Christmas Gift Guide for Foodies.

As someone who eats beef at Christmas and turkey at New Years’; it is usually Christmas hampers that make me feel festive during the holiday season.

If you are a foodie like me, then there are some things you look for in a good hamper. I usually zero in on the ones with a combination of wines and festive goodies so this year, I’ve put together some of the best hampers coming out this year that will make great gifts for loved ones or for yourself.

Whether you are a foodie or shopping for one, here’s the ultimate Christmas gift guide
Enjoy x

DOUBLE SCOTCH Hamper by Forman & Field and Glenfiddich – £124.95

Having tasted the contents of this hamper, I can assure you it is fabulous! Whether it’s for a friend or as a corporate gift, this limited edition hamper won’t be around for long. This limited to just 200, the hamper contains a pound of genuine wild smoked salmon in two separate packs and 70cl of Glenfiddich’s exceptional Malt Master’s Edition whiskey – spicy with a hint of toasted almonds and fruit cake in a smart wicker basket. Quote V1014 at www.formanandfield.com.

Palace of Wonders by Carpo London – £200

My favourite luxury food emporium, Carpo has just launched Bespoke Foodie Hampers, with each hamper created by hand and contents chosen by customers. But there’re ready-made options are available for those who find it difficult to make a choice considering how many options there are available.

This readymade Palace of Wonders is definitely a foodie’s dream hamper. The contents include Roasted & Sea-Salted Pistachio Kernels, Roasted & Sea-Salted Almond Kernels, Roasted & Himalayan- Salted Macadamia Kernels, Honey Roasted & Sea-Salted Cashew Kernels, Mixed Raw Nuts in a Jar, Chocolate Pralines Box, Mixed Chocolate Box (Pralines,Chocolate Florentines, Dark and Milk Chocolate Almond Pieces, Dark Chocolate Coated Orange Peels and Fig Paste), Honey Cakes Box, Dried Fruit & Berries Mix, Thyme Honey 750ml Jar, Colombian Filter Coffee.

Festive Favourites Hamper by Ibérica – £100

Ibérica has three hampers to choose from this festive season and customers can even make up their own but I choose the Festive Favourites because it is Christmas and the price is mid range.

The hampers boast an impressive range of prestigious Spanish products, including: full bodied Finca Constancia wines, 100% Ibérico Juan Pedro Domecq ham, tender white asparagus from Navarra, Don Bocarte seafood rice dishes, cured cheeses, olive oil and nougat.

The Festive Favourites contains Los Peperetes Mussels, Eutimio hake and spider crab paté from Lastres, Asturias, La Catedral de Navarra Piquillo peppers, Jamón Ibérico puro de bellota Domecq from Jabugo, D.O. Huelva, Torta de Trujillo, Finca de Pascualete, La Chinata Regañás, Gorrotxategi Tejas & Cigarrillos from Tolosa, Pablo Garrigós Ibáñez turrón Jijona Premium from Alicante, Bubub Gin & Tonic gelée, Vilarnau Brut Reserva NV. D.O. Cava. What’s not to love?

THE VERY BEST OF FENWICK by FENWICK NEWCASTLE – £100

Traditional and modern combine to create this luxury hamper bursting with local flavours; from the traditional taste of Ringtons tea and our very own rooftop honey, to the bold and spicy flavours of the Hot Stuff Chilli Company and the best locally brewed wine and beers. This hamper contains something for everyone – presented in a quality wicker basket, a perfect gift, showcasing the best that the north-east has to offer.

The hamper includes: Lindisfarne blackcurrant wine 70cl, Hadrian and Border Brewery Tyneside brown ale 500ml, The Durham Brewery Evensong 500ml, Wylam Brewery Rocket 500ml, Fentiman’s ginger beer 275ml, Fentiman’s mandarin & seville orange jigger 275ml, Fenwick golden honey 227g, Trees Can’t Dance spiced carrot chutney 227g, Hot Stuff Chilli Company slightly naughty ketchup 220ml, Red Rascal rustic sweet chilli sauce 285g, Durham Greenlane redcurrant jelly 228g, Ringtons traditional teabags 80’S, Ringtons lemon, ginger & ginseng tea bags 20’S, Pumphrey’s pure Kenya blue ground coffee 100g, Manomasa white cheddar tortillas 160G, The Gingerbread Mam ginger popcorn, Ringtons select brazil nut biscuits 200g, Jenkins & Hustwit the dales fruit cake 4”, Heatherslaw de-luxe muesli 500g, Yum Yum brilliantly chocolatey cookie mix 460g.

Italian Hamper by BERRY BROS & RUDD – £90

For those who wish to indulge their sweet tooth this Christmas, the Italian hamper is the perfect choice. Combining traditional delicacies such as a rich panettone and soft, fruity nougat, and playful (yet thoroughly grown up) praline ‘‘Funghi’’ chocolates from luxury chocolatier Rococo.

The Italian Hamper contains 2009 Montornello, Chianti Classico, Bibbiano, Castellina-in-Chianti, Italy, 2011 Fiano di Avellino, Ciro Picariello, Summonte, Campania, Italy Funghi di Bosco, Rococo Chocolates (200g) − Hand-Wrapped Panettone, Guidetti Fine Foods (750g), Soft Italian Pistachio Nougat, Rococo Chocolates (160g). Order by Dec 20th to get delivery by Christmas.

Chorizo & Knife Set

The delicious original chorizo, Magno Chorizo Extra, is 100% natural, produced without preservatives. Served as slices cut directly from the sausage, this chorizo is ideal served as tapas to accompany a glass of red wine. Chorizo also make wonderful ingredients in many Mediterranean dishes including paellas, pasta sauces and soup. This gift set is simple yet perfect for a foodie.