It may be nicer to give than to receive, but it isn't really always that simple. What are you meant to give your 80-year-old aunt that she will appreciate or want? Then there's your very fussy older sister who's never easy to please, never mind that highly successful cousin of yours who always says he doesn't need a thing. At Christmas time, you can be swamped by advertising campaigns but nothing ever seems that right. But consumables are one wonderful option, and Xmas hampers are a wonderful way of giving them. And by consumables, we don't only mean food items. If you put a bit of consideration into who the Christmas hampers are for, it's entirely feasible to put together some exciting and highly highly individual selections.

There are resources where you can purchase pre-chosen, artfully presented gift baskets, which are available for sale in a broad price range. You can also get creative and shop for your own contents and containers, though it often is not the less expensive way to go.

The simplest combination of superb fine wines, some excellent cheeses and speciality biscuits makes a great christmas gift for the gourmand in your life. You can bake your own shortbread biscuits and buns and give them your special recipe, throw in some homemade preserves and you are giving quite a treat.

Make up a unique blend of exotic spices and a cookbook for using them, and this will be appreciated by the gourmet cook who's on your list for Festive Hamper goodies.

A Christmas specialty food combination of mince pies, Christmas pudding and brandy butter would be a welcome treat in any home.

Get a bit more creative and offer personalized presents to the hobby fans in your life. For the gardener you can give things like seeds, a kneeling mat, new pruning shears and a magazine subscription. For someone who knits new needles, luxurious wools and an inspiring book of patterns. Christmas hampers also make ideal corporate gifts as the content can be appreciated, in the office, by all the employees.

These presents say a lot to the person receiving it. They know you have taken the time to take into consideration the things they love, which is so much more personal than a store gift certificate.

It's the customised contents which make Christmas hampers special, although of course the way they are presented, and the gift basket itself, are equally important. Xmas hampers are a lovely way to present a selection of beautiful presents, and they can be 'green' as well. The hamper itself can be used and appreciated long after the contents have been consumed, and are very useful for holding things from craft articles to pictures to kids' toys and games.