Aug 1

Gift Shop Success: Why Custom Gift Hampers and Baskets Are A Must-Have For Your Shop

Gift-giving can be stressful. Shoppers often scramble to find the perfect present, overwhelmed by options. But what if you could offer a unique, convenient, and oh-so-giftable solution? Say hello to the power of gift basket bundling!

Gift bundling in beautifully curated hampers could be the secret ingredient you've been missing.

By carefully selecting complementary products and presenting them in an attractive box, you can increase average order value, attract new customers, and strengthen customer loyalty.

Read on to discover more...

Mint green gift box wrapped with rustic brown twine placed on a table with sunshine pouring in the from the window behind. — Mint green gift box wrapped with rustic brown twine.

WHY YOU SHOULD OFFER GIFT BOXES IN YOUR SHOP

Traditional gift-giving often involves a single item whereas gift baskets offer several advantages:

Convenience: Shoppers save time and effort by grabbing a pre-assembled basket that caters to a specific occasion or theme.
Increased Value: The perceived value of a hamper often exceeds the sum of its parts. A thoughtful combination of items feels more substantial and special.
Higher Profit Margins: Bundling allows you to showcase a variety of products, potentially including smaller items that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Storytelling Through Selection: Curated baskets tell a story. A "Movie Night In" basket with popcorn, chocolates, and a cosy blanket creates an experience, not just a gift.

A flat lay photo shot from above of a Coulson Macleod gift hamper containing art prints, greeting cards, mugs and other stationery in metallic gold, pearlescent pink and oyster white. — Coulson Macleod gift box with items from our Precious Metals range.

How To Curate Compelling Gift Hamper Combinations

The key to successful bundling lies in creating baskets and hampers with cohesion and purpose. Here are some tips:

Theme It Up: Cater to specific occasions (birthdays, Valentine's Day, Christmas), interests (spa days or wine & cheese perhaps), or recipient types (new baby, teacher appreciation). You could even celebrate small businesses in the local area and produce a 'Made in (your town)' box.
Mix and Match: Combine practical items with indulgent treats. A gourmet coffee basket might include a mug, flavoured coffee beans, and a biscuit selection.
Consider Price Points: Offer a range of basket prices to cater to different budgets (Under £10, Under £30 etc.)
Don't Forget the Presentation: Use attractive baskets, hampers or boxes with colourful tissue paper, ribbons and other decorations to make your creations visually appealing.

Two bright pink flowers draped over a white gift box containing artisan handmade products. The items are packaged and protected with eco-conscious crinkled shredded paper. — Artisan gift hamper packaged with eco-conscious shredded paper.

ON THE SHELF and BEYOND...

Promote your gift baskets across all channels:

Showcase them prominently: Dedicate prime shelf location to pre-made baskets and encourage customers to create custom ones. If space allows, you could put together a 'gift hamper corner'.
Highlight on social media: Remember to feature enticing photos and videos of your baskets using relevant hashtags. Flat lays photographed from above can be very aesthetically pleasing; showcasing all of the box's components. Unboxing videos are also popular on social media as they pique curiosity which leads to higher engagement.
Offer online ordering: Give customers the option to browse and purchase hampers online for convenient gifting. If your website has the functionality, you could also allow customers to produce their own bespoke bundle from your product selection.

By embracing the power of bundling, you can transform your gift shop into a one-stop destination for thoughtful and delightful presents. So get creative, curate captivating combinations, and watch your sales soar!

Here at Coulson Macleod, we make wonderfully wordy gifts. Here are some of our favourite smaller items that fit perfectly into a gift hamper. From left to right, top to bottom: