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Empty Wicker Hamper.

(51 Posts)
Calendargirl Thu 26-Dec-24 11:10:29

Have received two food hampers for Christmas, a M&S one from DD, a Tesco one from DS, who said, as he gave it to me “I know you like a hamper, Mum”.

Which I do, the contents of both much appreciated, but I now have two more to add to a few others I have been given in the past.

What to do with them?

I know I could fill them and re-gift, but I don’t honestly have anyone to do that to, plus I feel bad to give them away as they have cost money in the first place. Likewise if I send to charity shop.

Have got games and jigsaws stored in one, a collection of diaries in another, ….. but the actual hampers themselves are on top of a wardrobe as nowhere else to stack them. Hats, gloves and scarves will probably go in another.

Ideas please?

teabagwoman Thu 26-Dec-24 11:45:03

If you have a hospice nearby they might like them. The one here is always after baskets and hampers in which to make up raffle prizes.

Marydoll Thu 26-Dec-24 12:01:58

I have all my sewing stuff in two baskets.

welbeck Thu 26-Dec-24 12:02:05

I don't really understand the problem.
If you need them or can find a use for them keep them.
If not give them away.
You could offer them on freecycle.
Around here if left at boundary edge with a note saying
free please take
they would be gone in an hour or two.

Lathyrus3 Thu 26-Dec-24 12:41:15

Actually they don’t cost that much money to hamper makers. Between £2 and £6 depending on size and trimmings like straps or no straps.

That might make you feel better about giving (or even throwing) them away🙂

Lathyrus3 Thu 26-Dec-24 12:42:16

The wrapping paper probably cost more😬

escaped Thu 26-Dec-24 12:47:43

I have 2 Fortnum ones. I just use them on picnics to look the real business and kid everyone. (Full of homemade cheese sarnies, crisps cans of coke!)

At home, they are full of beanie babies. Don't ask!

Gin Thu 26-Dec-24 12:54:12

We are always looking for them to make up into our special gardening club hamper annual raffle. Most church Christmas Bazaars want them.

MissAdventure Thu 26-Dec-24 12:56:48

Put one by your front door, if you prefer guests to remove their shoes.
They can put them in there.
You could put some clean fluffy socks in for people who prefer not to go barefoot.

Witzend Thu 26-Dec-24 12:58:24

TBH I’d just pass them to a charity shop. Someone will want them!

MissAdventure Thu 26-Dec-24 13:01:44

Yes, they're expensive to buy, and ideal for storing toys and children's clutter in.

pascal30 Thu 26-Dec-24 13:11:54

Could you give them to local clubs (ie scouts) or churches for their Summer Fairs.. very useful for prizes

tanith Thu 26-Dec-24 13:22:08

You seem to be putting them to good use. I have several F&M ones, one large one in the hall to store my spare boots/shoes two on my bedroom wardrobe with wrapping papers and my knitting needles/ wool. I love them very handy.

Calendargirl Thu 26-Dec-24 17:12:49

Thank you for all suggestions.

I have put some spare coat hangers in one, they are the ones I use to hang shirts and tops on when I iron them.

The other I have stored some newspaper cuttings in, prior to sorting through them when in the mood.smile

I shall also say to family that if in the future they want to give me a food hamper, let me know, I will give them one back, they can buy the products separately and make it up themselves.

Cheaper for them, and just as nice to receive.

All the tissue and fake straw is just superfluous really, and not needed.

Allira Thu 26-Dec-24 17:33:54

It depends on the size.

I have a couple of large ones in bedrooms and use them to store spare bedding.
I was given Christmas food in lovely wooden veg box one year which has been used to store onions and garlic ever since.

buffyfly9 Thu 26-Dec-24 17:40:42

I was given a lovely hamper a few years ago, complete with leather straps etc. I made it into a picnic basket, with knives and forks, proper china plates and wine glasses. It's heavy (!) but always admired when I remove the picnic blanket that sits inside it.

BlueBelle Thu 26-Dec-24 17:40:47

When my daughter gives me a hamper I take the items out and give her the hamper back for another time I guess we re just practical

AskAlice Thu 26-Dec-24 17:47:59

I don't know if you have a garden/terrace/balcony, but I have in the past lined a hamper with a large plastic bag (which was wrapped round some furniture we bought) punched holes in the bottom and used it as a planter for bulbs/annuals. Lasted about 5 years and looked lovely...

Calendargirl Thu 26-Dec-24 17:48:56

BlueBelle

When my daughter gives me a hamper I take the items out and give her the hamper back for another time I guess we re just practical

Trouble is, our DD lives in Oz and sending us a M&S hamper or similar is all she can do, a fresh one each time.

But shall tell DS to ask for one back in future, he is local.

HettyBetty Thu 26-Dec-24 22:19:52

One of my DC gives me a hamper type bag of treats every year. The bag, a very nice one, is always handed back to be used again, it's a tradition now.

Could you do that too?

JamesandJon33 Fri 27-Dec-24 06:05:12

I keep spare towels in the bathroom in mine

Gtheis Sat 28-Dec-24 11:35:07

I fill mine with shoes.

Beanie654321 Sat 28-Dec-24 11:49:43

How about offering the baskets back to DS and DD to refill for next year.

knspol Sat 28-Dec-24 12:00:23

I know Fortnum's have a free return service for empty hampers, they recycle them and donate to charity, maybe other shops do similar?

crazyH Sat 28-Dec-24 12:02:13

My d.I.l. uses her Fortnum&Mason hamper basket to store firewood for her fire. Leaves it by the fireplace - very impressive