A Christmas Hamper Guide For… Afternoon Tea
I feel like Afternoon Tea is a staple hamper gift idea. And, I wanted to post this early, as a lot of the items will be perishable. It may be you have to order ahead of time or add items to your shopping baskets in anticipation. And I know how quickly food delivery and collection slots can fill up.
1. Tea
Tea bags, of course, because what’s an afternoon tea without the tea itself?
With so many brands, blends, and flavours available, choosing the right one can feel like a task in itself. You can see some supermarket brands straight away, but I haven’t listed any here as preferences vary and prices tend to change often in the supermarkets. From traditional black teas to fragrant herbal infusions, everyone has their favourite, so I picked a few popular options to talk about.
Starting with the classics: English Breakfast and Earl Grey. These are the staples of any British afternoon tea and the blends most people reach for first. They’re timeless, comforting choices that never feel out of place.
Then there are the modern favourites like decaf, green tea, and chai. Decaf is ideal for late afternoon sipping without the caffeine, while green tea gives a more refreshing and delicate flavour. Chai, with its warming mix of spices, has become a beloved favourite for cosy days.
And, of course, there are flavoured teas. From fruity blends like raspberry or peach to calming floral options such as chamomile, they’re a lovely way to mix up your afternoon routine. Around this time of year, festive and soothing blends like cinnamon, spiced apple, or winter berry take centre stage.Perfect for quiet winter nights or to help soothe a seasonal cold.
2. Scones, Jam & Clotted Cream
Of course, what’s an afternoon tea without scones? And then comes the age-old question…jam or cream first? It’s a debate that’s divided the nation for years, and honestly, there’s no wrong answer (though I’m sure Cornwall and Devon would disagree!). The classic scone choices are usually plain or currant, both equally delicious and perfect for layering with jam and cream.
Supermarkets these days offer some brilliant options, especially if you’re thinking about shelf life and price point. And ideal if you’re preparing a hamper in advance. You can even find mini scones, which are great if the hamper recipient have little ones who want to join in.
When it comes to the jam and clotted cream, though, this is where I think it’s worth going a little more spendy. A good-quality strawberry or raspberry jam and a rich Cornish clotted cream really make all the difference, bringing that indulgent afternoon tea atmosphere to life. After all, it’s the heart of the tradition, warm scones, melting cream, sweet jam, and a freshly brewed cup of tea.
3. Cake
When it comes to sweet treats in an afternoon tea, you really can’t go wrong with cake. Depending on where you have your afternoon tea in the UK, some places favour classic cake slices while others lean towards lighter cake rolls. I’ve included both here, because honestly, who can pick just one?
The Victoria sponge is, of course, the classic. Soft sponge, sweet jam, and a light dusting of sugar. It’s simple, elegant, and the perfect partner to a good cup of tea. If you’re creating a festive afternoon tea though, a slice of Christmas cake makes a brilliant alternative. It adds a lovely festive twist to your spread. And over the years, carrot cake has become another favourite.
Then there are the cake rolls, or Swiss rolls as they’re more commonly known, which come in a huge range of flavours. You can see here that I raided M&S to give you some options. Of course, other supermarkets are available, but let’s be honest, there’s just something about an M&S Swiss roll that hits differently.
4. Biscuits
If you’re not a cake person, why not add some biscuits instead? The variety out there is huge, too many to include here, but I couldn’t resist mentioning a couple of gorgeous luxury biscuit brands that are perfect for an afternoon tea hamper. I’ve linked them above if you fancy a browse.
The Biscuiteers afternoon tea selection instantly caught my eye. It practically screams made for an afternoon tea gift! Meanwhile, Honeywell Bakes have really embraced the season this year, offering plenty of festive designs that look almost too pretty to eat.
Both brands sit at completely different price points, reflecting the size, weight, and number of biscuits in each box, but they’re definitely worth a look. I also love that both offer single biscuits, which would make a lovely little extra if you’re putting together a smaller, individual hamper or gift. Sometimes, one perfect biscuit is all you need.
And that’s the Afternoon Tea Christmas Hamper Guide.
Do you have someone who’d love this? What would you include?
I’d love to hear them in the comments below. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or Pinterest.
As always, thanks for reading…
