Empty Wicker Hamper.

Fortnum and Mason, Fortnum and Mason, Fortnum and Mason.

I haven't got one, just wanted to write it and see how it feels.

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

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

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

I fill mine with shoes.

I keep spare towels in the bathroom in mine

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?

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.

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...

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

The wrapping paper probably cost more😬

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🙂

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.

I have all my sewing stuff in two baskets.

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.