Personalised Christmas hampersA boxful of delectable goodies is always a joy to receive, particularly when the ingredients are homemade and chosen specifically for you. There are a number of companies that specialise in supplying gift hampers by mail order, most of which will allow you to choose at least some of your own ingredients.  If you have the time, though, you can make up your own gift hampers and pack them with colourfully wrapped, individually chosen ingredients. Mix and match with bought items and homemade goodies. Pack it all up in a box or basket, then spray-paint it or wrap it up in some beautiful paper and ribbon for a truly personal gift. The coffee or tea-lover's hamperChoose a variety of teas or coffees in small packets and wrap them up with a new teapot or a cafetière and perhaps some cups. Add some chocolate-covered coffee beans and homemade biscuits or biscotti.
The chocolate-lover's hamper Choose a selection of different good-quality chocolates, including anything from classic milk chocolate to innovative flavour combinations and interestingly shaped chocolates. Add some homemade chocolate cookies or muffins. You could also include a chocolate fondue set and special treats, such as shortbread and dried fruit, to dip into the melted chocolate.
The vegetarian hamper
 Wrap up the veggie treats with a vegetarian cookbook or some seeds so they can grow their own vegetables
Choose an array of vegetarian delights such as artisan cheeses, selections of dried fruits and nuts, unusual pestos, jars of roasted vegetables, preserves and chutneys, plus some homemade oatcakes and pickled vegetables. Make sure to tell the recipient to store the hamper in a cool, dry place before opening. Wrap up the veggie treats with a vegetarian cookbook or some seeds so they can grow their own vegetables. If your recipient is an organic food-lover then make the hamper extra special by using all organic products and ingredients.
The spice-lover's hamper Display a range of Christmas-inspired spices such as cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg, in attractive spice jars. For an added touch, wrap the spices up with a spice rack or pestle and mortar. Include some homemade spiced biscuits, chutney or vanilla-infused sugar. You can include your own homemade mulled wine, resealed with a cork, and labelled with the recipient's name, for some Christmas cheer.
The gluten-free hamperFor those with a gluten intolerance, surprise them with a range of gluten-free goodies. Include a selection of gluten-free cakes, biscuits and preserves. Try making some homemade delights, but keep in mind that some may only last for a few days. You could also add an inspiring gluten-free cookbook.
The deli-lover's hamper Choose a selection of artisan cheeses, jars of marinated vegetables and olives, cured sausages and good-quality flavoured olive oil. Make sure to tell the recipient to store the hamper in a cool, dry place before opening. To make it extra-special include a wooden board or attractive serving plate to display the deli treats. Include some homemade chutney and savoury biscuits.
The British speciality hamperChoose a range of British delights, where possible sourcing local ingredients, including speciality cheese, homemade seasonal jams and chutneys and homemade festive drinks. Make sure to tell the recipient to store the hamper in a cool, dry place before opening. The cheese-lover's hamper Many cheeses come in small sizes which are ideal for this type of present. Choose a selection of four or five and partner them with some good chutneys, marmalades, pickled onions and unusual cheese biscuits. You could also add a wooden cheese board or a cheese knife. Don't forget to tell the recipient to store the hamper in a cool, dry place before opening.
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