Hamper for people who don't like food

[wildpoppy]

Having just dismissed idea of a hamper for ILs in another thread I started I've just started wondering whether it might work. Thing is, they don't like what I think of as nice food. Neither really cook and they have a lot of Iceland ready meals (because they like them, not for financial reasons).

They don't drink and wouldn't know what to do with things like posh ham or smoked salmon. Their veg is all from tins. They probably will ignore beat before dates so best to be non perishable.

We could probably spend £50.

Here are my ideas for what could go in it - but would really appreciate your ideas. Maybe we could make this work:

Candied orange and lemon slices
A nice jam (don't think they'd like miniatures - arthritic fingers)
Peanuts
Prawn crackers (they like Chinese style ready meals)
After eights and similar types of chocolate
Some tinned fruit - christmassy stuff
A small Christmas cake - FIL really likes Christmas cake

[suebfg]

home made lemon curd or shortbread biscuits

[noblegiraffe]

Why on earth would you buy a hamper for people who don't like food? Why not buy something they do like?

[wildpoppy]

Noblegiraffe - because I have no idea what else to get them! And I meant they don't like nice food! (yes I am a snob here.)

[wildpoppy]

Suebfg - FIL is very offish about homemade. He thinks it is second best! (not a comment on my cooking he said this before ever trying anything I've ever made)

[GrimmaTheNome]

The things on your list sound fine. My parents were a bit like this, foodwise, they'd have liked those plus ...

Do they use any condiments (mustards, horseradish, pickles?)

Do they like dried fruits (lots of older people do) - there are always some nice ones around at xmas. Chocolate-dipped dates and apricots, that sort of thing.

[wildpoppy]

Oh condiments are good idea. Probably just ketchup but could def include that.

And tinned salmon. Is that a hamper type thing?

[VoldemortsNipple]

Can you get to a Costco?

They do a Christmas parcel stack for about 12 pound. Each box will have something different in. Chocolates, mince pies, shortbread etc. There are about 5 or 6 boxes in all and they are wrapped up with a big ribbon. That wold look lovely with a gift voucher for Asda or Tesco.

Or you could make up a hamper like they used to have in the catalogues with every day food in. Beans, sauces, soup, biscuits, tinned meat or fish. Get a wicker basket to place them all in.

[GrimmaTheNome]

And tinned salmon. Is that a hamper type thing?

For them, I would think yes. I seem to remember mother getting hampers with tinned ham in too.

Soy sauce for the chinese meals?

Actually that alone makes them adventurous eaters compared to my parents!

[wildpoppy]

I think soy sauce might be a step too far!

[wildpoppy]

Soup voldemort. Great idea!

[VoldemortsNipple]

What about rice and pasta or cereal.
Can you put some nice cheese in with crackers.
bogofs that you can pick up between now and christmas
Also could you put in non food items like bubble bath, shower gel

[MyCatHasStaff]

I've been doing hampers for my ILs for years. I started off doing chocolate ones, so I would get lots of miniature chocolate stuff - tiny boxes of celebrations, after eights, lindt d'or etc and those big single quality street, there's lots of stuff like that around at christmas. I include two 2" xmas cakes (that I make) so they have one each (they're not always speaking to each other at christmas ). Now I put in a few other bits and bobs as well depending on whats in the shops.

[UniS]

Soups, crackers for cheese, biscuits, crisps.

If it were my Dad I'd go for Cheese, as he actually DOES like (slightly) interesting cheese, he just never buys it.

[Lovewearingjeans]

I think a bespoke hamper is great, and they probably appreciate it. I make one for my grandparents, including bite sized Christmas Cake from Waitrose.

[wildpoppy]

Rice and pasta would be too exotic. Really,

[FairyPenguin]

Biscuits, nice shortbread?
Organic chocolate bars - they have some unusual flavours out there, in miniature bars, eg Montezumas.
Belvoir cordials?
Posh crisps?

[GrimmaTheNome]

Rice and pasta would be too exotic. Really,

Oh dear, sounds familiar... in my parents house there was tinned rice pud and heinz spaghetti

I'd guess the chocolate does not need to be organic and certainly not 'unusual flavours' ....Neapolitans more the mark than Montezumas, maybe?

[Fobwatch]

Fairypenguin
Have you read the OP?

[FairyPenguin]

fobwatch - yes, I have. I know people who are similar and buy for them. What I have suggested is slight variations on biscuits, chocolates, squash and crisps, that would look nice in a gift hamper!

[AWomanCalledHorse]

Marmite, Custard, Rice Pud, Hot Chocolate Powder, Angel Delight (I luff Angel Delight), Jelly (you can get the ready made pots, long expiry date)..

My Nana loves how long Cravendale milk lasts (but couldn't justify the extra cost, I bring her a 4pint everytime I see her), would that be any good for them?

Do they have all the gadgets that make opening jars & tins easier for people with Arthritis(sp)?

[wildpoppy]

Including a gadget or two a great idea. Do you recommend any? It's nit actually arthritis mil has but similar - makes it hard for her to grip or manipulate things.

I'm quite excited about putting this together now. Hope dh agrees to it in principle.

[wildpoppy]

I think hot chocolate sachets where you just add milk or water might be good idea. And perhaps some ready made custard.

[wildpoppy]

Thanks fairypenguin but they'd be suspicious of that kind of thing!

[ORANGEgiraffesCantWearGOLD]

I got the most amazing hamper last week - had food in one part, beauty stuff in another and home stuff in the 3rd. It was from some lovely ladies on here.