A selection of 3 cheese, crackers, cheese straws and chutney. A perfect gift for any cheese lover!

Last‑Minute Gift Guide: Artisan Food & Drink from Johns of Instow & Appledore

The festive season is well and truly upon us, and if you’re anything like many of our customers, the gift list might still be a work in progress. Don’t worry — Johns of Instow & Appledore has you covered. Whether you’re looking for something small and thoughtful, or a show-stopping gift that will be remembered long after the wrapping paper is cleared away, our delis are bursting with artisan food and drink gifts ready to go.

From locally crafted products to exclusive international delicacies, we pride ourselves on curating a collection that’s perfect for every taste and budget. Shopping with us means giving gifts that feel personal, luxurious, and above all, delicious.

Over 3,000 Reasons to Gift from Johns

At Johns, we stock over 3,000 products from more than 50 local and specialist suppliers. That means you can explore a treasure trove of delicious options, all under one roof. For lovers of local produce, our shelves feature North Devon favourites like North Devon Queens Honey, a beautifully floral honey that captures the essence of our local countryside, and Sam’s Cider, a crisp and refreshing craft cider made just a few miles away.

But our offerings don’t stop at local treats. For fans of Italian cuisine, we have exclusive products from Tenuta Marmorelle, Seggiano, Just So Italian, and Diforti — perfect for the foodie in your life who enjoys creating restaurant-quality dishes at home. From award-winning cheeses to rare preserves and artisanal oils, our selection brings the very best of Devon and beyond straight to your gift list.

Ready‑Made Gifts That Impress

If time is tight — and let’s face it, it often is in December — our expertly curated hampers are the perfect solution. Each one is thoughtfully assembled, beautifully packaged, and ready to gift.

Cheese Lovers Hamper Bag

For the cheese aficionado, this hamper is a dream. It features award-winning Godminster Vintage Cheddar, Vintage Red Leicester, and creamy Boy Laity cheese, paired with crisp crackers, sweet garlic pickle, and West Country cheese straws. All of this comes in a reusable navy mini jute bag, combining practicality with presentation. It’s a gift that says “I’ve thought about you” while delighting every sense.

Why it works: Cheese is universally loved, and this hamper offers variety and quality. The reusable bag is a bonus, turning the gift into something practical as well as delicious.

Johns Favourites Thank You Hamper

Looking to show appreciation? Our Thank You Hamper brings together a hand-picked selection of crowd-pleasing goodies. Think bubbly prosecco, amber ale, artisan bread dippers, hot honey, crackers, crisps, Cornish sardines, and indulgent chocolates. It’s the perfect way to say thank you to a colleague, neighbour, or friend — and it feels much more personal than a standard gift card.

Why it works: The combination of sweet, savoury, and fizzy drinks makes it suitable for nearly anyone, and the presentation ensures it feels luxurious.

Cheddar, Chutney & Crackers Gift Bag

For a more budget-conscious option, this simple but delightful gift starts from just £15.50. It combines sea salt & EVOO crackers, a jar of rich onion & pineapple chutney, and a truckle of Godminster Vintage Cheddar. This is a thoughtful, tasty gift that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to make an impression.

Why it works: Affordable, delicious, and beautifully presented. It’s the ideal stocking filler or small gesture that still feels special.

Create Your Own Hamper — Personalised & Memorable

For a truly bespoke gifting experience, our Create Your Own (CYO) Hamper option is unbeatable. Choose from hundreds of artisan products — local favourites, cheeses, charcuterie, craft beers, gins, rums, preserves, and more — and build a gift that is completely unique.

Whether it’s for a birthday, a thank-you, or a festive surprise, the CYO option allows you to tailor the gift exactly to your recipient’s tastes. Pick your packaging — a hamper bag, box, or luxury wicker hamper — and we’ll wrap it beautifully, making the experience effortless and impressive.

Tip: Include a mix of textures, flavours, and indulgences. Think creamy cheeses, sweet preserves, savoury crackers, and a touch of something decadent like artisan chocolates or local gin. The result is a gift that feels carefully considered and luxurious, even if you put it together at the last minute.

Gifts for Every Budget

At Johns, gifting is simple, stylish, and suitable for every budget:

Hamper Gift Bags from £15.50 – Perfect for small treats such as chutneys, preserves, charcuterie, or crackers. Great for stocking fillers or as an extra along with a larger gift.
Hamper Jute Bags from £35 – Stylish, reusable, and sustainable. These bags allow you to handpick a selection of artisan goodies, creating a thoughtful, personalised gift.
Hamper Boxes from £50 – Our branded boxes elevate the presentation, ideal for birthdays, thank-you gifts, or special occasions.
Ultimate Wicker Hampers from £115+ – Overflowing with premium food and drink, these luxurious hampers combine local spirits, craft ciders, artisanal snacks, and sweet treats. Perfect for the gift that really wows.

No matter your budget, there’s an option to impress your friends, family, or colleagues with something they’ll genuinely enjoy.

Supporting Local & Artisan Makers

One of the most rewarding parts of shopping at Johns is knowing that your gift supports local producers and artisan makers.

North Devon Queens Honey – Pure, floral honey that’s a taste of our region.
Sam’s Cider – Crafted locally with care, perfect for the cider enthusiast.
Country Life Brewery – Distinctive local ales with character and flavour.
Doggy Bakes – Artisan treats for four-legged friends.

Alongside these local gems, we also source exceptional products from international suppliers, offering exclusive Italian oils, pastas, sauces, and condiments. It’s a gift experience that introduces recipients to new flavours and supports small-scale producers along the way.

Why Johns is the Perfect Last-Minute Gift Stop

Shopping for gifts can be stressful, but at Johns, we make it effortless. Here’s why:

Huge range – Thousands of products, from local Devon favourites to exclusive international delicacies.
Expertly curated hampers – Thoughtfully assembled for any occasion, ready to gift.
Create Your Own option – Personalise a gift exactly to your recipient’s tastes.
Local & artisan focus – Supporting Devon and beyond, making your gift feel meaningful.
Gift-ready packaging – Beautiful presentation, straight out of the shop or online.

Whether you’re popping into our Instow or Appledore delis, or shopping online, you’ll find gifts that are thoughtful, delicious, and effortless to give.

Gift Inspiration for Every Recipient

Here are some ideas for matching gifts to personalities, tastes, and occasions:

The Cheese Lover – Hamper bags with award-winning cheese, crackers, and chutney. Add a bottle of local cider or prosecco for a little extra indulgence.
The Gin Enthusiast – Create a gift set with local gins, artisan tonics, and citrus garnishes. Finish with a few locally baked snacks for the perfect pairing.
The Sweet Tooth – Curate a box of handmade chocolates, preserves, and sweet treats. Include artisan biscuits and a jar of Devon honey to round it off.
The Home Chef – A collection of Italian oils, pastas, sauces, and condiments. Add a bottle of exclusive balsamic or truffle-infused products for a truly special touch.
The Pet Lover – Don’t forget the four-legged friends with Doggy Bakes, ensuring the gift feels thoughtful for the whole family.

Making the Season Stress-Free

We understand that the festive season is busy — between work, family, and social commitments, finding time to source the perfect gifts can feel overwhelming. That’s why we make it simple: pre-assembled hampers, a vast selection of artisan products, and personalised options all under one roof. You can shop with confidence, knowing you’re giving something truly special.

Even better, many of our products are available online, so you can order from the comfort of your own home and still have gifts ready to go. It’s the ultimate solution for last-minute shopping, allowing you to delight your loved ones without the stress.

A Gift That Leaves a Lasting Impression

There’s something uniquely memorable about giving food and drink as a gift. Unlike generic presents, an artisan hamper from Johns creates an experience: tasting, sharing, and discovering flavours. Our customers often tell us that a gift from Johns sparks conversation, brings people together, and is remembered long after Christmas Day has passed.

When you shop with us, you’re not just giving a gift — you’re sharing the story of local and international artisans, celebrating quality, and creating a moment of joy that is truly special.

Shop Johns of Instow & Appledore Today

Whether it’s a stocking filler, a luxury hamper, or a fully personalised gift, Johns of Instow & Appledore has something for everyone. With over 3,000 products, expertly curated hampers, and the option to create your own, your gift-giving couldn’t be easier — or more delicious.

At Johns of Instow & Appledore, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to make your gift-giving effortless. Whether you’re unsure what to choose or want to create something truly bespoke, we’re happy to offer recommendations based on your recipient’s tastes, our insider knowledge, and what other shoppers have loved in the past. From pairing cheeses with chutneys to selecting the perfect local gin or artisan treat, we take the guesswork out of gift-giving. Pop in and let us help you craft a gift that’s guaranteed to delight.

✨ Make this gifting season stress-free and memorable. Shop in-store or online today and wrap up something truly special