If you're busy, like all working parents are these days, it's very easy to completely forget to buy that special gift - or at least to leave it to the last minute. I also find that, because I am a midlife mum, whilst my kids are young, the rest of the family is, shall we say, well into adulthood! I'm either looking at lists of toys or scratching my head in desperation trying to come up with something they might like.
Now I don't know of a single lady who would not appreciate a beautiful bouquet of birthday or Christmas flowers. There is nothing like a stunning floral arrangement to brighten up your home and add a dash of luxury. So the female side of the family are easy to please.
But then there are those relatives like my dad, who, when asked what they'd like as a present declare they "have everything they need" and "don't go to any bother". This is, of course, usually a complete fib because we know full well that hurt feelings would ensue, were we ever daft enough to take these words at face value.
I've found a hamper is a great solution to this, not least because the contents can be shared!
I have recently had the opportunity to sample a gorgeous hamper from Serenataflowers.com. Although I had heard of the name, I didn't realise that Serenata is the UK's largest direct-to-consumer online florists, and one of the largest buyers of flowers in the UK.
They receive fresh flowers from around the world every day, 7 days a week and say their prices are often 30% cheaper than other online flower shops because they supply direct to the buyer. They also have a free flower delivery service the same day and they guarantee that your bouquet will be on time and as advertised or your money back..
Serenata also offers an exclusive champagne and wine gift service, luxurious chocolate gifts and of course their great range of hampers in wicker baskets. The prices range from £40 to around £140 for a filled hamper, although you could also buy a wicker basket from them and fill it yourself - if you were considerably more organised than me, that is.
There are loads of themed hampers - for example chocolate, cheese, beer, port, wine, new baby and pamper hampers. You can order up to 10 pm for free next weekday delivery to any UK mainland address.
I was sent the Simplicity Hamper at £39.99 and free delivery. This one contains quite a (I think!) quirky selection as it has:-
* Hand Waxed Scrumpy & Crunchy Apple Cheese 150g
* Hand Waxed Worcestershire Gold Mature Cheddar 150g
* Black Olive Cracker for White Wine 125g
* Chardonnay Terres 2014
* Dormens Wasabi Nuts
* Lemon Sherbets 120g
* Cheese Board Chutney 105g
Needless to say the Husband has already laid claim to the Lemon Sherbets and the Wasabi Nuts and I have secreted the wine and cheese in the fridge behind a wall of yoghurt so he can't find them.
The hamper arrived within 24 hours, well boxed (there is no wicker hamper with this particular selection) with everything protected and in perfect condition.
The lovely hamper contents
I would have been more than pleased to receive the Simplicity Hamper as a gift - and I have one to giveaway!
Entry is via Rafflecopter in the usual manner and the competition ends at 11:59 pm on 30th September 2015. UK entrants only. Make sure you leave a comment as to which is your favourite Serenata Hamper. I've a few others on my list. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Further information is available at www.SerenataFlowers.com and you can also get in touch on Facebook or Twitter.
For more free competitions visit www.theprizefinder.com.