Category: Gift Ideas

If you’re not sure how to gift wine, then wine hampers are always a great shout. They take a lot of the guesswork out of selecting and pairing a vintage. But if you’d like to DIY, we’ll share some top tips.

Is gifting wine a good idea?

First, the most obvious question… “is gifting wine a good idea”? Well, for many people in the UK, absolutely. It has near-universal appeal amongst those who do drink. Plus, there are so many types and varieties it’s easy to personalise to their taste. It makes a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, New Year’s, a work promotion, corporate gift, graduation and more. For many, wine and champagne are the go-to celebratory beverages and can signal a moment of significance or mark the passage of time in a memorable way. 

Which bottle of wine is best as a gift?

There are three core considerations for which bottle of wine is best as a gift – taste, price and occasion. First, let’s start with taste. Depending on what type of wine your recipient likes best, you might go for these popular options:

Red

Very popular kinds of red wine are the Malbec, Pinot Noir and Merlot. They pair well with red meat dishes and rich pâté or cheese.

White

For white wines, try a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. They’ll reach for a white with salads, fish and chicken or light hors d’oeuvres.

Rosé

If they like rosé, give them a Provence rosé, white zinfandel or rosé champagne. It’s a great wine for charcuterie boards, lobster and salmon.

How much should you spend on a good wine?

For most people, wine in the £15-£20 range is perfect to maximise value for money and pleasure. You’ll be able to find a nice, artisanal or sustainable option in this range that will work great as a gift. Obviously, the key to how to gift wine is about spending as much as you can afford and not more. The Fortnum & Mason Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Andre Brunel is an opulent red wine but £35 may be out of your budget. So, before you begin shopping, set a budget range and look for highly-awarded wines within that space.

What wine is good for special occasions?

Any wine can be good for special occasions but a crisp white Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is ideal for summer and spring celebrations. In contrast, you might opt for a rich wintery Merlot or soft Malbec in the darker, colder months. This is, of course, with all other things being the same and your recipient not having a preference for one over the other. Taste should rule over time of year.

What is a nice bottle of wine for a hostess gift?

We recommend that you bring one of our impressive cheese and wine hampers if you really want to wow. However, a nice bottle of wine for a hostess gift is the Flagstone Longitude Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec if they like red wine. The Coteaux Varois en Provence Rosé Reflet, Estandon, France for a blush or the Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley for a white.

Looking for tips on creating hampers as good as ours? You’ve come to the right place. The approach to how we balance hamper flavours depends on several factors and we’re going to share just a few insights to help you understand what makes ours so unique. Plus, these ideas can inform your own creations at home, if you’re trying your hand at it. So, let’s dive into the science of how we balance hamper flavours.

Why flavour balance matters

Gift hampers are a great British tradition and their significance in gifting culture can’t be overstated. Not only is there a tradition in this country that the beautiful wicker baskets they come in are cherished and used throughout the home, but the balance of flavours and treat selection in each hamper is a significant consideration when choosing one. A hamper missing one or more of these elements just won’t wow. So, when creating well-balanced hampers, we need to think about flavour profiles, diversity in product range, the right mix of sweet and savoury treats and textural variety.

Flavour profiles

You’ll already know about the five basic taste sensations: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. In hamper design, sweet, salty and umami are the core profiles. They’re the most common ‘crave’ tastes and are the most prevalent in treat foods.

Here are some examples:

• Sweet – desserts, candies, chocolates, biscuits and pastries
• Salty – nuts, pretzels, crisps, crackers, bread and popcorn
• Umami – cheese, mushrooms, pate and dried tomatoes

Adding diversity

You’ll want to select a few categories from each of the listed items above and then find diverse brands to include. Most people will gravitate towards hampers that contain a few brands they know and love while getting excited to try the new names they’re not familiar with. A basket with only niche products may be off-putting because it’s too unknown. So, mix the traditional with the new and up-and-coming to strike the right hamper balance.

Creating pairings

We all know about the classic sweet and savoury combination, but there are more pairings you can consider with gift hampers. The first is what you’ll add for any tipples you include. With our wine hampers, we love to include cheese, pate and crackers – a classic staple – as well as some flavoursome chutney for balance. Think about how you’ll elevate the experience beyond what’s expected to create a full snacking course. In this case, there’s a decadent beverage, sweet, umami and savoury treat notes all included.

Textural variety

Surprisingly, texture has an impact on your perception of flavour. Crunchy, chewy and creamy elements should be included in your hamper to appeal to the widest range of people. That’s because some really need a crunch to enjoy cheese while others will skip the crackers and just enjoy a wedge of brie solo. Giving a range of textual options provides more avenues for a delightful eating experience. Think about providing that variety with a mix of treats like creamy chocolate bars, crunchy flatbreads, soft cheese, crisp bruschetta or chewy gummy candies.

If you apply the same principles we use to balance hamper flavours or look for baskets that align with these tips, you’re sure to be delighted by the experience. Need help to pick one? Talk to our team of treat-ficionados here or shop some cheese-forward bestsellers here.

All exercising and no indulgence makes for a dull week! We’ve got just the trick for decadent treats for when you need a pick-me-up this January. Maybe you’ve got a resolution to drink less or work out more – no matter! We’re your partner this New Year’s season, so check out these luxe chocolate hampers for your cheat day. Remember, chocolate is good for you (in moderation), so it’s basically a health food, right?

Chocs & Cookies Tower

We start with the incredible Chocs & Cookies Tower which is six turquoise boxes high of the most luxurious chocolate hampers for your cheat day. Buchanan’s Chocolate Dipped Fudge meets Buchanan’s Chocolate Raspberry Caramels and Walkers Chocolate After Dinner Mint Thins. They pair with Belgian Vanilla Crisp Pieces, Sicilian Lemon Butter Cookies and the luxe Buchanan’s Chocolate Caramels. There are Milk Chocolate Coated Almonds, Belgian Milk Chocolate Caramel Pralines and much more to enjoy, stacked high in these boxes. When you’re done, all our towers make great household storage.

Golden Choc Hamper

Next, this little basket is a sweet and unexpected gift of self-care. The reusable wicker basket contains some of our best-selling chocolate treats. There are Duc d’O Belgian Chocolate Flaked Truffles, Dark Chocolate Coated Brazils, Baronie Belgian Chocolate Orange Sticks, Buchanan’s Milk Chocolate Caramels and Borders Chocolate Ginger Biscuits stuffed in this hand-finished basket. That’s a load of treats to enjoy for under 30 quid! That makes it one of the most affordable chocolate hampers for your cheat day and an impressive value. Plus, when you order, you get full tracking right to your door, so you know when you’re in for a treat!https://full-measure.org/alumni/

Chocolate Lovers Hamper

In this festive red basket, Duc d’O Belgian Chocolate Flaked Truffles meet Willie’s Cacao Peruvian Hazelnut Raisin Chocolate. They sit nestled next to Dark Chocolate Coated Brazils, Buchanan’s Chocolate Raspberry Caramels and Elizabeth Shaw Chocolate Salted Caramel Biscuits. If you’re a fan of the more traditional sweets, there are also Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Cornet Truffles and Walkers Milk, White & Dark Chocolate Classics to enjoy. It comes tied with a lovely luxury ribbon, hand-finished at our warehouse in St Albans.https://web.comillaboard.gov.bd/bisecb

Cookies, Crisps & Snacks | Sweet & Savoury Gift Box

For under 40 quid, you get a whole lot with this box. Chocolate hampers for your cheat day need to have portable goodies so you can take them with you. And this box kills it! Just look at all the grab-and-go goodies you get! They include:

• Borders Lemon Drizzle Melts
• Elizabeth Shaw Raisin & Hazelnut 
• Brown Bag Crisps, Lightly Salted 
• American Style Blueberry Muffin
• American Style Double Chocolate Muffin 
• I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds
• Captain Tiptoes Dry Roasted & Salted Peanuts 
• Honey Baked Flapjack 
• Cranberry Burst Flapjack 
• Joe & Sephs Double Salted Caramel Popcorn 
• Joe & Sephs Caramel, Black Pepper & Chilli Popcorn

Cookies & Cake Tower

And last but not least, we love this tower because it’s so shareable. Want to give others a little treat too? Pop off one of these boxes and give it to a mate or family member. They’ll love the glimmering box and the amazing treats inside. Share out the Grandma Wilds Butterscotch Cookies, Sicilian Lemon Butter Cookies, Rich Fruit Cakes, HandMade Honey and Sesame Biscuits, Original Syrup & Oats Flapjack, Honey Baked Flapjack or Baronie Belgian Milk Chocolate Caramel Pralines. They’ll bring a little bit of joy to those around you.

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Looking for great gifts to get grams and pop pops? Food hampers are a good idea. Older people are often on different medications that might not react well to alcohol, so a booze-free present could be just the ticket! Shop our picks for the top gift hampers for grandparents below:

Chocolate Heaven Hamper

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Grandma and Grandpa will adore this collection! It features Elizabeth Shaw Chocolate Salted Caramel Biscuits and Willies Cacao Chulucanas Gold; a Peruvian 70% Dark Chocolate bar. There’s also Lindt Excellence Mint Intense and the moreish Duc d’O Chocolate Flaked Truffles. Then there are Walkers Dark Chocolate After Dinner Mints and the soft, spicey Borders Dark Chocolate Ginger Biscuits and so much more. Great with tea or coffee, these treats will give days and days of utter enjoyment. And the green and brown basket is just darling!

Tea & Coffee Break Hamper

This simple and crisp hamper has all the essentials without too much faff. It’s great for marking any occasion without creating an obligation for reciprocation. They’ll love the Borders Dark Chocolate Ginger Biscuits with the Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Co. Fresh Ground Breakfast Coffee. Or maybe they’ll try the New English Teas blend in Earl Grey and a Honey Baked Flapjack. There is also Grandma Wilds Butterscotch Cookies, an American Style Sweet Blueberry Muffin and Sweet Double Chocolate Muffin for a lovely breakfast treat. Or the Brown Bag Crisps Lightly Salted Gourmet Crisps are on offer if they fancy something savoury.

Cookies, Crisps & Snacks | Sweet & Savoury Gift Box

And if they love a variety, this box is one of our most mixed food hampers. On the sweet side, they’ll love the Borders Lemon Drizzle Melts, Elizabeth Shaw Biscuits, sweet popcorn, flapjacks and muffins. And on the savoury side, there are peanuts, almonds and Brown Bag Crisps. When they’re all finished, the magnetic lidded box is great for household storage or keepsakes. That makes these food hampers a more eco-friendly option for your giftees. (That’s because they don’t have to throw away a bunch of outer packaging when they’ve finished the treats.)

Luxury Vegan Food Hamper

Lastly, we wanted to provide the perfect gift hampers for grandparents who might be watching their diet too. Again, with age, a lot of people might turn to Vegan meals and snacks to cut down on red meat and animal byproducts. So, this basket is perfect! There are Olives Et Al Red Pepper Stuffed Olives, a Willie’s Cacao Peruvian Hazelnut Raisin Chocolate bar, Peters Yard Smoked Chilli Sourdough Flatbreads and Cottage Delight Strawberry Extra Jam. There are also Odysea Baked Gigantes Beans, Brown Bag Crisps Lightly Salted, I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds, an Original Syrup & Oats Flapjack and Captain Tiptoes Dry Roasted Peanuts. Lastly, to wash it all down, we’ve included Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Co’s Fresh Ground Breakfast Coffee and 10 envelopes of tasty English Breakfast Tea. It all comes in a cheerful wicker basket with pretty, red bio-degradable stuffing.

Want more veggie options? Check out that subcategory here or talk to us about your ideal gift here.

If you’re attending a wedding this winter, you might want to shop off the registry. However, winter wedding gift baskets are a popular option to accompany a cash gift or for delivery to their wedding hotel room instead. Show them you care by providing a savoury or sweet treat as a standalone gift or with your donation to their honeymoon or house fund. Here are some of our top recommendations below:

Savoury Heaven Gift Tower

These beautiful white and silver boxes are stacked high with festive treats and make a great gift for a snowy wedding. They’ll love the I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds, Captain Tiptoes Dry Roasted Peanuts, Peters Yard Fig & Spelt Sourdough Crackers, Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Co. Fresh Ground Medium Coffee and many other treats to explore inside. Once consumed, they can use these boxes for craft or office storage at home.

Gin & Treats Gift Basket

Let them cheers to a long life and lots of happiness with Tarquin’s Handcrafted Cornish Gin and Fever Tree Naturally Light Tonic Water. After taking a sip, the newlyweds can tuck into the Elizabeth Shaw Coconut & Hazelnut Biscuits, Joe & Seph’s Gin & Tonic Gourmet Popcorn, Willies Cacao Sea Flakes: Milk Chocolate with Sea Salt and other treats. And when they’ve finished, the wicker basket can get a second life as craft storage within their marital home.

The Connoisseurs Six

This impressive array of red, white and sparkling wine is the ideal gift for any newlywed’s wine cellar. Maschio Dei Cavalieri Prosecco di Valdobbiadene from Italy, Berri Estates Merlot from South-Eastern Australia and Torres Mas Rabell Tinto Catalunya are just some of the stand-out vintages in this collection. The six bottles are beautifully packaged in a hand-made wicker basket that looks great on the gifts table at the reception.

Pol Roger Champagne Hamper

What says ‘winter wedding gift baskets’ better than a post-nuptial wedding toast? When they retire to their suite after a long day of dancing and speeches, they can share a quiet drink in celebration. Your thoughtful gift of Pol Roger, Brut Réserve NV Champagne will be so welcome. They’ll pair it with Lindt Lindor Assorted Cornet Truffles and Olives Et Al Kiln Roasted Harissa Nuts. Then they’ll reach for the Grandma Wilds Butterscotch Biscuits and delicious Baronie Belgian Chocolate Caramel Pralines. It’s a taste sensation they can explore together. And when they’ve finished all the delicacies, they can reuse the wicker basket for a number of purposes.

Châteauneuf Du Pape & Sancerre

Perhaps the perfect his and hers of winter wedding gifts. This luxurious hardwood case with a brass latch contains two desirable vintages. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Les Bartavelles, Jean-Luc Colombo and the Sancerre, La Grande Châtelaine de Joseph Mellot shine here. They have won numerous awards for their delightful aroma and morish flavour. Once they’ve enjoyed imbibing, the newlywed couple can store their own favourite vintages in this reusable case.

Not quite the winter wedding gift baskets you were looking for? Have something a little different in mind? Perhaps the lovely couple is welcoming a new baby or in need of some rest and relaxation time? Shop all our gifts here.

Today, we’re matching our gift baskets to different zodiac signs to provide some inspiration for your gifting. Our great gift ideas for zodiac signs range from boozy boxes to pamper towers and everything in between.

♈ Aries: March 21–April 19

Associated with Mars and the colour red, this Chocolate Lovers Hamper makes the perfect gift for any Aries. Spoil them with Duc d’O Belgian Chocolate Flaked Truffles, Willie’s Cacao Peruvian Hazelnut Raisin Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Coated Brazils and so much more.

♉ Taurus: April 20–May 20

Green is the colour for Taurus and they’re just so laidback, we had to go with a beer hamper for them. The Continental Beer Basket is filled to the brim with treats to pair with the Peroni Nastro Azzurro Italian Lager and Pilsner Urquell Czech Lager.

♊ Gemini: May 21–June 21

For Gemini, yellow is the right colour to tap into their mercurial nature. With the bright and sparkling Veuve Clicquot Hamper, they’ll feel luxuriously looked after with each sip of bubbly. And when they’ve finished, they can use the basket for shabby-chic home storage.

♋ Cancer: June 22–July 22

For Cancer, the icy colours of white and silver are supreme. And the Savoury Heaven Gift Tower fits them to a T. They’ll love the Brown Bag Crisps, Olive & Sesame Mini Breadsticks, I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds, Buchanan’s Chocolate Dipped Fudge 100g and other sweet & savoury treats.

♌ Leo: July 23–August 22

For orange-loving Leo, the Luxury Beer Hamper with English Ales is a match made in heaven. The golden-coloured ales are perfectly complemented with Cottage Delight Dipping Crackers with Hot Pepper, Karyatis Red Pepper & Feta Meze, Dry Roasted & Salted Peanuts and much more.

♍ Virgo: August 23–September 22

Centering, earth-focused colours for Virgo like green and brown are ideal. So let them tap into nature with this Vanilla Berry Hat Box. It’s the ultimate meditation and relaxation gift with lotions & potions in a warming vanilla berry scent.

♎ Libra: September 23–October 23

Pink is the ideal colour for Libra. And to celebrate it, pull out all the stops with the Pink Gin & Tonic Gift Box. They’ll love the Gordon’s Pink Gin & Schweppes Premixed Tonic paired with a wide range of savoury and sweet snacks to try.

♏ Scorpio: October 24–November 21

Deep red and black are perfect for passionate Scorpios. So treat them with this delightful shiraz in a dark wooden case. Every sip of the Mill Cellars Shiraz from South-Eastern Australia will tempt their tastebuds and the case can be reused time and time again.

♐ Sagittarius: November 22–December 21

The Stilton Surprise is ideal for a Sagittarius. This sign does great with plums and blues, so this festive-wrapped gift basket with cheese and wine treats is just perfect for them.

♑ Capricorn: December 22–January 19

Grey is the colour of Capricorns. So, make their day with a Tea & Coffee Break Hamper bursting with Earl Grey. They’ll love the sweet biscuits and muffins that pair delicately with the selection of beverages.

♒ Aquarius: January 20–February 18

Unsurprisingly, the water-sign Aquarius favours the colour blue. So, gift them the Great British Tower, chocked to the brim with patriotic favourites. And when they’ve finished, they can reuse the navy-coloured boxes for crafts and storage.

♓ Pisces: February 19–March 20

Lastly, The Emerald White Wine Basket with Baronie Belgian Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Praline Pieces, Sicilian Lemon Butter Cookies, Walkers Mint Chocolate Truffles and other decadent treats are ideal for light-green-loving Pisces.

Hopefully, our list has helped you find great gift ideas for zodiac signs in your life, but if not, shop the whole collection here.

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With September as one of the most popular birth months, chances are you’re shopping for creative gifts for new mums. We’re here to help with some present ideas and hampers they’re sure to love.

Baby clothes gift subscription

With a service like Bundlee, buy a rental subscription for the new mum to help them save the planet and money on baby clothes. It’s a smart, green way to keep the little one looking fresh every day.

Pamper day

Giving birth is one of the most stressful, trying and rewarding experiences of her life. So, let her unwind and recuperate with a spa day that includes afternoon tea and a pampering treatment or two. Shop for good deals with long expiry dates on websites like Buy a Gift.

Hamper gift for baby

The Deluxe Congratulations Baby Hamper is the Rolls Royce of baby gift hampers for new mums. With luxury gifts like CELEBRATIONS ® Silver-Plated Teddy Bear Baby Brush & Comb Gift Set with Luxury Gift Box, BAMBINO BY JULIANA® Set of Wooden Maracas in White & Grey plus a White Plush Elephant, Knitted 100% Organic Cotton Elephant Baby Rattle in White, Hand Knitted Hat & Booties Set in Dove Grey and many more items; she’ll have plenty to cherish.

Babysitting time

New mums are exhausted. And while the first few weeks are critical for building the bond between mother and child, eventually she’ll want a break. And that’s why offering your services as a babysitter; even while she just has a nap in the other room, is so thoughtful. Also, don’t forget to plan baby-friendly activities to do with her to show her that you understand her life has changed as a result.

Milestone cards

From the first smile to the first tooth, help her celebrate each milestone. Baby milestone cards can be a fun way to capture each moment as they happen. Plus, they look great on social media or in a scrapbook for later reflection. With so many options out there, you’re sure to find designs that speak to the new mum with ease.

Family photoshoot

Newborn and family photography is a rare skill to master. And these pictures will be cherished for a lifetime. Look for local photographers who openly specialise in baby pictures – especially with newborns to ensure a good experience for mum and baby.

New mum hamper

After the birth, let her rediscover her divine feminine with the Rich Plum Bowl Pamper Hamper. In this chic, contemporary wooden oval bowl she’ll enjoy Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Bubble Bath and Bath Salts all with Plum Extract plus a 100% Cotton Face Towel and other tools to help her get in touch with herself again. Once all the products have gone, the bowl makes great storage for linens or baby towels.

Not quite the right fit? Shop our whole range of creative gifts for new mums and newborns with fast, tracked delivery. They’re sure to love the large, elegant selection of gift ideas all in eco-friendly reusable packaging.