Published: 19th Nov 2024
Did you know that the corporate gifting industry is currently worth around £78,3 million, 35% of which is food and drinks based? So, with Christmas on our doorstep, this is the time to capitalise on the opportunity and start thinking about great hamper ideas.
Whether you’re sending them out to clients or displaying collections of quality products in-store to encourage sales, we’re here to make sure you’re sorted, hassle free. This is a guide to some easy packaging options that will help you get cracking.
Why do hampers make excellent gifts?
Believe it or not, the concept of giving hampers has been around since the 11th century and remains a much-loved gesture of appreciation today. Here’s why.
Versatility: Whether you fill them up with tasty treats, alcohol or beauty products, they can be sent out year after year without ever being repetitive.
Personalisation: From wooden gift boxes to fabric bags and upmarket wicker baskets, hampers can be branded, giving your marketing campaign a noteworthy boost.
Ease: Aside from being perceived as thoughtful, they can be shared with family members or the whole office, adding convenience to the gifting process.
Variety: If you’re unsure about personal preferences, a themed collection of goodies will offer diversity.
Impact: Elegant and bountiful, they guarantee an impressive unboxing experience that will be spoken about for years to come.
Statistics around corporate gift boxing
If you’re still on the fence about using corporate gifting as an effective marketing tool, here are some stats that might tip the scales.
1. The industry currently has an average annual growth rate of 7%.
2. 57% of businesses use branded gifts to increase product or service awareness.
3. 52% of recipients end up working with companies that sent corporate gifts.
4. Christmas is typically the busiest time of year for this type of gesture.
Gift hamper content considerations
If you want to know what other people are doing, turn to the trends.
1. The average content value of a corporate gift is around £50 (influenced by the Bribery Act of 2010).
2. Wine and food hampers are the most popular fillers.
3. Sustainable and luxury items are better received than cheap or bulk ones.
With the above in mind, it’s important to note that quality is far more important than quantity. To adhere to this standard, decide on a budget and then spend the full amount on the best container and fillers possible.
1. If your allowance is limited, choose a smaller bag or box and fill it with two or three luxury items.
2. Make sure that it looks full but not overcrowded – the lid still has to fit.
3. Work around a theme – it comes across as a more thoughtful gift.
4. You can use your hamper to create an experience – like a luxury picnic for two or a wine tasting evening.
5. If it’s for a client or colleague, try to avoid things that need immediate refrigeration.
6. Aim to make it look gorgeous – we'll get to that later.
5 hamper box ideas that make gifting easy
Opulent wicker hamper baskets are usually the first port of call when brainstorming ideas, and we have a range (complete with printable liners) that stand out from the crowd. However, if you’re looking for something a little different, these suggestions will tickle you pink.
Sleek and simple
After a smart, inexpensive container so you have extra budget for luxury fillers that pack a real punch? Then our quick-assemble Kraft boxes are ideal.
Delivered as a flatpack with no sealing needed, it’s as easy as a few quick folds and you’re ready to roll. Fitted with a strong magnetic clasp that closes it seamlessly, it’s sure to make a lasting impression.
Fun and unexpected
This is the time of year when people want gifts that capture the Christmas spirit, so why not opt for one of our quality drawstring sacks?
Beautifully handcrafted from cotton or jute, they provide an easy printing surface, allowing you to add personal touches like your logo or clever messaging. They’re also available in different sizes, so you can use the smaller ones for in-store promotions or go big and make someone’s day.
Extra special
Aside from our regular gift boxes designed for collections of beer, wine or jars, we have a range of special-order items that really take the cake.
Embellished with gorgeous festive themes, they can be packed full of freshly baked treats, bespoke chocolates, ploughman’s platters or whatever else you can think of...and then whisked off to your favourite clients.
Please note that some items have higher minimum order quantities and stock may be limited so, if they’re your 2024 must-have, don’t delay.
Open and interesting
If wicker is your go-to but you don’t want something closed, take a look at our selection of stylish rattan trays and baskets.
Ready for use in different shapes and sizes, they’re a wonderful way to have your gift selection on full display. They can also be repurposed around the office or home, making them a great choice for the sustainably conscious.
All boxed up
Nothing makes an impression quite like a mysterious box and, from our very latest 12-bottle festive wine containers to classic wooden versions, we have a range that that will leave you spoilt for choice.
So, whether you’re gifting opulent collections of speciality drinks or simple gratitude hampers filled with dried fruit and nuts...we’ve got you sorted. Also reusable, they make excellent toy boxes or containers for bric-a-brac when the festivities are over.
Little extras that make all the difference
Yes, looks count - so make sure that you do everything possible to create that perfect unboxing experience. Read on for some quick tips.
Wood wool and shred: Whether you want a natural feel or love everything glitzy, this is the ideal way to cushion all your fillers and take care of any empty spaces.
Tissue paper: We suggest you have it branded and use it to wrap up delicate items or things that you want to keep concealed to add to the surprise.
Cellophane hamper bags: If you're building a package without a lid, these will help to contain everything...plus they’re transparent, which enhances the visual impact of your gift.
Ribbons: Learn to tie a good one – it will make your presentation striking. Even more so if you choose to personalise them with a festive message.
Stickers and tags: Don’t forget to say who’s sending it...after all, that’s part of the marketing magic.
Connect with our team for the best advice
WBC has been in the packaging, gifting and retail display industry for over 30 years, so our team really knows what it’s talking about. Partner with us and we’ll give you insights and advice, help you pick out exactly what you need and make sure that your brand is always visible.
Let’s get you sorted before Christmas, because time is running out!
Christmas purchase deadlines:
Standard orders
Last day: 19th December 2024
Branded orders
Digital transfer: 4th December 2024
Printed packaging tape: 4th December 2024
Express printed bags: 11th December 2024
Screen print: 11th December 2024