'Tis the season to spread joy and gratitude, and you’ve decided you’re ready to pick some Christmas hampers. But what will bring you the best ROI (happy, engaged employees), and what’s an absolute no-go?
We’ve got a full range of hampers ready for you to explore, and if you’re keen to learn more, read on!
A hamper has been a staff Christmas gift staple for decades, and we have plenty to choose from. Whether you’re a big multinational business or an SME, we’ll tell you how to pick the hamper for your team that’s right for your business, where to get hampers and how to give them.
Let’s unpack it all…
The significance of employee Christmas hampers
First, why do we have a tradition of gifting Christmas hampers?
There are theories about why hampers are popular, but like many of our traditions, many suggest we look at France for this ‘tres bien’ offering. After all, ‘hanapier’ is the start of the word, meaning a case. But while we can trace the words and the root back to the 11th century with the willow basket, it’s more likely that the big hamper of treats as we now know it is actually far more likely to be linked with the 16th century, starting with a way to give dough and baked goods. A hamper was a sort of holding basket. We were very much not giving away treats until we embraced the industrial uptick in the 19th century. This was when gifts from employers and factory owners became common at Christmas due to the increased wealth and introduction of a more formal class system. In short, there was more disposable income (and more of a need to thank the workers who were key to production! Typically, only a ‘middle class’ would enjoy time off at Christmas.)
A hamper is one of those evergreen gifts. Employee Christmas gift baskets, in some form, will be around for many years to come; we have little doubt.
While mousemats, USBs and Nokia 5110 phone cases will likely all have been Christmas gifts for employees of the past, when done thoughtfully, the act of gifting Christmas hampers can foster a sense of belonging and appreciation that transcends time.
We love this quote, which we think says it all:
“Food has a culture. It has a history. It has a story. It has relationships.”
Hampers are different the world over. In Australia, brands may include Maggie Beer, The Woods Farm, Morgan's, and Kokao. In the UK, there’s a focus on preserves, fudges and toffees, ales and wine with brands like Monty Bojangles and Walker’s shortbreads. For those in Poland, a hamper is more likely to have edam cheese, Wiejskie Ziemniaczki Crisps, a Kabanos Chicken Frankfurter and sweet treats like Wedel chocolate bars, while in South Africa, a hamper will be filled with beef biltong, fudge and Ouma buttermilk rusks.
Getting a hamper right shows an understanding of the recipient’s tastes and culture and offers a unique opportunity for employers to connect with their employees.
What sort of hamper should you buy employees?
One approach to curating the contents is to include a variety of gourmet treats and delicacies that capture the essence of the festive season. This could encompass a selection of artisanal chocolates, gourmet cookies, festive teas or coffees, and indulgent snacks. By incorporating diverse, high-quality treats, employers can cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring each employee finds something delightful in their hamper.
In addition to gourmet treats, many employers now end the year with a hamper that includes practical and useful items that employees can enjoy beyond the festive season, such as power banks, desk accessories, or wellness products designed to promote relaxation and self-care.
You may like to read our other guides on employee xmas gift ideas, or small xmas gifts for employees under £10.
Ultimately, the perfect contents for employee Christmas hampers strike a balance between indulgence, practicality, and personalisation, ensuring that each hamper is a delight to receive.
Choosing the perfect employee Christmas hampers
The Lifestyle Hampers range has everything you need for your employee hamper! Why not download our brochure and see for yourself? Need a breakdown? We’ve got you covered.
The best hampers under £30
Looking for a festive treat that won't break the bank? For the ultimate indulgence at a great price, the "Chocoholics Choice" hamper at £27.49 is a heavenly assortment of cocoa-infused delights like Clarence & Bean Milk Chocolate Hot Chocolate Stirrer with Marshmallows, Radfords Handmade West Country Chocolate & Caramel Fudge Bag, a Mr Filbert's Café Espresso Coffee, Chocolate Nut Mix as well as beautiful Mini Chocolate Loaf. It really is perfect for those with a sweet tooth!
The best hamper for remote employees
If you're looking for a unique and convenient gifting option still in budget, the "Christmas Letterbox Gift" at £24.99 is a thoughtful choice that can be delivered straight to their door. With Creme d'Or Milk Chocolate Gold Coins, a hot chocolate stirrer as well as the Popcorn Shed Gingerbread Snack Pack, this is a great mix.
The best all-rounder hamper for employees
We think that at £30 the "Festive Treats" hamper is an excellent choice for those teams who enjoy a variety of treats, making it a perfect gift for diverse tastes. This is a great choice with a shiraz, Mulled Wine Truffles, a lovely cherry and almond loaf, and more.
The best employee hampers for dietary restrictions
For those with dietary preferences, the "Lovingly Low Sugar" hamper at £32.49 offers a delightful selection of low-sugar treats, while the "Gluten & Wheat Free Goodies" hamper at £37.49 ensures that everyone can enjoy the festive season with a delectable assortment of gluten and wheat-free delights.
Luxury hampers
At just over £100, the touch of Class Hamper is well worth a look if you have the budget. £134 gets a whole set of treats, too many to list. From a lovely chutney and biscuits to puddings, pies and sticky toffee, alongside a whole host of treats, wines, Ca' Vescovo Prosecco, crisps and the rest this is a wow hamper that is also excellent value!
Personalising employee Christmas hampers
Personalisation adds a layer of thoughtfulness and meaning to employee Christmas hampers, elevating them from generic gifts to cherished tokens of appreciation. Employers can personalise the hampers by incorporating elements that resonate with the employees' individual preferences, interests, and milestones.
Examples:
Notes of thanks
An extra day of holiday
A card
A meeting slot to see the director of the CEO and be personally recognised
An invite to a team event
The choices you make to personalise and differentiate your hampers will play a huge role in shaping the overall quality and appeal of the hampers and your return from them. Ultimately, your aim should be a happy workforce that is inspired, motivated, respected, and recognised.
Whether you're focused on speed, convenience, or gifts with a special touch, we've got a range of options available to suit you. Our team is able to source hampers for you to meet the needs of your workforce.
Why Lifestyle Hampers?
All prices are inclusive of VAT and courier delivery.
Delivery is based on single items and a delivery time of up to 5 working days.
Last orders for Christmas delivery is 1pm Monday 13th December. Hampers can sell out quickly during November and December so ensure to order asap. Buy now at 0300 140 0013.