As we enter November and the festive period continues to edge ever closer, you may be starting to feel the first signs of pre-Christmas panic setting in. What are you going to get for your friend who has everything? How can you please your partner’s family without spending too much? What present will stand out from the crowd? Here at Living360, we’ve got you covered.
A Christmas hamper is the ultimate failsafe, and we’ve curated a list of the year’s best baskets. From decadent hot chocolate hampers and flavoursome cheeseboard selections to luxury food hall picks and a stellar box full of wine — each of these beautifully curated gift boxes will be sure to impress the foodie connoisseur in your life. Spoiler alert: there’s even one to spoil the dog with. Sit back, relax and get stuck into our selection of the season’s very best.
Perfect for: the whole family
Season’s Eatings Hamper, Harvey Nichols
As Harvey Nichols proudly stands as one of the UK’s go-to Christmas shopping destinations, it would almost be sinful to not commence this list with the department store’s festive range. This year, Harvey Nichols is offering a range of hampers, including treats such as Amaretti Virginia baked panettones and salted caramel truffles, all beautifully packaged in wicker baskets and black gift boxes. Despite the all-round decadent offering, we’ve voted the Season’s Eatings Hamper as our favourite. Expect to find a jar full of jelly bears, shortbread biscuits, Harvey Nichols Christmas pudding and coffee within this luxury basket, among many other sweet treats and savoury delights. The contemporary collection will be sure to please everyone in the household, while the basket itself makes for a true Harvey Nichols keepsake. £125. harveynichols.com
Read more: Expert tips on how to tackle dehydrated skin in the winter
Stein’s Boxing Day Hamper, Rick Stein
This one is truly a gift for the foodie family member in your life. Curated by the acclaimed celebrity chef and restaurateur himself, this hamper overflows with an abundant supply of food and drink, made to enjoy together. His Boxing Day Hamper comprises of a mixed offering to suit all generations: there’s Spanish red and white wine, oat biscuits and a Christmas pudding for all. The combination of chutneys, cheese and pickle make this one a great gift for your host to sit back and enjoy on Boxing Day. £98.95. rickstein.com
Christmas Favourites Hamper, Macknade
While some hampers are better savoured during those murky days between Christmas and New Year, this is definitely one that should be opened on the big day itself. Featuring a mouthwatering selection of all our favourite festive goodies (think panettone, port and mince pies), the Macknade hamper will do all the hard work for you. Pick up one of these for your loved one and fill their Christmas day with cheese and crackers, cherries and even roasted nuts that taste like pigs in blankets. Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a bottle of Pierre Mignon Brut Champagne to toast with. £150. macknade.com
Perfect for: The sweet tooth
The Hot Chocolate Hamper, Knoops
A Knoops hamper is the perfect choice for that loved one who always craves something sweet. Containing delectable milk chocolate flakes, vegan-friendly dark chocolate flakes and even some fluffy marshmallows, this hamper will make the perfect accompaniment to a cosy, festive film night. As well as these hot-choc must-haves, the hamper also includes the brand’s own cookbook, containing a ton of chocolate-filled recipes that’ll be sure to inspire some sugary creativity. Complete with a hot chocolate shaker and a gorgeous bowl to sip from, this basket promises to be the perfect antidote to the chilly winter days ahead. £110. knoops.co.uk
Read more: Eight of the best spots in London for cosy autumn vibes
Fireside Hamper, Prestige Hampers
Another one for dessert lovers, this hamper exudes cosy vibes. Ideal for those who prefer a festive night in to a boozy Yuletide outing, this wicker basket contains an assortment of delicious goodies to nibble on. From classic options like clotted cream fudge and salted caramel bites to more festive-themed treats like a Christmas pudding, there’s sure to be something to please each and every kind of sweet tooth in this selection. And if the sugar rush isn’t enough, there’s even a bottle of Chardonnay included to boost that merry feeling. £49.99. prestigehampers.co.uk
Vegan Afternoon Tea Hamper, Positive Bakes
While hampers in general are a great gift, the food options may sometimes fail to cater to vegans. Make the gluten-free or vegan loved one in your life feel special with this beautiful afternoon tea set from Positive Bakes. Boasting a mouth-watering selection of fruit scones, jam, tea and clotted cream (vegan), it’ll make for the perfect afternoon delight. After you’ve had your fill of scones, there’s even brownie bites, Bakewell cake and blondie bites to delve into. We’d recommend the sticky toffee pudding cake (spoiler alert: it’s divine). £60. redletterdays.co.uk
Read more: Five cookbooks to inspire delicious seasonal dishes
Perfect for: the luxury lover
The Knightsbridge Christmas Hamper, Harrods
When it comes to luxury, it could be argued that the concept is synonymous with Harrods. Containing everything from festive food hall delights to truly decadent bottles, a Harrods hamper is a sure-fire way to make someone feel special this Christmas. Bursting with tantalising treats, The Knightsbridge Christmas Hamper is a highly giftable choice this season. Within the signature wicker basket, you’ll find an array of classic Harrods favourites, the iconic gold Harrods chocolate bar, festive marmalade, brandy butter and winterberry jam. The gourmet treats don’t stop there: Christmas blend-tea, shortbread biscuits and after-dinner coffee also await. If you think that’s more than enough to please your lucky recipient, the department store has even thrown in three signature bottles, perfect to savour when toasting the New Year. £250. harrods.com
The Duke Hamper, King’s Fine Food
Being a large importer of fine quality caviar, it’s safe to say that King’s Fine Food is the epitome of lavishness. If you’re looking for something to gift the person in your life who has everything, this is the hamper for you. Featuring some of the finest luxury food and drink products available, The Duke Hamper overflows with elegance and contains King’s coffee, San Giuliano hazelnut biscuits, King’s chocolate caviar balls and Ayala Champagne. If that’s not enough to impress, there’s Molina olive oil, Amedei chocolate spread and, of course, Georges Bruck Rillette caviar. This hamper will impress even the most refined of food connoisseurs. £220. kingsfinefood.co.uk
Read more: Chef Marco Corsica of Bocconcino on the beauty of Italian food
Perfect for: the chef
Discover Eataly Hamper, Eataly
If there’s an avid cook in your family, chances are their pantry is already full to the brim with spices, sauces and other cooking staples— but they could always do with more! The Discover Eataly Hamper is the perfect gift for those who love to experiment with both traditional and new flavours when creating classic Italian dishes. With Sicilian anchovies, Paccheri short dry pasta and San Marzano jarred tomatoes all included, they’ll have everything theyou need for a beautiful meal. After the family has had their fill of pasta, everyone can delight in the selection of pistachio cantucci biscuits, apricot jam and Baratti & Milano chocolates. £99.90. eataly.co.uk
One Doesn’t Grow Old at the Table Hamper, Fattoria La Vialla
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian hamper to bestow on a lucky loved one, this basket by Fattoria La Vialla is the one to pick. Beautifully packaged by hand in Tuscany, this hamper will bring the traditional Italian farm shop directly to your door. Full of Italian delicacies, most of which originate from the organic, biodynamic farm itself, you’ll find spicy salami, pesto, Datterini tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and many other home-grown products. There’s also penne rigate, spaghetti and chocolate truffles included. With this hamper, you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Tuscany this Christmas. £118. lavialla.com
Perfect for: the dog
Lux Christmas Dog Hamper, Pet Hamper
Now that all your friends and loved ones have been assigned their hampers, it’s time to gift your four-legged family member their basket of treasures. Filled with festive toys, treats and even a fluffy blanket, this assortment of goodies by Pet Hamper will be sure to make your pooch feel extra loved this Christmas. As they bury their nose in the bag, your dog can expect to find various packets of delectable treats, as well as a chew toy and even a gingerbread man (dog-friendly). If you’d prefer to pick your own treats and toys, you can customise your pet’s hamper, tailoring it to suit their unique style and taste. £70. pethamper.co.uk
