Christmas Hamper On A Budget

[hippyhoppy]

I'd like to get/make the lady I work with a hamper.. and Ideas for contents of a home made hamper (bear in mind I burn water, so all shop bought delights).. 20ish quid (inc said hamper.. blimey.. I have laughing in my head!!!)

[beejay1124]

ummmm ......?????????

[murraymints]

Shortbread...preserves....pickles...Xmas cake...mince pies....choccies..wine ...cheese...oatcakes...

[sherrardk]

Head to Aldi.

[murraymints]

Good idea sherr !!

[hippyhoppy]

Thanks Chicks and Chaps.. will be thifty at Aldi (Love that bloody shop!) and make it look adorable...

[Jennykenny]

Or Lidl.

[Jennykenny]

Hamper might be hard to find for that price but beg, steal or borrow a decent sized cardboard box, (check with local shops), and cover/decorate with wrapping paper and ribbon from Poundland.

[hippyhoppy]

Another great idea, thanks ... we went to CostCo last week and she said 'ooohhh I'd love a hamper'.. I can't afford a CostCo hamper so making one up is the next best thing.. Unless I win a billion on the lotters... lol

[natas]

Peanuts of course, you cant go wrong with a a bag of peanuts

[overthetop]

Is your colleague very poor? I'd be upset with a hamper from Aldi or Lidl (and I wouldn't want the £300 one from Waitrose either - see other thread). I'd say tin of ham from M & S, mustard pickle, christmas cake slab and some mince pies - less is more but at least a bit special. Put into a cardboard box covered wrapping paper.

[hippyhoppy]

Might even dare to make the shortbread myself.. a touch of authentic-ness.. now where's your mum when you need one... (bad joke, but if you know me it's fine!!) lol

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

Have you seen the stuff in Aldi and Lidl? It's really nice, good quality stuff.

[gness]

Ditch the peanuts, Hippy....food of Satan for some folk and I'm sure you know that you will get quality without being fleeced from Aldi.....Love their stuff too....xx
I have made loads of hampers for charity fundraising and always tried to add something like a pretty tree decoration or the like....as a keepsake of your gift....x

[sherrardk]

The stuff from Aldi always scores really highly against 'posh' brands. Aldi and Lidl are not the preserve of poor people, lots of canny people who don't want to waste money on brands shop there.

Hippy - I made shortbread once but it looked dirty somehow, tasted lush though.

[hippyhoppy]

Thanks OTT.. Going to use all the suggestions and make her a lovely pressie.. aww.. thanks all...

[hippyhoppy]

Oooh... gness... can I call you 'genius'.. nice touch re the tree decs.. crikey.. I'm going to be busy... (and I love it!)

[natas]

I will have you know that peanuts are the food of the happy people Guiness
Peauts and guiness go hand in hand

[humbersloop]

exactly sherr

shock horror - DM link from sloopy follows

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2510926/Best-mince-pies-Aldi-beats-luxury-rivals.html

their florentines are also outstanding imo, as is their pickled red cabbage

[gness]

You can call me genius of course, Hippy.....everyone else will wonder who the heck you are talking about though.....☺

[overthetop]

Ah, I know Aldi and Lidl score highly when doing regular shopping, but this is a present, and M&S isn't going to be more espensive here, but perhaps a bit more special. The idea of home-made shortbread is a lovely idea Hippy. Give it a go. I'm sure your effort will be appreciated.