Reed Gift Fair here I come!

Just thought I would let you know that tomorrow I am off to check out the Reed Gift Fair in Brisbane. Ok, truth be know I am as excited as a kitty in a fish market to be checking out all the latest trends in gifts and gift giving!

I am ducking down for the day only, so will be beack late tomorrow evening with a head full of sensational new gifts, ready for Father's Day and of course Christmas.

Watch this space for some of the gorgeous new things soon to be available through Hamperific!

Have a great weekend!

Interesting gift request

Well last week came and went in amongst technological interruptions, but thankfully I will still able to fulfill a request all the way from Canada!

A lovely lady by the name of Maya was looking for a grocery hamper to send to her partner, Rowan who was in Mackay for the show.... Knowing what the show lifestyle is like, Maya knew that her beau did have ready access to wholesome foods and figured that it would be a HUGE surprise for his birthday that was on Friday just gone.

So, with the wonders of the internet Maya Googled terms like "home delivery" and "grocery deliveries" and came up with nothing. A little further research and she found Hamperific! Figuring that Hamperific might be a little more flexible than the regular florists she contacted me and asked for a custom made gift for Rowan.

I always like a challenge and so her request was no problem, even when I had to obtain a real red rose, a slice of birthday cake and a newspaper to deliver with the gift! This hamper required a little bit of thought and consideration as Rowan lives in a van and can prepare his meals with just a kettle and microwave and has limited space. Well, I fulfilled the request and everyone seemed very happy - Rowan had fresh fruit, veges and pantry goods all in a collapsible crate, complete with a Mars bar muffin (his fav chocolate) and a Geelong Cats stubby cooler to boot.

Here is a photo of the delivery with Rowan just a little bit more than dumb-founded.... fancy his love organising such a gift from Canada!

Wonderful feedback from Mother's Day

It almost seems so long ago now, but Mother's Day was quite an event this year. Definitely no sleep in for this Mum of one as I packed up my gifts at 6:00am to be a part of the Mackay Troppo Markets.

I had completed my Mother's Day deliveries on the Saturday before so could focus my attention on the huge market day ahead of me (thank goodness!) and arrived home Sunday afternoon to find some fabulous feedback that I have to share with you all.

Samantha from Ball Bay had purchased her Mother one of Hamperific's signature Chocolate Bouquets which also included a foil balloon. Even I will admit that it looked stunning and had that many chocolates even a chocoholic would have struggled!

In her email Samantha says: "Just thought I'd send you this photo of mum with her beautiful hamper. She absolutely loves it and I have had so many people ask me about it and you so you may get some more enquiries sometime soon. Thanks so much again, it is such a beautiful hamper and you certainly have put a lot of work into it which is great."

So here is a pick of Rhonda enjoying Mother's Day with her Chocolate Bouquet. Doesn't it look delicious?

Mother's Day: What's hot when the budget's not

With Mother's Day on the horizon some families are wondering how they are going to celebrate Mum's special day now that money is tight.

According to Kirsty Mawer of Hamperific, this Mother's Day is all about meaning rather than the price tag.

"Mums want to know that you appreciate their help, support and love and you don't need to buy a diamond ring to say 'thanks' ".

Now with the economy the way that it is, each shopper has many options to find that perfect gift at the best price. But for those whose family budget is a bit tight, there is no need for Mum to miss out.

"Now is an exciting time for thinking about getting creative and experimenting with things around the house," says Kirsty.

Practical gifts are certainly the way to go when funds are tight, but practical doesn't have to equal boring.

"With a little bit of thought kids can get really crafty to make great gifts. Try making drink coasters from cardboard, leftover wrapping paper and a piece of contact for a waterproof covering. Find some cheeky photos to add a truly personal touch".

But if you're not into paper crafts and still want something practical and special for Mum, why not try a selection of herbs. Scouting around the local garage sales might find you an attractive basket, or purchase a hanging basket to pot a gift that will last beyond Mother's Day.

"Gifts that have dual uses or the wrapping is also part of the present are extra special. Besides reducing waste it is also a bonus for the recipient".

Kirsty attributes the popularity of her signature Chocolate Bouquets to this philosophy.

"After consuming the tasty parts of the bouquet the recipient has a great ceramic pot to use. Whether it is for potting a plant or using it as a pen holder, it is a useful container".

Since Hamperific began in October last year, the Chocolate Bouquet has been evolving.

"People have recognised that my Chocolate Bouquets are great gifts, but can also be ideal as table decorations for special events. Now I have created a shorter bouquet to suit the market".

"I have also adapted the bouquet to create a healthy snack version for those who don't want chocolate", Kirsty explains.

And Hamperific's Chocolate Bouquets won't break the bank either starting at just $40 delivered to Mackay and surrounding suburbs this Mother's Day.

If you would like to see a tutorial on "Making Coasters", post a comment below!

For more cheap and practical gift ideas or to find out about the bouquets, visit www.hamperific.com.au or call Kirsty on 4942 8228.