Chocolate Hampers

What could be nicer than to give and receive chocolate hampers as presents? Whether you want to give them to children or friends as quirky gifts, personalised presents for lovers or family there is something for everyone. The means to present them is endless with so many different chocolate items on the market.

The best way to make a start is to begin a chocolate hamper and design it with the recipient in mind. Firstly, decide on the container, it may be a storage box that you have covered with an appropriate coloured paper or fabric; they come in a multitude of shapes and sizes so it will be easy to find one of the appropriate size for your needs

Containers and presentation for chocolate

Another idea for containers is wonderful hand-made storage baskets. These will serve two purposes, first, as a container for the chocolate and later as a container for anything else. Cellophane creates an immediate container if you cut a large sheet and put all the items inside then gather it all together and tie the top with many multi-coloured ribbons, add balloons or small toys, gold painted cones, sprigs of greenery or dried oranges and cinnamon sticks tied onto the outside for a seasonal and colourful appearance.

A beautiful ceramic or glass bowl filled with chocolate goodies is delightful to look at on your coffee table and makes a charming present for Granny or your mom. A miniature hamper could be a ring box which can only hold a single chocolate. Christmas stockings are also a great way of giving a chocolate hamper to children.

Luxury hamper Lining

Okay, now you have your container you have to decide how you are going to line it. It could be lined with tissue paper or cellophane, straw, shredded paper or a fabric of your choice. If you want luxury hampers then a crushed velvet cloth lining or a silky, shimmering satin creates a sumptuous, extravagant, adult look. If the hamper is for a child then a cheerful paper on the outside with printed images and a soft primary coloured fabric on the inside of the box that will attract and hold the attention is a good idea. Some containers may not need a lining at all, cellophane and ceramic or glass bowls may need nothing extra.

Contents

Now you have the lined container you are ready to start filling it. Although it is primarily a chocolate hamper this need not exclude other items that may complement the chocolate. For example you may wish to create a luxurious hot chocolate hamper with organic chocolate milk, a beautiful glass with a silver handle, some sugar sticks to dip into the hot chocolate and a bag of marshmallows to float on the surface and maybe a bar of the receiver’s favourite chocolate, what luxury!

Kid's chocolate hampers

A children’s chocolate hamper has no boundaries as most children will be delighted to get a hamper with their favourite sweet treats. Chocolate coins are great fun as are chocolate Santa’s and small chocolate cars or novelty tree decorations. But be careful not to make these hampers too big as children do not benefit from an overdose of sugar. You may wish to include small toys and games, packs of activity cards, small dolls, cars, pretty little notebooks, erasers and coloured pens.

If the beneficiary is a diabetic, there are many varieties of diabetic chocolate on the market that is suitable for their consumption and add in other small gifts so that it is not completely chocolate.

Chocs on St. Valentine’s Day

A St. Valentine’s Day hamper is a very special one and has to have all the required elements to make it so special. Many stores sell heart shaped chocolates and some even sell chocolate roses for that exceptional day. Choose a container and make it your own with unique covering on the box and a beautiful lining, fill it with everything that you know the other person loves. Present it with a single flower (not necessarily a rose) a wild flower picked form the hedgerow is more special sometimes. Get romantic... it’s great to be romantic even if you are a sceptic about the actual day.

Enjoy making your wonderful chocolate hampers and the people you give them to will love them.