Christmas is just a few short weeks away and everyone is fracking their brains thinking about what to buy their friends and families. There is so much on offer and so much to consider that it can be a quandary, can’t it? The thing is, there is little of your personality to be seen in the gift by simply buying something from Amazon. Of course, you will have spent time thinking about the person you are buying for and then choosing something that is ideal for them, but the gift won’t have that personal touch. Why not break the mould this year and make some personalised Christmas gift baskets? In this article we will take a look at some great Christmas gift basket ideas.
What Basket?
Clearly the first thing to work on is what basket you want to use. Do you want it to be decorative? Christmassy? Sustainable or more traditional? If you want a sustainable option why not go for this very simple recyclable cardboard hamper? You could add some decoration with these biodegradable paper ribbons. For something a little more traditional this wicker basket is perfect. If you want to keep it all Christmas themed, then this wooden Christmas box is exactly what you will need. Finally and certainly not least, how about this wonderful wicker sleigh basket?
Now you’ve decided on the basket, it is time to fill it.
Cheese and wine hamper
Cheese and wine are almost a legal requirement at Christmas, so why not create a perfect cheese and wine hamper? A nice variety of cheeses, choose from strong Blues and a couple of soft bries, goats cheese, truffled cheese, simple cheddars and even oak smoked cheeses will give some lovely variety. Add some grapes, olives, cured meats, chutneys and pickles, crackers and some walnuts and you will have the perfect cheese snack. Then, to top it off, add some small bottles of wine and, if you’re really feeling generous a bottle of port. Who doesn’t like port with wine? There is a great, more detailed guide of what to put in a cheese and wine hamper here which takes you through making the perfect cheese and wine hamper.
Coffee
We all know that one person who simply cannot function in the mornings until they have had that first, or even second, cup of coffee. We think you’ll be friends forever if you gift them a coffee lover’s basket. First and foremost, you’ll need some coffee. You can pick any selection you want from on-line or shop bought artisan coffees, but we thought this Cosy Christmas blend looked perfect. Don’t be afraid to add several different coffee types. The next thing to add is a mug. Now you can really choose any mug you like, but we really liked this biscuit holding, personalised mug. Next on the list is those biscuits. Add a selection of different biscuits. We found this guide on which biscuits to have with coffee which should give some hints and tips.
Cinema
Part and parcel of Christmas used to be reading through the TV times and ringing all the films that you wanted to watch. Watching films is still a big part of Christmas so why not put together the ultimate stay-at-home cinema basket? We all know the staples of cinema snacks and although we wouldn’t really recommend adding hot dogs and hot dog buns to the hamper, the rest is fair game. Add some tortilla chips and a jar of tomato salsa, we love this spicy one from Holland and Barrett and a cheese sauce. Pop in some popcorn. Now this is where knowing the person helps. Do they want salted? Sweet? Salted caramel? How about this 7 variety gourmet popcorn bundle? Finish the basket off with some sweets and a drink. If you’re struggling to choose why not just add a cup of pick and mix? For the drink you can go for soft drinks, but to add some sparkle why not add some mini bottles of prosecco?
Pamper
Perhaps the favourite of all Christmas baskets, the pamper basket is a real winner. The options here are pretty much endless and try to add in some of their favourite products. Some staples that will need to added, though, are:
- Face masks
- Moisturiser – face/hand/body
- Bath crème or bombs
- Scented candles
- Fluffy socks
- Chocolates
- Eye mask
You can use any brand you want for this pamper basket, just fill it to the brim with lovely pamper products.
You really can fill a Christmas basket with anything you want. Tailor it specifically to the person you will be giving it to. Make sure to wrap the basket with some clear or printed cellophane and tie it off with a decorative bow. We hope our ideas have given you food for thought, but we know, no matter what you give, the thought and effort behind it will be truly cherished.
