Just because the economy is experiencing a tough time doesn’t mean the tradition of giving gift hampers would also be one of the things that you will set aside. There are actually quite a number of ways that you can keep the tradition going without breaking the bank. First, you can learn to make your own hamper. Go online and visit the hundreds of web sites that teach you how to put together a gift hamper and these sites also has a lot of tips that can help save you money by putting together your own gift hamper. Another tip is to remember that gift hampers does not need to be huge. Just because you are giving food items, it does not necessarily mean that you have to give a huge gift hamper. What’s important is what’s inside the hamper, and not how big the thing holding the gift is. Lastly, giving a gift hamper does not mean you have to send a bottle of champagne or wine with it. Alcoholic beverages aren’t’ required. It’s a fancy addition yes, but again, not necessary.