'Tis that time of year where we sit around in advanced puzzledom, wondering where we should do to find great Christmas hampers in Bangalore. Of course, every old Bangalore confectioner and stores-that-sell-Christmas-goodies, fine stores like Thoms or All Saints, will have plum cake and rose cookies but if you are thinking of gifting the hamper to your special peeps, you need to go upscale. Where better than the city's five star hotels in which lurk "pastry chefs". In the world of F&B they are the icing on the cake. Sorry, couldn't resist. So, here are some great stops on the Christmas hamper trail.

The Leela Palace

"Santa's Workshop" at Leela Palace brings you cakes, chocolates, mince pies and wine, all in celebration of this festive season. Offering many exclusive hampers, there is also a DIY Gingerbread House kit that kids and family would love to put up together. The hampers start from Rs 1250 plus taxes. Contact 080 3757 1315.

The Oberoi

Their hamper this year has chocolate Santa hats and chocolate Rudoplh's in a stroke of creativity by their pastry chefs. The hotel offers hampers of handmade pralines, stollen, yule logs and more. For further information call +91 80 2558 5858

Vivanta by Taj – Yeshwantpur

Taj Yeshwantpur's Christmas hampers go from the regular chocolates to even Indian mithais, Middle Eastern Baklava, and macaroons. To know more and book these hampers call +91  7760710002

Vivanta by Taj – Whitefield

A blend of grandeur and glee, their Christmas hampers are a treat to the taste buds. From Home made Chocolates, Christmas Pudding, a bottle of Indian Wine, Camembert, along with Fruit Cake, Cheddar and a bottle of Scotch – the hamper is a pure delight, ranging from INR 1750 to INR 22750. You can also customize your hamper, from a wide variety of goodies available at the hotel. For further information and reservations, call 080-67343058.

The Gateway Hotel – Residency Road

The hotel is providing three exclusive Christmas hampers this season. The hampers include assorted dry fruits, jujubes, nutty chocolate box, panettone and much more. The hampers also come with a range of festive decorations and diyas. The hampers range from INR 3100 to INR 5100, excluding taxes. For reservations and further information, please call: 080-6660 4545

(The images in this article are illustrative and do not purport to be a representation of the products sold by the establishments mentioned.)