Business
Original Christmas hampers: 8 ideas your staff will love
Looking for an original Christmas hamper for your staff in the Netherlands? 8 ideas beyond the standard box, with tips on budget, dietary needs and delivery.
By Ibéricos Anjoreta · Updated on
Every year HR faces the same question: which Christmas hamper this time? A standard box with peanut butter, a bottle of wine and a tea towel still does the job, but is rarely remembered. These eight ideas make more of an impression without breaking the budget.
What makes a Christmas hamper original?
- It actually gets used. Food and drink that people share scores better than items that end up in a cupboard.
- There is a story behind it. A family business, a region or a craft makes a hamper personal.
- Everyone is included. Think of colleagues who do not drink alcohol, do not eat pork or are vegetarian.
- It is easy for HR. One supplier, one invoice and home delivery for hybrid teams.
8 ideas for an original Christmas hamper
1. A Spanish borrel at home
Sliced Ibérico ham, aged sheep’s cheese, olives and good olive oil: everything for a tapas night with the family. It is luxurious, gets shared and fits any budget. See our Spanish Christmas hampers for staff.
2. A tasting box
Let employees taste and compare: two hams side by side (for example bellota and cebo de campo), three olive oils or a cheese board with notes. A tasting is an experience, not just a product.
3. Local and artisan
Products from small regional makers or a family business. Tell the story on a card: where does it come from and who makes it?
4. A choice hamper
Let employees choose between a few versions, for example a hamper with ham, a vegetarian version and an alcohol-free one. That avoids waste.
5. A breakfast hamper
They bake or buy good bread; the rest is in the box: olive oil, tomatoes to grate, ham and cheese. That is how Andalusia has breakfast. Simple and original.
6. A cooking kit
Ingredients plus a recipe, for example for a Spanish evening. Works well for teams who love to cook.
7. A sustainable hamper
Little packaging, nothing disposable, products that get eaten completely. Better a few high-quality products than a big box of filler.
8. A hamper with a personal message
However original the contents, the card makes the difference. A personal Christmas message from the management, with the company logo, is often what people keep the longest.
Budget: how much to spend?
Employers spend around €100 per employee on average, and almost half spend between €50 and €100 (KVK survey of entrepreneurs, 2023). Some guidelines:
| Budget per employee | What to expect |
|---|---|
| €30 – 50 | A small but well-curated hamper with 3 to 4 quality products |
| €50 – 75 | A complete hamper for drinks or dinner for the whole family |
| €75 – 100+ | Premium products, such as jamón ibérico de bellota |
In the Netherlands, a Christmas hamper usually falls under the work-related costs scheme for employers. Read how Christmas hampers and the WKR work.
Planning
Most Christmas hampers are ordered in late November and early December. Order before mid-November and you still have plenty of choice and time to personalise the hamper with your logo.
Want a Spanish Christmas hamper for your team? Request a no-obligation quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is an original Christmas hamper for staff?
An original Christmas hamper is personal, actually gets used and has a story. Think of a theme (such as a Spanish borrel), local or artisan products, or a hamper you experience together, like a tasting at home.
How much should you spend on a Christmas hamper?
Employers spend around 100 euros per employee on average; almost half spend between 50 and 100 euros (KVK, 2023). Choose fewer products of good quality rather than a big box full of filler.
How do you handle dietary requirements?
Ask about dietary needs in advance, or choose a supplier that offers an equivalent version, for example pork-free or vegetarian, in the same packaging. That way everyone is included.