Many SSAFA branches already run wonderful Christmas hamper initiatives each year, bringing festive cheer to members of the Armed Forces community. If your branch already delivers hampers and has a process that works well, we are certainly not suggesting you change it.
This guide is intended to provide ideas, inspiration and practical guidance for branches that may be considering offering hampers for the first time, or for those looking for additional ideas and support.
There is no right or wrong way to deliver hampers. Whether you produce 10 or 100, purchase ready-made hampers or build them from scratch, every gesture makes a difference.
Top Tip 🎄
The perfect hamper doesn't exist.
Whether you're delivering 5 hampers or 500, what matters most is the thought, kindness and connection behind them. A simple hamper delivered with care can make a significant difference to someone's Christmas.
Below is a downloadable/printable easy to follow version of this guide.
1. Decide what you want to achieve
- How many hampers do you want to provide?
- How much money do you have available?
- Who are the hampers intended for?
- How will you identify potential recipients?
- How will the hampers be delivered?
- What is your timeline?
Having a clear plan from the outset will help you determine the type of hamper you can realistically provide and ensure expectations remain manageable.
2. Set you budget
For example:
|
Budget
|
Hampers
|
Budget Per Hamper
|
|
£500
|
10
|
£50
|
|
£1,000
|
25
|
£40
|
|
£2,000
|
50
|
£40
|
|
£4,000
|
100
|
£40
|
Setting a rough budget per hamper helps guide purchasing decisions and ensures funds are used consistently.
3. Decide what goes into your hampers
There is no set formula and contents can vary significantly depending on your budget, beneficiaries and local donations received.
🎄 Christmas Goodies Hamper
Perfect for creating a traditional festive feel.
Ideas could include:
- Luxury biscuits
- Chocolate assortment
- Tin of sweets
- Christmas cake or pudding
- Hot chocolate
- Tea and coffee
- Jam or marmalade
- Festive snacks
- Mince pies
- Christmas crackers
🍪 Consumable Treats Hamper
Ideal if storage space is limited or you want everything to be enjoyed over Christmas.
Ideas could include:
- Biscuits
- Chocolates
- Crisps
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Sweet treats
- Tea
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Cordial or soft drinks
- Preserves
- Chutneys
🧘 Wellness & Relaxation Hamper
A thoughtful option for someone who may appreciate a little self-care.
Ideas could include:
- Herbal teas
- Hot chocolate
- Hand cream
- Shower gel
- Fluffy socks
- Lip balm
- Small blanket
- Notebook
- Puzzle book
- Scented candle (where appropriate)
- Relaxation gifts
🧣 Warm & Cosy Hamper
Perfect for helping people feel comfortable during winter.
Ideas could include:
- Fleece blanket
- Hot water bottle
- Thermal mug
- Tea and coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Biscuits
- Soup
- Fluffy socks
- Knitted hat
- Gloves
- Scarf
🌟 Mix & Match Hamper
Many branches may choose to create a hamper containing:
- Sweet treats
- Savoury snacks
- Tea, coffee or hot chocolate
- Small wellbeing items
- Christmas card
- Festive decorations
- Practical winter items
Remember, these are suggestions only. Your hampers should reflect your branch capacity, budget and the needs of your recipients.
4. Source your items
There are several ways to obtain hamper contents.
Purchase Items Directly
Many branches find it easiest to purchase items from:
- Supermarkets
- Discount retailers
- Cash and carry stores
- Wholesale suppliers
Buying larger quantities often provides better value for money.
Seek Donations
Many local businesses are keen to support Christmas initiatives.
You may wish to approach:
- Supermarkets
- Garden centres
- Local food producers
- Community groups
- Employers
- Retailers
Template emails are included elsewhere within this toolkit.
5. How will hampers be presented
Presentation can make a hamper feel especially festive.
Some ideas include:
🎁 SSAFA branded bags (available via the Marketing Hub)
🎁 Cardboard boxes wrapped in Christmas paper
🎁 Hamper trays or baskets
🎁 Christmas gift bags
🎁 Donated boxes from local businesses
Branches with distribution centres nearby may wish to enquire whether they can donate boxes or packing materials.
You may also find local businesses willing to donate:
- Cellophane
- Ribbon
- Gift tags
- Decorative packing materials
6. Assemble Hampers
Putting hampers together can become an event in itself.
Consider:
✅ Do you have enough volunteers to run a packing day?
✅ Could this be incorporated into a volunteer social?
✅ Could local businesses provide volunteers through corporate volunteering programmes?
✅ Do you have enough space to assemble and store hampers?
A hamper packing day can be a fantastic opportunity to bring volunteers together and build excitement ahead of Christmas.
7. Identify Your Recipients
Many branches tell us this is often the most important part of the process.
Potential routes include:
- Caseworkers
- Regional Office
- Community Engagement Managers
- Crisis Team
- Local veterans' breakfast clubs
- Veterans' hubs
- Partner charities
- Community organisations
Please note that where external organisations are referring individuals, a completed Third Party Referral Form will be required for GDPR compliance.
8. Delivery or Collection
Consider how recipients will receive their hamper.
Options may include:
Collection Event
Benefits:
- Opportunity for social interaction
- Reduces volunteer time
- Excellent if combined with a coffee morning or Christmas event
Home Delivery
Benefits:
- Reaches people unable to travel
- Helpful for vulnerable beneficiaries
- Allows personal contact
Many branches choose a combination of both.
9. Celebrate and Say Thank You
Don't forget to:
✅ Thank donors
✅ Thank volunteers
✅ Capture impact stories (with consent)
✅ Share photographs (with consent)
✅ Celebrate your branch's achievements
Every hamper represents a tangible act of kindness and support.