The Thoughtful Guide to Christmas Gifting
Get Christmas ready with our guide to thoughtful gift suggestions for family and friends. Local makers and producers create a wide selection of special gifts and treats for all pockets.
Perfect for far away friends and family is the Christmas hamper (or Christmas giftbox) as it can be delivered to the doorstep. It is also a great treat for foodies and those you may consider ‘difficult’ to buy for; everyone loves the sense of discovery and delight that comes with receiving a hamper! Not forgetting that hampers also make a luxurious corporate gift - you will be remembered!
Many Hampshire Fare members offer their own hampers and giftboxes here are just three.
1 New Forest-based The Noble Bee's classic hamper, £55 (plus £3.50 p&p) featured in The Financial Times Top Ten Festive Hampers 2022 (main picture). Contents include a jar of award-winning New Forest wildflower honey, a large tin candle, a pair of hand dipped pure beeswax candles, beeswax lip balm, hand balm, wooden honey dipper and box of luxury bee matches. Other hampers include their Save The Bees Hamper, a good choice for gardeners and the environmentally aware (£45).
2 ChalkStream's classic Luxury Christmas Hamper (£68) features ChalkStream’s own best-sellers including gravadlax, hot smoked trout, cold smoked trout, potted trout and smoked trout paté, plus artisan British sourdough crackers, cocktail nuts, organic cheddar, dill and mustard sauce, and box of Summerdown's mint peppermint truffles. Other Gift Boxes include one that combines a side of ChalkStream’s cold smoked trout with an outstanding bottle of rosé NV from the Hampshire vineyard Coates and Seely (£75).
3 Build your own bespoke hamper of local goodies with New Forest Hamper Company who work with over 45 local makers and producers from across Hampshire and Dorset. Their easy to use ‘create a hamper’ online tool allows people to add or remove products from a virtual hamper basket, helping people stay within budget. Their festive range features items that are stunning in presentation, taste, scent and sustainability ethos. Items run the gamut from sparkling wines to hand-iced festive themed biscuits. There is also a selection of prepared hampers starting at £49.95 for an Ales & Nibbles Xmas Giftbox.
If you want to try before you buy, The New Forest Hamper Company are holding a special tasting evening on Thursday, 30th November: more HERE.
ChalkStream Christmas Hamper
