There will always be somebody who is difficult to buy for. Not everyone wants or needs more “stuff” and others are actively decluttering! If that sounds like someone you know, there is always the option of giving a Christmas hamper. Hampers don’t have to be filled with sugar or perishables; they can contain healthful, longer-lasting items too.
Here are 10 suggestions of non-perishable, nutritious items you could include in a Christmas hamper for the person who has everything:
- Roasted chestnuts. There is no denying their association with Christmastime, and you can buy ready-roasted chestnuts in packets for easy gifting.
- Nut butter. Nut butters made just from nuts (and may be a bit of salt) are a great way to include nutty goodness into your diet. They can be used to add healthy fats and protein to homemade energy balls, toast, or porridge.
- Herbs and spices. These can be a lovely addition for anyone who likes to cook. Try warming cinnamon or ginger for festive flavours, or mixed herbs for the less confident cooks.
- Oils. Look out for attractive bottles of cold-pressed seed oils, and olive oils.
- Dried fruits. Dried fruit counts towards your daily intake – 30g is one serving (compared to 80g of other fruit due the higher sugar content). It can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert or part of your breakfast, and provides fibre and important nutrients. If you can, choose items without preservatives such as sulphur dioxide, or coated in oil – take extra care to check the best before as it may be shorter on these items.
- Tea, coffee and infusions. Give your recipient their favourite hot drink ingredients, or include a selection pack so they can try out new flavours.
- Dark chocolate. Good quality dark chocolate can be a healthful addition to the diet in small quantities. It provides anti-oxidants and magnesium to help boost immunity and energy. Look for chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa solids.
- Tinned salmon. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 oils that are important for brain, heart and joint health. While the canning process can reduce some nutrients, salmon retains a good amount of these oils.
- Canned pulses. No, not baked beans – I mean those that are just in water or salted water. Chickpeas, butter beans, red kidney beans and green lentils are all great sources of protein and nutrients. While the dried variety can also make a nice gift, canned are much quicker and easier to add to recipes, helping your recipient prepare healthier meals more quickly.
- Canned fruit. Canned fruit adds some colour to the hamper ingredients. It also adds nutrients and counts towards the daily fruit intake. Choose fruit in juice rather than syrup.
Smaller Food Gifts
It can get expensive to make up a Christmas hamper, especially if you are focusing on the healthy stuff. So, if you want to keep to a smaller gift, why not pair a few carefully chosen items and presenting them in a festive gift box with tissue paper?
You could combine herbs and spices and an oil; or a box of favourite herbal teas and a bar of dark chocolate. Maybe even team a nice mug with a favourite herbal tea or coffee. You could always add a gift voucher that suits your budget as an extra.
Healthful hampers are a lovely way to show someone you care, without adding more “things” to their home. Even a couple of carefully chosen items can be presented in a special way. Whatever you include, it’s the thought behind it that makes the gift special.
