Christmas hamper ideas to spread festive cheer
There’s something pretty special about opening a Christmas hamper made just for you. Packed with thoughtful treats, a Christmas hamper is the star of the show when it comes to festive gifting. But what if we told you that you might *actually* enjoy putting one together? With all the right Christmas hamper ideas, the process of finding what to put in a Christmas hamper can be tons of fun in itself. And the best part? They can be traditional, modern, or unique, making them perfect for capturing the magic of the season.
Our gifting experts have popped together the ultimate guide to give you ideas for your Christmas hampers. From indulgent food and drink to creative homemade ideas, you’ll find everything you need right here to fuel your Christmas hamper inspiration.
Food & drink items make the best Christmas hampers
Everyone loves a good Christmas hamper full of their favourite things, right? The best hampers are put together with the recipient in mind – especially when you’ve thought about the theme, variety or sentimentality of what the items could mean to someone.
Food and drink hampers are a timeless choice—and for a good reason. Who wouldn’t want to end cosy season armed with all their favourite treats? When putting together a Christmas hamper filled with food and drink, start with the theme. Indulgence? Nostalgia? Perhaps a mix of both. You may choose to include a combination of savoury and sweet, or even add their go-to festive drink.
Food and drink hampers are the gift that keeps on giving – as they offer massive variety and cater to a bunch of different tastes. This makes them the perfect way to give a thoughtful gift to more than one recipient at a time – whether that’s couples, families, or grandparents.
With a Christmas hamper, the possibilities are endless.
Our top hamper picks
Homemade Christmas hamper ideas
Want to get a bit crafty? Why not make your own hamper? This adds an extra special touch for a loved one. Not only that, a DIY Christmas hamper allows you to handpick items that reflect someone’s personality.
If you need homemade Christmas hamper ideas, you might be surprised to know that most of the items to create a hamper yourself may already be in your own home.
You’ll need a sturdy base, such as a basket, box, or crate – even a shoe box would do. Then, decorate it with festive wrapping paper, ribbons, or bows to give it a special finishing touch. Pretty easy.
When picking items to fill your hamper, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Shelf life: Ensure all perishable items last ‘til at least Boxing Day, but ideally into January
- Storage needs: Check whether any items need popping in the fridge
- Dietary restrictions: From vegan options to no-go foods, be mindful of dietary limitations and preferences
What to put in a Christmas hamper: traditional ideas
For friends and family who love a bit of nostalgia, why not choose a traditional Christmas hamper? Packed with familiar festive picks, traditional hampers bring all the magic Christmas vibes.
When making a traditional Christmas hamper, almost everyone loves delicious go-tos like jams and preserves, wine gifts, and chocolates and confectionery. You could also include the typical traditional Christmas items like artisanal mince pies, Christmas cake, stollen, and chocolate coins. Or mix savoury and sweet by including chutneys, cranberry sauce, and jars of jam, alongside a bottle of red or mulled wine.
What to put in a Christmas hamper: modern ideas
If you’re looking for a contemporary twist, modern Christmas hampers offer endless possibilities. Perfect for foodies or anyone who loves discovering new treats, modern Christmas hampers often feature special selections like biscuits, cheeses, and coffee. For beer connoisseurs or wannabe mixologists, pop together a selection of drinks like craft beers and cocktail kits.
Christmas hampers are more than just gifts, they’re an experience. Christmas hampers are a wonderful way to show how much you care with thoughtful treats made for loved ones.
Whether traditional or modern, a well-curated hamper brings all the festive cheer to Christmas Day. See our Christmas hamper range to discover the perfect inspiration for your festive gifting.