Struggling to find thoughtful, meaningful and perhaps unique anniversary gifts?

Join the Gift Assistant every Friday where we will be looking at each of the anniversary years and the traditional and modern gift themes.

Don't leave it to the last minute and risk a crappy gift - get organised and be happy to give something special to your love!

Whilst on my trip to the Reed Gift Fair in Brisbane earlier this month I met Melissa from Caroline Mitchell, a New Zealand company named after the founder and creative spirit who sadly passed away.

Melissa was showcasing the new range of exquisite hanging decorations exclusive to Caroline Mitchell and all were eye catching to say the least. The range includes Australian native flora and fauna as well as some more traditional icons such as the Aussie flag and the Sydney Opera house.

Each handmade animal and flower almost comes to life with intricate detailing consisting of stitches of metal threads and embroidery, sequins and beads and to chose the one I liked the best is impossible.

My philosophy for Hamperific is to sell things that I like and that I have tested personally. There was one gift basket that has been in my planning stages but not yet ready for sale that I didn't really want to test - the Broken Bones pack.

I know I promised a post on the trends for 2009 from the Reed Gift Fair, but unfortunately due to an accident at soccer (last week) I have had to take it easy from work - mainly because it is tiring typing one handed!

So at the moment I am now trialling first hand the products I was planning to include in my Broken Bones pack: a decorative cast cover from Busted Bling and a waterproof cast cover from Limbo!

Both of these products are fantastic and I can highly recommend them. I selected the zebra skin for my decorative cast cover, but there are many different colours available. Busted Bling was the brain child of Peta Ware who is from Townsville and I am happy to be her Mackay stockist.

Limbo is a fantastic company in Cairns run by Gretchen. The waterproof cast covers are an absolute must for showering and, believe it or not, taking a dip in the pool! Manufactured in Great Britain, they are a real lifesaver and great for the environment - no more Gladwrap!

So what is in the Broken Bones package I hear you ask. Well, it has to include a Busted Bling cast cover and a Limbo. Then there will be a gift voucher from Video Ezy (or Blockbuster) and some snacks to get through the movie fest! Cost will vary depending on the break - an arm, leg, wrist etc, but this will surely bring a smile to your recipient's face as a unique gift.

For more information, contact me at Hamperific!

Wow, finally I have managed to get my NEW blog up and running... It is called the Gift Assistant and you can check it out here.

What is the Gift Assistant all about, I hear you ask! Well, it is a place where people can ask me about finding that perfect gift for their special occasion. Some of the gift suggestions can be bought from Hamperific and others through various other places (lots of online stores), so it isn't just about hampers and gift boxes, I promise!

This is very exciting and I hope to be able to give some unique and original gift idea advice. So, if you would like to ask about your gift dilemma, email me here.

Best wishes and happy giving!

With Mother's Day on the horizon some families are wondering how they are going to celebrate Mum's special day now that money is tight.

According to Kirsty Mawer of Hamperific, this Mother's Day is all about meaning rather than the price tag.

"Mums want to know that you appreciate their help, support and love and you don't need to buy a diamond ring to say 'thanks' ".

Now with the economy the way that it is, each shopper has many options to find that perfect gift at the best price. But for those whose family budget is a bit tight, there is no need for Mum to miss out.

"Now is an exciting time for thinking about getting creative and experimenting with things around the house," says Kirsty.

Practical gifts are certainly the way to go when funds are tight, but practical doesn't have to equal boring.

"With a little bit of thought kids can get really crafty to make great gifts. Try making drink coasters from cardboard, leftover wrapping paper and a piece of contact for a waterproof covering. Find some cheeky photos to add a truly personal touch".

But if you're not into paper crafts and still want something practical and special for Mum, why not try a selection of herbs. Scouting around the local garage sales might find you an attractive basket, or purchase a hanging basket to pot a gift that will last beyond Mother's Day.

"Gifts that have dual uses or the wrapping is also part of the present are extra special. Besides reducing waste it is also a bonus for the recipient".

Kirsty attributes the popularity of her signature Chocolate Bouquets to this philosophy.

"After consuming the tasty parts of the bouquet the recipient has a great ceramic pot to use. Whether it is for potting a plant or using it as a pen holder, it is a useful container".

Since Hamperific began in October last year, the Chocolate Bouquet has been evolving.

"People have recognised that my Chocolate Bouquets are great gifts, but can also be ideal as table decorations for special events. Now I have created a shorter bouquet to suit the market".

"I have also adapted the bouquet to create a healthy snack version for those who don't want chocolate", Kirsty explains.

And Hamperific's Chocolate Bouquets won't break the bank either starting at just $40 delivered to Mackay and surrounding suburbs this Mother's Day.

If you would like to see a tutorial on "Making Coasters", post a comment below!

For more cheap and practical gift ideas or to find out about the bouquets, visit www.hamperific.com.au or call Kirsty on 4942 8228.

Wow, tomorrow is Secretary's Day 2009!

I worked as a Personal Assistant for some time in my previous life and I don't ever remember celebrating this wonderful event... I am assuming that it was because the boss didn't know that Secretary's Day, or "Administrative Professionals' Day" (the politically correct title) was an official day on the celebration calendar!

Well, I hope that is why it wasn't celebrated!

So, you may be wondering how a boss would show their recognition of a job well done for these "Administrative Professionals". According to some sites, flowers, chocolates and stationary are socially acceptable as are clocks and other timepieces (watches maybe?).

Now, I don't know about you, but if I ever received a clock or watch from my boss, I wouldn't be thinking about them appreciating all my hard work, but maybe a subtle hint that I should get to work a bit earlier?

It wouldn't be hard to think of what I would have liked for this day, if my boss knew about it... a Chocolate Bouquet   would have been one of them... Or even one of my Living Vases   ...

I would love to hear if you have ever received a gift to celebrate "Administrative Professionals' Day" or even Secretary's Day.

Drop me a line and tell me all about it! In the meantime, have a fabulous "Administrative Professionals' Day" all you lovely, hard working office professionals!

Kirsty

Hello!!! I am hoping that you had a fabulous Christmas (as did I) and that the beginning of 2009 is shaping up well. It is the middle of January and I have just seen a guy at the supermarket with a handful of Easter eggs - but wait!! What about Valentine's Day?!?

Some people believe that it was created as another marketing plot to encourage consumers to buy, and in all seriousness, I was with that group of people. But I decided to do a little research to see what Valentine's Day was (past tense) all about.

According to Wikipedia, Valentine's Day "became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages..." - back when people 'court' instead of participating in speed dating. You know, back in the old days when people actually wrote to their love about their feelings.. nothing like today's text message which can go something like: "Wot u up 2? Luv u n c u l8er 2nite". Ahh, how romantic - Not!!

And the name Valentine. Well, again, according to Wikipedia the day was named after two early Christian martyrs and was said to be quite a common name, something like Smith or Brown today. Ok, perhaps not, but there were apparently numerous martyrs by the name of Valentine. No one actually knows anything about why the saints were martyred, but for some reason there is a romantic connection, so maybe they died for love?

So back to the 14th of February and all things romantic. Just because it has become commercialised doesn't mean your Valentine's Day has to be about showing your love through your wallet. I now see Valentine's Day as a reminder to not take your partner for granted and to let them know that you love them. It shouldn't only be on Valentine's Day that this happens - it could be any day during the year.

Everyone likes spontaneity (except the control freaks) so surprise them! Do something nice for them, even if it is a phone call to tell them that you were thinking about them. There are lots of romantic ideas that don't cost a lot, you just need to use your imagination. For example:

• Buy a bottle of wine and put a nice note on it for their arrival
• Arrange to meet after work at the beach for a walk together
• Hire a romantic DVD to watch together
• Volunteer to be their slave for the evening
• Pick up some candles and set them around the balcony/living room/bedroom and kick back together
• Make breakfast/lunch/dinner to share

Ok, so maybe you are like me and have kids to contend with. If they are old enough, include them in a romantic dinner as silver service waiters/waitresses. If they aren't old enough, have them minded or delay your plan until they are in bed. The point is to do something out of the ordinary for your partner.

On the other hand if you do decide to indulge your partner for Valentine's Day, Hamperific has a selection of gifts that might be tempting. Combine the traditional flowers with chocolates and you get a stunning Chocolate Bouquet - a Hamperific specialty. Or maybe a Naughty Weekend gift box might set the mood (soon to be released). For more information about these, contact Hamperific on 07 4942 8228 or email hampers@hamperific.com.au

And even if you decide not to celebrate Valentine's Day, at least make the effort to say with sincerity "I love you because you're you".

I needn't be the one to tell you that Christmas is just about here (1 month to go, just in case you missed it!)... Besides the decorations hanging from the poles in City Heart and the lights that are starting to appear around the place, the shopping centres have been busily stacking their shelves since October to maximise on the festive season (and shopper's wallets!).

Many people like to try and buy something special for each loved one and at times this can be difficult. Whether it be that they are unable to hit the shops and look around, or they can't stand the shopping centres and crowds, it can certainly be a challenge. Sometimes   even after looking around it   can be a struggle just finding something to suit their gift recipient - nothing seems to be appropriate.

This year you have another option. Hamperific. Brand, spanking new, Hamperific is a Mackay based business that services Mackay and areas south to Sarina, north to Airlie Beach and west to the Coalfields. This year I want to take the stress out of Christmas for you and let you focus on giving. Because that is what Hamperific is all about - giving.

Have you ever received a gift that was made just for you? It is a truly special feeling when someone has thought about you as an individual and has chosen something that they know you would adore and have had it wrapped with care and love. By using Hamperific you can discuss gift options and custom make a gift for your intended gift recipient all over the phone or internet.   VISA and MasterCard are welcome.

This year, leave the challenge with Hamperific. Give me a call and let me help you make Christmas a truly special time. And remember, delivery to Mackay and surrounding suburbs is free until Dec 24th 2008.

Happy giving!

Kirsty

Hamperific   Ph: 07 4942 8228 Mob: 0402 34 00 42