Disclaimer: Some of the following products were sent for the purpose of testing them out for review. These products are highlighted by the use of an asterisk (*) beside them. This post also contains affiliate links which are indicated by the use of a dagger (†). All review words and opinions are my own. All photos are copyright property of Me Becoming Mum.

Christmas is the one time of year where we can eat and drink what we want, right? Christmas hampers, chocolate oranges, pigs in blankets, hot chocolates with all the trimmings, eggnog and mulled wine - I think that this is one of the best parts of Christmas, and certainly up there in my top 3 things about Christmas. Read on to discover some top tipples and treats that you could gift to friends, family or yourself this Christmas.

Christmas hot cocoa and other gift ideas

To drink

Their favourite tipple

Gin or vodka, take your pick

If you’re looking for a tipple or two for Christmas this year, you cannot go wrong with Isle of Wight Distillery Mermaid Pink Gin* and Mermaid Salt Vodka*. Whip up a classic G&T or go fancy with a pink negroni with their Pink Gin or try a Salt Vodka martini or Blue Lagoon. Before you know it you’ll be able to shake or stir a variety of awesome cocktails perfect for post-Covid parties when we can finally host them again.

Beer (and why not make it special?)

A cold beer and the footie (now it’s back on!) may be standard, but gifting beer doesn’t have to be. Check out the amazing range of ales and more from Fallen Brewing Co.* If you want something a little different, the Stirliner Weisse Peach & Passionfruit Sour and other alternative flavours are sure to hit the mark, and they are delicious to boot. When shopping for gifts for a foodie this year, Fallen Brewing Co. have probably got something most every one will enjoy.

Mini sets

In Christmas shapes

You have probably seen that I have worked with ilGusto a few times now, but I will never stop promoting their products because they are awesome. If you are looking for Christmas gifts or even stocking fillers for someone who loves a little tipple then these miniature bottles should be your go to. What could be better than Christmas tree, gingerbread man or even Santa shaped bottles filled with lush flavoured gins, liqueurs and more? I am in love with these and when the drink is gone, the bottle are being reused (I don’t know what for yet, but hey… I’m Mama Christmas. I’ll think of something!)

Hot drink faves

Personally my favourite hot drink (at any time of year, not just Christmas!) is a lovely hot chocolate. Add all the trimmings to make it a truly luxurious Christmas drink (from cream, to marshmallows, and candy canes to a cheeky drop of Baileys!) Other people don’t always stick to a hot chocolate though, so check out some other hot drink gift ideas below.

Coffee (on subscription)

If you’re searching for the UK’s best coffee subscription service, then look no further than Dog & Hat* With coffee blends from all over the world, Dog & Hat boxes can be delivered once a month to provide the recipient with the freshest coffee possible. I wish I could offer you some kind of scented addition within this post because I don’t even like coffee but the aroma that surrounds you when you open the box is absolutely epic and will tickle any coffee lover’s taste buds. If you don’t fancy gifting a subscription, you can order a one time box. Check it out, because there is free delivery available too!

Alternative teas

Standard teas are a think of the past. These days you can get everything from standard earl grey to fruit teas and with Rose & Dragon tea subscription* you get 3 amazing tea blends complete with a meditation too. The best part is they not only taste great (I'm not usually a fan of tea, but these won me over!) but they smell wonderful. Pop the leaf into one of the bags provided and in no time at all you'll have a relaxing tea working on all different senses from smell to taste. If Depending on your budget you can choose from a one off gift box, or instead order 3, 6 or even 12 months worth of tea subscriptions.

To eat

Sweet treats

Mince pies

What is Christmas without mince pies? Free from the original savoury meat filling, mince pies are a sweet treats with dried fruit and spices that are a firm Christmas staple in most households. If you want the best of the bunch, I highly recommend Oggs® Luxury Handmade Mince Pies*. I was sent a pack but we have bought them a few times since! They are especially lush when tucked into with a hot drink on a cold winter's eve.

Gooey marshmallow goodies

Mallow & Marsh chocolate marshmallows* (or actually any of their range from whip to bars) are bound to put a smile on anyone’s face. Honestly, they are lush and I can't get enough of them. Marshmallows, after all, aren’t just perfect topping for a hot chocolate, they are an amazing sweet treat… all the better for being covered in chocolate.

For alternative dinners

Spice mixes

Christmas dinner is one of the best parts of Christmas. From the juicy turkey to perfect stuffing and lush roast tatties and veg. If you want to mix it up and step away from the traditional, why not check out Spice Pots Festive Food Survival Kit*? Complete with everything from the spices you need to recipes to try, this kit is an amazing way to spice up (wink, wink) your Christmas dinner this year.

The finishing touches

Condiments

I don't think there is a more typical tea at Christmas time than cheese and biscuits. Camembert, Wensleydale or basic cheddar on a board with savoury biscuits and a spoonful of relish is the ultimate easy and delicious thing to eat at this time of year. Rubies in the Rubble Relish Gift Set* is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to add a little something extra to their Christmas tea. They are also made from the “ugly" fruit that would otherwise go to waste… win, win!

Time for dessert

Ice cream

Ice cream… you can't buy happiness but you can buy ice cream (and that's the same thing, right?) Oppo Brothers ice cream* is definitely up there in terms of my top ice cream choices now. Whether you shop in Tesco, Sainsbury's or Waitrose and pick it up there or choose to get it delivered straight to your door (on dry ice, it's amazing!) this ice cream is a sure fire winner this Christmas. Not only have they won multiple ‘Great Taste’ awards, but this ice cream has reduced sugar, low calories and even vegan options in the range.

The gift that keeps on giving

A Christmas hamper

If a hamper full of delicious treats from jams to chocolate cake doesn’t scream gift worthy, I honestly don't know what does! Bradfords Bakers Christmas Hamper* complete with Christmas staples such as shortbread, fruit loaf and mincepies is one of the best things we have ever tested out as a family. Great value for money, plenty for all the family (plus other hamper options available) this really is the gift that keeps on giving. We are still trying to finish off the contents of ours now, weeks since receiving it! Nothing says Christmas quite like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and food that seems to last forever!

For the children

Fruity snacks (suitable for school too!)

My children love their fruit and veg, but every now and again they have an off day. Trying to get them to eat their 5 a day can be a nightmare (especially at Christmas time when, let's be honest, it's all about the chocolate advent calendars and sweet treats!) With a little help from the amazing Fruit Bowl® range* the battle is made a little easier, allowing the best of both worlds… something that remind them of sweeties but is actually good for them. Plus, they make awesome snacks for school.

All the extras

Recipe books

History and recipes

Name me the first pudding associated with Christmas that pops into your head. Did you think, Christmas pudding? Of course you did. If you have someone you know who loves to eat - or make - Christmas pudding, why not gift The King of Pudding book? Complete with stories and history of this Christmas staple, and of course recipes to boot, this little paperback book is a great gift choice this year.

Fresh tasty recipes for all

If you or someone in your life loves to cook, a recipe book is surely the gift that keeps on giving! Dairy Diary have an amazing cookbook* full to the brim with 79 easy to follow recipes perfect for creating healthy, fresh and tasty meals. Our go-to has to be the Greek yoghurt pannac cotta - it’s John’s favourite! This book is avaliable on Amazon† so you can be sure to order (and recieve) it in time for Christmas.

Accessories

Barware bonuses

Sometimes the best gift for someone who loves a tipple, is the accessories to go with their favourite drink. Why not check out the CellarDine® Zap Cap Bottle Opener* for their stocking, or perhaps a 3in1 Chillcore®* or RougeO2 Wine Breather* as a gift for the wine buff in your life. There are so many choices available, and something for every type of drink. So help them stock up on barware accessories and essentials this Christmas.

I know this year has been hard for many - not exactly the 2020 we all expected. I hope, however, that with these ideas I have helped give you a little inspiration for food and drink gifts for the important person in your life.

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas from my family and me this year!

For more posts about Christmas, visit the Christmas category page. If you have any questions about any of the products included within my gift guide, feel free to ask in the comments section below.