Hampers have a truly timeless charm. They originally contained only food, drink and sometimes clothes, but today’s hampers have evolved to the point where the only thing limiting the contents is your imagination!
In this article, we’ll take a look at what to put in a hamper and how to make it feel extra special by making it really personal to the person you are giving it to.
Find a theme for your hamper
Selecting a theme for your hamper will help give it a cohesive and organised feel. It will also make your selection process easier - ensuring the final presentation is even more impressive and appreciated.
A specific theme will ensure that all the contents of your hamper complement one another and inspire you when it comes to selecting each individual item.
There is no limit to the number of themes you could come up with but, just to get you thinking, here are some popular hamper themes:
Food & drink hampers
This is the traditional hamper theme - but you can take a fresh approach by focusing on a particular angle based on what food or drink your intended recipient likes most.
A wine lover’s hamper – like our very own Sommeliers Selection hamper - might include a selection of fine wines ranging from reds, whites and rosés to champagnes or other sparkling options.
A whisky lover’s hamper might include personalised glasses and a water jug to savour the single malts you’ve picked out for them.
A cheese lover’s hamper might include accompaniments such as chutney and quince cheese. If you’re pushing the boat out you could include a tasteful wooden board, a stylish cheese slice and perhaps a bottle of vintage port.
Tea or coffee lovers’ hampers could have a selection of delicious gourmet teas or coffees accompanied by tea time treats like biscuits, shortbreads and jams.
Pamper hampers
These have become a stalwart for giving people an opportunity to spoil themselves. These hampers can take many shapes and can be an option for men and women alike.
It could be a spa-day-at-home themed hamper with bath bombs, scented candles, face masks, and plush towels.
Or you could bring inner peace with a Wellness hamper filled with essential oils, yoga accessories, herbal teas and an incense burner.
Seasonal hampers
Christmas hampers are an old favourite - filled with any number of classic festive treats, Christmas crackers, stocking fillers, sweet delights and holiday décor items.
Summer picnic hampers are another classic with everything you could want for the perfect alfresco dining experience – gourmet snacks, a picnic blanket, sweets, spreads and preserves along with refreshments like traditional lemonade, ginger beer or, if you’re really going for it, a bottle of bubbly or some craft cider.
Speciality Hampers
A chilli sauce Hamper will always excite the palate. Pick out a selection of their favourite sauces and maybe a few specialities they may not have tried before. Spicy snacks to freshen up their taste buds and why not slip in a recipe book for a bit of extra inspiration.
Chocolate indulgence hamper: Who is ever going to say no to a hamper filled with chocolate? Educate their tastebuds with chocolates and flavours from around the world. Do they prefer white milk or dark? Maybe include a tin of gourmet hot chocolate. Your biggest challenge will be making sure that all the chocolate makes it into the hamper intact.
Hobby-themed hampers
If you know someone is an enthusiast for a particular pastime or interest, that is a real gift when it comes to theming your hamper and knowing they will love it
Gardening hampers are a great source of inspiration. Seeds, bulbs gloves, small tools, and gardening books will get green fingers tingling as they unpack their hamper.
An artistic hamper Is also a fantastic theme. Sketch pads, pencils, pens, paints, and brushes are all great ingredients and who knows, you might get a bespoke artwork back in return.
Picking those essential food and drink items
Food and drink were the mainstay of the very first hampers and remain so today. No hamper is entirely complete without delectable edibles and refreshing beverages. Here are a few essentials you might like to consider:
Sweet treats
Chocolates are never an error. Selecting from a variety of milk, dark, and white will ensure that you have all tastebuds covered. To give it that truly luxurious and individual touch, consider splashing out on gourmet or artisanal chocolates for a hamper that will really blow them away.
Biscuits and cookies. These always hit the spot when it come to the crunch. Buttery shortbead, luxurious chocolate chip cookies, and festive gingerbread are all good bets but opting for unique flavour combinations and new styles will add a bit of interest to your hamper.
Fudge and candies. No hamper is complete without a sugar rush and these deliver it in spades. Fudge, tablet, hard toffees, nougats, candies and jelly sweets are great to add variety.
Savoury items
Cheeses
With 1800 types of cheese in the world, finding a selection for your hamper is never going to be an issue. Ring the changes with textures and flavours: from creamy brie to crumbly vintage cheddar, from strong blue cheese to mild and gentle goat’s cheeses.
Crackers and breadsticks
The classic accompaniment to your cheese choice, tasty, herb-crusted crackers are a great addition to your hamper. For variation, you could add oatcakes or breadsticks.
Nuts and dried fruits
Almonds, cashews, walnuts are always a welcome find in anyone’s hamper. If you want to impress maybe include some more exotic options like macadamia nuts or pistachios.
Fruit are equally appetising and dried apricots, mango, dates figs and cranberries are a healthier snacking option than sugary treats.
Chutneys and spreads
Tasty chutneys, jams, or honey are classic additions to any hamper and are always well received. Other options you might want to add include tapenades, pestos or pates to add that gourmet touch.
Luxury drinks
Wines and champagne have long been standard fare in traditional hampers. Knowing your recipient’s preference for red, white, rosé, or sparkling will ensure you hit the spot. If they aren’t big drinkers, you might want to consider a non-alcoholic sparkling cider or perry.
Craft beers and spirits always go down well with enthusiasts. Picking local craft beers, small batch gins and “special finish” whiskies allows you to add a bit of individuality
Specialty teas and coffees. Loose-leaf teas, herbal blends, or single-origin coffee beans make a stimulating addition to any hamper. Small accessories like a tea infuser, a coffee scoop or press will make your hamper seem even more considered and special.
Hot chocolate mixes It’s chocolate again! But you just can’t go wrong with hot chocolate powders or sipping chocolates. And you can set them off brilliantly by including marshmallows or flavoured syrups.
Fresh items
When preparing your hamper, you must consider how long it will spend in transit. But, if it is not going far (or out of the country) perishable items can make a refreshing change and create a hamper that really stands out.
Fruits Apples, pears, grapes, or exotic fruits like papaya fresh dates and mangos are all healthy additions to your hamper – perfect for recipients who put their wellbeing first or are recovering from illness. To guarantee optimum freshness, only add these at the last minute before you present your hamper.
Baked goods
Homemade bread, muffins, or pastries are really special additions to a hamper especially if you have baked them yourself. It doesn’t get more personal than that! Remember to pack them in airtight containers to keep them fresher for longer.
Gourmet and specialty options
To take your hamper to the next level, why not add those unique and high-quality items that the recipient will appreciate but would be unlikely to purchase for themselves.
Artisanal Products
Olive oils and vinegars. Olive oil is precious enough these days so a first cold pressing from a revered organic farmer is pretty special but you could track down oils infused with herbs or chilli. There is vinegar and there is Balsamic Vinegar from Modena that has been aged in oak casks for 12 years. Guess which will have more impact in your hamper.
Truffle products. The most expensive fungi in the world with the richest flavour. You can explore any number of ways to find Truffles’ unique taste and aroma a place in your hamper. Whether that is as truffle oils, salts, spreads, truffle-infused pasta or risotto kits is entirely up to you.
Gourmet herbs and spices. There are myriads of ways to pump up the flavours so your hamper leaves an enduring impression Exotic spice blends like Moroccan ras el hanout, Tunisian rose harissa or Indian garam masala will ensure a sensational reception or you can ensure your recipient has the freshest herbs on the block by including seed kits so they can grow their own.
Homemade Goods
Nothing adds that personal touch like including things you have crafted yourself in your hamper. Present them with care – wrapping them beautifully so they emerge pristine from the hamper and label them clearly, so the recipient knows they are all your own work.
Jams and preserves
Strawberry, raspberry, damson, blackcurrant, blackberry. The list of jams and preserves you could make is endless. Even better if you grew or foraged the fruit yourself. Marmalade is also a popular addition to any hamper and home-made chutney is so much more flavourful than bought. Decorative jars and personalised labels will help them stand out even more.
Baked treats
Homemade cookies, brownies, muffins or flapjacks will all earn you serious brownie points. Do remember to consider dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegan options before you start mixing.
Flavoured salts and sugars
Infusing your own salts and sugars is a great way to make a hamper gift that’s a bit special. Lavender or vanilla sugar or smoked sea salt are classic examples. They look great packaged up in small jars with handwritten labels on how to use them.
Non-food items can add a more personal touch
You don’t have to restrict yourself to food in your hamper. Non-edible items can actually enhance the hamper's appeal and memorability by providing enjoyment long after the food has been eaten and the bottles have been drunk.
Pamper products are always welcome in hampers. Who doesn’t want to spoil themselves at the end of the day?
- Bath and body items: Bath bombs, bubble bath, luxury and artisanal soaps all make a fragrant addition to your hamper. Pitch these to match your recipient’s taste including natural and organic products if they are deeply into the full spa experience.
- Scented candles: Think what the person you are gifting is like. Would they prefer calming scents like lavender or the invigoration of citrus? Choose soy or beeswax if they are sensitive to the environment.
- Skincare products: Picking face masks, hand creams and lip balms is incredibly personal. Be sure to select products suitable for your recipient's skin type and from a brand or maker they will like.
Accessories and keepsakes
Kitchenware: Cheese boards, knives, and wine glasses are often the ideal addition for food and drink hampers, and they will carry on being used everything else has been consumed. If your hamper contains ingredients personalised aprons and oven mitts are an additional gift that will go on giving.
Books: are always a lovely personal ingredient for your hamper. Cookbooks and hobby related reading material are perfect for hampers themed with cooking or gardening whereas a novel might be the perfect addition to a classic pamper hamper
Decorative items: Ornaments, picture frames, or small plants like succulents or cacti, can be a nice memento of a very special gift especially if they resonate with the theme of the hamper.
Keep it personal with notes and cards
You’ve gone to the trouble of creating a very personal individual gift. Accompany it with the care and thought that went into it.
Personalised Messages still mean a great deal (which is why all of our hampers come with a complementary personalised greeting card!). Express your sentiments in a heartfelt note.
Use quality stationery or a carefully chosen card that ties in with the theme or look of your hamper.
Custom Labels Personalising items with the recipient's name or a special message will make your hamper feel more individual and genuine.
Photographs A cherished photo in a frame or as part of the packaging is a nice finishing touch.
Tips for arranging and decorating your hamper
Great presentation actually enhances the unwrapping experience, and this makes your gift feel even more special.
For the ultimate guide on hamper presentation you can read our full article on How to Make a Hamper Look Good – but here are some of the key takeaways:
- Selecting the hamper container – your container sets the tone for the entire hamper. You could opt for a traditional wicker basket or a more contemporary box design – or even repurpose something else entirely if you’re going for a very specific theme, like using an oversized serving bowl as a makeshift container for a foodie hamper.
- Arranging the hamper contents – after lovingly choosing your items it’s crucial to make sure you show them off properly. Layer your biggest items towards the back first, before filling the gaps with rows of smaller items in front. And take care not to overcrowd – there is such a thing as too full a hamper!
- Padding and filler – choose some material to fill any remaining gaps. Common choices include straw and tissue paper – be sure to choose colours that complement the items you’ve chosen to make your hamper really pop and give it some real visual appeal.
- Decorating your hamper – wrapping your hamper in cellophane is a common approach because it shows off all of the enticing goodies you’ve packed it with – but you can opt for fabric-based options if you want to maintain an element of surprise. Ribbons and bows are a great way to add a finishing touch, along with any themed decorations depending on the type of hamper (for example, adding holly or pinecones to a Xmas hamper, or colourful confetti to a birthday hamper).
Tailoring your hamper to your recipient
By personalising your hamper, you are demonstrating the thought that has gone into your choices and that you care about the recipient and their preferences.
Dietary Considerations
Allergies and intolerances. Be especially mindful when including common allergens such as nuts, gluten, or dairy. This is particularly important if you are preparing foods yourself that will not have regulated food labelling.
Dietary preferences Being aware if your recipient is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or prefers sugar-free options will ensure your hamper is fully appreciated.
Cultural or religious restrictions Not everyone enjoys the same foods. Remember to consider halal, kosher, or other dietary laws when putting your hamper together.
Personal interests and hobbies
Personalising the gifts that go into your hamper will ensure that they resonate with the person for whom they are intended and that that are appreciated and enjoyed
Hobby-related Items
For a gardener, that might be bulbs, seeds, gloves, secateurs and a small trowel or weeding fork. For a book lover, it might be a bestselling or award-winning novel complete with a bookmark and reading light.
A few of their favourite things
Identifying and including people’s favourite things is an easy win. These could be anything from their favourite snacks or chocolates to their favourite drink or cosmetics brand. It simply demonstrates that you know them and you have thought about them.
Customisation
Personalisation doesn’t get much more precise than a monogram. Monogrammed or personalised items are more likely to strike a chord whether it is cufflinks or a coffee cup. Knowing their favourite colour will also be handy in selecting something they will love
Experience Vouchers
Tickets to an event, a spa day or cooking class takes the gift into another sphere – beyond the hamper. Picking one that will inspire and enthuse your recipient demonstrates the individuality of your gift choices. What started in a hamper will be an enduring memory.
DIY Kits
These are a great way to inspire a new passion. You can find kits to make your own candles, beer, soap, cheese, chocolate, wine. Basically, all the contents of a typical hamper. But how much more personal when they’re inspired to make it themselves.
Occasion Appropriateness
Event-specific hampers
It can really help to focus on the occasion your hamper is be given to celebrate. For example, a housewarming hamper might include kitchen and pantry essentials to make sure their cupboards are stocked and their new space feels like home from the start.
Seasonal Relevance
Seasonal items, based on when you are giving your hamper, can also strike a chord. Things like sunscreen or sunglasses in summer and a scarf or cozy socks in winter show you’re genuinely thinking about them and where they are.
Themed Based on Recipient's Life
Milestone Celebrations
Birthdays ending in zero or anniversaries are a great opportunity to look back and include memorabilia or nostalgic items in the hamper that will amuse and entertain (and possibly embarrass!) the recipient.
Travel Themes
If the person receiving the hamper loves to travel, it can be fun to put together a hamper made up of little luxuries or snacks from all the places they have been. If they are about to travel, you could include maps, a travel journal, travel towel and insect repellent.
Incorporate Their Favourites
Favourite Authors or Artists
Finding out what writers, musicians, photographers and painters your recipient is into is extremely helpful in working out what to put into their hamper. Books, albums and artwork from their favourite talent will help make your hamper feel totally personal.
Favourite Colours and Styles
Knowing someone’s favourite colour and style preferences is also super helpful in creating a really bespoke feel for their hamper. By picking items in a specific colour and decorating your hamper to match, you can create a really stylish look.
If in doubt: try our curated hampers full of fine food and drink
Still not sure exactly what to fill your hamper with? Why not browse our selection of food hampers – packed with a variety of goodies ranging from chutneys, jams and soups to premium drinks, glassware, teas, coffees, sweet treats and more.
And remember, whichever route you go down: Don’t let anything hamper your imagination.
