For making it to the end of the year, we need all the treats we can get - and yes, are talking about the best Christmas hampers. Think cheese, chocolate, biscuits, crisps – you get the picture. What could be more festive than a Christmas hamper to indulge in? After all, the festive days - no matter who you spend them with - require a plentiful supply of food. So, hampers and Christmas go hand in hand.
And whether you're looking to buy a hamper for yourself or are working through the list of loved ones that you still need to find a gift for, we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve trawled through a plethora of culinary suitors to present you with an edit of the best Christmas hampers out there.
When you're finished dribbling at all the delicious Christmas hampers, why don't you check out our food and drink Christmas gift ideas for the foodies in your life (and just anyone who eats and drinks, really), personalised Christmas gift ideas, which are perfect for that tricky customer who already has everything, or our ultimate guide to Christmas beauty gifts for the beauty addict in your life.
SHOP: The Best Christmas Hampers To Buy Now
Best Christmas hamper for shaking things up at home
www.harveynichols.com
In case you didn't know already, Harvey Nicholas is the ultimate one-stop shop for the festive season. Their food hall is no exception and neither are its Christmas hampers. Looking for delectable treats for you or a loved one? Pay a visit to the Knightsbridge store or visit the department's store website.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Harvey Nichols Mulled Wine 750ml
- Harvey Nichols Classic Christmas Pudding 454g
- Harvey Nichols Rose & Pistachio Nut Butter 180g
- Harvey Nichols Elderflower & Pomegranate Tonic Water 200ml
- Harvey Nichols Turkish Delight with Pistachio & Pomegranate Flavour 227g
Best Christmas hamper for the whole family
www.marksandspencer.com
Truly one for the whole family (bar the wine, perhaps), Marks and Spencer also delivers the goods at Christmas. From gorgeous biscuits to shortbread and chutney, you will please everyone (including yourself) with this hamper.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Bordeaux Merlot (75cl) (Alcohol content- 13.5%)
- Collection Cornish Cruncher All Butter Biscuits (80g)
- Collection Milk Chocolate Florentines (170g)
- Collection Rye Sourdough Crackers (130g)
- Collection British Ale and Caramelised Onion Chutney (230g)
Best Christmas hamper for gourmets
www.virginiahayward.com
For anyone with a taste for the finer things in life, Virginia Hayward's Decadence Hamper might be just for you. Filled to the brim with sweet and savoury delicatessen, it's a luxurious indulgence, for sure.
Release date: Available now (with delivery from 19th December).
What we love:
- Arden & Amici Tiramisu Panettone
- An array of cheeses, including The Mouse House Smoked Cheddar Truckle, Graindorge Petit Camembert
- Wessex Country Gammon Honey Glazed Wiltshire Cured and Cooked Pork Loin
- Stag Bakeries Stornoway Savoury Biscuit Selection
- Arran Fine Foods The Original Arran Mustard
Best Christmas hamper for traditional treats
www.fortnumandmason.com
Nothing says 'tradition' like Fortnum & Mason's Christmas selection (or anything F&M for that matter). But their Christmas hampers in particular are a picture-perfect depiction of a traditional Christmas scene. Feel like going a tad more trad this year? This hamper will tick all boxes.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Fortnum’s Christmas Pecan & Ginger Biscuits
- Christmas Cognac Butter
- Christmas Black Tea
- Fortnum’s Claret, Château le Bedat
- Small Wicker Hamper
Best Christmas hamper for the hostess with the mostest
www.selfridges.com
Already feeling stressed about Christmas break queues at the supermarket? Don't miss out on any mouthwatering essentials and save yourself the hassle of bracing the hustle and bustle at your local shop by ordering Selfridges' Christmas day hamper instead. It boasts anything you and your guests could possibly crave (and more).
Release date: Available now (with delivery from 12th December).
What we love:
- Selfridges Selection Classic Panettone
- Selfridges Selection Spiced Marmalade
- Dukeshill Midi Boneless Wiltshire Ham 1kg
- Selfridges Selection Champagne Brut 750ml
- Selfridges Selection Classic Mince Pies 300g
Best Christmas hamper for the teetotalist
www.johnlewis.com
If they'd much rather curl up with a hot chocolate than a glass of wine, the Festive Treat Alcohol-Free Hamper might just make their Christmas instead. Including an alcohol-free Christmas pudding, it's the perfect hamper for those who don't drink this festive season.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Abbey Biscuits Chocolate Brownie Biscuits, 150g
- The Secret Truffletier Foiled Milk Chocolate Buttons, 120g
- Divine Chocolate Winter Warming Spiced Hot Chocolate, 300g
- Grandma Wild's Mini Bites For Sharing Cheddar & Chilli, 100g
- Maxwell & Franks Alcohol Free Christmas Pudding, 350g
Best Christmas hamper for large gatherings
www.cartwrightandbutler.co.uk
A true all-rounder for the entire family, Cartwright and Butler's Howden hamper caters to all tastes and is guaranteed to satisfy. From Tomato & Chilli Chutney to Baron de Beaupre Champagne (if you're over 18, of course), there's nothing we don't want to try.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Cheddar Cheese Straws
- Salted Caramel Crumbles
- Milk Chocolate Truffle Assortment
- Lemon & Dark Chocolate Viennese Whirls in Tin
- Baron de Beaupre Champagne
Best Christmas hamper for festive cheer
www.dukeshill.co.uk
Combining the best of savoury and sweet Christmas treats, this hamper is an indulgence. Including just about everything good about festive cuisine: ham and salmon sit in counterpoint to handmade Christmas pudding and panettone. Bon appetit!
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Honey Baked Baby Ham (400g min.)
- Oak Smoked Salmon (100g)
- Barbers Black Waxed Cheddar (200g)
- Handmade Scottish Shortbread (9 pieces)
- Panettone (100g)
Best Christmas hamper for sweet indulgence
www.harrods.com
If you've got a sweet tooth, you might want to consider investing in Harrods' iconic St James Christmas Hamper. From tea to coffee, chocolates and biscuits, preserves and mince pies, grab your elasticated waistband trousers - it's going to be a feast.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Salted caramel shortbread
- Harrods hot chocolate
- After-Dinner Coffee
- Iced Christmas Cake
- Chocolate Bears Christmas Crackers
Best Christmas hamper for mixologists
www.daylesford.com
If 'stocking up the bar cart' is still on your to-do list for the festive season ahead, you might want to consider Daylesford's Artisan Gin Hamper, featuring a selection of mixers, bar snacks and, of course, gin. Cheers.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Daylesford Fig Leaf Gin 70cl
- Daylesford Organic Rose Tonic Water 200ml
- Pink Peppercorns 28g
- Rosemary & Sea Salt Nut Jar 340g
- Daylesford Organic Cucumber Tonic Water 200ml
Best Christmas hamper for sharing
www.johnlewis.com
It certainly is the 'Ultimate' Hamper, and this choice from Waitrose And Partners will see you into the new year with its basket full of festive goodies. From savoury to sweet, the No. 1 Ultimate Hamper from Waitrose can also be picked up at John Lewis and has plenty of treats for you and your loved ones to share.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Waitrose No 1 Milk Chocolate Florentines, 150g
- Waitrose No 1 Coffee Shortbread, 135g
- Waitrose No 1 Italian Amaretti Selection, 200g
- Waitrose No 1 Sicilian Orange Nocciolato Panettone, 750g
- Waitrose No 1 Champagne Truffles, 120g
Best Christmas hamper for cheese experts
www.snowdoniacheese.co.uk
To anyone who's lactose intolerant, you better look away now. Snowdonia's Decadent Cheese Hamper offers a delicate selection cheese, chutneys, chocolate and crackers for the most wholesome snacking experience. Run, don't walk.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Black bomber extra mature cheddar
- Red devil red leicester
- Balsamic caramelised onion chutney
- Miller’s damsel buttermilk crackers
- Truffle trove
Best Christmas hamper for the perfectionist
www.notanotherbill.com
If the conveyor belt of hamper options still doesn’t feel quite right, a bespoke hamper will do the trick. Enter Not Another Bill and its customisable hampers that can be filled with artisanal nibbles, ready-to-drink cocktails amongst plenty of things. How smart.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Lancashire cheese & onion biscuits
- Onion relish
- Iberico Bellota ham
- Tony’s milk caramel & sea salt chocolate
- Passion fruit Martini
Best Christmas hamper for feasting for days
www.harveynichols.com
Harvey Nichols goes full throttle when it comes to its Christmas hampers. Enter the All The Trimmings hamper: an indulgence of, well, anything you could possible crave over Christmas. From sweets galore to savoury nibbles, this one will last you at least until your NYE party.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Harvey Nichols Boozy Chocolate Truffle Selection 315g
- Harvey Nichols Luxury Fruit & Nuts Selection Box 1.2kg
- Harvey Nichols Petticoat Tails Handmade Butter Shortbread Biscuits 300g
- Harvey Nichols Loose Leaf Assam Tea Caddy 100g, Crackers Assortment 260g
- Harvey Nichols Emmental Straws 120g
Best Christmas hamper for fans of luxury
panzers.co.uk
Ah, Panzer’s Deli. A true case of IYKYK, the Jewish deli based in north-west London is an establishment known for its heartwarming comfort culinary delights that doesn’t fail to deliver on the Christmas front either. The Going Overboard Christmas Hamper is bursting at the seams with palatable nibbles.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Caviar 50gr
- Panzer’s Panettone 750gr
- Panzer’s Award-winning Smoked Salmon 227gr
- Nana Lily’s Whiskey Butter 190gr
- Red Cow Parmesan 200gr
Best Christmas hamper for serial holiday-ers
shop.ibericarestaurants.com
Enthusiasts of the Spanish cuisine will relish this treasure trove of Mediterranean edibles, featuring all the goods you’d expect to find in an authentic taverna on your summer holidays. Bookmark this one if you’re looking to veer off the beaten Christmas track this year.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Guijuelo Chorizo 185g.
- Sliced Serrano Ham Gran Reserva Martinez Somalo 100g
- Semicured Manchego Cheese Gomez Moreno 250g.
- Olives seasoned with Spices Maestros Aceituneros 185g.
- Organic Quince Paste La Vega de Zagrilla 320g.
Best Christmas hamper for stacking up the wine racks
www.baxtersofscotland.com
To those with a taste for the finer things, the sommeliers selection by Baxters of Scotland boasts delicately rich libations, which make an impressive addition to your wine rack - six new additions, to be precise: two bottles of red, two bottles of whites, 1 rosé and 1 champagne. Cheers.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Champagne Brut Éclat
- Les Fenouils Cotes de Provence
- Carmenere Piu, Veneto 2020
- Bourgogne Chardonnay, 2020
- Médoc Bordeaux 2016
Best Christmas hamper for delicatessen
shop.rickstein.com
Toast on Christmas morning with a bottle of champagne, put together a lovely afternoon sandwich or pick away on the nibbly bits - Stein’s Family Christmas Collection Hamper caters for any eventuality you might face.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Rick Stein Vanilla Fudge
- Cornish Pilchard Fillets in a Rich Tomato Sauce
- Rick Stein Spanish White Wine
- Chocolate Sea Salt Truffles
- Rick Stein Green Olives with Basil and Garlic
Best Christmas hamper for lovers of baked goods
gailsbread.co.uk
No Christmas dinner would be complete without a mighty breakfast spread the morning after. Enter the Breakfast Hamper from Gail's and all its freshly baked goodness.
Release date: Available now.
What we love:
- Sourdough
- Jam
- Cow's whey butter
- Honey
- Fresh orange juice
FAQs
Do Christmas Hampers Make A Good Present?
Not only are they a surprise to receive, but also a low-effort present that will make you look super thoughtful. Depending on what your budget is, you'll be able to find appropriate options at all price points.
What Makes A Good Christmas Hamper?
Whether it’s cheese and biscuits, a budget choice or something for self-care - hampers really are the gift that keeps on giving and should last you (or the lucky recipient) all through the festive period and beyond.
How Do You Choose The Best Christmas Hampers?
This is entirely up to what you’re looking for. Firstly set yourself a budget, then ask yourself what it is that you’re after. Do you fancy a collection of sweet treats? Are you looking to stock up your wine shelf for the festive season? Or do you have a proclivity for savoury delicatessen? Once you’ve made up your mind, there’s a hamper to suit every taste - below, we’re rounding up the best ones.
What Are The Best Things To Put In A Hamper?
Again, this is dependent on who you’re getting a hamper for and when you’re planning on giving it (think fresh produce). Curating an edit is great fun and allows you to really personalise your gift. Be considerate - no matter how big or small your edit - and try to please as many people as possible: hampers are perfect for sharing after all.