Not only does this mother of four fall into the category as the type who has ‘‘everything’’ (loving husband, beautiful children, a job that she loves, etc.), she is also in the business of making gift hampers and thus would have a discerning eye for top notch stuff. Right?
But Norhasikin, who is known as Nora, was quick to insist that it would be most disdainful to look upon any gift, no matter how small or trivial, with scorn.
Gift envoy: Nora with one of her hampers Instead, the 36-year-old would insist that a present, in whatever form it may come in, was always a sign that one was appreciated and thus, the onus on the recipient would be to thank the giver and be grateful for his generosity.
However, Nora insisted on one criterion. The giver must be sincere in his act, failing which, the whole ritual would go sour and leave everyone with a bad aftertaste.
Her real job is to ensure that the right impression is struck each time a hamper is sent out and in her words ‘‘act as ambassadors’’ for my clients’.
“I like it when my clients request for the personal touch. While it would seem practical to do away with the trimmings and wrappings to save extra cost, it would not be very nice to just give someone a box of dates for example, in its original packaging,” said Nora.
At the very least, she suggested, there should be a ribbon tied around it. This, she explained, had to do with psychology. “Imagine the effect when you present someone with a box of dates in its original packing in comparison to coming up with a nice cloth-lined box with an organza ribbon. Which gift would make you light up?” asked Nora.
Pretty present: A box of dates with trimmings A nicely decorated hamper, observed Nora, has an uplifting effect on the recipient’s mood because it gives the impression that the giver has gone to great lengths to please. This makes the recipient feel important and reflected the degree of friendship between two parties.
Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, some degree of thought should also go into the contents as well.
“There were times when I have had clients calling me to place last minute orders and I just had to tell them `no’ because I had run out of biscuits. And some of them would tell me, ‘‘Oh, never mind. You leave near Tesco, right? Just go there and get some’’. Now, I’m not saying that Tesco does not have good cookies but a hamper should contain something where the recipient cannot find anywhere else. It should be exclusive and original,” maintained Nora.
Being content wise counts as Nora tells the story of a Tan Sri who had received a beautiful hamper only to find that the biscuits had gone stale.
Basket of delight: Another of Nora’s creations With this, Nora reminded that there is no greater faux pas than to pass on something that was not `sedap’ (delicious) to anyone. And having a mouldy pack of dodol or a cake harboured with fungus would be tantamount to the ultimate insult.
“Always remember, when giving presents, give what you yourself would like to receive,” said Nora.
In addition, one shouldn’t forget to be creative as well.
“Hampers are not only about biscuits and chocolates. Sometimes, you can put in other things as well, like a plate, batik, or beauty products for example,” hinted Nora.
It would be good for the packer to remember that bringing home a gift hamper is always a joyous occasion for the recipient’s family.
“The wife or his children would most probably be the one who will open the package and they too should be considered.
“The children would perhaps like toys or chocolates and the wife would appreciate a plate for example. So, it would be good to keep the recipient’s family in mind when deciding what to put into a hamper,” said Nora.
Speaking of which, she cited an example when she was tasked to prepare a Hari Raya hamper for a minister.
“The client had given me an RM800 budget and I pulled out all the stops. I used a wooden treasure box, put in songket, placed all the cookies in crystal jars and I remember that there was also a prayer mat, a telekung and a set of kerongsang as well,” she said.
With Hari Raya around the corner, Nora admitted that this has been a busy time for her. To date she has already sent out close to 1,000 hampers for her clients and there will be more to come.
So, one wonders. For a lady who has perfected the art of giving, what then will she be giving to her own family members this coming Hari Raya?
“Hee, hee, nothing much lah! Just dinner only...” was Nora’s bashful reply.
Oh yes. At the end of the day, a good home-cooked meal by mum herself beats even the grandest hamper any time, any day.
For more on Nora’s hampers check out www.nurhampers.com or call 03-9281 5616.
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