Last minute Christmas gift: Vegan Hamper
It's only two more days until Christmas, and you still haven't found the perfect gift for the beloved vegan in your life. Stress no more, have yourself a healthy little Christmas and give a special someone a hamper of treats that best suits their lifestyle and diet. Whether it is gluten free, dairy free or vegan filled, it is entirely up to you what you choose to include in your Christmas hamper. The great thing about DIY hampers and gift boxes is that they are so much more personal because they are chosen and hand picked by you, just for your loved one.
So what exactly is Veganism?
As defined by The Vegan Society, "Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose."
There are countless of reasons why to go vegan. Some believe that all creatures with a nerve system have a right to life and freedom. Standing against animal cruelty and preventing the exploitation of animals is not only a way of converting to veganism, but is also a major key in staying vegan.
Plant-based diets are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including protein, iron and calcium. By consuming plant-based sources of nutrients, which are low in fat yet high in fibre, a vegan diet assists in mitigating health issues such as obesity and diabetes.
The amount of work and resources used for animal agriculture effects climate change. Deforestation results to the loss of inhabitants of rainforests and other natural areas, which could later lead to the extinction of species. As stated by The Vegan Society, "Veganism is the sustainable option when it comes to looking after our planet."
Alaister Cuaresma, Cook Daily Employee, says: "Cook Daily is London's first fast food vegan joint. What I enjoy most about working at Cook Daily is eating the food as it never ceases to amaze me, along with the selection that is available. Other than that, it's interacting with people about different lifestyles, be it with people who eat meat, vegeterians, pescetarians, vegans, vegans on a raw only diet and also learning about their experience."
With the increase of interest for natural food supplements over the past few years, grocers and supermarkets such as Holland & Barrett offer an "unparalleled range of natural health products all at best value prices." There is no doubt that buying free from foods has never been so much easier. And to top the icing on the cake, Holland & Barrett have a buy one; get one-half price, on everything! Yes, EVERYTHING! You can mix and match on anything and everything, from vitamin supplements to vegan beauty cosmetics.
This vegan gift hamper set includes a vegan's alternative to crisps and potato chips: Eat Real's Quinoa, Lentil and Hummus chips. These crunchy crispy chips cost 79p a bag.
And what is a Christmas hamper without chocolate? Moo free offer a range of non dairy chocolate bars - from organic cranberry and hazelnut to crispy banana, your beloved vegan will be delighted to devour such a surprisingly scrumptious combination. These 100g bars of healthy heaven costs £2.53 to £2.85.
To add to your package of chocolate, Holland & Barrett offer raw chocolate-coated goji berries, which are not only organic but fair trade also. These mini bad boys are a reasonable £1.49.
The next item on the list has a nostalgic After Eight chocolate taste to it, if not better. Plamil Dairy free chocolate bar, use natural mint oil to compliment the taste of the cocoa, allowing the superfine texture of the chocolate to melt in your mouth. These quality chocolate bars cost £2.29.
The last item in the hamper are Just Wholefoods organic vegebears fruit jellies, which were only £1.55. These Haribo-like sweets are gelatine free and are packed with so much flavour. It is fair to say these fruit jellies will bring the kid out of the adult.
And if you want to go the extra mile for your loved one, you could include in the gift hamper the best or recent vegan books and cookbooks. A book is a gift that can be opened again, and again, and again. Not only are they inexpensive, a book you gift to someone is much more personal than a common gift like perfume or aftershave. You can even personalise the book you give to your loved one by writing an inscription in it. And the best thing about books is that the last for a lifetime.
Place your items in a box, a shoebox, old package boxes, or even a cereal box - I'm sure your loved one will appreciate the recycling as well as your 'Oh, so thoughtful and personal' gift. Add some tissue paper and tinsel around the box, and you could even throw in some lavender, cinnamon sticks to add some Christmas scent for when they open their hamper. Wrap like a dumpling with cellophane, or brown paper. Add some ribbons and a Christmas tag and card - and you are good to go.
The Vegan Society member, John Talines, says: "Understanding the vegan lifestyle allows a person the knowledge of the effects of all foods. If you fuel a car with petrol, you should probably fill your body up with all the correct nutrients which can all be found in a plant-based diet."
Mr Cuaresma, says: "I feel I've gone passed the belief of thinking veganism is 'a better way of living' and leaning more towards 'a way of living'".
Customised gifts are so much more appreciated. It gives the impression that this gift was made for x from y, rather than just something on the shelf made for everyone.
Not only are these last minute hampers easy to create, but are also quick and affordable.
Alan Gerry Alexander, who is also a member of The Vegan Society, says: "All members of The Vegan Society are given discounts on participating vegan-friendly businesses. This includes 10% off at Holland and Barrett and a generous 50% off at Handmade Burger Company."
Don't miss out on extra savings. Visit your local Holland & Barrett and join in on the buy one, get one half-price frenzie - offer ends tomorrow!