10 Best Food and Drink Hampers UK 2022 | Waitrose & Partners, Cartwright & Butler and More

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. Hay Hampers - Family Food Favourites Hamper for £39.95
2. Clearwater Hampers - Food Feast Hamper for £89.00
3. The British Hamper Store - Vegan and Gluten-Free Hamper for £65.97
4. Cartwright & Butler - The Family Favourite Sharing Box for £33.00
5. Clearwater Hampers - Luxury Cream Tea Hamper for £49.00

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive selection of the 10 best, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of food and drink hamper available and understand how our ranking was determined.

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

1. Consider the Occasion, The Interests and Likes of The Recipient
2. Check the Recipients Dietary Requirements
3. Select Hampers With Tea and Coffee Items for Non-Alcohol Drinkers
4. Opt for Non-Perishable Items 
5. Pick Artisan Items For Added Luxury
6. Choose a Traditional Wicker Basket or a Reusable Stylish Box

All too often, especially at Christmas, convenience is the overruling factor when it comes to shopping for a gift. Many of us are guilty of panic-buying while doing a last-minute run around the high street. When it comes to hampers, you should really think about what your recipient likes - otherwise, all that delicious food and drink might go to waste!

Hampers come in all shapes and sizes - John Lewis alone has over 70 food and drink hampers to choose from! Let's narrow down your search by running through the most popular types and the occasions they're best suited to.

Often, hampers have a specific theme, such as afternoon tea for Mother's Day or Christmas. The former will feature a variety of teas and baked goods, while the latter should include festive treats like mince pies, Christmas pudding, and Panettone. Or, the hamper may be focused on a particular type of cuisine, such as Italian ingredients and delicacies.

A hamper might consist solely of different types of chocolate or an assortment of biscuits and cakes - these are ideal for those with a sweet tooth or for a romantic occasion like Valentine's Day. In contrast, hampers with a variety of pâté, chutneys, and cheeses will suit those who prefer savoury bites and make a great Birthday gift for that cheese lover in your life.

If you are after something smaller and cheaper than a hamper but just as spoiling and indulgent then a box of chocolates may be a better option.

When it comes to buying any food or drink gift, it’s crucial to check that the recipient's dietary requirements are met. If you don't get this part right, your gift is likely to be thrown away or passed on - or even worse, it could give that person an allergic reaction!

Is the recipient vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free? Make sure to check that the goods included in the hamper will be suitable for their diet. To give you a hand, we'll mention any relevant dietary info in the spec tables below each review.

If you are uncertain about their dietary requirements a great alternative is a luxurious hamper style bath gift set.

Alcohol is often included in food and drink hampers, usually in the form of bottles of wine. These are excellent additions if the recipient likes a boozy bevvy but if they're teetotal or refrain from consuming alcohol for religious reasons, it'd be a big mistake to give them a hamper with wine or champagne!

For people who don't drink alcohol, there still are loads of fun options to sip on. Non-alcoholic spirits, fruity sparkling juices, or even a classic selection of teas and coffees all make a lovely addition to a gift hamper.

Picking out a hamper for a Christmas present? Presents will often sit around in the buyer's home for a while before being handed over to the lucky recipient, or they may stay under the Christmas tree for up to a month if delivered early. 

Perishable items like fruit and freshly baked goods don’t last long if not properly stored, so make sure these aren't included if you think this could be an issue. If in doubt, we'd say it's a good idea to purchase a hamper with snacks like biscuits, chocolates, and crackers that don't have a short expiry date.

Food and drink hampers are usually the most appreciated when they’re filled with delicious goodies that the recipient wouldn’t normally buy themselves during their weekly supermarket trip. 

Artisan goods are products that are handmade or made in small batches such as craft beers, cheeses and fudge. They may only be available for a limited time making them an extra special addition to any hamper!

Lastly, you should think about the container that will hold all of the yummy goodies. Often food and drink hampers come in the form of a traditional wicker picnic basket, complete with edible treats to enjoy outdoors. However, due to the dreary British weather, this probably isn't the best option for Christmas gifting.

That said, picnic baskets aren't the only choice. Hampers also come in the form of beautifully presented boxes or stylish trays that are sometimes reusable. So, if you think the person you're buying for is likely to reuse a pretty container, it can even count as an extra gift!

mybest UK product recommendations are reviewed and curated by our writers in-house. We focus on in-depth research and analysis of product reviews to carefully select the best products available for the best prices.

• Explore our categories and 2000+ articles

• Follow us to keep up to date with our product showcases!

Written and researched by Roxy Pratley