After searching for hours online and a shopping day in London, I finally discovered a handful of British hampers that ship to the USA and don’t break the bank. These aren’t just any British hampers, but ones wrapped in cuteness and goodies that you’ll know the recipient will actually enjoy this Christmas or any time of the year.
What’s A British Hamper?
For my fellow Americans and expats in the UK, a hamper is what Americans call a gift basket. Admittedly, I thought a hamper was where the Brits put their dirty clothes as we do in the US.
A British hamper is simply a gift basket with only British things. That’s why this post includes British hampers to send abroad that contain goodies Americans simply don’t get to experience in the US.
With that out of the way, let’s address the pudding dilemma first.
The Pudding Dilemma
Since Christmas pudding is a top British Christmas tradition, it’s understandable why it’s a staple in most British hampers. Although it’s a totally British thing every expat in the UK must try, it’s not exactly worth the expense of shipping overseas when you know it’ll be tucked away in the back of a freezer for months or possibly years to come. Or so a friend tells me.😉
Odds are in your favor if the hamper is only for seniors, who are willing to give Christmas pudding a go, but if there are any kids or teenagers involved, forget it.
Even the best overall British pudding according to the Telegraph reports it’s not a hit with teenagers. Their exact words?
“OMG, gross.” – Telegraph, Martha, Britain teen
With all that said, a hamper without Christmas pudding, mince pies, or blackcurrant flavored anything can be high requirements for gifting overseas. And also tricky for an expat to find. Layer in international shipping rates and you’ll convince yourself it’s not worth it.
International shipping can cost nearly half or more of the hamper itself, forcing the need to ensure the hamper contents aren’t simply a good laugh but truly wanted. ❤️
So if you’re not so sure your American friends and family will appreciate Christmas pudding and mince pies as much as you do, go with a different touch of Britain.
Here are 5 of my favorite British hampers that ship to the USA with reasonable shipping costs, too.
These are hampers, gift baskets, crates…basically my favorite British gift sets as an expat in the UK to ship to America. 🇺🇸
1 – Christmas Treats Hamper for £71 (includes shipping)
The British Hamper Company ships lovely baskets to the USA
What’s so awesome about this hamper aside from the fact shipping is already included in the price is that it arrives in a very British box that can be used to store bits long after the snacks inside are gone.
There’s no Christmas pudding. Just good ol’ fashioned British crisps, chocolate, popcorn, and nuts for the whole family to snack on Christmas Day. For more information, read what it’s like to receive this British Hamper in Texas.
2 – Best of British Letter Box With Gin for £34
Letter Box Hampers are so unique and shipping is only £16!
It’s technically not a hamper but close enough. And when the package itself arrives so cutely wrapped as though it was packaged to be placed under the tree, what’s not to love?
You can choose the paper color and include a personalized message. Gin, chocolate, biscuits, tea…it offers the whole package if you ask me.
Letter boxes aren’t a thing in the USA, so this particular gift has a wow factor for those who love pretty packaging and experiencing something a bit different. The fact that it can fit through a letter box is beyond impressive. And American friends will be, too!
Shipping to the USA costs £16.
3 – Biscuiteers Christmas Biscuits & Prosecco Box for £75
Ship a taste of Notting Hill with a Biscuiteers basket
These cookies are so beautiful that you simply don’t want to eat them. There’s something incredibly special about visiting this little shop in Notting Hill, and their cookies do not disappoint.
With a bottle of Prosecco and a keepsake tin, this box of cookies is one of my favorite hampers to send abroad to a girlfriend or relative.
Shipping varies but starts at around £25 for USA delivery.
4 – Hogwarts Basket Tote for $85
How fun is this Harry Potter-inspired picnic basket!
Okay, so I’m cheating a little bit here, but when I stumbled upon this Hogwarts hamper on Williams Sonoma I couldn’t find an equivalent Harry Potter hamper sold online in the UK.
It’s a bit pricey but a very unique picnic-style basket for any Harry Potter fan. Toss in some other Harry Potter items from Williams Sonoma to complement the tote, and any Harry Potter fan will totally LOVE it.
The trick to shopping online at Williams Sonoma is to use a VPN. Read here on how to access blocked American websites in the UK.
5 – Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea Hamper for £75
My absolute favorite conserve, Damson & Gin, is from Fortnum & Mason and is always on my shopping list whenever in London. I really want to include a favorite Christmas hamper but most include Christmas pudding. 👎🏻
But how about a traditional one?
Fortnum & Mason is classically British
The Afternoon Tea Hamper is typically my go-to for various gifting celebrations throughout the year, even though it’s not all that festive for the holidays.
Alternatively, you can custom create a Fortnum & Mason hamper. I gave it a try in London but when they said the adorable chocolate fish & chips couldn’t ship, I decided a Fortnum & Mason Christmas hamper wasn’t the best choice for my family in the USA.
However, the custom route is a fab option for an epic British hamper experience if you’re willing to spend more money.
Fortnum & Mason spoiler alert…
You can buy a Fortnum & Mason basket in the USA from Williams Sonoma. I was gutted when I discovered this. However, it’s nice to know it’s an option in the States at Christmas time.
Ironically, the accessibility of purchasing F&M in the USA doesn’t really sway affordability in either direction. 🤔
6 – Friend In A Box
I stumbled upon Friend In A Box after searching for the perfect gift for a friend that needed a hug from afar. What I love about a Friend In A Box hamper is that it’s simplistic yet personal, but very clearly British. You can select the contents based on your friend or family member’s preference, making it that much more of a personalized British hamper despite it not being delivered in person.
Friend In A Box offers British hampers to send abroad for different occasions. Not just for Christmas!
Friend In A Box is my favorite hamper to send American & British friends
friendinabox.co.uk
Update March 2023: Due to Brexit and excessive shipping delays to the US and Canada caused by the pandemic, Friend In A Box is not shipping outside of the UK. Contact Friend In A Box directly if sending a gift isn’t time sensitive. Jane might be willing to ship one for you.
Top British hampers to send to America solved.
Although there are so many British hampers to select from in the UK, it’s quite hard to find one that ships reasonably priced and packed with goodies everyone will enjoy.
The first 4 and 6th British hampers are super fun, affordable, and perfect for most ages.
But if it’s luxury and the brand you’re seeking, Fortnum & Mason offers to ship from both the USA and the UK. Christmas pudding included.
NOTE: *Stock and prices are subject to change without warning!*
Looking for more expat ideas? Try these.
- 15 Long Distance Mom Gifts: Here or There
- 11 Awesome Gifts For Expat Kids
- Simplify expat life with this meal plan 👉here
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2 comments
i am from tulsa oklahoma, and i love christmas pudding, i make it every year 🙂 and mincemeat pie
Wow, that’s awesome Jamie! I always try them but still haven’t grown fond of either.