When creating your own hamper basket for that special someone, the container you choose can really make or break the design. No matter how important the contents, the way you package and wrap a gift always lets the recipient know how much effort and time you put into it. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a new container or bin every time. When you get gift baskets, do yourself (and your budget) a favour by keeping them. Even if you don’t use them at home, you can safely package and store them until you need to make your own basket.

 

New colour

Over time some of your baskets may become discoloured or lose their initial beauty. Don’t give up yet! With just a little love, your hamper basket can look even better than new! Your first option is to clean the bin and apply a fresh coat of wood stain to give it a new colour.

 

Give it a theme

Alternatively, you can paint your basket in one or more colours of your choice. Consider the theme of the basket you want to send and paint your hamper basket accordingly. For example, a Christmas hamper would look great in a basket painted red, green and white. A Valentine’s Day basket can be simply red or even red and white. How about painting it red and spraying some white hearts or painting it white and spraying some red hearts? There are so many possibilities and ideas out there!

 

Use fabric

If you have enough time and patience, and depending on how the hamper basket was woven, you may be able to add some colour by weaving ribbons in the centre. Just follow the fabric pattern and, as mentioned above, use colours that suit the occasion.

 

Again, if you have enough time and patience, you can line your old basket with paper mache and once you’ve added enough layers and let it dry, you can decorate it however you like. You can paste your photos with the intended recipient, or you can paste a relevant phrase like “Happy Birthday” or “I love you” throughout the cart. The possibilities are endless and the best part is that you can make your own paper mache “glue” at home! If you’re planning to spoil mum for Mother’s Day, you can also get the kids involved and let each decorate a part of the hamper basket!