Making your own Christmas food hamper in Australia: a cheaper and better alternative to buying one

Bought Christmas hampers are expensive for what you get

Pre-packaged Christmas hampers sold in supermarkets, department stores and online can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. The contents rarely match what the price implies — they typically include a mix of items the recipient may not want, in packaging that inflates the perceived value, and at margins that benefit the seller considerably.

Making your own Christmas food hamper from individual products is almost always cheaper, and gives you complete control over what goes in it.

How much does a DIY hamper cost?

A well-stocked DIY hamper for a family or household can be assembled for $50 to $80 from supermarket products, with a good selection of items. The equivalent bought hamper at that price point would contain noticeably fewer quality items. At $100 to $120 you can put together something genuinely impressive that a bought hamper at the same price would struggle to match.

What to include

The best hampers mix items that feel a little indulgent alongside things that will actually get used.

Crackers and savoury biscuits. Entertaining-format crackers (water crackers, lavosh, artisan-style varieties from the deli section) are a staple. These are available at Coles and Woolworths at a fraction of the price of hamper-packaged equivalents.

Preserves and condiments. A quality jam, relish, chutney or honey. Look in the condiments aisle and the deli section — smaller boutique-style products are available in both chains and at IGA stores.

Olives and antipasto. Deli antipasto items are good hamper inclusions. A small jar of quality olives, marinated capsicum or sun-dried tomatoes works well.

Specialty chocolate or biscuits. One or two chocolate bars or a box of interesting biscuits — Belgian chocolate, specialty dark chocolate, or a shortbread tin.

A bottle of something. Wine, sparkling juice, a specialty cordial or a craft beer. Even a good quality olive oil makes an appreciated hamper inclusion.

A cheese. If the hamper will be delivered promptly and kept refrigerated, a quality cheese is an excellent addition. If delivery timing is uncertain, stick to shelf-stable items.

Presentation on a budget

The presentation of a hamper matters as much as the contents. Options that do not add much cost:

• A plain cardboard gift box (available from discount stores and newsagencies for $3 to $8) with tissue paper inside.
• A large reusable shopping bag — fabric tote bags from the checkout are $2 to $3 and become part of the gift.
• A wicker basket purchased from an op shop or discount store.

Arrange taller items at the back, shorter at the front, with any attractive packaging facing outward. A piece of raffia or ribbon tied around the outside finishes it.

When to buy the items

November is a good time to source hamper contents — Christmas specialty items are available in the lead-up but have not yet hit peak seasonal pricing. Shelf-stable items purchased now can be assembled into hampers in December. Check our November grocery planning guide for the broader seasonal context.

Comparing hamper item prices

For packaged goods, run a search on TrolleyChecker to check which chain has better prices on specific items before buying — small differences per item add up across a full hamper.