'Bits' to go in soup hamper gift

[secondhoneymoon]

Saw a lovely soup recipe book which I've bought for a 'hard to buy for' couple for Christmas, knowing that it will be used. Need to add to it Initially I thought some nice soup bowls, but the only one' dive seen that I like (look like mini soup tureen) are £4 each and whilst I could buy 2, would really need to buy 4 as their children are often home to eat with them and it's more than I want to spend.
So I thought about making up a bundle of 'soup things' like Bouquet garni, bay leaves, croutons... but can't think of anything else to make it more of a theme.
Alternatively I could think of something else completely different to go with it but would rather theme it if poss as they are hard to buy for. Any suggestions welcome !

[Argeles]

Red split lentils
Pearl barley
Macaroni
Vermicelli
Chickpeas
Spices such as, cumin seeds. Chilli flakes and coriander powder.

[OldTurtle]

www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/252015574
Breadmix

[Almostthere15]

Are there any spices in the recipes that are hard to come by. You could add those.

Or what about a personalised wooden spoon. They must exist?

Or the amazing soup freezer bags from lakeland. Id love those but my DH always looks at me strangely when I suggest things like that....

[Argeles]

I think your gift idea is lovely by the way - thanks for the inspiration!

[secondhoneymoon]

Fantastic Argeles , thank you - I hadn't thought about ingredients other than herbs, and spices are a great idea. Thanks

[PickAChew]

Little mini pasta shapes. You can get tiny bows or flowers specially for soup.

[BrutusMcDogface]

www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/256538133

[secondhoneymoon]

Wow so many suggestions while I was responding. Will flick through the book for ingredient inspiration, bead mix and soup freezer bags are excellent ideas. Soup hamper it is!!

[mumonashoestring]

You could go for a set of 4 nice large mugs or soup spoons rather than bowls? Alternatively everything on Argeles' list, seeds that can be toasted and sprinkled (pumpkin, pine nuts, sesame, sunflower), maybe some parmigiano (usually keeps a bit better than parmesan) and a little grater?

[secondhoneymoon]

Thank you all . Glad your helpfulness has been rewarded with a present idea Argeles. I get some great presents ideas from Mumsnet!

[secondhoneymoon]

Mumonashoestring - that's a good idea, but actually just thinking I wouldn't have anywhere to put bowls if someone bought them from me, and am leaning towards the ingredients route

[Flimp]

mini bottle of truffle oil? Delicious drizzled on soups like celeriac or leek and potato.

[secondhoneymoon]

Oh and if anyone should see any soup themed serviettes anywhere please let me know - the only time I bought napkins off the bet they were crap quality so would rather from a shop where I can see they look ok

[secondhoneymoon]

Thanks flimp, any idea where I would get a mini bottle? Things like that are more interesting than bouquet garni etc which she is likely to have already

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Paul Hollywood Bread Mix (don't know if it's any good but you get a picture of him on it)
What's not to love

[WazFlimFlam]

Nice oils, like truffle and chilli oil to drizzle on top.

Naice spice blends like ras al hanour and proper Harissa.

[OverinaFlash]

Do you have a good local garden centre, they often have nice homeware sections with lots of napkins?

[OverinaFlash]

Or a cook shop like Steamer Trading etc?

[secondhoneymoon]

Good idea re garden centre for napkins. Another present sorted thanks to you lovely people

[Ishouldbedoingsomething]

What about a nice soup ladle - there is a really cute nessie one on Amazon

[secondhoneymoon]

Yes I thought about a ladle, a
I also got myself a ladle/soup stand from IKEA recently, could do that too

[WaxOnFeckOff]

teeny tiny nutmeg grater? My SIL has one and I covet it even though I don't cook anything I'd need one for :o

[secondhoneymoon]

Another great idea, thank you

[GinYummy]

I bought a really lovely soup mug in next for dh. They had a few different designs and they have a plastic lid that fits over for the microwave.

[secondhoneymoon]

Thank you Gin, just had a look and they are lovely but would take me way over budget for this gift.