A POSH hamper makes the perfect gift or special treat for any big occasion, but shoppers need to know where to get the cheapest in time for the bank holiday weekend.
The Queen is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee later this week, giving Brits the perfect excuse to crack out the picnic baskets and celebrate.
The momentous occasion has even triggered a bumper four-day-weekend giving consumers plenty of time to fill up on Great British treats and goodies.
The only problem is hamper specialist, Fortnum and Mason, is flogging their own Jubilee special for an eye-watering £150.
The luxury hamper includes nine lavish items from fruity preserves and buttery biscuits, to teas fit for a queen, all housed in an exclusive F&M wicker basket.
But with plenty of Brits’ wallets already squeezed at the moment, the price tag is a little out of reach for most.
They still want to celebrate the weekend in Great British style, or gift the perfect posh bundle to a loved one, but it’s important to stick to a budget.
So instead, shoppers could save up to £130 opting for an elegant or fun dupe over the premium hamper.
Even posh stores likes M&S and John Lewis are stocking budget copies that cost up to two thirds LESS than the pricey Fortnum and Mason version.
It means you still get to enjoy the same great array of sweets, cakes, savoury snacks and sometimes even bubbly, at just a fraction of the cost.
We’ve narrowed down some the cheapest on offer right now, that are just as good as the real deal.
It’s worth having a shop around before you commit to a purchase though, just in case you find an even better deal to chomp down on.
But if you’re itching to get your hands on a copy for friends and family in time for the weekend, or simply want to treat yourself to a luxury gift, here’s our top picks in the meantime.
Funky Hampers: Great British Sweets Jubilee Tuck Box
- Price: £19.99 – buy now
If you’re looking for something a bit different on your tight budget you might fancy more of a sweet deal.
Forget the teas and scones, as Funky Hampers is selling a Deluxe Tuck Box packed with Great British retro classics.
The hamper offers a selection of 24 different types of sweets from a classic era.
All sweets come individually bagged, and they’re presented in a British themed box.
But the cheaper price tag means you miss out on the luxury wicker basket though.
NotontheHighstreet: Queen’s Jubilee Retro British Party Hamper
- Price: £28 – buy now
NotontheHighstreet has its own patriotic nod to a hamper.
And you only have to fork out £28 to get your hands on the bumper package.
Its Queen’s Jubilee Retro British party hamper has everything you need to celebrate the day instyle.
The vintage British food and drink giftset contains Prosecco, Pale Ale, classic British snacks and even a commemorative tea towel.
With the price tag firmly under £30, it means you miss out on the added bonus of a wicker basket to house all your goodies in though.
The Cornish Company: Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea Hamper
- Price: £34.99 – buy now
Get a taste of Cornwall in your hamper for just £34.99.
The hamper includes, four freshly baked plain scones, 113g of Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream, four pots of Boddington’s Berries strawberry conserve, and eight Cornish Smugglers Brew black tea bags
You also get a limited edition Platinum Jubilee all butter shortbread Drum, as well as two homemade fruit cakes and two homemade chocolate brownies to polish it all off
If you’re trying to catch as close a copy to the pricey Fortnum and Mason style, though, you’ll have to fork out a little more than £34.99.
That’s because buying the iconic wicker basket, that looks just like Fortnum and Mason’s is another £14.99 on top of your purchase.
That means recreating the posh buy in all its glory is going to cost you £50 in total instead – still, it is two thirds cheaper than the original.
To make up for the extra cost, you do get FREE next day delivery included, meaning your hamper will be sure to arrive in time for the celebrations.
M&S: The Kensington Teatime Hamper
- Price: £40 – buy now
Swanky supermarket, M&S never fails to put on a Great British spread.
It’s pulled out all the stops for the Queen’s Jubilee too, offering its own take on
The £40 hamper contains a Gold label tea tin as well as a Scottish shortbread tin.
There’s four Devon scones, British strawberry soft set jam, and a Victoria sandwich cake.
And as an extra treat a pack of Swiss chocolate truffles and all butter Viennese milk chocolate dipped fingers make it into the glut of goodies too.
M&S fans get the lot presented in a grey hand woven wicker hamper with grey faux-leather handle and strap too.
John Lewis: The Wayfarer Basket
- Price: £40 – buy now
John Lewis fans can stock up on goodies for the weekend at just a fraction of the price too.
The posh store has its own hamper from just £40 – £110 cheaper than Fortnum and Mason’s version.
The luxury wicker basket is filled with predominantly savoury snacking goodies.
There’s cheese straws and pork scratchings, plus beer and pale ale to wash it all down with.
And each of the items is the perfect nod to Great British foodies, like with Yorkshire crisps, or West Country cheddar.
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You can also cash-in on massive savings at Homebase to celebrate the Queen’s big day – the DIY store has up to 50% off this bank holiday weekend.
Meanwhile, beauty brand Boots has a sale of its own – everything is £19.52 in its Jubilee extravaganza.
