With the cost of postage escalating crazily, and the queues at the Post Office getting longer soon, it makes sense to order online gifts, where possible, that can be sent directly to the recipient with a gift message. With this in mind, here are some recommendations for a range of hampers and other mail order gifts to inspire you:
British Preserves and lots more from Rosebud
A gift of chutneys, jams and other yummy artisan creations is always welcome, and I’ve been impressed with the quality of British products from Rosebud Preserves. New for this Christmas is a Christmas Day Chutney, (£9.95/375g) perfect for the Christmas cheese board; a Midwinter Jam (£4.50/227g), a delicious accompaniment to a fireside afternoon tea; and a gift pack, ‘Spirit of Preserves’ (£14.95), featuring its award-winning Gooseberry & Elderflower jam.
There are larger Kilner jars packed with a range of chutneys and marmalades (£9.95),and almond & orange mincemeat (£11.95) There is also a range of gift packs filled with Rosebud’s other products, that make a perfect foodie gift, as well as a range of preserves and liqueurs to savour over the Christmas season.
And you can also send a delicious pack of home made mince pies that are a collaboration of Rosebud and locall bakery Two Dales in the adjoining dales of Wensleydale and Swaledale. They are hand-crafted at the artisan bakery from a sweet, all butter short crust pastry, using organic flour from Shipton Mill in Gloucestershire and free-range eggs from Wensleydale. They are generously filled with Rosebud Preserves delicious Almond & Orange Mincemeat. Eight pies are presented in an elegant grey gift box with a clear presentation lid (£12.00 per box/400g). The pies can be ordered for delivery from the 1st November 2023 from www.rosebudpreserves.co.uk.
You can visit Rosebud’s website and design your own hamper here with free delivery for orders over £25 (last order date for Christmas delivery is 18 December)
Charcuterie from Bray Cured
For British charcuterie, I’d recommend looking at the award-winning Bray Cured. There’s a great range of hampers, letter box gifts, subscriptions and you could even consider a voucher for a Duck Curing Course (£105). This gives a half day at the HQ (5 mins from the Elizabeth Line), refreshments, hands-on making charcuterie, a charcuterie tasting lunch with local wine, and of course taking home what you make.
Full details and lots more on the website here The company also offers letterbox gifts and subscriptions from just £15 – so you could give a gift that lasts all year. Full information on the website here
Spanish Goodies from Ibérica
If a taste of Spain’s what you’re looking for, then planning Christmas gifts has never been so easy, thanks to Ibérica Restaurants’ fantastic range of Mediterranean hampers, 
boxes and stocking fillers. They’re available from its online shop – Ibérica at Home.
Showcasing the best Spanish ingredients selected by Michelin-starred Chef Nacho Manzano the collection ranges from cured meats to Spanish wine and mouth-watering Manchego. The full collection of hampers and gift boxes is available from the Ibérica at Home online shop with nationwide delivery and includes the option of a gift box or wicker basket (+ £10) for a touch of added luxury.
Or, if you’re on the look-out for something even more personal, there’s plenty for vegans and the option to create your own bespoke hamper online.
A Greek Odysea
Maybe Greece takes your fancy? Odysea’s hampers and gift sets are great for Christmas.
Award-winning Greek and Mediterranean products, featuring a limited-edition Kew Gardens Hamper (£90), new Brother Marcus Hamper (£50) and show-stopping Mediterranean Christmas Feast Hamper (£250)! Across the range you’ll find products including Extra Virgin Olive Oils, fruit Compotes, a moreish range of olives, seasonal honey and more. The full collection of gift sets and hampers, starting at £20, is available to order from Odysea’s website for nationwide delivery.
Last orders for guaranteed Christmas delivery is 19th December.
Valentina’s Top Italian Range
And of course there’s always Italy to consider… have a look at the fantastic range of products on offer from Valentina’s Deli. 
As well as other Italian delicacies, including confectionery and superb wines that you are unlikely to see elsewhere there is a massive selection.
And I was staggered to see that they have the most outstanding range of panettone and pandoros I’ve ever encountered – from under £20.
You can do online orders and create your own hamper from the range available online here. Better still, if you’re nearby, pop into their shops in East Sheen or Weybridge and you’ll find yourself in Italian deli heaven!
Top Notch Puds from LillyPuds
Maybe you would just consider sending someone a top-notch, award-winning Christmas pudding?
I help judge the Great Taste Awards each year and I know that a product has to be exceptionally good to win a star, let alone two or three.
The LillyPuds website is spangled with Great Taste logos and stars. There’s a great selection, including vegan and free-from options, in a variety of sizes, from LillyPuds.
And the company even caters for folk who don’t like nuts, are gluten intolerant, or just prefer a sponge pud (lots of options available).
New this year is a Figgy Pudding with Ginger Conserve (£15 for 454g) – sounds wonderful! Full information on the ranges are on the website here
A Dram or Two from Summerton Whisky Club
Any whisky aficionado will really appreciate a subscription to a selection of rare whiskies, especially if they receive a bottle of aged whisky every other month!
Summerton Whisky Club, founded by Daniel Humphrey as a Christmas gift for his dad, gives access to bottle samples from the world’s leading artisan distillers – many bottles aren’t available on the open market. Further benefits include an active member community, with regular virtual sipping sessions, tours and events.
The subscription is delivered every two months, but can be paused or cancelled at any time. Members have access to the Summerton Whisky Club shop – featuring exclusive bottles and discounts. Each membership helps to support distillers and craft producers. Participants include Denmark’s Stauning Distillery, the East London Liquor Co, Australia’s Starward, Ireland’s Liag and Connacht Distillers, with Scotland’s Wolfburn, Fettercairn, Deanston and Glasgow Distillers too. £50 every two months here
Some Extra Sparkle from The Bolney Estate
English sparkling wines are really coming into their own of late. So, if wine appeals more, then a bottle of excellent English sparkling will be a fabulous gift. 
This gift set from The Bolney Estate includes a bottle of their award-winning sparkling wine of your choice (including a choice of Rosés, Cuvée Noir, Blanc de Blancs) plus two glasses and a stopper. Prices from £56 depending on the wine included. The company also has a range of gift boxed single bottles, starting from £24 for their still wine as well as magnums.
There is also a range of hampers, here, each including a selection of the Bolney Estate wines with suitable accompaniments.
And if you want to treat yourself too…Bolney South Downs Vintage Release is available from Tesco at £32
