Christmas Hampers: Ideas, What to Put In and Card Messages

October 7, 2026

Christmas 2026 key dates (UK)

Black Friday: Friday 27 November
Advent Sunday: 29 November
Christmas Day: Friday 25 December
Boxing Day: Saturday 26 December (bank holiday Monday 28 December)
Last posting dates: Royal Mail usually recommends mid December for second class and a few days later for first class. Check Royal Mail for this year's exact dates.

You're in the right place for Christmas hampers. There are 18 ready-to-copy lines on this page, grouped into types of christmas hamper, diy christmas hamper checklist and christmas hamper card messages, plus more below - pick one, change a detail so it sounds like you, and you're done.

A Christmas hamper is the gift that works for almost anyone: clients, neighbours, grandparents, the colleague you drew in Secret Santa. The trick is matching the hamper to the person rather than buying the biggest basket you can find.

Ready-made hampers save time, while a DIY hamper lets you pick only the things they love. Either way, order or post by mid December, and tuck a card inside so they know who it's from.

Types of Christmas hamper

Retro sweet hampers for the nostalgic
Chocolate hampers that fit through the letterbox
Foodie hampers: cheese, crackers, chutney and port
Pamper hampers: candle, bath treats and cosy socks

DIY Christmas hamper checklist

Something sweet: mince pies, fudge or chocolate
Something savoury: crackers, cheese, chutney
Something to drink: tea, coffee, mulled wine spices or fizz
Something to keep: a candle, a mug or a badge
A card, tissue paper and a ribbon

Christmas hamper card messages

Merry Christmas! Something to nibble while you hide from the washing up.
A little box of Christmas, with love from all of us.
Thank you for a brilliant year. Enjoy every crumb.
Wishing you a cosy Christmas and a very full biscuit tin.
Eat, drink and don't share. Merry Christmas!

When to order

Ready-made hampers: by early December
Posting a DIY hamper: by mid December
Letterbox hampers avoid missed deliveries
Check best-before dates for food

Key things to remember

Match the hamper to the person.
Letterbox hampers avoid missed deliveries.
Always include a card.

You might also be interested in...

British Retro Sweet Hamper of Old Fashioned, Sour and Chewy Sweets Mix

This delightful hamper is packed with a nostalgic mix of old-fashioned, sour, and chewy British retro sweets. It makes the perfect gift for anyone with a sweet tooth who longs to recapture the classic flavours of their childhood.

Candy Striped Old Fashioned Sweets Selection Hamper

This delightful candy striped old fashioned sweets selection hamper is packed with nostalgic charm and a wonderful variety of classic treats. It makes a wonderfully sweet gift for anyone with a fondness for traditional confectionery or a grandad who loves a trip down memory lane.

Dairy Milk Chocolate Gift Box Hamper, Full Sized Bars, Letterbox Friendly

This delightful Dairy Milk Chocolate Gift Box Hamper is packed with full-sized bars, designed to slide straight through the door. It makes the perfect sweet surprise for a far-away friend in need of a comforting treat or a chocolate-loving relative celebrating a special day.

NEOM Real Luxury Massage Candle, Lavender & Sandalwood, 165g

This gorgeous 165g massage candle is scented with soothing lavender and sandalwood, melting down into a warm, relaxing oil. It makes a wonderful gift for a busy loved one who deserves some decadent pampering and a little quiet time to unwind.

Frequently asked questions

What do you put in a Christmas hamper?

Something sweet, something savoury, a drink and one keepsake like a candle or mug, plus a card.

When should I order a Christmas hamper?

By early December for ready-made hampers, or post a DIY hamper by mid December.

What do you write in a Christmas hamper card?

Keep it short and warm: who it's from, a Christmas wish and a light joke if it suits them.

What is a good example of christmas hampers?

"Retro sweet hampers for the nostalgic" is one of 18 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.