Celebrate British Pudding Day with a Traditional Christmas Pudding

Today, 9 November, is British Pudding Day, and with Christmas just over six weeks away, we can't think of a better excuse to talk about the king of them all: the Christmas pudding.

Whether you grew up with Nan's pudding on the table every year, or you're thinking about starting a new tradition, a good Christmas pudding is one of those gifts that feels personal without any fuss. Here's a little bit of pudding history, some gift ideas, and a few tips for serving one in the middle of an Aussie summer.

A little pudding history

The Christmas pudding has been part of British Christmas for centuries, and it came to Australia with the early settlers. Rich with dried fruit, spices and a splash of brandy, it was made weeks ahead so the flavours had time to mature.

That's where Stir-up Sunday comes in. It falls on the last Sunday before Advent, which this year is Sunday 22 November. Traditionally, the whole family takes a turn stirring the pudding mix and making a wish, and a silver coin is often stirred in for luck. Whoever finds it on Christmas Day is said to have good fortune for the year ahead.

If you'd rather skip the hours of steaming, a ready-made traditional pudding gives you all the tradition with none of the work.

Christmas pudding gift ideas

A Christmas pudding travels well and keeps well, which makes it a lovely gift to send early. A few ways to give one:

• On its own: the Pudding Lady Traditional Christmas Pudding in Cloth (350g) is a small, thoughtful gift for a neighbour, teacher or colleague.
• With bubbles: pair a pudding with champagne for something special. Our Moët Christmas gifts include a Moët gift basket with a Christmas pudding.
• In a gourmet hamper: a pudding tucked in with wine, port or festive treats makes a generous gift for family, clients or the team. Browse our Christmas hampers.
• For pudding lovers: see the full range of Pudding Lady Christmas gifts, from Newcastle's own Pudding Lady.

Serving pudding in an Aussie summer

A hot pudding on a 35-degree day isn't for everyone, so here are a few ways to make it work:

• Keep it classic: warm it through and serve with brandy butter or custard after a light seafood lunch.
• Serve it cool: slice it and serve at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Make it a dessert platter: small wedges of pudding with fresh berries, mango and a dollop of cream.
• Save it for later: puddings keep well, so it's just as good on Boxing Day or a cooler evening.

Send a pudding this Christmas

Happy British Pudding Day from iGift Hampers! Our gourmet and Christmas hampers are delivered Australia-wide. Orders placed by 2pm on a weekday are dispatched the same day, and most arrive the next business day. Every hamper includes a free gift card for your personal message.

If you're sending gifts to clients or staff, corporate and bulk Christmas orders close on Tuesday 15 December (Monday 14 December for WA and the NT).

Shop Christmas hampers