With so many options to choose from, there's a Christmas hamper to satisfy even the pickiest of people...
Let's face it, the best thing about Christmas is the food. From a big bronzed turkey (or nut roast) on Christmas day to the dozens of mince pies you'll no doubt be picking away at on St. Stephen's day, there are plenty of foodie rituals that come with this time of year.
A recent ritual of late is that of the Christmas hamper. As soon as it hit December 1, our minds instantly began agonising over whether to splash out on one filled with wine, cheese or desserts...or all three. Christmas hampers are a thing of wonder: they combine all of the best bits in one, festively put together place; they a lovely addition to your own Christmas day; they make the perfect gift for hosts, in-laws and can even be ordered to deliver directly to the recipient in case you won't be able to see one another this year. Not to mention, they can cater for all tastes and budgets.
From sweet treats to those that feature particularly boozy delights, we’ve put together an edit of the best Christmas hampers for 2020. Now for some serious festive feasting!
1. Brown Thomas Christmas Hampers
Filled to the brim in each of the luxuriously packaged Brown Thomas hampers, you'll find all manners of delicacies to last you through the festive season. There are four hampers currently available, from the Eglington Hamper, €80, packed with wine, port jelly, dark chocolate, biscuits and more, to the Patrick Hamper, €300, filled with indulgences from champagne to caviar. Prices start at €80 and can be purchased online or in-store.
2. FX Buckley Victualler & Grocer Hampers
Presented in beautiful woven wicker baskets, the team at FX Buckley Victualler & Grocer have curated a selection of hampers to choose from which are sure to make yours, or a loved one’s, Christmas day a real treat. With prices starting at €90, choose from either the Champagne and chocolate hamper containing a bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne, Chez Emily chocolates and Skellings Chocolate brittle or the FX Buckley Victualler & Grocer gourmet hamper which contains an impressive 16 items of delectable goodies and festive treats. Available for delivery or collection, email [email protected] or call 01 568 8087 to order yours now.
3. Dunnes Stores Simply Better Hampers
The Dunnes Stores Simply Better range continues to go from strength to strength and this year its hampers are available to order online with free delivery nationwide and the option to pick up in-store. Prices start at €35 and include a wide range of festive essentials such as mince pies, Christmas cake, and even a bottle of Pinot Grigio depending on what option you go for. Ask in-store or see dunnesstores.com for more information.
4. Dromoland Castle
Enjoy a taste of Dromoland Castle by choosing from Dromoland Pantry Products such as their Walled Garden Mixed Berry or Old Fashioned Marmalade or perhaps some sweet treats like our Dromoland’s Plum Pudding or their handmade festive fudge. With everything from locally produced preserves and chutney to cranberry and pink peppercorn vinegar and Dromoland's own brown bread, there's something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas. If you are ordering for someone who lives in Clare, you can opt for white-glove delivery by Dromoland’s own concierge team. See dromoland.ie for more information. 
5. Avoca Christmas Hampers
This year, Avoca have an enormous selection of hampers, from Pamper Kits to Afternoon Tea sets. There are prices for every budget, starting from €20 for the Jammy Trio for a selection of Avoca condiments, right up to the showstopper €460 Luxury Hamper packed with champagne, cashmere blanket, decadent chocolates and self-care essentials. Available in-store and selected hampers for nationwide delivery, see avoca.com for more information.
6. Paddy Box
For your friend who can't get home for Christmas, Paddy Box creates pre-made boxes of classic Irish treats. Alternatively, you can make your own box of ten items from their range of products. There's Dip Dabs, Snack Bars, Tayto and a whole host of other Irish delicacies you friends miss more than you. The Christmas Box, €59.95, comes with all the makings of an Irish Christmas; there's Tayto, tons of Cadbury treats including a box of Roses and a selection box, Ballymaloe Relish and Barrys Gold Blend Tea. Click here for how you can order yours today.
7. The Kilmurrin hamper
Named after beautiful Kilmurrin Cove between Tramore and Boatstrand in Waterford, this hamper comes in a gorgeous presentation box so you don't need to opt for gift wrapping when you order - simply pay and have it shipped to the lucky recipient in time for Christmas. Each hamper includes a bottle of Baron Pichaux Bordeaux Rouge wine, a jar of Ciara's Pantry mixed berry conserve, Seymours dark chocolate raspberry bites and a pack of Skelligs chocolate truffles. Starting from €32.50, you can order the Kilmurrin hamper here.
8. Adare Manor
The ideal gift for any discerning connoisseur on your list this Christmas, or a special treat for yourself and a favourite friend to share. At Adare Manor's online boutique, choose from six Christmas hampers, including the Dreaming Of Adare Manor Hamper, €250, filled with a fluffy bathrobe, plush hotel slippers, a Christmas bauble and a linen spray, diffuser and candle to scent your home with the fragrance of Adare Manor. There are hampers of festive preserves, an Adare Manor Afternoon Tea hamper and the Sweet and Indulgent Hamper, €150, complete with chocolate, wine, a Christmas pudding, Adare Manor Signature 1832 Tea, festive preserves from the decadent pantry. Click here for more information.
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