Christmas Hampers

[Hazlinny]

I think most of them are a bit of a rip-off, pricey for what they normally contain - biscuits, cheese, chocolates, tea-bags, nuts, crisps, a bottle of plonk, etc.  What do you think if you have received one or seen them advertised?

[douglas9401]

I think 'festive wrappers but it's the same old stuff everyone buys every week, and in what universe is it "luxury"'.

[pastafreak]

I'd make my own, and tailor it to the recipient. Probably cheaper.

[Cloverjo]

I've been looking at hampers as gifts for people I won't see over Christmas. They seem to be extremely overpriced. Instead, I am buying all the bits that I know they like - gin, biscuits, nuts, etc. - and putting them together and sending it myself.

I must be difficult to buy for, because last year we received 3 hampers of cheese and chutney. I never eat chutney. 
 

Please just get me a bottle of wine instead.

 

[gingejbee]

I'd prefer to buy things (that I really enjoy) separately.

Having said that, OH did win a Fortnum and Mason hamper a few years ago (£250-ish worth)...now that WAS luxury!

[Hazlinny]

Ginge/  I can imagine that - the liners cost £20!  
Last year I told people who usually send hampers to donate to my favourite charity instead.

[Maydup]

I'm not a great fan of hampers. We used to be given a luxury one at work We deconstructed it and each took something home but there were always items that you simply couldn't give away! 

[DDIL]

I always give hampers at Christmas either from M&S, Waitrose or for special people F&M.

I tend to go for specific types cheese ones are very popular.

[rowanwitch]

I make my own hampers,  may include a home made Christmas cake, truffles, and interesting food like Carolina reaper fudge, and sauce for a chilli addict, different flavours of 'jaffa cakes' ( the polish shops have loads), maybe some pet treats , try to find things they won't have had before.  A wine, or some  strange ales... It's quite fun finding things

[DDIL]

One year, I told my dad I was getting him a hamper and he said silly money to spend so instead I did a tesco shop of 'luxury' goods to the value of the hamper.

It wasn't in a fancy box or anything but it was everything he loved and there was loads of stuff.  You obviously can't do that for everyone, if I did it for the old lady in my life she would not be impressed.

[ynnafymmi]

Ive never bought one,however i have won at least three in Xmas raffles.

[calmck]

Just made two of my own. Seasonal fruits and veg, dried fruits and nuts and 3 seasonal cheeses, wine and crackers

[Maydup]

Just more food for the recipients to wade through. Bah Humbug!

[rowanwitch]

Local pub had a meat hamper raffle, we won it,  it was a great deal for a £1  ticket

[Hazlinny]

Deffo Rowan!

It seems the best idea is to make up your own hamper if giving it to someone at Xmas or choose items from a farm shop, etc. where they will make it up and deliver.  DDIL's idea good for someone close.
Maybe I've been a bit unfortunate in hampers I have received (apart from M & S and Inverawe) as most include food I'm not keen on and red wine .. prefer white. Moan, moan 😡