The festive season is coming alongside the complaint about hyper-materialism and many blame capitalism for consumerism. However, gift giving is a wonderful and powerful tool our society would do well to relearn how to use and appreciate.

To help you this festive season, we have compiled a list of our top ten gift giving tips collected in 35 years in the hamper industry. When it comes to gift giving, we want our gifts to come across as thoughtful, tasteful, and creative; but sometimes we just end up stumped and the “art” of gift giving becomes stressful. So here are our suggestions:

1. Gift giving is an opportunity to strengthen a bond with someone, and it's important to take advantage of the entire experience from the packaging to the moment the gift is received.
2. The act of giving demonstrates you care, but most people also want to feel understood.
3. So really take the time to listen to people and they will always tell you what they want as a gift, quite often when you least expect it.
4. A handmade gift is extra special, whether it's made by you or a pro. When you give a gift that was made by hand, you aren't only giving an object, but you're also sharing a story, inspiration and emotion.
5. It's not about what you spend, it's about the amount of intention that you give with.
6. Fine food is always well received and go a long way in all cultures and traditions.
7. Christmas gifts: Take the hardest person to shop for on your list, and get their gift NOW. Pretend this weekend is December 24th, and do your best. Just by taking the pressure off, you might end up finding the perfect gift.
8. If you're having a hard time finding a gift for a loved one, try looking for a handmade gift that tells a story that your friend or family member would appreciate, not just the piece. 
9. Cards, must we have them? Absolutely, research shows that healthy relationships are based on selfless giving. Gift giving is an extension of that feeling.
10. Take wrapping and delivery off your to-do list. For out-of-town family and friends, order from online retailers that will wrap and send gifts directly to their homes.