Christmas gift ideas for £5 or less

Carluccio’s - mini chocolate panettone
Delicious though it may be, how many times have you thrown uneaten panettone out come January (or been forced to eat a stale slice when visiting waste-conscious relatives)? Carluccio’s single portion of chocolate or classic Italian cake is the perfect treat and gets round this Christmas conundrum.
£3.95, from carluccios.com

Not on the highstreet - gourmet spice rack in a matchbox

This little spice gift is ideal for budding chefs who perhaps aren’t quite au fait with their flavours. Including four of the most expensive spices in the world, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron and vanilla powder, you’ll encourage their creativity with this nifty gift.
£4.99, from, notonthehighstreet.com

Sous chef - boiled egg mould (fish & car)
If you thought the fun factor of boiled eggs was limited then think again. These cute egg moulds would make lovely stocking fillers for children but big kids will get a kick out of them too.
£4.50, from souschef.co.uk

Joseph Joseph - magnetic measuring spoon

Who doesn’t need a magnetic measuring spoon? This little gadget from cookware connoisseurs Joseph Joseph comes in an array of colours and sticks to any metal surface so it’s always in easy reach.
£3.50, from josephjoseph.com

Charbonnel et Walker - sea salt caramel truffles
No ordinary truffles, these sea salt treats from ancient chocolate purveyors Charbonnel et Walker may be small in number but make up for it in taste.
£4.25, from houseoffraser.co.uk

John Lewis – cottage delight mulled wine in a tin kit
Perfect for the cautious cook, the festive tipple is even easier to stir up with these little spice pouches. There’s even a whisky toddy version for the hardier souls.
£4, from johnlewis.com

Whittards - praline hot chocolate stacking tin

Decadent hot chocolate with a praline edge – this Whittards offering in an attractive Christmassy tin will please any chocolholic. So delicious they might even make you a cup.
£5, from whittard.co.uk

Packing a hamper?

We have lots of great suggestions for creating your own homemade hamper, but if your hard work isn’t quite padding out the wicker there’s no shame in purchasing a few extras. Here are a handful of our favourites…

Fortnum & Mason – savoury biscuits for a cheese box
A very British box of biscuits will go perfectly with a cheesy treat and your own chutney creation.
£4.95, from fortnumandmason.com

Mason Cash – pudding basin

This white earthenware is a little bland on its own, but pop it in a hamper and fill with cupcake or gingerbread kit goodies and you’ve got a delightful and down right useful gift.
£4.99, from robertdyas.co.uk

Teapigs – Spiced winter red tea
If you’re planning to pack up some home-baked biscuits this year, why not complete the experience with some luxury tea treats. We love this spiced winter red tea from Teapigs.
£4.49 for 15 tea temples, from teapigs.co.uk

The Fine Cheese Company

To sit alongside the crackers and chutney, you’re definitely going to need a nice bit of Brie or a punchy blue. While you’re looking at well over £5 for a selection of cheeses, The Fine Cheese Company have some individual delights that will come in under budget.

From £3.95, finecheese.co.uk

Harrods – brandy butter
If your hamper includes a figgy Christmas pudding, Harrod’s decadent brandy butter is just the thing to add a touch of luxury – lather on generously, it’s Christmas afterall.
£4.50, from harrods.com

How will you be filling out hampers and stuffing stuffings this year? Let us know your tips and ideas below...