How to Save Money on a Mother's Day Hamper

Mother's Day is a special occasion to show appreciation and love for your mother. However, expressing your gratitude doesn't have to break the bank. Here's a guide on how to create a delightful yet budget-friendly Mother's Day gift hamper.

The Basket

Traditionally, a hamper is given in a wrapped wicker basket with a rustic feel. You can get one from The Works for under £5 alternatively, you can get plastic ones that look like wicker from places such as Amazon for around the same price. It may even be worth checking your local charity shop, where you can find one for cheap and help a good cause. That being said, a basket isn’t necessarily the only thing you can use. Instead, you can paint an empty shoebox or small wooden box to align with your colour theme. Maybe write Happy Mother’s Day on top for that added personal touch. You could also reuse a gift bag if you have one handy.

Alcohol

If you’re looking to save with a Mother’s Day hamper, I would recommend not including alcohol because it can bump up the price of your basket fast. However, Suppose you have a colour theme such as pink and wish to use alcohol. In that case, a mini Gordon’s pink gin can be bought for under £2 from many supermarkets or online stores such as VIP Bottles or The Bottle Club and will compliment your theme nicely without going overboard. 

Homemade Gifts

Bake cookies, make chocolates, or prepare homemade jams. Ingredients are generally affordable, especially if you buy the supermarket's brand products. You could also create a personalised card, a knitted scarf, or a miniature painting. These items add a personal touch, are meaningful and keep costs down. 

Bath & Skincare

You can’t go wrong with bath and body care; they're affordable and relaxing. But don’t buy gift sets; they’re already packaged for gifting, and they cost a bit extra. Instead, buy the individual items from within gift sets that go with your theme. If you have a small hamper, you can likely get a bubble bath and some nice-smelling skin cream for around £5, depending on the current deals in the supermarket. 

Candles

Who doesn’t love a candle? They smell great, add an aura of relaxation, and look nice on a side table. They’re also an excellent addition to a hamper and come in various colours that can fit your theme. However, when most think of a candle, they think of Yankee; the word is almost synonymous, but the price of a Yankee candle is pretty high. So, I would advise avoiding the Yankee brand and taking a trip to your nearest Aldi, where you can pick up their Purewick brand of scented candles and diffusers for less than half the price. The catch is they sell out relatively fast, and you’re at the whim of the mysterious middle aisle. If Aldi is sadly sold out, The Range makes a good selection of scented candles cheaper than Yankee, while Home Bargains sells a brand called Wickford & Co. 

Beauty & Relaxation

Include budget-friendly bath bombs (you can even make your own), scented candles, or homemade sugar scrubs for a spa-like experience. For more information about spa days and relaxation for Mother’s Day, check out our article on home pamper nights on a budget. We also have an article on how buying beauty dupes can save you money without losing quality. 

Gardening Goodies

For gardening enthusiasts, seeds, gloves, or small tools can be delightful and inexpensive. To help you out, we have a whole article on how to save money buying gardening gifts, which you should check out. 

Book Selection

Include a book from a second-hand bookstore or a magazine that aligns with her interests. Now, I know there’s nothing like the smell and feel of a brand-new book, but a new book will be far more expensive than one from a second-hand bookstore. In addition, a second-hand book has a certain charm; it has been given a new life to spread joy or suspense, and most of the time, second-hand books are in excellent condition. If your mother is a bookworm, you may want to check out our guide to buying budget book gift sets. 

Re-Gift Items

If you’ve been given a lovely gift set in the past that didn’t quite suit your taste, or you hadn’t gotten around to using it yet, or you simply forgot about it, don’t let it go to waste, add it to your hamper. The item is still new, so it is no different than getting it from the store, but it saves you money and reduces waste. 

How to Wrap Your Hamper

1. Start with a layer of shredded paper or soft material at the bottom for cushioning.
2. Place more oversized, heavier items at the bottom. Arrange smaller items on top or around the sides for visibility.
3. If you have some already or bought some for the occasion, add ribbons, artificial flowers, or decorative ornaments that match the theme.
4. Use the smaller items or additional decorative materials to fill any gaps.
5. To wrap a clear cellophane is famous for its transparency and ease of use and for showing off the contents.
6. Centre the hamper on the wrap. Ensure there's enough material on each side to gather at the top.
7. Bring the edges of the wrap up over the hamper, gathering them at the top. Secure with a rubber band or tape.
8. Tie a ribbon around the gathered wrap for a decorative touch. Make a bow or leave long tails for effect.
9. Include a gift tag or a small handmade card with a personal message.

Remember, creating a hamper is not just about the items you choose but the care and thought you put into assembling it. Enjoy the process, and your mother is sure to appreciate the effort!