Hampers for Christmas? What would be good to receive?

Winged_one

I know - it is still a while away yet. And no - this is not a "general festive" post but a serious question for OS-ers and also those who are finding it tough in the current climate.

I am starting preparing a couple of hampers which I plan to drop into the Church near where I park for work. The parish team would be well placed to know where they would be best used.

I got a few things on special last night to start them, which I'll list below. But I want some ideas on whether I am getting the right sort of stuff, and whether some of the more basic things (not basics brands, but things like porridge oats, lentils etc) would be welcomed or not.

I have (double for putting together 2 hampers - so double packs will be split between them):
Large jar coffee (50% extra free)
Large box teabags (50%)
Packet of spaghetti (50%)
Multipack 2 finger Kitkats (50%)
Large bottle ketchup (30%)
Teacakes (choc mallow biscuits) - €1 special price
Bottle EV olive oil (2 pack on special)
Tuc crackers (2 pack)
SR Flour (2 pack)
2 l bottle Sprite (2 pack)
2l bottle fizzy orange (2 pack)
2 tins baked beans (4 pack on special)
1 pack pepper sauce (in beans, will add another later)
"Happy faces" packs biscuits (1 pack, had voucher)
Cereal (1 pack, had voucher)

My plan is to get some more basics - rice; tins tomatoes, tuna, sweetcorn, coconut milk, beans for cooking; jars tomato sauce, curry sauce, chinese sauce, jam; few packs of biscuits; perhaps a pack of pitta breads/park-baked bread (would have a month to use, so qualify as non-perishables?); gravy mix, perhaps a few stew mixes or stock cubes, sugar, dilutable squash.

Also, some more seasonal goodies too - maybe a pudding or cake, not sure what yet.

I was going to get porridge oats and golden syrup as part of it too, and leave Twink's Hobnobs recipe attached.

I was thinking about printing off the recipe booklet from the MABS website here (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) as it is very good and cheap (I use it myself).

I have already filled one loyalty card for the (really good - as in the coffee, not splashy) coffee shop next to Church, and was going to talk to owner about paying the "average" price for a set of 6 coffees, and getting cards stamped instead (so a family could go for a chocloate outing, or Mum/Dad could have coffee every morning for a week).

And I was going to talk to the local butcher, and F&V shop, to see if I could get a voucher from them to put in too.

I wasn't going to add in nappies etc into the hampers themselves, but I WAS thinking about putting a couple of packs of nappies, wipes, etc into another box, which could be given to those or other families who have smallies.


Now for the questions.

Am I focussing on the right things? Have I enough "everyday" foods (I want to try and have enough to feed a family of 4/5 for 2-3 weeks, but am thinking as much about the type of things and sundries).

I am mostly putting in good brands (ok, 50% extra free splashed all over, but that means the money is going further). But I was thinking of putting in some basics brands on things that I buy and use anyway, finding them good. Would that offend people?

And I was also thinking of putting in a few unusual things - like maybe a jar of curry paste (maybe even a Thai rather than Indian one), box risotto rice etc. Are these likely to be used?

And if I put in ingredients rather than loads of "ready meals" (like tins tomatoes and a tube of garlic paste, rather than jars of tomato sauce), would that be likely to get used?

Would babyfood and/or formula be a good idea in kiddie box?

Is the idea of the coffee cards very patronising?
And the same on the Hobnobs, and recipe book?
(None of this is meant to be - trying to make it as USEFUL and helpful as possible).

What would you LOVE to see in a hamper coming your way this Christmas, especially if you were feeling under pressure?


And feel free to PM answers if you'd prefer - I am looking for honest feedback.

Thanks. (And sorry it's so long).

Triker

Some ideas here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1231377

and here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1088199


I'd like a sloe gin hamper, just a bottle, a glass and some chocs.:D

Winged_one

Thanks for those Triker - I am thinking though of hampers for those in need, rather than as gifts IYKWIM?

But there are some lovely ideas in case I do get time!

Triker

I would go with, bread, eggs, gravy granules, butter, condensed milk, bag of flour, block of cheese, jar of pickle, powdered milk, some tins of soup, tinned sponge puddings, custard....that kind of thing.

Icey77

Have you considered some household goods such as liquid soap or loo roll?

These things always get used and depending on where you get them don't need to be expensive but still very useful things that WILL get used!

Gingerbiscuit_2

A lovely idea, If you know you would like to do for a family then you could ask and find out ages of children so if they are in nappies etc you can get right size. I would get meals that can made up easily i.e pack of pasta and jar of pasta saucse rather than tin of tomotoes and herbs to make it. Not everyone may know how to do it and easy to see obvious meals than trying to guess.

I buy the odd value item but I think as its a gift I woulnt get the dead cheap value range as no matter how nice say their own vaule chocoalte bar maybe If someone gave it to me as a present, I would still feel bit de-valued. I would spend few more pence and get the own brand rather than top, it may be snobbish but think its hard for people to accept chairty and if its 5p difference between making it feel better I would.

I would do what you have done, some basics for meals but also extra like biscuits, coffee, tins of pickle, jams the extra bits that make christmas that bit nicer. Hope it goes well

seafarers_wife

i would also put in some "nice" treats that they wouldnt go out and buy themselves. for me the first thing that went when i was on a tight budget was buying nice shower gel, candles, boxes, dvds, chocolate ( adore green &blacks), and fizzy juice/fruit juice.

jcr16

how about including things like a roll of cling film or foil. or maybe even freezer bags, so then once a meal has been cooked any left overs could then be frozen for another day.

i like the idea of adding a treat item.

what about a 10 wash box of washing powder, or fabric conditioner.

i personally don't see any problem in putting in value items. i'm sure whoever recieves these hampers will be extremly grateful.

Hellyboo

How about some more Christmassy treats - chocolate coins, a pack of Christmas crackers, a chocolate orange? Things that we only get at Christmas and aren't too expensive, but that a struggling family will appreciate.

I wouldn't get baby formula as I'm guessing you wont know the families receiving the hampers? With my 2 DS's (one who's 10 weeks and having a bottle now!) we had to try several brands of formula before we found one that suited them, so even if it does go to a family with a baby (and most babies are only on formula until they're 1), you might not have the right brand.

Non-food wise, a pack of cards is a nice idea. Other food not mentioned, uht milk, noodles, packet mixes, cup soups, tinned tuna/ham/corn beef/fruit/veg.

I wouldn't find the recipes patronising, I would be touched that some cared enough to make the effort. Good on you.

zippychick

Hi Winged one:)

That sounds like a wonderful idea you have obviously put a lot of thought into :A

As this has dropped down the Old Style board, (and it is such a special occasion), I moved it to a more appropriate board so you can get some more input.

they are hamper experts in here :j:rotfl:

Hampers for christmas is a thread from Old Style - different to yours, but may give you some ideas all the same

thanks
Zip

Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]!!!!!![/EMAIL].

homemademummy

As a mum of 2, I would say to avoid formula - one of mine had to have a certain type and it is pretty expensive to waste at between £6 and £8 a tub!

What abot a board game or kids game - like connect 4 and so on - the supermarkets do thier own versions from around £4 each, and I got good deals last year as they were 2 for £6. Just as good as the big brands, but much, much cheaper. That would be lovely for a family, a couple to use at christmas together.

I'd include a few very basic recipies and maybe the main ingredients for them, but also add in jars of sauces etc. Bags of pasta and rice are ideal as they can be so versatile.

What about a selection box - again the supermarkets do fairly cheap ones and a family with children would appreciate that I think. I know my kids do as we are fairly strict with sweet treats the rest of the year.

I think if I were feeling under pressure at christmas I'd love to see some nice christmassy treats that don't break the bank - like a christmas pudding and a carton of custard. Some nice but inexpensive chutneys and maybe a box of crackers.
Some basic christmas dinner accompniments - jars of redcurrant and or cranberry jelly/sauce. Gravy granuals, a box of stuffing mix ( paxo style, but the supermarket own version), a nice jam to have on christmas morning. A chocolate treat for kids or adults or both! Kitchen roll!!
I think you are doing something wonderful BTW. x