11 best hampers for luxury gifting this Valentine’s Day

The top-handle wicker basket emblazoned with the familiar ‘F&M’ logo has been a staple for centuries. This one is packed with blush pink and baby blue items for a fabulous Valentine’s celebration. There is a good balance of sweet and savoury food, so all tastes are catered for. Highlights include the charcuterie spread and cave-aged cheddar, which pair well with the sourdough crackers and fig jam.

An inventive addition is the hot honey, which offsets the sharp cheddar and cuts through a salty bite of salami. Adorably packaged chocolate pistachio and kataifi pastry is melt in the mouth delicious and it all comes together with some of the finest English sparkling wine (Fortnum’s own) that I’ve tried.

Decadent bakery Cutter & Squidge knows how to curate hampers packed with sweet goodies. The luxury Valentine’s Day hamper includes 12 squishy brownies with four different cheesecake-inspired toppings (my favourite was the strawberry cheesecake flavour), crunchy moreish caramel popcorn and a show-stopping chocolate fudge cake that is seriously moist and decadent. The bottle of bubbles is perfect to pop for a romantic (and sweet) evening.

For the ultimate cheese board, Snowdonia Cheese Company’s hamper has its classic range of cheeses, preserved in colourful wax. But this hamper includes delicious cheese fondue bakes. Just pop into the oven, and the tangy stringy cheese can be dipped into with crackers, potatoes or crusty bread.

The mini chutneys are the perfect size for dolloping on cheese-topped crackers, the hot honey being a real standout. Meanwhile, the port is bursting with flavour and pairs perfectly with the cheeseboard.

For a charcuterie board with a twist, this Black Mountains Smokery hamper was a real crowd-pleaser during testing. Made with wood shavings that are a by-product of a local furniture maker in Wales, the meat, fish and cheese all have a delicious smoked flavour.

Highlights include a smoked duck breast that was moist and deliciously different. A smoked duck breast was similarly tender, then cured pork included fennel salami, which was the favourite from the whole box, and honey-cured ham. The smoked cheese paired great with the lightly spiced apple cider jelly (of course, crusty bread was needed). This will be a hit at any time of year.

The Newt is a luxury hotel nestled in the Somerset countryside with rolling orchards, woodlands and farmyards. They make their own cider and other food and drink products included in this enticing hamper.

Lovely package design aside, the ciders were really the star of this hamper. There’s even one that passes for a delicious dry sparkling wine. The handmade treats such as zesty lemon infused olives, super cheese-y cheese straws and smooth coffee chocolate are all top notch.

This charcuterie hamper packs in 14 items, spanning everything from wine to condiments. Highlights include the trio of Extrem charcuteries (hand-cut shoulder, finely sliced salchichon and smoky chorizo), all of which pairs nicely with the red pepper tapanede, Bontazola Mauri gorgonzola and Lincolnshire vintage poacher. A ready-made board to impress, there’s also Perello olives, Torres’ famous black truffle crisps and even a bottle of balsamic vinegar to drizzle. The variety found inside offers excellent value for money, but it doesn’t come in a physical hamper (you have to pay an extra £49 for that), which lessens its gifting appeal if not the deliciousness of the items on offer.

Brindisa – the Spanish restaurant chain – also has a lovely deli shop that sells gifts, hampers and more for foodies. This cheese and charcuterie hamper comes beautifully packaged in a printed box and contains 10 items – all for less than £90. Where hampers are concerned, this line-up offers stellar value for money. Inside, you’ll find a selection of the brand’s own charcuterie (iberico ham, salchichon slices, chorizo, salami and smoked beef slices) alongside cheeses including la retorta (a vegetarian sheep’s milk cheese), Manchego mature and blue cheese). It’s not a foodie hamper without some kind of Perello offering, and Brindisa includes a jar of gherkins. An easy way to be the host-with-the-most, or a thoughtful gift to another, the hamper combines great quality with accessible pricing.

Cote at Home’s hamper is a delight for cheese and charcuterie lovers – and is the most affordable hamper in this roundup. From the soft, creamy Pont-l’Évêque cheese and the delicious truffle brie and French cured ham, to the truffle pork and fresh blue Roquefort Miraval ​cheese, it’s an indulgent lineup. For its price, you’re treated to excellent value for money with 12 items inside. As well as centerpieces like the cheeses and meats, accompaniments include crackers, confits (the fig and grape is a highlight), cornichons and olives. Once all the items are laid out and prepared on a board, the Cote at Home hamper is just as much a feast for the eyes.

The most elegant tea break comes courtesy of Fortnum & Mason with the Piccadilly hamper. The centre is a biscuit tin that plays an adorable rendition of Handel’s Water Music melody.

The biscuits are tasty with a tangy stem ginger and my favourite, the lemon curd biscuit. More biscuits (pistachio and clotted cream) and a box of chocolates go perfectly with F&M’s signature tea or coffee. I challenge you not to finish it all in one afternoon, though.

Containing four items synonymous with a sparkling brunch, you’ll find a citrusy and floral bottle of Gardet Brut champagne and Bayley & Sage’s signature salmon. The cured salmon is deliciously smoked with a silky finish (the portion size is excellent too at 200g). Completing the lineup, there are 16 beautifully fluffy blinis and Beillevaire cream cheese. Smooth and soft, the French cheese layers easily on the blinis but can later be used on bagels, in cheesecakes and even for sauces. The portion sizes in the hamper go a long way, whether entertaining the entire family or hosting a party with friends.

For something a little different (but no less delicious) pick this thoughtful letterbox gift. This Biscuiteers lobster design is so cute, your Valentine might not want to eat it. Presented in a cute box and finished with the signature hand-piped icing for which the brand is known, there is a subtle lemon flavour to the pair of little biscuits, which are sure to delight any recipient.