Christmas basket ideas – 23 brilliant basket ideas and the best places to shop

Whether it's chocolate, cheese or candles, our Christmas basket ideas cater to everyone

Three examples of christmas basket ideas. Wicker Harrods basket, white company spa set, party selfridges basket.
(Image credit: Harrods | The White Company | Selfridges)

A popular tradition, Christmas baskets make perfect gifts. Filled with delightful treats, from food and drink to small gifts and luxury items, they are an easy win for your friends and family to enjoy over the festive season.

There are a many stores and well known brands that specialize in creating magnificent Christmas baskets, containing everything from sweets to socks – there really are basket options for all.

So, whether you're stuck on what to buy a family member, or simply want to explore what kind of Christmas baskets are out there to choose from, our curated collection will leave you with some wonderful inspiration for your gift ideas this Christmas. And, by the way, we think they make fabulous Christmas decor ideas under the tree, too.

Christmas basket ideas

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Explore our collection of our favorite Christmas basket ideas below.

1. Choose a basket that contains the traditional tastes of Christmas

Christmas pudding served on plates on dining table

(Image credit: Harrods)

For many of us, one of the best things about Christmas is indulging in all of the delicious food, and you really can’t go wrong with a Christmas basket filled with all of the festive favorites.

From chocolate to chutneys and crackers, mince pies and gingerbread, a seasonal hamper containing the traditional tastes of Christmas is bound to be quickly devoured over the holiday season.

5. Pick a theme that the recipient will love

cheese platter on wooden dining table with glass of red wine

(Image credit: PEARSON LYLE MANAGEMENT LTD)

A themed Christmas basket can appeal directly to a recipient’s character and their tastes, whether they’re big into cheese, coffee or chocolate!

Increasingly popular, there are so many themed basket ideas to choose from, so you really will be truly spoilt for choice.

12. Cater for the entertainers & the partygoers

A small round table with a pyramid of wine glasses and wine being poured from a white and gold bottle.

(Image credit: Future)

These baskets are perfect for those who love to spend the festive period (and beyond) entertaining with friends and family - containing all the ingredients you need for a good party!

From mulled wine to sweet treats, to delicious cocktails and liquors, there are unique options that can cater to all. 

16. Think outside the box with your basket ideas

Wooden garden bench, wicker basket of potted plants

(Image credit: Allan Pollok-Morris)

Christmas basket ideas do not always have to revolve around food and drink, they can be anything you want them to be! 

You can send a wellness basket filled with toiletries and accessories designed for a relaxing night in, or even a basket of plants and festive flowers - the possibilities are endless.

20. Make your own Christmas basket

Christmas hamper filled with wine, foliage, presents, candy cane, ornaments

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Making your own Christmas basket can not only be a fun and creative activity to enjoy in the lead up to Christmas, but you can create a more unique, curated collection of meaningful gifts for your friends and family to enjoy.

All you need is a basket, some decorations to make it pretty and festive, such as ribbons, bows, foliage and Christmas ornaments, and the gifts of your choice!

Whether you fill your basket with homemade Christmas crafts, or homemade preserves, or purchase a collection of gifts from the recipient's favorite stores, there is so much fun to be had in creating a homemade Christmas basket.

What is a Christmas basket?

A Christmas basket, also referred to as a Christmas hamper, is a traditional festive gift, often filled with a collection of seasonal food and drink items to enjoy over the holiday period – however today, as we have explored, they can be filled with pretty much anything you want!

A tradition that has been around for hundreds of years, and a gift that can appeal to all ages, a Christmas basket can be as personal or as simple as you like. Whether you make your own with a range of gifts bought from various stores, or shop one of our Christmas basket ideas, there are so many options to choose from.

What do you put in a Christmas basket?

If you are making your own Christmas basket – you can fill it with whatever you please! Sometimes it's best to stick to a theme, whether that's as simple as food and drink, or as specific as a certain selection of teas or cheeses, the decision is entirely up to you and what you think the recipient will like.

If you want to create a more traditional, seasonal Christmas basket containing food and drinks items, some good things to include are:

  • Chocolate
  • Sweets
  • Fruit
  • Nuts
  • Cheese
  • Crackers
  • Wine
  • Cocktail or mocktail ingredients
  • Cookies
  • Crisps
  • Chutneys & preserves
  • Tea 
  • Coffee
  • Hot Chocolate
Zara Stacey
Managing Editor

Zara is the Managing Editor at Homes & Gardens. She joined the brand in February 2022 as an Interiors Content Editor, specializing in writing content on interior color trends, decorating ideas and design inspiration. After studying English Literature at University, she worked as an Ecommerce Website Editor, Content Writer and Buying Intern at multiple independent businesses within the luxury retail and lifestyle sectors. She enjoys nothing more than discovering new trends, brands and products, whether that be in fashion, interior design or lifestyle.