It’s coming to that magical time of year when we all start wringing our hands and asking: ‘Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?’
For some of us, gift-giving comes naturally and we do it with cheer. For others, it cues dread and vexatious thoughts about getting it all wrong. If you’re more the latter, don’t despair, I’m about to let you in on a little secret: There is a gift that you can never go wrong with. Yes, seriously.
Want to know what it is?
A hamper.
Christmas Hampers make for brilliant gifts for several reasons. Firstly, they give the gift of food, and food is synonymous with care, thought and consideration. Food is life! Secondly, hampers give the recipient the chance to sample a luxury sweet or savoury treat that they normally wouldn’t buy for themselves and probably haven’t tried before. Thirdly, they’re completely risk-free; you have absolutely no chance of offending anyone with a hamper. Did I just hear a sigh of relief?
The world might be catching on – the number of Australians googling the term ‘gift hamper’ in December 2020 was double that of the preceding year. That trend looks set to continue in 2021, with even more Aussies searching the term during the country’s peak periods for Covid lockdowns than they did in the lead up to last Christmas.
There’s still a bit of an art to selecting the right gift hamper depending on your relationship with the recipient. A work acquaintance calls for a different bundle of goodies than a life-long friend or your child’s kindergarten teacher.
With more than 25 hampers ranging from the conservative to the completely OTT, Australian Gourmet Gifts has something for everyone. We’ve taken the guess-work out of it by hand-picking a hamper for every Very Important Person in your life. You’re welcome.
The Mother-in-Law
Whether you’ve already won her over or it’s a relationship you’re working diligently to build, you need a hamper that oozes special attention and appreciation.
Try: The Penfolds 311 Chardonnay Extravagance Hamper
Why we love it: This is the hamper equivalent of the warm and fuzzies. It’s packed full of savoury and sweet gourmet foods you’d associate with mum, including jams, melting moments, relish and olive oil. And this particular drop of wine consistently scores high with judges. It’s guaranteed to crack even the toughest of cookies.
The Sports Coach
You palm your kids off to them at least once a week during the on-season with the mighty expectation that you’ll get your offspring back with minimal injury. It’s a big job that deserves more than just a verbal thanks.
Try: Little Creatures Beer Hamper
Why we love it: Is there anything sportier than a beer?
The Nanny
Last minute schedule change-ups, occasionally forgetting to mention your child is unwell, and, let’s be honest, you’ve run over your agreed time more than just once. But she or he cops it on the chin each time with a manner so pleasant it puts Mary Poppins to shame.
Try: The Gourmet Sensations Hamper
Why we love it: It’s alcohol-free so it’s appropriately PG-rated, however that doesn’t mean it scrimps on taste; With cheese, olives, jam and a couple types of crackers, as well as chocolate and biscuits, this hamper hits every one of the five tastes.
The Gluten-Free Sibling
They usually pack their own lunch or snacks when they visit because it’s just easier than reminding you each time or risking being left with nothing to eat. It’s not easy being a sensitive soul.
Try: Gourmet Vegan and Gluten-Free Sensations Hamper
Why we love it: It’s not uncommon for those with dietary requirements to miss out when it comes to food. Not so with this hamper! Your gluten-free recipient gets a heap of fun gourmet stuff like popcorn, cookies, chocolates, and salty snacks. It’s a lovely way to make someone who is probably often excluded feel like part of a fold.
The BFF
She’s your ride or die. She supported you through every break up, celebrated every one of your career achievements as enthusiastically as if they were her own, and you know she’ll give you an honest opinion on that skirt with those heels every time.
Why we love it: While other champagnes come and go, Moet steadfastly remains our favourite way to celebrate anything girly. Packed alongside all the pretty lovely things that come with this hamper – a luxury honey and a lavish cheeseboard to name just a few – and you’ve got a decadent gift for your sista from another mista. Now all you need to do is ask her what time she’ll be uncorking the champs.
The Boss
Choosing a gift for the boss can be a little bit like solving Rubik’s cube; Turn this way and it may seem too familiar, turn that way and it’s too impersonal. Then there’s the risk of over-spending. And under-spending. But if you get it right, it puts you in good stead for the new year ahead. No pressure!
Try: Barossa Red and White Wine Hamper
Why we love it: Comprising both a red and white from a 5 Star Barossa winery along with full-sized premium sweet and savoury treats, this hamper both gives and commands the sort of respect you need for a solid working relationship.
The Team
Late nights, constantly moving deadlines, and your pre-coffee mood. Your team put up with a lot from you – probably more than they’re paid to.
Try: The 7 Star Executive Luxury Hamper
Why we love it: Containing a high quality red, white and sparkling, craft beer and a non-alcoholic cabernet, as well as all the sweets and savouries you could want or an outstanding grazing board, this is the hamper of all hampers. Bring this outrageously ostentatious baby into work and they’ll forgive you for all that over-time you asked them to do.
