishing magazine will also do well as fisherman’s pills, fish bait, gummy worms, wicker fishing creel etc.

Sewing theme: Ideal for someone who sews a great deal. A sewing basket filled with straight pins, spools, threads, fabric tracing paper etc.

Craft theme: Fill it with craft supplies or gift certificates to craft stores.

Specialty tea and coffee: Fill with specialty teas, tea cups, tea pots or coffee mugs filled with chocolates and specially ground coffee.

These are some ideas for a birthday hampers.

Preparing for this Christmas

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Christmas is an occasion that is celebrated among people across the globe. Such is the beauty of this occasion that this celebration is not restricted just to a particular segment of the community, but to everyone who would like to be a part of it. And this is the time, when people indulge in purchasing gifts of different types and exchanging them with their friends, relatives and colleagues. This is an age old tradition that is done with great passion. Hence, manufacturers have come out with plenty of gifts that are not unique in nature, but also attractive and sure to win the hearts of those, who receive them.

Hampers

Christmas hampers are very popular and are common. There  is a variety of hampers present in the market of different shapes and sizes. The individual can select the one that they find interesting and engaging. Whatever be the type of gift, it should be purchased much in advance so that the best discounts and offers are availed and to avoid all kinds of last moment confusions.

Range of Christmas hampers

Most manufacturers make it a point to start the production of Christmas hampers, ahead of time. This way, they can be sure that these hampers would be ready in the market to be picked up the customers to be presented to their loved ones. Also, a range of hampers is sure to make the customers quite satisfied. There are plenty online sites that have been for a long time, and with great dedication trying to meet the requirements of customers, every Christmas and this season is no different. As a matter of fact, several sites have some of the best gifts and hampers that can be picked at an instance and without much hassle. These gifts are meant for anyone, irrespective of it being for a family friend, relative, neighbour or an important client.

Christmas 2013 highlights

  • Cracker hampers clocks for Christmas have always been a hot favourite among the customers and is available at a very reasonable price. They are regarded to be a product that is worth the investment and are sure to be appreciated by the receiver. Such hampers include Christmas cake, gourmet tea, delicious biscuits, coffee, chocolate coated almonds that are tasty and mouth watering.

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  • Cheap hampers in UK also comprise of the Majestic hamper. They are affordable and are a real treat to the recipient. It includes some wonderful selection of biscuits, alcoholic drinks, cakes, etc.

  • Other gift hamper types include Chocolate & Nut Delight, Christmas Treats Tower, which offers an unusual alternative. Delicacies, which make up such lovely gifts, are eye-catching, decorated, reusable boxes.

  • The hampers that are provided by such online sites are sure appreciable, and the contents within it, ensures that the recipient’s heart is won. However, the Jewellery Box surprise for Christmas is unique, and one can find the delicious chocolates that nestle inside the etched jewellery box made of glass and would last for a long time, making a good memento.

  • It is very easy to order such hampers, sitting at the comfort of the home and have them delivered at the specified address.

How to plan parties for celebrations in the coming New Year?

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The New Year is itself a huge cause for celebration. But, there are several occasions that come back-to-back which you would love to enjoy by throwing a big party with your friends. Food hamper delivery, from an established hamper shops can accentuate the mood of the celebrations. These hampers are filled with the best and most delicious edibles, which remind you about all the best things about the season and the party. The coming New Year will surely bring some very good changes in your life and will provide you with cause for celebrations. So, here is a list of different celebrations for this New Year, both expected and unexpected, and how to make them complete.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day

The biggest responsibility that this day brings is planning the perfect date. Whether it’s a first date or a blossoming love, this day calls for celebration and some extravagant spending. A lavish meal in the top five star restaurants can be a great idea. But, those who would seek a more private atmosphere can safely decide upon the best DVD to watch along with one of these luxury hampers, which has all the goodies that valentines couples would love to have. This day will automatically turn out to be the best in the life of love birds.

Baby shower, arrival and christening celebration

food hamperA baby coming in the month of January or February gives a great start to the New Year, with a lot of memorable dates to celebrate every year. You can surely send a great gift hamper with fruits and chocolates to the would-be-mum as she announces her pregnancy. The day of baby-shower is extra special with the baby receiving all sorts of gifts from its loved ones. A food-hamper stuffed with the finest delicacies for both parents before the arrival of the baby can have them enjoying the time splendidly before the little angel arrives. Those parents who do not want to through a lavish party on the baptism day and wish to cut some cost, can surely invite the close friends and order for a luxury food hamper, to celebrate the occasion. These huge food boxes can satisfy the guests and relieve new mums and dads from additional hassle of cooking, other than managing the baby.

Other significant celebrations

Graduation day, clearing a job interview or wedding date fixture are also big causes of celebration. A day-out on the countryside for a newly graduate, carrying the luxury hamper stuffed with the best food items in it, can turn out to be a memorable celebration. Get the hamper sourced locally so that expenses can be saved. A sweet start to the life of an engaged coupled can be ensured by gifting them a mega hamper with wines, chocolates and pastries. Nothing can make up for such a gift which lifts the mood instantly and make the party a happy one. So, ordering your custom-made hamper and bringing it on for an upcoming celebration is a saviour for the occasion.

FRUITS THAT BEAT ORANGES IN CONTAINING VITAMIN C

It is commonly accepted that Vitamin C helps you fight cold and flu.  Research shows that while Vitamin C may not be able to prevent cold, it can reduce the symptoms and lessen the time to heal from a cold.

According to the NHS, 40 mg of the vitamin is required per day for an adult. It can be easily achieved by taking in a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits. One need not buy expensive supplements, and only need to buy fresh fruits.

Citrus fruits like oranges are the most popular fruits containing Vitamin C. An average orange contains 69.7 mg of Vitamin C. But there are many other fruits and vegetables containing high doses of Vitamin C.

To get more Vitamin C in your diet, include the following fruits and vegetables:

baby gift•             Guava: One cup contains 376 mg of Vitamin C-amounting to 570% of minimum RDI. Earlier guava was an exotic fruit not readily available. But now guavas are easily available. Make guava your morning fruit, and it packs double the amount of vitamin C than oranges. Not only this, it also has a high amount of dietary fiber. 24 gm of fiber is recommended for women every day and 38 gm per men.  9 gm of fiber are provided by a cup of chopped guava, three times as a cup of orange sections.

•                Papaya: One cup of papaya contains 80 mg of Vitamin C, a bit higher than a cup of Orange. It is also rich In Beta Carotene, a range of B vitamins, Vitamin A and folate. Being rich in anti-oxidants, they are common in beauty products. It is also popular as a tenderizer for meat.

•                Lychee: It has higher amounts of Vitamin C than oranges. A cup of Lychee carries 136mg of the Vitamin. It also provides ten percent of folate, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus needed every day. It is also a great source of Calcium.

•                 Kiwi: Origin can be traced to China, but now it is grown in most tropical places. It contains more Vitamin C than an orange. One kiwi is a tiny amount (64 mg of Vitamin c), but a cup of diced kiwi packs the punch of 167 mg of the valuable vitamin. 1 cup Kiwi amounts to 1& ¾ amounts of oranges.

•              Red Bell pepper: They are a great store of Vitamin C, almost double the amount in Oranges. One can consume red bell pepper (strips) as a snack with dips or serve them roasted with pizza.

•                  Parsley: 3.5 ounces contain 133 mg of Vitamin C. Add a handful of parsley leaves to your vegetable juice or to a tasty salad.

•                   Broccoli: 1 cup contains 100 gm Vitamin C. Consume it crunchy and raw or steamed for complementing a dinner entrée.

•                Brussel sprouts: 1 cup contains 96 mg of Vitamin C. Many do not like its strong smell especially when overcooked. But roasting or sautéing in Olive oil will make them edible.

•                    Straw berries: One cup of this luscious fruit contains 84 mg of Vitamin C.

•                    Pineapple: One chunky cup contains 78 mg vitamin C. It makes for a delicious health food.

Since there is much choice in fruits and vegetables containing Vitamin C, one can design a fruit hamper filled with any of these fruits. Fruit baskets are ideal as corporate gift baskets, office hampers, get well soon hampers as well as new baby gift baskets.

HOW TO PACK AND SEND CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

HOW TO PACK AND SEND CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Food hampers for Christmas gifts have been always regarded as a traditional British gift. They are a great way to convey prayers, wishes and greetings in the Christmas season, and to bring the tidings of joy.

Like all traditions, Christmas food hampers have a memorable history. The French had introduced them to the British Isles, and, in fact, the word ‘Hampers’ is derived from the French term ‘Hanapier’- which actually means a container for goblets. Hampers in wicker baskets carrying treats and gourmet foods have been attributed to originate in times of William the Conqueror.

Initially, the hamper was used as means of transporting delicious dishes and tempting delicacies for consuming personally while travelling. Finally, the Victorians were those who altered hampers from personalized storage units to a wide variety of luxury gifts for others to enjoy.

christmas hampers

When the railways started functioning, the idea of sending goodies to relatives and friends living in far flung places began gaining currency. Another idea was for employers who treated their employees with hampers of fine foods and delicacies so that their Christmas was joyful and festive.

There is nothing more amazing than getting a Christmas hamper with fine food and wine. For instance, food hampers may contain gourmet biscuits, crackers, special teas, cured salmon, brandy butter, cranberry sauce, luxury chocolates, wine and champagne.

Hampers arrive in varying shapes and sizes. The most popular hampers are in the form of a wicker box with a lid. They are well liked as they can be used as storage boxes after the contents have been consumed. But there are many types of hamper boxes other than wicker hampers like those made of wood, card and leather.

It is important that you choose your packaging early as these are usually in short supply as the Christmas Day approaches. They tend to go out of stock in the mid of the season. For personalized hamper packaging, there are many shops in the UK who will do the needful.

Once you buy your package, the next task is to fill it. These are some tips:

• For filling, you require padding like tissue, cellophane and shreds. Line the box with cellophane and add on top, some tissue.

• For added effect, you can spray some pout-pourri over the contents.

• Remember to do a test run of packaging some of your groceries in the basket before setting out to buy contents for the hamper. This will give an idea of how much will fit in the hamper basket.

• Once you purchase all the products (gourmet food and wine), make a plan on how to fit them in the hamper. One idea is to arrange them in piles of sturdy, medium and delicate.

• The best way is to pack the rigid and heaviest items at the bottom like bottles, making sure they are tightly packed with plenty of padding, but the labels must show.

• Next start layering the hamper. To be safe, wrap breakable bottles with bubble wrap.

• Fragile items like puddings, mince pies, and crackers must be placed on the top, to avoid being crushed.

• To give a luxurious look, line the hamper with stylish paper like golden ones.

• If you don’t want to assemble the hampers yourself, then, there are many options of sending cheap hampers in UK through online purchase.

Top corporate gifts to be given this Christmas

Top corporate gifts to be given this Christmas

Christmas is an important and religious festival that is celebrated in grandeur and pomp, not only in the Western countries, but also across the globe. This is one time of the year where everyone loves to visit each other’s house and present gifts to one another to make this event all the more memorable. However, presenting gifts is not only limited to the friends and relatives, but also is becoming quite popular among corporate companies. Gifts are considered to be a better way to appreciate one’s work and efficiency by the employers. This is rather a way of showing ‘I do care for you’.

1. Being thoughtful

The better way to make the most of one’s expertise and experience is to use them during the idle time to make others happy. This is one way of not only appreciating the other, but also is sure to win accolades from the others. A small gesture would bring in love and affection and along with it huge rewards.

2. Stating references

Recommendations do play an important role for anyone, be it an employee or employer. Most of the times, it is also acted upon. Appreciation not necessarily be in the form of tangible products; it also can be intangible. Being a customer, one can appreciate the place, its decorations, the food and service, etc. These might sound trivial things, but for the receiver, it can leave a long lasting impression on the person and have positive effects on them. This way, the person not only gets a compliment from the individual who gives it, but also from the referrer indirectly that can be termed to be a double compliment. They are sure to feel good since their hard work is being appreciated and paying off. This way, the individual is sure to make their professional relationship especially with another business a bit more personal and special.

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3. Compliment for small things

There are times when the shop keeper has to handle different times of customers, both irate and happy. By being polite, professional and nice, the shopkeeper does display an impressive performance. If such people are complimented for their professional handling or their cool mind, they are sure to be proud and enjoy the compliment given to them. It has been noticed that are hundreds of people around, who do good things regularly. They might not do the work for the individual and not have any type of relationship with them, be it personal or professional. But getting a compliment from them is likely to boost their morale, when they least expected it from a stranger.

4. Giving credit to strangers, when the least deserve it

When a person is given credit by others in regards to their ability or performance, he is sure to cherish it for a long time to come. The words said would make him much stronger mentally and feel confident and self assured.

Also, it would be better if the individual gifts cheap hampers in uk to someone known to him in his professional place to show his effectiveness in his work.

Say thank you to someone with a nice gift hamper online

Say thank you to someone with a nice gift hamper online

Everyone in this world loves to receive gifts. This makes them the best way to express the love and gratitude. The gift hampers are a good option to gift someone. A gift hamper is a collection of assorted items collected in a single basket or a container. You can select various themed gift hampers available in the market such as Christmas gift hampers, Mother’s Day gift hampers, chocolate hampers and many more. A nice gift hamper is a good way of saying thank you to someone or just to shoe your love to them.

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Gift hampers- Many Gifts in One

A gift hamper is like getting several gifts at once which will surely amuse the receiver. You can prepare your gift hamper at your own, but that will be very time consuming and will need a lot of efforts. The alternate for that is going for readymade gift hampers. There are numerous online gift stores those offer a lot of options regarding nice and exclusive gift hampers that are sure to be appreciated by the receiver.

Most of the people prefer the constituents of a gift hamper to be healthy and useful. However, hampers containing chocolates and cookies are also very popular amongst people now days. The gift hampers can also be packed with some usable stuff like a spa voucher, a chocolate box, a nice bottle of champagne, a safety razor kit or a designer make up kit. It totally depends upon your budget, and the taste of the receiver. The online gift hampers come in various interesting designs and decorations. The professional touch given by the online gift stores makes your gift look more elegant and beautiful. You can have some extra decoration such as a message card, and a bouquet of fresh flowers added to your gift hamper for some extra beauty.

Budget

It is not necessary that your gift hamper has to be expensive in order to be nice and classy. There are a lot of varieties of online gift hampers that fit all the budget limits. Although you might not get at very reasonable prices at your local gift stores as they have various overhead expenses associated with them, whereas no such expenses like rent or staff salaries are involved with online stores; hence, they provide this saving to customers in terms of discounts.

Delivery

The most important thing while shopping for a gift hamper online is that your gift is delivered at the time. The online stores provide you with very efficient delivery services that ensure that your gift is delivered on time at the place you desired. With a large network across the globe, you can also get your gift hampered delivered overseas without any problem.

Whether it is an auspicious occasion, like a wedding or birthday, or you just want to say thank you to someone, then, the online gift hampers are a great way to go.