One festive tradition that I have embraced is donating to charity Christmas hampers.
That’s because I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end, and just how much it can mean to a struggling family.
My mum was raising four children on a single parent’s pension, and money was always tight. Somehow we ended up on a list to receive charity Christmas hampers during my teen years, and what a treat that was.
I’m not sure how my mum felt about it – she was quite a proud woman – but we kids loved it!
Charity Christmas Hampers: how to please kids
The things that excited us most in those charity Christmas hampers weren’t the ordinary, every day items. No, it was the goodies, the luxuries, the things that normally we had to do without.
So here are my tips for making donations that will bring a smile to little faces:
- Nice nuts can be expensive – think cashews, pecans, walnuts and pistachios.
- Likewise, dried fruits. Why is it that foods that are better for us (than say, lollies), are more expensive?!
- Fun cereals! These make such a nice change from the regular (cheap) wheat biscuits or other basic breakfast fare.
- Milo, Quik or Sippah straws to flavour milk.
- Chips! Corn chips, pretzels, snack packs – kids love ’em all.
- Lollies and biscuits – nutritionally they might be a waste of space – but it IS Christmas after all!
- Packaged snacks are also a luxury to kids from financially-strapped households – think muesli bars, cheese and crackers, roll ups, etc.
- Sparkling grape or apple juice has a very festive feel.
- And of course, Christmas themed goodies – fruit mince pies (even though personally I’m not a fan!); candy canes, gingerbread; plum pudding, etc.
One Last Suggestion …
And may I be so bold as to suggest, that you don’t donate home-brand products. Hey I use plenty of home-brand products myself – but at least our budget allows us to have a choice. Families on the receiving end of charity are already way too familiar with them. By spoiling them with brand name items, you really will make it feel like a very merry Christmas.
Have you ever donated goodies to Christmas charity hampers? Or been on the receiving end?