Psychology of Christmas

Welcome to Christmas 2015 - and from Kacy and I would just like to thank you for popping by our blog and making the time to explore our little corner of the web!  It's really great to have you here!

Gourmet Christmas Hampers

First, I'd like to share with you how much of a roller coaster 2015 has been!  We have been developing new relationships with some exciting new suppliers (stay tuned) and as you may have noticed the website has evolved to a newer, fresher format.

It has been great to get away from 2014, and experience a completely new re-invention of the brand and the business.  Things are definitely on the up and it is just a good feeling to have all that growth and personal exploration behind us!

Moving on - today I am sharing some interesting facts about the psychology of Christmas.  I hope you find it interesting and take some value from it.

**^^'88'^^**

Giving gifts at Christmas in 2015 is such a subtle blend of timing, finding the right gift, and making the effort to connect to build a relationship with the recipient.

 But it is not always so simple - I often see people being easily offended at what is otherwise a totally acceptable gift. And in many cases this is entirely not the fault of the gift choice or the gift giver - but instead the person who is taking offense in the first place.

 Here I am sharing the best advice and tips and hints for the psychology behind gift giving and how to make your Christmas present giving in 2015 the most meaningful and successful ever. And, of course, we suggest you take the time to choose a gourmet hamper for your Christmas gift.

Adrian Furnham Ph.D asserts that "The basic trouble is that gift-giving is "showing" rather than "telling" what you think about others. Gifts are one of the ways in which the pictures that other have of us, in their minds, are transmitted materialistically. As a gift-giver, one needs to be sufficiently socially aware to know what to give to whom and when, to have confidence in one's tastes and to know that one's motives will be correctly interpreted."

This concept is most clearly demonstrated at Christmas time, when as a corporate gift giver you have the responsibility to reach out and connect with multiple clients across diverse backgrounds. Don't think that you can send them all a similar present and they will find themselves similarly delighted with the gift hamper you have chosen for them.

 It comes down to making it clear that you have made the choice for a gift basket from a point of view of goodwill and sharing and that this is the main consideration.

Furnham distinguishes five key features of gifts at Christmas time and how this impacts on the psychology of the giver and receiver of the present.

 1. Personal History: Gifts that have nostalgia value are very special. They may be an heirloom, or have been owned by a famous person. Heirlooms are likely to acquire a sort of sacred status if carefully restored. But they may equally signify a past occasion shared by the giver and recipient. They may represent a place, an occasion, or an event shared by the two that has special meaning. Souvenirs with special significance.

2. Sacrifice: Some gifts, such as hand-crafted items, take considerable time and effort to produce. The hand-carved, sewn, embroidered or painted item may be of limited monetary value, but of enormous personal value to the recipient.

 3. Surprise: The unexpected gift is special and valued precisely because it was not anticipated. The surprise might relate to when the gift is given, how it is given, or by whom. Brides describe gifts selected from a wedding list as "cold" because they lack spontaneity.

 4. Helping/cheering up others: When a gift is given with the express wish to cheer or help, it is often thought of as extremely thoughtful and useful. It is an index of care; a substitute for being there.

 5. The "perfect thing": The better people know each other, in terms of values, personality, humour and hopes, the more special and subtle they can be in choosing the perfect gift. A perfect gift is the one the recipient really wants, enjoys and appreciates, and possibly would not buy for him or herself. In short, ideal gifts are those that are still treasured after many years. The perfect gift is wanted, needed, deserved and appreciated. It has to be very thoughtfully and carefully chosen.

Maren Hennemuth agrees, saying that "Christmas is just as important for adults. Human beings are social animals, and they need rituals"  She goes on to quote Peter Walschburger who sees Christmas as "it changes our profane daily existence into a sacred fundamental experience."

Giving money instead of a gift is not recommended. "When I give somebody 50 euros, my relationship to this person is thus worth the equivalent of 50 euros," he explains. "But what does that mean, having a relationship worth 50 euros? Is that a lot or is it very little?"

 You can check out some amazing Christmas podcasts here on the Psychology of Christmas.

 For Christmas 2015, it is all about giving quality gifts handmade in Australia with delivery included.

At Christmas Hunter Valley Hampers, you can expect personal attention, one on one order focus, and a perfect experience of gift delivery for your reception. The corporate gift giving specialists have been making luxury hampers and gift baskets since 1988 and will create a m memory for the ages.

Best Mother's Day Gift Baskets

Best Mothers Day Gifts

NEWS RELEASE MAY 2015
http://huntervalleyhampers.blogspot.com/2015/04/best-mothers-day-gift-baskets.html
Mothers Day is a time to share your appreciation and acceptance for your mother and connect with family. BY definition,  Mothers Day is a celebration of one's mother,. motherhood and maternal bonds - and despite confusion that links it to older traditions, it is strictly a 20th Century invention from the USA. 

Fresh Fruit Baskets for Mother's Day Delivery Suburbs

IN Australia, the tradition dates to Mrs Janet Heyden of Leichardt Sydney, who began bringing gifts to lonely and forgotten mothers at a state home for women.  From these beginnings - Mothers Day has come to be a family tradition celebrated in Australia as much as a family get together and to give mum due recognition.

Mothers Day Gourmet Hampers

Mothers Day is also an exploitation horror film that was banned in Australia in 1985 - it is still quite horrifying and simply offensive - you would do well not to watch the 1980 Mothers Day Film here.

For healthy, get well soon gift ideas, nothing quite conveys the excitement and vitality of a fresh fruit basket delivery  - there is a real energy and in the moment with sharing a real fruit giftbox - and it really makes certain that the recipient is eating well and looking after herself. 

Australian Gift Baskets

Delightful Selection of Gourmet Australian Foods, Condiments and Wine

If you are thinking outside the basket - you might want to choose a delightful gourmet and French Champagne fruit basket  - which is simply decadent and completes you best wishes and congratulations for a gift basket for this time of year.  What ever you decide - remember, she is your mother and she is deserving of a classic, high quality first class experience.

There are also a wealth of experiences and holiday packages available for yo to explore for Mother's Day Gift Ideas   - if that works for you.  You might like to share a meal out together, as it seems the traditional breakfast in bed is not really suitable any longer - we are all hungry for things to do and lying around in the bedroom just doesn't cut it anymore. 

Gourmet Hampers Australia

People are increasingly looking for out of the box gift ideas and something a little extra for Mothers Day seems appropriate.  Things like cheese cutters, spring vases for Japanese flower arrangements and the ageless beauty of sterling silver all work a treat for this special gift giving occasion.

#huntervalleyhampers

Hunter Valley Hampers Wine and Jam Gift Box

Next on the Mothers Day must have list is some cool techy gadget - we've all seen the latest little thing with buttons - well here's our fave list from this season and we think you'll agree - there's never been a better time to buy a Mothers Day Tech Gift than right now. 

In other news, you may prefer to actually get outside and spend time doing some exercise and huffing and puffing your way on Mothers Day - again it's a Mothers Day Classic  gift idea - why not go for a run together and raise some cash for charity? 

#fruitbaskets

Traditionally, people love the freedom and flexibility of celebrating Mothers Day on the second Sunday in May.  This year, you would be well advised to order early and order big when you choose a Mothers Day Hamper from Hunter Valley Hampers. 

Generous Fresh Fruit Arrangement for delivery on Mother's Day

Call 1300 284 684 to place your order, or go online and browse from over thirty individual hampers and authentic gift baskets made the old fashioned way with a genuine wicker basket.

Testimonials and Online Reviews

As a small business owner we love hearing feedback about our products, service and business in general.  After all, who doesn't love talking about small business at a barbeque and how many friends and family are just plain interested in their own business.  But with all feedback - there is the potential for opinion and personal agendas and that is what I want to touch on in today's blog post.

First, some background.  We have been in business for coming up to eight years now and over this time we have had positive and negative experiences with customers and clients across all types of circumstances.  Honestly, I can say that in over ninety five percent of interactions the order, product and delivery goes effortlessly - everything performs as expected and all systems operate as designed.

Next, there are the other maybe three percent of times where there is something to complicate the order.  Perhaps a wrong delivery address is provided by the purchaser, or a delivery recipient moves from one hospital ward to another, or the courier is unable to access the property for unforeseen circumstances.  This means we have to spring into action and find solutions on the go to resolve the issue and ensure that the fruit basket arrives in a timely and presentable manner.

Again, in the vast majority, we're talking 90% plus, things are amicably resolved and the product gets to where it has to go. 

But this still leaves the odd order that just doesn't work - for whatever reason - be it the person has left for interstate by the time the product arrives, or the courier doesn't get the package to the hospital ward before the person leaves the bed.  Or the hamper cannot be delivered on the specific day due to a holiday or illness or lack of staffing.  It simply does happen in the course of business and there is little you can do about it in those rare occasions it actually hits the fan.

Now, we are prompt to offer a refund or replacement as a matter of course and in most cases this is sufficient - even if it does mean to some extent we self insure every parcel we ship in terms of having to replace or refund it if something goes astray.  That's just business and that's what keeps our margins tight.

But it is disappointing to see negative reviews - especially when you have done your best and given a full refund - and only to see the disgruntled person storm off and write a negative review in the heat of the moment when every avenue has been exhausted.  I am sure most negative review writers would cringe if they were to read what they wrote a few weeks later and feel ashamed and embarrassed at their unwarranted vitriol.  But then, that's a new aspect of business where the online review can stay in cyberspace for years afterwards and garner warning s from new customers that they are cautious for a single event that happened years ago.

So I feel better now, not justifying or explaining negative reviews away, but perhaps putting some perspective on what motivates a person to go to great lengths to write a negative review in the first place.  I am sending out my forgiveness and sympathy that the person chose this route, and offer my sincere apology that they felt so embittered and angry that venting their spleen publicly was the only way they could possibly feel as though they would avenge their anger.  To you, I say sorry, and to myself and my business, I say we will continue to strive harder and work tirelessly to avoid further incidents. 

Thanks for reading...

Christmas Hampers for Corporate Delivery

Christmas Hampers are the perfect delivered gift idea

How Christmas Hampers are great for your business.

After years designing and selling Christmas Hampers, Kacy Fletcher has learned a few things about giving Christmas Gifts in the corporate setting. 

Kacy has been making handmade hampers for Hunter Valley Hampers and shipping them across Australia since 2007. 

Working with so many different clients over the years, Kacy has discovered two amazing secrets about Christmas hampers.  And she shares them with us today.

1 - Doubt.

You know you've had a great year - business is good, you've implemented succesful strategies and made some real progress.  You want to share your joy and gratitude with you clients - but you're not sure how.  Sending Christmas hampers for the first time is a real challenge to your own doubts and feelings of worthiness.  Do my clients really deserve this?  Am I really going to send them a Christmas hamper?

"It still happens every year - we get an inquiry early in November, and put together a quote and some custom options, and everything looks good to go - but then the client stalls and we don't hear from him for weeks - until mid December. when he has finally overcome his doubt and decided to order." 

Kacy explains how clients overcome their doubt and order Christmas hampers to share with their clients, business colleagues and corporates. "And then he places the order and it's almost too late - either a product is sold out, or the shipping won't make it across Australia in time, or we are simply booked out - and the client leaves without his fully completed order.

To overcome this - Kacy urges you to get in early and order with confidence - not doubt - and ensure your good wishes and gratefulness makes it through to the people who count for you.

2 - Your Hampers Reflect your Standards

You're a smart, intelligent business person and you know your business well - but when it comes to Christmas Hampers -let's face it - you're out of your depth.  Here's the tip - see the hamper as a reflection not of how little you paid, or what a bargain you got, but instead of what values and standards you hold.

Too often the best Christmas Hamper gesture is simple ruined by sending a cheap industrial cardboard box with some ordinary, supermarket style products.  Like $7 bottles of wine - you wouldn't even drink - and crackers from the biscuit aisle, and shortbread that - let's be honest - no one ever eats...

You got them on the cheap - from a mainstream site with big advertising and imported products off the pallet...  Such a poor reflection of what you and your business stand for...

It's different when you send a precious, handmade gift.  People actually can tell instantly that this is no ordinary Christmas hamper. 

Australian Christmas Hampers

Christmas symbolizes so much more than just the end of the year, or new beginnings or time away from work.  Christmas is a time of opportunity to connect and share with people - and present yourself, your brand and your image YOUR way. 

And a really impressive, generous gesture drives home how important your respect this relationship as well as how you present your business.  Choosing handmade Christmas Hampers from Hunter Valley Hampers is the right decision.

Green Christmas Hampers

Taste Christmas Hampers

Fruit Baskets for Occasions

Corporate Christmas Gift Baskets

Less Wasteful Packaging for Christmas Hampers

At Hunter Valley Hampers, business owners Kacy Fletcher is crystal clear where her motivation for green-conscious product packaging comes from - reusing! Shortly after specializing the gift baskets and gourmet hamper industry as a ground breaking entrepreneur since 2007, Ms Fletcher knows her work when it comes to delivering a Christmas hamper.

When it comes to packaging and recycling is quite shocking, and the overall state of the industry. In a gourmet hampers Australia first, Kacy explains how the illusion of size and bulk actually works against your value for money proposition. And exactly how some actually simple expert tips and tricks can ensure you get the best pamper hamper or edible arrangements for your dollar this Xmas.

Too frequently gift hampers are developed to appear as bulky as possible basically for visual appeals - with air filled packages and inner containers filling up the vast of the hamper. This brings about an advantageous impression on shipping, when the recipient is certainly surprised with what might appear to be a substantial package sitting on their doorstep.

As the hamper box is opened and the inner packaging and void filler is stripped away, it soon becomes clear that there is just few items of gourmet or Christmas value inside. Unfortunately, this approach simply works because rushed and time poor business buyers simply choose the lowest price and the biggest looking hamper setup. Kacy explains precisely why that will not work and more in this particular insightful interview.

Get Well Soon Gifts

In her time having the picnic gift basket and fruit bouquet business Kacy has seen a few of the worst instances of deceiving customers with huge boxes, loaded with goods like crackers and crisps that are mainly air filled, then saturated in a sea cellulose peanuts. This means when you strip away most of the inner and outer packaging, you end up with a half dozen items on your kitchen space bench top and half a rubbish filled with packaging. Deciding to send a basket should not mean that you are making the choice of more packaging over the right gift hamper.

Thank you gifts and Christmas Hampers for company clients are specifically susceptible to the over packaging complication, as the only people who really see within the hamper are the recipient - typically at a festive, specifically forgiving time of year. The disappointment and head scratching of the recipient is lost in the middle of the noise and excitement of the Christmas Season.

In a recent short article in the South China Morning Post, world famous gift hamper specialists concurred that inefficient internal packaging of hampers is the primary problem. Kacy Fletcher saw this firsthand herself at Australia's home of independent handmade gourmet hampers - Hunter Valley Hamper.com when she had an excess of boxes in a larger size. It was much more price efficient up front to use the large cartons and just revert to even more inner wrapping than to go and source all new closer suitable containers.

Christmas Hampers Australia

Using a bigger than required size package means that freight costs are greater, but with bulk courier discounts, it can nonetheless be better to use the bigger box, pay marginally greater shipping and run out the larger cartons quickly. By doing this the hamper company avoids having to re purchase the smaller box dimension which can be a substantial impost for sending out a fruit basket. Keeping this in mind it simply works to use more inner filler and leave the recipient to have to deal with the excess packaging when the delivery arrives.

"At Hunter Valley Hampers we appreciate the exorbitant wastage that goes with most corporate and business hamper firms," Ms Fletcher states, "We have seen samples where as much as two thirds of the hamper package is loaded with styrofoam blocks - and this is from a big, trusted global firm - it's just not good enough!" Hunter Valley Hampers uses a lightweight but 100 % recycled inner filler, so recipients are not burdened with the problem of disposal of styrofoam blocks.

"One of the worst offenders is those little cellulose peanuts - they just drive me NUTZ when they spill out everywhere all over the place! They might get stuck - so I find myself crawling around on hands and knees picking up cellulose peanuts when in fact I should be relaxing with my gourmet hamper!

It is a real awakening call when rather than sending a many thanks hamper to a valued buddy or client - you are instead sending them the burden of cleaning up and chasing those peanuts around the house when they blow just about anywhere.

Hampers For Men

It is a genuine relief to know you can actually rely on Hunter Valley Hampers for realistic, recycled packing - produced from 100 % workplace paper waste - and also you will be also gifted easy disposal once you open you Christmas Hampers. When you choose other less sensitive suppliers, its a real point of difference and something you won't be blessed with. Choosing Hunter Valley Hampers never felt so good!

And how some really simple insider tips and tricks can ensure you get the best pamper hamper or edible bouquets for your dollar this Christmas.

As the hamper box is opened and the inner packaging and void filler is stripped away, it soon becomes clear that there is just few items of gourmet or Christmas value inside. Choosing to send a basket should not mean that you are making the choice of more packaging over the right gift hamper.

In a recent article in the South China Morning Post, world famous gift hamper specialists agreed that wasteful interior packaging of hampers is the main problem. Kacy Fletcher saw this firsthand herself at Australia's home of independent handmade gourmet hampers - Hunter Valley Hamper.com when she had an excess of boxes in a larger size.

Gift Baskets and Hampers

Hampers and the Picnic Basket

Hampers by Hunter Valley-made artisan food and gourmet gifts are widely appreciated and noted for their taste, freshness and local ingredients. Finding quality local farm gate products is what the team behind the 26 year old business values most. And the added feature of sharing birthday gifts and baby gift baskets with customers who truly appreciate gourmet flavors and gifts makes all the difference.

One of the surprises of online shopping for the Hunter Valley Hampers crew was the appeal of the picnic basket - people love sharing an award winning picnic basket with friends as birthday gifts. Imagine the fresh fruit and gourmet food together in a basket wrapped to you. There is a great need for people to share edible arrangements and fruit gift baskets with people they know in the local area.

For more and more Australians, on the internet buying is an everyday aspect of life. When it comes to choosing thank you gifts and birthday gifts that people are looking at hampers and picnic baskets for inspiration, it's no wonder. What better way to share and connect with your loved one or family member than with a pamper hamper or edible arrangement? Getting it correct means you can also find a healthy gift - and two important factors in healthy lifestyle are getting enough fiber and being mindful.

Baby Gift Baskets and Hamper Ideas

Of all - what does fiber intake or controlling your thoughts have to do with ordering chocolate gift baskets or get well gifts? Certainly not much admittedly, but for some thank you gift ideas the simple idea of giving a fruit basket can make all the difference. Let's say you would usually take people out for an evening meal as the birthday present - but instead you bought a fruit bouquet online. This immediately changes the concept from one of indulgence and luxury to one of health and wellness and longevity - certainly a much better idea than just getting on the piss with Chinese meals again.

If you are not open and aware you can not possibly give baby gift baskets that have meaning. When you send a basket and make the connection - it is your choice to give thank you gift ideas and knowing the person well makes all the difference.

It's no surprise when it comes to selecting thank you gifts and birthday gifts that people are searching at hampers and picnic baskets for inspiration. Of all - what does fiber intake or controlling your thoughts have to do with ordering chocolate gift baskets or get well gifts? And the added feature of sharing birthday gifts and baby gift baskets with customers who truly appreciate gourmet flavors and gifts makes all the difference.

Edible Bouquets and Fruit Baskets

She's also got another corporate client with gift boxes, and sends chocolate gift baskets across the state. Baby Gift Baskets are whilst and always popular she doesn't sell balloons or other trashy gift ideas, she knows there is a special space for her tasteful gourmet gifts.

Kacy Fletcher, manager of HunterValleyHampers.com, says she is concentrating on gifts and tasty foods in beautiful packaging. Her goal is to take local agricultural products from the wine country and present them in visually attractive and unique boxes as custom-made gifts.

"My objective is to improve corporate gifts and move into the gift hampers space here," says Fletcher. "I 'd like to do birthday gifts, and edible bouquets. The more people get to know about the picnic basket and hampers, the more the Hunter Valley craftsman companies can bake, create and make.".

The Hunter Valley Wine and Music Festival, an annual celebration around the New South Wales Vineyards, is a fantastic boon for the region. Get Well Gifts also make up a large section of her customer base.

Pamper Hamper and Chocolate Gift Baskets

"People want to be able to send a hospital gift without having to rely on a florist sending an affiliate sale to some other florist they don't trust." Kacy says, "Our business model relies on repeat and referral customers, so being accountable and getting strong positive feedback from our previous customers is essential.".

She's also got another corporate client with gift boxes, and sends chocolate gift baskets across the state. Baby Gift Baskets are always popular and whilst she doesn't sell balloons or other trashy gift ideas, she knows there is a special space for her tasteful gourmet gifts.

"I really felt like there is an authentic sense of community and longing for regional gift baskets," she says regarding her 26 year old enterprise. "People are so proud of living in the Hunter Valley, and sharing the gourmet food as thank you gift ideas just seems right.".

Fruit Boxes and Get Well Gifts

Choosing an edible bouquet or thank you gift is often about getting your head in the right space. Using the emotion of the occasion is the perfect way to get in touch with your feeling and emotional self. This way, you can make the buying decision without having to worry about other reasons. Often, the urge to share is there, but sometimes it takes a real life event to prompt you to want to send a basket.

Don't let this sidetrack you - the decision to buy baby gift baskets is as much about the pamper hamper as it is about showing your love and strengthening the family bond. Too often, after a sad life event, people wish they had actually made the effort with thank you gifts.

Everyone remembers the occasion when you send a basket. It's not that gift hampers are stunning beauty in themselves, but more that hampers for men are such a new novelty gift idea.

Get Well Soon Gifts and Thank You Gifts

Making your gift giving straightforward is what gift hamper websites are all about - online shopping is meant to become simple and straightforward. Things like free shipping, free delivery and gift packaging all work to make your decision effortless and simple. Plan ahead a little - have your personal message written before you call, have you delivery address ready with contact phone number - take you credit card out of your back pocket.

Once you are prepared, Baby Hampers Sydney are easily bought. And hamper ideas and get well soon gifts just make sense - if you have the right occasion - go ahead and make the decision today. A Pamper hamper or fruit delivery Sydney always makes someone smile. And best of all, it gives you, the sender, an enormous sense of well being.

New Product Launch - Fruit Gifts

Fresh Fruit Hampers help share the magic

Just in time for your special milestone celebrations, new baby arrivals and sympathy events, corporate gift buyers can now treat their team and workers to luxury gift hampers. As a way to send best wishes, award winning fruit gifts are second to none and ensure your personal message arrives amongst a basket brimming with the season's freshest fruit. 

Once confined to a specific few corporate clients, the exceptional fresh fruit packed baskets and hampers created by FruitBaskets.net.au are now available to buy via next day shipping across all Sydney residential areas and CBD, and are sure to become a popular of get well soon gifts and edible arrangements.

Each edible fruit arrangement is not limited to just fruit only - you can elect to create your very own designer impression with a choice of gourmet luxury add-ons like French Champagne from the house of Moet - or Hunter Valley wine from respected winemaker Audrey Wilkinson. Why not make a luxury gift hamper suitable for a sharing celebration and add gourmet add-ons like quince paste, fig paste and dukka and antipasto. There is essentially no limit to the flavor combos obtainable across the FruitBaskets.net.au website - don't imagine it is fruit only.

New Fruit Hampers Launched 2014

The new product launch behind FruitBaskets.net.au 2014 fruit collection is made available in abundant portion size standard and large sizes. The standard fruit offering is called the Fruit Basket, and comes in a wicker basket complete with 17-20 pieces of handpicked fruit. The large fruit product is known as the fruit hamper and is a more complete design, with up to 30 pieces of fruit offered.

When asked what goes into a edible fruit arrangement for free delivery, Kacy Fletcher from FruitBaskets.net.au was forthright to the point - "We feature a pineapple or melon as the foundation builder for the creation - they work really well to build around and give the other fruit pieces back up and leverage.

"Next, we add three or four bananas - again as a backing for the overall fruit layout. Now we have created a little bowl effect for the edible fruit arrangement - it is just an issue of filling in the basket with pairs and trios of fresh seasonal fruit," Kacy illustrates as she touches the boxes of just delivered fruit surrounding her,

"So at the moment you can expect apples, pears, avocado, grapes, mango, strawberries, stone fruit, nectarines, plums, peaches, cherries, oranges, mandarins, kiwi fruit - there simply is no fresh fruit arrangement idea we won't look into.".

FREE Delivery now included with Fruit Hampers

A key factor to consider in each and every gourmet gift hamper is the option for free delivery - and buyers who order from FruitBaskets.net.au will rave to note that delivery is free all the time - no questions asked. Our market research suggested that busy mums and sidetracked executive assistants have little regard for extras and unexpected increases in price as they checkout on a website. So we made a change for office fruit at work - delivery free - always.

And it's a fair query about fruit baskets to question - just what do I do with a fruit basket once it is delivered? Kacy advocates for corporate and office fruit at work situations - the best way to share the visual appeal and striking presentation is to place the fruit basket in reception and leave is on display for the rest of the day - or at least until there is time to office share the fruit delivery. Then, simply peel the clear wrapping and peer inside the wicker basket to reveal a fresh fruit basket for all of us to share and enjoy.

Part of the success story behind an award winning and highly regarded established enterprise is giving fantastic service and reliable delivery terms. For extraordinary customer service - FruitBaskets.net.au are peerless and enjoy a thriving social media appearance across Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest - plus a system of supporting fresh fruit blogs and highly commended feature articles all add weight and authority to the product. It seems get well soon gifts from the edible arrangement experts are here to stay in Sydney CBD and suburban areas.

Grilled Pineapple + Mango Salad.

1 pineapple, peeled, trimmed, cored, and sliced into 2cm slices.
2 to 3 ripe good sized mangoes, skinned, pitted and cut into cubes.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander.
1 tablespoon sliced fresh garden mint.
1/4 teaspoon dry cayenne pepper.

Preheat your bbq and spray oil on the hotplates. Cook the pineapple rings for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until the pineapple is cooked through, the sugars start to blister up to the surface, and you can view the caramelisation get under way. Remove from grill and let cool down for a minute.

Cut the pineapple rings into 2cm wedges. Shake the pineapple with the mango, mint and coriander. Shower the cayenne pepper over the put together salad and serve while the pineapple is still heated.

This salad keeps well, covered in the refrigerator, for a couple of days. It works well hot or cool, as a lunchtime or barbeque side. Enjoy and remember to share your best wishes.

Fruits Baskets are bought in two overall sizes for convenience - the $79 and the $99 - so you always understand what you are receiving and there is very little lost when you prefer to create your own design.

Remember, you always get free delivery fruit basket when you shop online with us for your get well soon rewards - so there is never any fee for shipment. Go ahead and place your internet-based gift buying purchase through the online site or call direct on 1300 284 684 to speak with the customer service gift hamper experts.

Corporate Gifts

Share some Gourmet Luxury -
a hamper is the Hunter Valley in a basket

NEWCASTLE, NSW AUSTRALIA.-- (PRESSRELEASE.COM)-- 06/12/2014--

Hunter Valley Hampers Design, a popular name in corporate gifts since 1988, are proud to make public the relaunch of their new blog Gourmet Hampers Australia. The new help and advice packed resource will emphasize current sales and advertising news from the Hunter Valley and explain why having a powerful brand identity is so vital in making a favorable impression with your corporate gifts.

The blog-- which will be found at www.huntervalleyhampers.com - will also be packed with the most reliable tips on the best ways to get the most from your investment inbranded gifts, employee gifts and referral thank-you presents; ideal for corporate businesses planning to share their goodwill, exhibit at a tradeshow or host a revealing and insightful open day for customers in 2014.

Hunter Valley Hampers are an advertising products and gourmet hampers supplier and experts in tailor-making everything to do with gift baskets, hampers and corporate gifts. As you would assume, premium gourmet hampers don't come cheap, and it is the quality and exclusivity of the Hunter Valley Hampers brand name that has established a reputable niche in the market.

Thinking outside the basket - innovative designer gift ideas

For business gift occasions, ordering wholesale is an affordable and realistic option for even the smallest establishment. Each superior hamper and gift basket has an unmistakable purpose; making certain that you get highly regarded gourmet food and wine from the appreciated local vineyards, restaurants and paddock to plate providores of the Hunter Valley. Consistently sharing a luxury hamper proves to be a talking point and builds brand loyalty and ensures the greatest exposure of your organization.

As a focus on the vineyards and Hunter Valley wine country producers, producing a reputable corporate gift entails attention to presentation and making a meaningful lasting impression. Opt for a luxurious edible arrangement, wine and cheese hamper or twin pack wine bottle gift set to really wow potential clients, customers or investors. Alternatively, create a bespoke gift basket to match your brand's exact feel - using our significant range of local farm gate produce.

Now, thanks to the Gourmet Hampers Australia blog, choosing your corporate gifts could not be easier. Hunter Valley Hampers Managing Director Kacy Fletcher says: "After helping businesses market on their own effectively for many years, it's wonderful to finally have a system where we can share our know-how directly with a wider audience. Our new blog looks set to become the primary port-of-call for business owners and marketing teams across Australia, dishing out advice on all aspects of corporate gifts, gourmet hampers and fruit arrangements. This blog will work with our website to deliver a one-stop-shop for corporate gifts.".



Hunter Valley Hampers is based in the glorious Hunter Valley around two hours drive north of the noisy disarray of Sydney, NSW Australia. To find out more about the new blog and their range of corporate gifts speak to them through their website that can be found at www.huntervalleyhampers.com.

Top Ten Hunter Valley Gourmet 2014

Now we all love a list and this year we are sharing our suggestions for the Hunter Valley Gourmet Top Ten - featuring in no particular order some of our favourites and some of our new discoveries and some others who you might be interested in. 

Seriously, these selections are based on genuine Hunter Valley Gourmet and are not a paid list or clients of ours.  Word of mouth, referral and recommended to us by close friends, we are in a privileged position to share this list with you - the Top Ten Hunter Valley Gourmet for 2014.

Please, share your thoughts and nominate yourself, your business, or your own recommendation if you have a better suggestion or would like to be included in the next edition.  Above all we are fair, open minded and eager to share everything Gourmet about the Hunter Valley.

Great Gourmet Hunter Valley Wine Drives

Great Wine Drives - Gourmet Traveller

For decades the Hunter Valley has been Sydney's playground, a place to enjoy a weekend away in the country with family and friends all washed down with a healthy dose of local shiraz, semillon and chardonnay. Just close enough to make the couple-of-hours drive north of Sydney an easy run, the magical mix of vineyards, some outstanding wines and the imposing Brokenback Range continues to draw visitors, both local and international, to the region in ever-increasing numbers.

Hunter Valley Gourmet Restaurant

Leaves and Fishes Restaurant

Focusing on seafood, with an Asian kick, Leaves & Fishes started when co-owner Damian Burke began growing his own Silver Perch in the dam below Leaves and Fishes’ front deck. Harvesting and serving them in the restaurant, Sharon and he designed and built together, they became one of the first seafood restaurants in the Hunter Valley region. Offering good, fresh food in a friendly atmosphere has always been their continued goal.

Hunter Valley Gourmet BBQ

Tuscany Wine Estate Gourmet BBQ

Located in the heart of Australia’s premium wine country; Hunter Valley and only being a 2 hour drive from Sydney, many other factors such as the professional team with a high level of service ensuring you are made to feel you are at home; it is the food.

The Mill Restaurant at Tuscany Wine Estate Resort does not serve function food, rather prides itself on every meal with menu’s designed to give the highest quality, freshness, unique, variety; not your run of “The Mill”  experience.  Apart from the food we have the opportunity of offering various dining locations, ensuring those long stays offer a different dining experience each evening in both location and menu style.

Hunter Valley Gourmet Boutique Tours

Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Tours

This tour is a great introduction to the depth of Wine Country's industry! Yoll travel with a wine qualified host and experience insights into the industry not afforded everyday visitors to the Valley.  Also included are olive, cheese and handmade chocolate sampling.  Lunch consists of "clean, green" produce - a scrummy antipasto platter full of mouth watering selections.  On long weekend or event weekends,  a cafe style menu is provided.

Hunter Valley Luxury Accommodation

Blackwattle Gourmet Luxury Accommodation

Blackwattle Luxury Retreats offer two exclusive self-contained luxury cottages with romantic couples accommodation and luxurious small group self contained accommodation. The beautiful Lovedale location, in the world renowned Hunter Valley wine region of New South Wales of Pokolbin, Rothbury, Lovedale and Mount View, promises the ultimate getaway with the best of the Hunter Valley within just a few minutes.

Hunter Valley Gourmet Smokehouse

Lovedale Gourmet Smokehouse

Located on the picturesque Majors Lane Vineyard Estate in the heart of Lovedale, we are now home to Majors Lane Restaurant, Lovedale Smokehouse Gourmet Pantry, Lovedale Smokehouse Café, Majors Lane Cooking School, Majors Lane Wines Cellar Door and a Gallery of Local Art. 
We pride ourselves on showcasing the Hunter Valley’s best produce by offering a unique dining and tourism experience, and would like to thank the following publications and television programs for helping us spread the word about Hunter Valley producers:

Hunter Valley Gourmet Pizza

Hunter Valley Gourmet Pizza

A family owned business that has been in the Hunter Valley since 1998. We have expanded since then to include three locations with plans for more all across the hunter.  Nick and Nicky have been in the industry since 1976 when it was still in its infancy. They have grown and evolved along with the styles and tastes that have led to its current form.

Tinklers Fresh Hunter Valley Produce

Fresh Hunter Valley Gourmet Produce

Utilising our fertile soils and farming experience, we grow an abundance of seasonal produce including table grapes, peaches, nectarines, avocados, figs and mixed citrus. These and many other seasonal vegetables are available fresh or there is a wide range of jams, marmalades, pickles and relishes to chose from.

Hunter Valley Tour Guides- Two Fat Blokes

Hunter Valley Gourmet Tours

With an amazing 140 different wine outlets, over 50 outstanding restaurants the task to choose the right ones to visit can be a daunting one. We are also blessed with stunning natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife and that famous lay-back ‘Hunter Lifestyle’.  In fact, one of the world’s most respected wine magazines named the Hunter Valley as one of the top ten wine travel destinations in the world for 2013. The Hunter Valley is the only Australian wine region to make the list.

Binnorie Gourmet Cheese Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley Gourmet Cheesemaker

Set right in the middle of the Hunter Valley's fabulous Pokolbin vineyard district, Binnorie Dairy produces a range of cheeses with distinctive characters unavailable outside the region.  One of the ways this is achieved is by using only locally sourced milk.  "In the same way that wine reflects its regionality, due to soil variation and climatic conditions, so it is with dairy produce."

It is a real pleasure to keep seeking and finding hidden gems in and amongst the Hunter Valley Gourmet Region to share.

Four Simple Health and Diet Tips

Simple Fresh Local Artisan Gourmet Food

 Four Simple Health and Diet Tips

The latest diet fad and new age trend may spark your interest - but nothing beats simple good health. Looking to the past for inspiration, we are now following the simple diet and meal plans of our grandparents for less complicated and more healthy food options. Finding a fruit basket filled with simple unblemished fruit direct from the markets is the ideal way to keep in touch with natural, wholesome goodness.

Here's some easy to follow tips to keep your diet simple and healthy.

Look back at what your grandparents ate.
Most likely they did not start their meal preparation with jars and cans of sauces and a flavour base as they are now called - but instead real ingredients and simple flavours. Whist there is a place for thick sauces and decadent toppings - there is also a clean simplicity in presenting fresh food without added extras.

Sometimes the food itself doesn't need to be embellished and improved upon - like steamed broccoli is just perfect the way it is - no need for a slathering of butter. In the same way the simple gesture of offering a get well hamper for delivery to John Hunter Hospital can be just the tonic for a battered ego once you are laid up in the ward. No need for fancy balloons or trinkets - just the simple honesty of fresh fruit and a genuine personal message.

Seek out Get Help online

Just a simple Google search can reveal an amazing breadth of helpful forums, blogs and user advice so you cna start moving towards a healthier you. By adopting a whole-life approach to living simple and appreciating things like fresh fruit hampers and living without added sugar, you can certainly begin to feel the benefits within days of cleansing your system.

Simplify Your Entire Existence

In 2014, we have complicated our lives in so many ways it is sometimes difficult to get outside all the noise and pare back life to the bare essentials - like people who matter, doing a job that inspires and motivates you, and finding some sort of inner peace. When you make the change to a simple life, you are embracing the simple food philosophy also, giving the fresh benefits of fruit gift baskets full power to have an impact in your life.

I hope you can take some positives from this article about healthy food and fruit baskets and share what you have learned with family friends and your social networks. As a leading authority trusted by experts in the fields of fruit baskets and gourmet hampers, we wish you the best in making the lifestyle choices that will maximise your own health and multiply your gratitude and gratefulness.

Fruit Baskets with Apples

Australia's Best Apple Fruit Baskets

Fresh Fruit Hamper delivery makes a smiling, stunning impression

Apples are a mainstay of the traditional fruit basket or get well soon hamper and make a bright, crunchy contrast to the other softer fruits.  Apples are absolutely authentic and original when it comes to the fruit world – they do not grow true to seed – which means each and every seed in your apple has a different potential apple variety! 

There have been in excess of 7500 varieties of different apples documented over time and of these, there are still about 150 plus still in commercial production!  That means there are plenty of different tastes, types and textures for you to choose from when you are assembling a fruit gift idea.

There is also the growing movement for apple growers to favour heirloom and ancient apple varieties over the newer variations, so the older classics are constantly evolving for the modern marketplace.  In Australia, commercial constraints like transportability, colour retention and longevity of flavour has strongly influenced the varietals available – which means you are most likely to see these Australian Apples.

Bogle – a miniature Aussie apple with golden red blushed skin – perfect for baking.

Bonza – Crisp eating apple derived from the Jonathan.

Gala – a cross originally from New Zealand, with better tasting strains like imperial, royal and regal making the best for the table.

Golden Delicious – from the US, pale green with golden flecks – ideal for eating and cooking with.

Granny Smith – Originally from a seedling in Sydney, now widespread across the world – a tart green eating apple.

Jonathan – A smallish popular eating apple that is not seen often due to it's poor storage.

Pink Lady – From Western Australia, a cross between the lady William and Delicious apple with good eating flesh.

Red Delicious – the most widely grown dessert apple in the world, with a distinctive crown of ridges around the “freckle” at the base of the core.

Red Fuji – from Japan, the most distinctive feature for this eating apple is the honey core which is a concentration of sugars – highly desirable. 

Sundowner – another WA cross, this apple is a mellow version of the pink lady with simlar long term storage abilities.

Australia boasts the ideal climate to grow apples, with a noted lack of apple pests that plague other continents and an ideal climate to ensure sustained vigorous growth.  We don't have to suffer the scourge of Apple Blight or hard to control pests like apple codling moth. 

It is the buyers perogative to ensure that a diverse range of tasty, appealing apples are brought to market by making strong preferences for these strengths and not buying product that lacks any desirable qualities.  Choosing fresh apples has become very difficult due to the long store time and prevalence of cool rooms for fresh fruit at all major fruit and vegetable markets across Australia.

But in saying that, the long term storage of apples has always been a feature of the fruit – going back centuries earlier people were in need of fresh fruit over the long dark winters.  So it is quite wrong to think that the long storage times of modern fruit are wrong or not expected – it is just part of what has worked for apples and apple growers

I am happy to say that for our Sydney Fruit Baskets we have established trusted relationships with a network of quality assured fruiterers and markets so we can ensure you get the best eating fruit in your gourmet hamper.  After all, when you make the connection with FruitHampers.info you are relying our expertise and professionalism to get the best fruit for your dollar.  And we think that's pretty special...

Mens Gift Ideas Not Expected

Mens Gifts Ideas Off the Mark       

With the best intentions and for all the right reasons, research suggests that when it comes to picking the right gift, men are still not delivering.  According to an article in the Sunday Telegraph, December 29, 2013, Men are “still getting things wrong when attempting to choose the perfect gift for their other half.”

The article notes that a staggering “42% of women return presents from their significant others as soon as they can” – which is quite an indictment on the ability of men to choose meaningful and appropriate gifts for their partners.  As an indicator of what men really think that their partners want, it demonstrates that men are out of touch with their partners and have simply no idea of what is currently in demand.

As a gift hamper and anniversary gift specialist, I appreciate that men do make some brief investigations into finding the ideal gift, but the search is often short and unrewarding simply because there is a dearth of relevant material out there.  In other words, men have a bit of a look around and then give up and resort to the old fall back of perfume, flowers or gift cards.

But it isn’t all bad news – just under half the respondents (45%) of the survey noted that they had to return the items bought for the present due to incorrect size or colour.  This is great news as it supports the idea that although the minor details may be wrong, the general thought and style was nearer to what the recipient expected.

Another big factor in buying a birthday present online is choosing a product that is for the household – like a steam cleaner or vacuum instead of a personal intimate gift for the person.  Men seriously blunder in this area, thinking that a new piece of equipment will be appreciated when in fact it is just that – a new piece of equipment.

When searching online for birthday gifts and presents delivered to work, people in Australia are just coming around to the immediacy and freshness of an artfully arranged fruit basket.  Unlike in the United States, where Fruit Baskets and Fruit Hampers have an established widespread appeal, Australia is an emerging market for designer gift baskets and hampers.  Many men would do well to choose a well thought out fruit hamper as a birthday gift for women instead of wondering which size to buy and whether or not this would offend her.

Next time you are looking online for a women’s gift or present, remember to consider the fresh fruit appeal of a fruit hamper and how sharing dew-fresh fruit direct from the markets in a wicker basket with your personal message (we can even help with writing your message!) is sure to make a smiling impact on delivery.  Oh, and you can be 100% certain that your partner will not be bringing the fruit basket back for an exchange because she did not like it!

Christmas Hampers 2013

AS OUR FINAL Christmas Blog for 2013, we would like to thank all our regulars and repeat clients for your loyalty and commitment and welcome everyone on board who has just discovered the magic of a Hunter Valley Christmas. This year has been a wonderful journey with the ongoing support and dedicated loyalty of our corporate base clientele. Thank you – you know who you are.

Making hampers is a real pleasure and getting things just right for clients is even more satisfying – there is something special about seeing off a large shipment we have worked closely with from sourcing the suppliers to adding the final detailed touches.

We still have room for some final end of season orders in 2013 and if you are looking for genuine handcrafted artisan hampers with a twist, you would be well advised to get in as soon as possible to reserve your order. Best call direct on 1300 284 684 so you can lock in your order immediately.

Our bestsellers this year have no doubt been the create your own hamper section – you guys love having final say on what goes into your gifts – and no wonder considering the average dollar spend was up by nearly a third on previous years. So far it has been a year of bigger hampers with the buyers preferring to choose their own additions to existing hampers or completely making their own from start to finish.

Thank you again for keeping alive our dream of local, regional food integrity and in turn giving our authentic farmgate producers the opportunity to share their products on the national marketplace. Every single hamper is another share of Hunter Valley produce and the passion and commitment that goes into the food and wine of the Hunter Valley. We truly appreciate your purchase and want you to know that you are making a difference right here right now.

Hunter Valley Christmas on MKR

Here's a sneak peek at the upcoming series of My Kitchen Rules where we are proud to announce a local Hunter Valley Cheesemaker features as a contestant!  Go Hunter Valley!

Authentic Original Christmas Gifts

For Gourmet Hampers in Australia, choose a trusted authority brand
featuring quality and relevant Christmas Gift Baskets.

Giving Christmas Hampers as Family Presents

Yes, it's Christmas Time - and we all know what that means!  If you rolled your eyes or yawned or approach the whole Season Greetings with a cynical or negative attitude, stop and think for a minute.  Making the difference between a joyous sharing occasion and a slow, sad nothingness is sometimes all a matter of what you actually do. 
So for Christmas 2013, make a promise to actually get involved and DO SOMETHING instead of just blindly mumbling platitudes and going through the motions.  You can make a real difference in another person's heart by giving and sharing and hell, it might even lighten your own load a little....

Christmas Giving Begins in the Heart

Here's an observation from one of our Christmas Staff about why she makes extra time in her schedule to give to others who may not have enjoyed the same opportunities and advantages in life that she did.

Christmas is a season of giving and sharing the spirit of connection between what sometimes might be total strangers to achieve peace, happiness and sharing.

Giving Charity Hampers

PLAYING Santa and sharing Gourmet Christmas Hampers with Your adoring
Staff and business Associates can give you an enormous sense of well being

My husband and I haven't shared Christmas gifts for many years now. It started as "let's spend all the Xmas Present money on the children," way back when we were struggling to get established.

Then as we got older and the kids became a little more independent it moved on to "well we have whatever we need and buy what ever we want so really why focus on the specific day of Christmas, or the Holiday period?".

Christmas Gifts with Meaning and Emotion

And now as we are really even older ( I hate how that happens but it does!) we have moved to we have so much and others are clearly less fortunate than us so we take what we would spend on Christmas Presents and give it to the local Charity Christmas Appeal.

I have grown up with guilt as many have and find myself sometimes feeling way too guilty about what I have and what others don't - and at Christmas Time it seems to highlight that feeling even more.

Charity Giving at Christmas

It sounds funny, but I really do get so much more out of thinking that some child has something that they may not have had because of our Charity Giving at Christmas.

To me the spirit of Christmas is ALL about giving and I get a mini high on it so that's my gift to myself. Being generous is such a private pleasure, but it does alleviate some of my anxiety that if it weren't for some damn lucky financial decisions and just sticking it out during the bad times, my life would be a whole lot worse than it has been.

Spirit of Christmas Hampers as Presents

The Spirit of Christmas Giving is actually doing something - not merely nice thoughts -  whatever makes you feel happy and if Presents and Xmas gifts do it - hey the fact that we find what makes us happy is a gift in itself.

Enjoy your christmas, Xmas, Chrissy - whatever you choose to call it - here's to a happy, healthy and fun one.