Some presents are just MVPs of the festive season; those gifts that you can give to virtually anyone and they’ll be appreciated, regardless of your recipient’s age or interests. From work colleagues to in-laws to your favourite hairdresser, the Christmas hamper — packed with sometimes obscure but always delicious morsels they might never treat themselves to — is one such gift.  

 There’s no shortage of places you can find pre-made food hampers, but for a more personal route, why not thoughtfully curate one yourself? Whether the lucky recipient has a penchant for sweet snacks or they’re something of a gourmand, creating your own hamper to gift is easier than you think. Read on for a few clever tips on curating the ultimate festive season gift, no guesswork required.  

 Start with a basket 

 Your basket will determine the size of your hamper, so choose wisely. It often helps to choose a basket a size smaller than you think you’ll need — you want it to look abundant, with items layered atop each other rather than being too spread out. It’s a good idea to also buy tissue paper, raffia or repurpose some old newspaper to lay in the base of the basket. 

Pick your products 

 A good food hamper should include classic products you know your recipient will love along with some less expected and more unusual items they probably haven’t tried before. Non-perishable snacks are always a safe bet so you can make the hamper a few weeks in advance. Here are some of our favourites treats to include: 

Barbera Frantoia Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $34.99 from Victoria’s Basement, Lower Ground 1 

 Caramelised Cashews, from $9.50 from Nutorious, Lower Ground 1 

 Milk Chocolate Speckles, $14.90 from Haigh’s Chocolates, Ground Level 

 Smoky Almond Dukkah, $13.95 from Gewurzhaus, Ground Level 

 Chai Latte Powder, $27.95 from The Tea Collective, Level 1 

 Gingerbread Bites, $22.90 from Koko Black, Lower Ground 1 

Add an element of surprise 

 Whether it’s a bottle of their favourite wine, a leather-bound notebook embossed with their initials or a beautiful cashmere scarf, a personal touch adds the final flourish to a hamper. Here are a few additions guaranteed to elevate your hamper to best gift status.  

Almond Shower Oil, $42 from L’Occitane, Lower Ground 1 

Plain Scarf, $248 from Hunter Cashmere, Level 1 

Balvenie 14 YO Caribbean Cask Whisky, $155 from The Whisky Ark, Level 2 

Wrap Weekly Diary, $35.90 from Kikki K, Lower Ground 2