Christmas is REALLY nearly upon us now and it’s confession time…hands up those of you who are having a panic about what to buy your gin loving loved one? We’re a tricky bunch, yes we love gin, obviously, but there are so many gins, and everyone always buys a gin lover gin, so it’s trying to find that gift with a difference. The one which is going to stand out a little more than the rest, and I’m pretty sure I’ve found it, in the form of a gincredible Love Gin Hamper from National Trust for Scotland (NTS)! The Love Gin Hamper is just one in a new range of hampers which have been launched by NTS for the holiday season, cleverly mixing traditional with contemporary.
Having two Glaswegian parents, I strongly class myself as a Scot…despite having been born in England. I am also, as you are probably already aware, a HUGE fan of Scottish gins, so I was thrilled to receive a hamper through the post and once you’ve had a look at it’s contents, I’m sure you will understand exactly why. Real time and thought has been put into selecting it’s contents. Gemma McQue, Merchandise Developer for NTS said of the hampers:
“We’re working with some really brilliant companies to give a fresh take on a festive tradition – the Christmas hamper. We’ve got some great food companies and some of the best bespoke gin producers on board. And, everyone who gets a hamper will have the chance to sample Scotland’s heritage too.”
…and she’s not wrong! It is filled to bursting with so many fantastic gin related treats from some amazing brands, I didn’t quite know where to begin…well, that’s a bit of a lie…I decided to crack open a bottle of gin to help me while I pondered my next move.
The Love Gin Hamper contains two bottles of delicious Scottish gin. A 20cl bottle of Edinburgh Gin and a 20cl bottle of Shetland Reel Ocean Sent. I love these bottles as they are perfect picnic hamper size…yes I said picnic! I haven’t gone completely mad and I am well aware of the fact that it is not traditional picnic weather, however, picnics on crisp winter days are amazing, providing you are dressed appropriately! The hamper also contains one 200ml bottle of Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water, a 200ml bottle of Fever-Tree Naturally Light Tonic Water, a bar of Coco Chocolatier Gin & Tonic Dark Chocolate, one packet of Joe and Seph’s Gin and Tonic Popcorn, the fantastic Gin Shake, Muddle, Stir Book and, wait for it, a National Trust or Scotland Pack with Guide to Properties and two National Trust Scotland property visit passes.
Now, we all know I love gin, but I also adore going to National Trust properties. Hubby bought me membership for my Christmas last year, so this addition to the hamper really made me smile. We’re based down in Buckinghamshire, so I’m really excited about the prospect of a weekend away in Scotland so we can use these visit passes.
This hamper is such a beautiful gift for people all over the country, as I’ve already said, I’m using it as an excuse to get away for a cheeky little weekend mini-break…because lets face it, we all need a rest after Christmas!
Gifting this hamper really does make a difference too, as funds raised from hamper sales supports the conservation of wonderful Scottish treasures such as St Kilda, Culzean Castle and Pitmedden Garden.
The contents come beautifully packaged in a planter, designed to reinforce the charity’s conservation message, offering the recipients a vessel in which to grow plants or vegetables. I’ve already decided that I’m going to use mine to start my very own “Gin Garden” in which I’m going to grow all my favourite garnishes! The cost of the hamper is just £75, which is amazing value when you consider the amount of gin fuelled fun you are getting for your money!
If gin isn’t your thing, then you’re probably in the wrong place with this blog, but you could always have a look at the other NTS seasonal hampers. The Full of Flavours Hamper is packed with delicious treats from all over the UK and even includes a packet of wildflower seeds which you could grow in your planter. Alternatively the Luxury Scottish Hamper is filled to bursting with gorgeous Scottish produce, comes in a stunning willow hamper and includes four complimentary passes NTS properties.
So there you have it, an extra special gin gift for your gin lover…and a great excuse for a wonderful weekend away.
If you would like to know more about Edinburgh Gin and Shetland Reel Ocean Sent Gin, check out my Gin Shots which will be posted next week!
Gin Obsessions 