Christmas Hampers a True British Tradition
Christmas hampers -originally called gifting hampers have a long European history, dating back to 11th-century French culture. The definition of “box of goblets” is “hanapers,” or hampers. These days, a hamper is just a wicker basket full of upscale beverages and delectable snacks.
After William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the custom of presenting hampers as gifts spread throughout Britain. Back then, hampers came with food and drink as well as clothing. Usually, the products were gifts meant for underprivileged and destitute households. By the 1700s, many British people took stagecoaches instead of wagons and travelled with provisions. On the way to their destinations, they decide to eat.
The introduction of Christmas hampers dates back to the Victorian era when the railway infrastructure expanded. The idea of a gift hamper was further developed by wealthy people for their friends, relatives, and servants.
Subsequently, many people began delivering Christmas hampers to family members who lived far away
via the railway system. By the 20th century, Brits relied less on the railroad infrastructure and more on
automobiles.
Christmas hampers became increasingly individualised as they grew more diverse. These hampers, packed with wine, fruits, meats, and sweets, can include both perishable and non-perishable goods and are available in various shapes and sizes, including bags, boxes, and baskets. The choice of contents allows the giver or the firm selling the hampers to personalise and add a special touch to every present. This blog looks into traditional British hampers, the benefits of gifting a hamper, and different styles of hampers.
Traditional British Hampers
Gifting hampers is a great, well-established, and long-time British tradition. A typical British Christmas
hamper comes in a wicker basket. It includes a variety of biscuits, crisps, cheeses, chocolates, mince
pies, pudding, fruit preserves, hot tea, fruitcakes, savoury meats, Panettone, and shortbread. Many gift
givers like to add some lotion, candles, crackers, and bread. Sometimes, wines like Prosecco and
Champagne are also included.
A hamper sizes can vary—a small hamper fits 1-5 items, a medium
hamper contains 2-9 items, and a large hamper allows 3-18 items. The average price for a hamper can
be as little as £5 or as much as £500.
Benefits of Christmas Hampers
Receiving a Christmas hamper has an element of mystery. One only knows what’s in the package once it
is opened. The benefits of gifting a Christmas hamper can’t be understated.
*Getting a Christmas hamper is exciting! As it’s often a personalised gift and thoughtful in nature.
*Hampers are beautifully decorated and appealing to the eye. They have an attractive and helpful
side to them.
*Receiving a hamper has an air of luxury and indulgence to it. Gourmet treats and drinks are
treasures.
*Hamper products contain high-quality foods, new products, and possibly artisan products.
*Gift boxes can be tailored to dietary restrictions.
*Hampers make an occasion like Christmas truly special.
*Baskets may also be curated for individuals and families.
*Hampers make gift-giving more manageable for those who struggle to pick presents. They are
also fabulous last-minute gifts, although many people send the packages early to be included
with holiday celebrations.
*Sending a Christmas hamper is convenient to send through a courier or postal service.
*Gift boxes are budget and luxury-friendly.
*Corporate gift hampers show employees and clients appreciation for their hard work. It is a way
to spread goodwill and loyalty.
Styles of Christmas Hampers
There are at least five types of Christmas hampers to share with friends and loved ones.
Christmas Hamper Food
First, good gourmet food gifts are a favourite in the UK. Walnut Tree of London has a Three Tiered Jewel
Box of goodness, hand-packed with love in the UK. The box contained marzipan, fruit jellies, chocolate
nuts, and dried fruits. Items are great tasting, vegetarian, gluten-free, Salsa, and Halal.
Walnut Tree also offers a Xmas Deluxe All Seasons Hamper filled with sweet, savoury, and tangy edible treats. The jewel boxes are £35, and the deluxe hampers are £80. All items may be purchased on Amazon at
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Walnut-Tree-Treasure-Jewel-Box/dp/B0DHHDNGLZ?th=1 or directly from
the manufacturer at www.walnut.gifts.
Christmas Hamper Wine
Second, wine gift hampers are the best way to meet the needs of oenophiles—wine lovers or connoisseurs. Add some fine/aromatic cheeses and crackers to complete the gift ensemble. Hamper Lounge of London has many great alcoholic options to choose from at hamperlounge.com. Christmas
hampers range from £5 to £40.
Christmas Hamper Baked
Third, homemade hampers are fun to receive, too. Baked treats and sweet breads are true gifts from the heart. Many Brits combine homemade elements with store-bought parts to cut costs and add a personal touch to gifting. Some may like to share age-old family recipes with new ones.
Christmas Hamper Beer
Fourth, craft beef gifts are ideal for a cicerone—beer experts on one’s list. High-end craft or microbrews
may be purchased from local locations. When individually packaged, they make a thoughtful and quick
gift. Best of British Beer of Staffordshire is a great place to find independent beer brands in varying sizes.
Prices start around £20 and can go to £500. Visit them at https://www.bestofbritishbeer.co.uk/beergifts.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqeJu25WBELOR81YBeTCIbQ0s0rVPSjx-IWGdmgZhjpMYR29RMx.
Christmas Hamper Pampering
Lastly, pampering hampers provide high-quality toiletries. The special someone on the Christmas list needs to relax and decompress with bath salts, scented candles, lotions, and luxury soaps. Hampers.com has everything a gifter needs for Christmas pampering hampers. They’ve got a little something for everyone. Prices start at £35. Order for the holidays today!
When the shopping and partying are done, it will be time to relax for a few hours.
Christmas hampers and hampers, in general, are a true British tradition. The holiday season is almost here. Consider the gifting options and ideas here. Surprises in a big box are exciting to receive and will bring a smile to any face! A personal touch or decoration for a hamper is especially pleasing to the
receiver. They will know the sender put thought and consideration into a gift for a unique gift for them.
Do they want tea, alcohol, sweeties, savouries, or pampering? Think on it well.
About Walnut Tree- the finest edible gifts
Great Taste Awards
With Great Taste Awards for nougat, dried fruit, marron glacé, glacé fruit and pate de fruit. You’ll always be purchasing quality products from Walnut Tree.
Who we supply
Supplied under own brand or white label to prestigious stores, palaces, castles, stately homes, garden centres, delicatessens, farm shops, hamper companies, department stores and gift shops.
Why buy from us?
You’re buying directly from the source and will get excellent value for money. If you’re not happy with your purchase, we’ll refund or replace it. The website is open 24/7, orders despatched within 48 hours.
Our charitable contributions
Walnut Tree supports Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity with dried fruit for their care packages. www.futuredreams.org.uk
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