What to Put in a Christmas Hamper? The Guide to the Perfect Gift
Deciding what to put in a Christmas hamper can feel like a challenge, especially when you want your gift to feel thoughtful, festive, and luxurious. With more than 35 years of experience curating gourmet Christmas hampers, we’ve put together a complete guide on what to put in a Christmas hamper, whether you’re building a bespoke gift for loved ones or creating a corporate Christmas gift hamper for clients and colleagues.
Christmas is the time of year when thoughtful gestures matter most, and a beautifully curated hamper filled with delicious treats, gourmet food and drink, and special extras is one of the most memorable gifts you can give. If you’ve ever wondered what to put in a Christmas hamper, how to make a Christmas hamper, or what Christmas hamper ideas work best for different recipients, our guide covers everything you need to know.
What to Put in Your Christmas Hamper
Before choosing the contents of your Christmas hamper, think about the recipient. What do they love? Do they enjoy sweet treats, savoury nibbles, fine wines, cosy moments at home, or self-care gifts? Are there dietary needs you should consider, such as gluten-free, vegan, alcohol-free, or any allergies?
If you're preparing a Christmas food hamper with fresh items like cheese, smoked meats, or pâté, remember that perishable foods must stay between 5 and 8°C. At Hay Hampers, all perishable hampers are shipped with next-day delivery to ensure everything arrives fresh, safe, and delicious.
As you choose your contents, let the hamper tell a story. It’s an experience they’ll enjoy from the moment they lift the lid.
Each section here includes inspiration to help you build a thoughtful Christmas gift hamper that feels completely bespoke.
Personalised Christmas Gifts
One of the best ways to make a Christmas hamper feel meaningful is to personalise it. Start by thinking about who you're gifting:
- For him – artisan snacks, whisky miniatures, cheese, personalised chocolates (link internally).
- For her – sparkling wine, luxury truffles, candles, spa items, or personalised gourmet treats.
- For couples – wine and cheese selections, chocolate hampers, or cosy home gifts.
- For families – sharing treats, hot chocolate selections, or festive nibbles.
- For colleagues – champagne, corporate-friendly chocolates, or a curated work-appropriate hamper.
Adding your own touches makes your personalised Christmas hamper feel special, whether that’s a customised chocolate bar, their favourite wine, or a handwritten note. If you’d prefer a ready-made Christmas hamper gift, Hay Hampers offers beautifully curated Christmas gift hamper baskets suitable for every type of recipient.
Gourmet Christmas Food and Drink
A Christmas hamper wouldn’t be complete without a generous helping of gourmet food and drink. This is where you can let creativity shine and create a delicious Christmas food hamper that mixes classics with indulgent surprises.
- Champagne or prosecco
- Red, white, or mulled wine
- Craft beer
- Small-batch gin or whisky
- Non-alcoholic alternatives: sparkling juices, teas, coffee, or luxury hot chocolate
We have carefully chosen hampers ideal for anyone seeking a Christmas food and drink hamper or gift hamper for Christmas, such as:
- Christmas Delights – a perfect pick for snack lovers
- Christmas Day Hamper – a comprehensive hamper with a bit of everything
- Christmas Wine and Cheese Night In – ideal for cheese and wine enthusiasts
- Christmas Pub in a Box – a great gift for beer lovers
If you’re creating corporate Christmas gifts, gourmet options offer a touch of luxury that leaves a memorable impression.
For more inspiration, explore our full range of Christmas hampers.
Home and Kitchen Gifts
Not every Christmas hamper has to be edible. Adding home or kitchen Christmas gifts can enhance your hamper and create a well-rounded gift experience.
Consider including:
- Cheese boards or knives
- Wine glasses or tumblers
- Decorative jars
- Mini chopping boards
- Festive linens or tablecloths
- Small home décor pieces
- Reusable baskets or picnic sets
These items pair beautifully with gourmet foods and give your Christmas gift hamper longevity beyond the festive season.
Many customers love combining home gifts with kitchen items to create a cohesive, themed hamper, such as a Christmas cheeseboard set.
Self-Care Items
Self-care gifts make a thoughtful addition to any Christmas hamper, especially for those who love relaxing, pampering, or creating cosy evenings at home.
Ideas include:
- Scented candles
- Luxury bath salts
- Hand creams and lotions
- Spa accessories
- Cosy socks, scarves, or blankets
- Essential oils
A self-care Christmas gift hamper is a beautiful gift for friends, colleagues, or parents who deserve a moment of calm during the festive rush. Self-care items also pair well with personalised touches to create a luxurious personalised Christmas hamper that shows you truly care.
Children’s Christmas Gifts
Christmas hampers aren’t just for adults; children adore them too! A tailored children’s Christmas hamper brings excitement and magic to the season.
Child-friendly hamper ideas:
- Festive chocolates and sweets
- Craft kits and colouring sets
- Books or small toys
- Christmas pyjamas
- Games and puzzles
A great example is the Santa’s Tea Time Treats hamper, packed with festive goodies little ones will love, especially those eager to enjoy the same treats Santa eats on Christmas Eve.
Explore the full selection of family hampers for more seasonal inspiration.
Gift Cards and Vouchers
If you're unsure what to include or are gifting someone who loves choosing their own treats, a Christmas gift voucher is an excellent solution. It’s also perfect for families or food lovers who plan to purchase more Christmas gift hampers in the future.
A voucher transforms your basket into a flexible, thoughtful gift hamper for Christmas, giving recipients the gift of choice to pick exactly what they want later.
Pair a gift card with luxury chocolates, tea, or a small homeware item for a polished presentation.
While a traditional wicker hamper basket adds an element of luxury to a gift, you may be either struggling to source one or might just prefer something a little different to make your gift feel more homemade. Either way, we have some ideas of what you can use to create a beautiful hamper gift without using a hamper basket
- Take an old shoebox and cover it in gift wrap
- A woven jute bag
- Old wooden crates add a rustic feel and can be wrapped with ribbons and battery-powered fairy lights for a cosy Christmas effect
- A Plant Pot - Gardening gift hampers will look extra special arranged into a small or large pot depending on the size of your hamper.
How to Keep Your Christmas Gift Hamper Basket Safe
Presentation matters as much as content. Use sturdy padding to keep items safe and beautifully displayed. Starting at the bottom, you should line your hamper with Ideal materials, including:
- Shredded paper
- Straw
- Tissue
- Felt
- Crumpled wrapping
- A tea towel or cloth
The filler you choose influences the look and feel of your final Christmas hamper. Whether rustic, elegant, or festive, select materials that match the theme of your hamper and ensure fragile items are well protected.
Find the Perfect Christmas Hamper at Hay Hampers
A Christmas hamper is one of the most thoughtful and impactful gifts you can give. They can be filled with personalised touches, gourmet food and drink, home gifts, self-care treats, children’s goodies, or gift vouchers. Whether you’re crafting one yourself or choosing a ready-made design, hampers offer endless creativity and heartfelt meaning.
If you’re searching for Christmas hamper ideas, exploring themed Christmas gift hampers, or simply deciding what to put in a Christmas hamper, Hay Hampers has a great selection for families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
For more guidance and festive inspiration, explore:
