There's something really special about a Christmas hamper that's been put together just for you. Every jar, every bar of chocolate, every little extra tucked in at the side has been chosen with you in mind, and you can tell the moment you lift the lid.
Building your own hamper is one of our favourite ways to gift at Christmas. It's personal and it's fun to put together. When everything inside comes from brilliant Bristol and South West makers, it carries a little bit of our city with it too. Here's how we'd go about it.
Start with the person
Before you start browsing, have a think about who's going to be opening it. Are they a cheese-and-crackers-by-the-fire kind of person? The friend who always has a candle lit? A whole household who'll dive in together on Christmas Eve?
Once you've got them pictured, choosing gets a whole lot easier.
Pick a festive theme
A theme is what turns a lovely collection of treats into a proper gift. Here are a few of our favourites for Christmas.
The Christmas Cheeseboard
For the person who's already planning their Boxing Day spread. Start with a proper vintage Cheddar from Godminster. Add crackers from The Fine Cheese Co. or cheese straws from The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co., then finish with a jar of GingerBeard's relish. Pop a bottle of local red alongside and they're all set.
The Christmas Eve Box
Everything for the cosiest night of the year: mince pies from Pullin's Bakery, a gingerbread hot chocolate stirrer from Zara's Chocolates, and a festive candle from Scents of Humour to set the mood.
The Drinks Cabinet
Perfect for the host with the most. Choose local wine from Aldwick Estate or Three Choirs and a cold one from Lost and Grounded. Then add something a bit special, like Bristol Distilling Co.'s espresso martini, for party season.
The Sweet Tooth
For anyone who'd happily skip straight to pudding. Think chocolate Christmas trees and Turkish delight from Ooh! Chocolata, plus a chocolate reindeer or two from Choc on Choc.
The Pamper Box
For the person who looks after everyone else all year round. A Happy Washmas soap from Naughtons, bath salts from Bristol Made and a cosy candle make for a very well-earned night off.
Add something to keep
Our top tip? Include one thing that'll still be around long after the last mince pie has gone. A Brizzle Christmas tea towel from Dona B Drawings or a mug from Stokes Croft China makes a lovely little keepsake. It's a sweet reminder of who sent it every time they reach for it.
Set your budget first
It's so easy to keep adding "just one more thing" (we know, we do it too!). Settling on a rough budget for each hamper before you start keeps things simple, especially if you're building a few for family, friends or neighbours. A smaller box with a handful of really good treats always feels generous.
Make sure everyone can tuck in
Christmas is all about everyone joining in, so it's worth checking for any dietary needs before you build. Browse our vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free ranges to find treats that suit. If you'd rather we did the thinking for you, our ready-made Christmas Vegan & Gluten Free Hamper is packed with festive goodies everyone can enjoy.
Write a note they'll want to keep
This is our favourite bit. Every Boxlocal hamper comes with a handwritten note, and it's often the part people hold on to. A few of our tips:
- Be specific. "Thank you for all the Sunday dinners this year" means so much more than "Merry Christmas".
- Keep it short. Three or four lines is just right.
- Make it sound like you. In-jokes are very welcome!
Get your order in early
Christmas is the busiest time of year for us and for the small makers we work with, so it really does pay to get organised. Pre-orders are open now for delivery after 14th November. Ordering early means first pick of the festive range and one less thing on your December to-do list.
Gifting for your team this Christmas?
If you're the one organising Christmas gifts for your team, we'd love to take it off your plate. Just tell us your budget, numbers and delivery date, and we'll build hampers for everyone, whether they're in the office or working from home. We'll handle the dietary requirements and add your company branding if you'd like it, then deliver every box tracked and on time. Have a look at our business Christmas hampers or our business gifting service to see how it works.
Ready to build yours?
Head over to our Christmas build your own hamper range and start filling your box with festive treats from Bristol and the South West. Short on time? Our ready-made Christmas hampers are packed and ready to go, with something for everyone from cheese lovers to chocolate fans.
Happy building, and Merry Christmas from all of us at Boxlocal!
