Hmm... hate to say it but the contents could be bought for much much less. I'd never pay that for them. I suppose you are paying for the Harrods name and the basket itself. Does the price include shipping?
Well, of course it could be bought for much less, but what's the fun in that?!
Seriously, everything in that hamper, I can buy at the international market an hour away. It won't be labeled "Harrod's," of course, but it'll all be British products, and I'd probably spend $50, if that.
But that's not really the point. It's nice to get things delivered, from far away places, no less, packed nicely for you, like a nice little treat for yourself, and I absolutely want that basket, and I want to see it sat beneath the tree as soon as we get that up.
It's the same reason we get a pre-packed picnic hamper from a nice shop when we're there. We could much more cheaply just go grab a loaf of bread, some salami, and some cheese from Tesco, but that lessens the overall experience. The presentation is a nice addition, and adds to the enjoyment of it all.
I hate doing things on the cheap when it's a special occasion. I grew up that way, because we didn't have much money, and my parents are naturally tight-fisted, so when we'd go somewhere like a county fair, we had to bring our own food from home, things like that. I always swore when I grew up, if I could afford it, I wouldn't be doing that to myself or my family. So...extravagant, overpriced hampers for all!
And no, shipping was extra, but it was a flat rate, so there are some other items in that order as well.
I really don't like Dutch chocolate selection boxes, they are all based on nuts and coffee flavors while I love caramel & fruity flavors. So well done hubby .