Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Filled with delicious festive treats, a food hamper is one of those gifts that’s just as lovely to receive as it is to give. Who wouldn’t be delighted to open a basket packed with tempting food, drinks and a few extra surprises? 123 Hampers has a fantastic selection to choose from, and the Traditional Family Basket, priced at £125, would make a wonderful gift for friends or relatives this Christmas. Having seen what’s inside, though, I wouldn’t blame you for keeping it for yourself!
First things first, let’s talk about the basket itself. I know you’re probably thinking it’s what’s inside that counts, but this is a rather impressive bit of wickerwork. It’s sturdy, well made and fastens securely with two buckled straps, while the blue fabric lining gives it a smart finish. This isn’t destined for the back of a cupboard once Christmas is over, I can see it being put to good use in many homes as a stylish storage basket. But enough about the basket. Let’s get to the good stuff!
The presentation was excellent, with plenty of protective packing keeping everything safe during transit. There’s something rather exciting about lifting out the goodies from the top layer and discovering what’s hiding underneath. We were very impressed by the variety of items in the hamper, there’s a good balance of sweet and savoury treats, along with drinks to suit different tastes, making this a hamper designed for the whole family rather than just the adults.
Those with a sweet tooth were immediately drawn to the Valley Bakery Shortbread Festive Shapes. Buttery, crumbly shortbread is a classic for good reason, and these seasonal shapes make a lovely addition to the biscuit tin. The children were particularly taken with Grandma Wild’s Gingerbread Reindeer Decorating Kit. This is a brilliant way to keep little ones entertained during the holidays, giving them the chance to decorate their own gingerbread reindeer before eating them!
My husband, meanwhile, is firmly in the savoury camp. A mountain of biscuits and chocolates simply won’t do when there are savoury snacks to be had. The NibNibs Sun Dried Tomato Big Minis were soon opened and paired with a tasty dip, accompanied by a glass of Vino De La Sierra Red Wine. It proved to be a winning combination, making an ideal nibble for a relaxed evening in.
There’s also a bottle of Belvoir Mulled Winter Punch, perfect for a warming seasonal drink, along with a box of Valley Tea Breakfast Tea. Whether you fancy something special to sip in the evening or a proper cuppa to start the day, there’s something to suit all tastes.
The Christmas cracker filled with Valley Chocolates Milk Chocolate Buttons is a Christmassy touch, combining a traditional cracker with a chocolatey surprise. And then there’s the teddy bear, quite possibly the cutest member of the entire hamper!
Christmas is a great time for snacking and very festive green and red Popcorn Shed Candy Cane Popcorn is perfect for munching whilst watching a Christmas film
Finally, no traditional hamper would be complete without a Christmas pudding, and this one contains a pudding from Valley Bakery. It’s deliciously moist, with plenty of fruity flavour and is lovely served with cream or a drizzle of brandy sauce.
This wonderful hamper is bound to add plenty of festive flair to your Christmas festivities, whether you treat yourself or give it as a gift. With a selection of food and drink which is sure to have your mouth watering there will be something for the whole family to enjoy this Christmas.
And the good news is that free next-day delivery is available across the UK and Northern Ireland, making it easy to send a little seasonal cheer straight to someone’s door. For an extra £3.99, you can also add a personalised card featuring your own photos, making this a lovely gift for someone special. Just remember, if you order one for the family, you might need to be quick if you want to get your hands on the best bits!
Full list of contents
- Vino De La Sierra Red Wine 75cl
- Mulled Wine Punch 175ml
- Popcorn Shed Candy Cane Popcorn
- Valley Bakery Christmas Pudding 112g
- Gingerbread Reindeer Decorating Kit
- Charlie Teddy Bear
- NibNibs Sun Dried Tomato Big Minis
- Valley Tea English Tea
- Milk Chocolate Buttons Cracker
- Handwoven Wicker Hamper with Blue Lining
Available from 123 Hampers
