Christmas food gifts

Christmas Gifts for Afternoon Tea Lovers: Find the Perfect Afternoon Tea Gift Hamper

Christmas is the perfect time to give someone a gift they can enjoy slowly, whether that means sharing a pot of tea with family, treating themselves to freshly baked scones or setting aside an afternoon for a little indulgence. For people who love traditional afternoon tea, a carefully chosen food hamper can be a thoughtful alternative to conventional Christmas presents.

An afternoon tea gift hamper brings together the pleasures of tea-time treats in one convenient gift. Depending on the selection, it may include biscuits, cakes, scones, preserves and other delicious accompaniments. It can be enjoyed over the festive period, shared with visitors or saved for a peaceful afternoon after Christmas Day.

If you are shopping for a parent, grandparent, friend, colleague or someone who appreciates a traditional British tea break, an afternoon tea hamper is a lovely way to make the season feel special.

Devon Heaven offers a range of food gifts inspired by the West Country, including the Westcountry Afternoon Tea Hamper. In this guide, we explore what makes an afternoon tea hamper a good Christmas gift, how to choose the right one and how to make your present more personal.

Why Afternoon Tea Hampers Make Wonderful Christmas Gifts

Some of the best Christmas presents are those that encourage people to slow down and enjoy themselves. An afternoon tea hamper does exactly that by turning an ordinary cup of tea into a small occasion.

Rather than giving someone a single item, you can choose a gift that offers several treats to enjoy together or over a number of days.

A gift for people who love traditional tea-time treats

Afternoon tea has a special place in British food culture. A pot of tea served with scones, biscuits, cake or preserves can make a simple afternoon feel more enjoyable.

For someone who looks forward to their daily tea break, an afternoon tea hamper is a natural choice. It brings together the idea of a traditional tea-time spread without requiring the recipient to shop for every item separately.

Explore the cream tea and afternoon tea hamper collection to compare the available options.

A present that can be shared

Food gifts often bring people together. An afternoon tea hamper can be opened when family members visit, shared with a partner over the weekend or enjoyed with friends during the Christmas holidays.

It is particularly suitable for people who appreciate spending time together rather than receiving a purely decorative gift.

If you are buying for a household that enjoys sharing treats, consider the selection and quantities described on the product page before choosing.

Suitable for a wide range of recipients

An afternoon tea gift can work for many different people, including:

  • Parents and grandparents who enjoy a traditional cup of tea.

  • Friends who appreciate cakes, biscuits and sweet treats.

  • Hosts who enjoy welcoming visitors.

  • Colleagues who deserve a thoughtful Christmas present.

  • Relatives who live elsewhere and would appreciate a food delivery.

The right hamper depends on the recipient’s tastes, so it is worth comparing the options rather than choosing based on the name alone.

A relaxed alternative to conventional gifts

Clothing, accessories and household items can be difficult to choose for someone whose preferences you do not know well. A food hamper offers a different kind of present, particularly when the recipient already enjoys tea and traditional treats.

It can also feel more personal when you select a hamper that reflects something you know about the person, such as their love of afternoon tea or their preference for sweet treats.

Discover the Westcountry Afternoon Tea Hamper

If you are looking for an afternoon tea gift hamper for Christmas, the Westcountry Afternoon Tea Hamper is a natural place to start.

Its West Country theme makes it worth considering for someone who enjoys traditional British food gifts. Before ordering, review the current product listing for the full selection, price and any relevant dietary or storage information.

A gift inspired by the West Country

Devon and the wider West Country are associated with traditional cream teas and relaxed tea-time treats. A hamper with this regional theme can make a present feel connected to a familiar British food tradition.

For someone who enjoys discovering regional food, it can be a welcome alternative to a generic gift box.

You can also explore the wider Devon food hampers collection if you want to compare different types of regional food gifts.

Ideal for a cosy Christmas afternoon

The festive season often brings busy schedules, family visits and plenty of preparation. A tea-time hamper gives the recipient a reason to pause and enjoy a quieter moment.

Imagine a relaxed afternoon after a family lunch, with a warm pot of tea and a selection of treats to share. The gift can help create that kind of experience without requiring an elaborate plan.

A thoughtful choice for friends and family

A hamper is particularly appealing when you want to give someone something they can enjoy at home. It can be sent to a relative who lives far away or presented to a friend as part of a Christmas visit.

If you are unsure whether the recipient would prefer an afternoon tea selection or a broader assortment, compare it with the Afternoon Tea Hamper and the Afternoon Tea & Cake Hamper.

Check the current listings to establish which products best match your requirements.

What Should You Look for in an Afternoon Tea Gift Hamper?

Not all afternoon tea hampers are the same. Some focus on classic cream tea, while others offer a broader selection of cakes, biscuits and accompaniments.

Here are the most important things to consider before placing an order.

1. The recipient’s favourite treats

Start by thinking about what the recipient likes to eat.

Someone who enjoys traditional cream tea may appreciate a hamper featuring scones and suitable accompaniments. Someone who prefers a variety of sweet treats might be happier with a selection that includes cakes and biscuits.

For a more traditional option, take a look at the Devon Cream Tea by Post. If you want to compare different scone options, the Fruit & Plain Scone Hamper is another product to consider.

Always read the product description to see what is currently included.

2. The occasion and presentation

Think about whether you are buying a small personal present, a family gift or something more substantial.

A compact hamper may be suitable for one person or a simple thank-you, while a broader selection may be more appropriate for a couple or household.

Check the product photographs and description to understand how the hamper is presented. Do not assume that personalised packaging or a gift message is included unless the retailer confirms it.

3. Dietary requirements

Dietary requirements are particularly important when giving food as a present.

Before purchasing, check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific hamper. If the recipient avoids gluten or has another dietary restriction, do not assume a standard afternoon tea hamper will be suitable.

Devon Heaven lists a Gluten Free Afternoon Tea and a Gluten Free Cream Tea by Post. Review their current product information and allergen details before deciding whether either option meets the recipient’s needs.

4. Your budget

It helps to decide on a budget before browsing. That way, you can focus on options that make sense for the occasion.

You can explore the small food hampers under £25, hampers between £25 and £45 and luxury hampers priced at £45 and over.

Prices and availability can change, so use the current listings when comparing products.

5. Delivery arrangements

If the hamper is being sent directly to the recipient, check the delivery details before ordering.

This is especially important at Christmas, when you may want the gift to arrive around a particular date. Read the current delivery information and allow enough time for ordering and delivery.

Do not rely on an assumed arrival date unless it is confirmed by the retailer.

Five Christmas Gift Ideas for Afternoon Tea Lovers

An afternoon tea hamper can be adapted to different relationships and occasions. Here are five ways to make it a thoughtful festive gift.

1. A Christmas gift for parents

Parents can be difficult to buy for, especially if they already have most of the things they need. A food gift offers something different that they can enjoy at home.

An afternoon tea hamper can be shared over a quiet weekend or saved for a family visit during the holidays.

If your parents prefer a broader selection of treats, compare the Westcountry Afternoon Tea Hamper with the Afternoon Tea Feast Hamper.

2. A thoughtful present for grandparents

For grandparents who enjoy tea and traditional treats, an afternoon tea gift can be both practical and enjoyable.

Think about whether they prefer classic cream tea, cakes and biscuits or a more varied selection. If they enjoy sharing food with visitors, check that the quantity and contents are appropriate for the occasion.

The Large Devon Cream Tea by Post is another option to compare if a traditional cream tea would suit them better.

3. A gift for a friend who loves baking and tea

Some people enjoy the ritual of preparing a lovely tea table as much as eating the treats themselves. For these recipients, a hamper can provide inspiration for a relaxed afternoon at home.

You could pair the gift with a handwritten Christmas card suggesting a future afternoon tea together. The experience of sharing the gift may become just as memorable as the food.

For a different combination of tea-time treats, browse the Cake, Tea & Biscuits Hamper.

4. A thank-you gift for a host

If someone is hosting Christmas drinks, a festive lunch or a family gathering, a hamper can be a thoughtful way to say thank you.

An afternoon tea selection is particularly suitable for someone who enjoys welcoming visitors and serving refreshments.

If you want to explore a gift with a little variety beyond tea-time sweets, the Afternoon Tea Hamper with Cheese & Biscuits offers another style to consider.

5. A Christmas gift for a colleague

A food hamper can be a suitable professional present when you want to thank a colleague or recognise their support during the year.

For an individual gift, consider the person’s preferences and any dietary requirements. For a larger workplace order, confirm the availability and delivery arrangements before committing.

You can also explore Devon Heaven’s corporate hampers page for information about business gifting.

How to Create a Special Afternoon Tea Experience at Christmas

Giving the hamper is only part of the enjoyment. If you are presenting it in person, you can make the gift more memorable by pairing it with a simple afternoon tea plan.

Choose a relaxed time

There is no need to organise a formal event. A quiet afternoon during the Christmas holidays can be the perfect opportunity to open the hamper and enjoy its contents.

If you are buying for someone who lives nearby, you could arrange to share the treats together. If you are sending the hamper to another household, include a personal message suggesting they save it for a relaxed afternoon.

Serve the treats thoughtfully

Use the serving suggestions provided for the products, particularly where storage or preparation matters.

A clean table, favourite cups and a freshly brewed pot of tea can help create a welcoming atmosphere without requiring elaborate decorations.

If the hamper contains products that need refrigeration or have specific storage instructions, follow the information provided with the items.

Add a personal message

A short handwritten message can make the gift feel more meaningful. You might mention a shared memory, wish the recipient a peaceful Christmas or suggest an afternoon tea together in the new year.

If a gift-message option is available at checkout, check the current ordering details. Otherwise, you can send a separate card.

Consider the recipient’s preferences

Not everyone enjoys the same foods or drinks. If you are uncertain about the person’s tastes, choose a hamper whose listed contents are likely to suit them and check for dietary requirements first.

Thoughtfulness is often more important than choosing the biggest or most expensive gift.

Afternoon Tea Hampers Compared with Other Food Gifts

An afternoon tea hamper is an excellent choice for someone who enjoys tea-time treats, but another type of hamper may suit a different recipient better.

For a traditional cream tea: Explore the Cream Tea for One by Post or the Devon Cream Tea by Post.

For someone who enjoys cakes and biscuits: Compare the Biscuit & Cake Lovers Basket with the afternoon tea options.

For a broader food selection: The Devon Heaven Feast may be worth considering.

For a gift that can be tailored: Explore the Create Your Own Hamper collection to see the options currently offered.

Comparing the product descriptions will help you choose a gift that feels appropriate rather than selecting a hamper based solely on its name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an afternoon tea gift hamper?

An afternoon tea gift hamper is a food gift designed around the experience of enjoying tea-time treats. Depending on the product, it may include items such as scones, biscuits, cakes, preserves and other accompaniments.

Is an afternoon tea hamper a good Christmas gift?

Yes. It is a thoughtful option for people who enjoy traditional British tea-time treats. It can be shared with family, enjoyed with a friend or saved for a quiet afternoon during the festive holidays.

Which afternoon tea hamper should I choose?

The best option depends on the recipient’s tastes, dietary requirements and the size of gift you want to give. The Westcountry Afternoon Tea Hamper is a good starting point for comparing the available options.

Can I send an afternoon tea hamper directly to a friend or relative?

Check the retailer’s current delivery options and ensure the recipient’s address is correct before ordering. You can review the delivery information for details.

Are gluten-free afternoon tea hampers available?

Devon Heaven lists gluten-free options, including its Gluten Free Afternoon Tea. Always read the latest ingredients and allergen information before ordering, especially if the recipient has an allergy or needs to avoid particular ingredients.

What if I cannot decide which hamper to buy?

Compare the available products by their contents, price and suitability for the recipient. The best-selling hampers collection can be another starting point when you need inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Choosing Christmas gifts for afternoon tea lovers is easier when you focus on what makes the recipient happy. For someone who enjoys traditional tea-time treats, a carefully selected hamper offers a way to enjoy familiar flavours, share food with loved ones and create a relaxed moment during the festive season.

The Westcountry Afternoon Tea Hamper is worth exploring if you want a gift inspired by the West Country. You can also compare it with the Afternoon Tea & Cake Hamper, the Devon Cream Tea by Post and the wider cream tea and afternoon tea collection.

Before placing an order, check the current product contents, ingredients, prices and delivery information. With a little planning, you can choose an afternoon tea gift hamper that makes Christmas feel warmer, more personal and more enjoyable.

Best Christmas Hampers from Devon: Food & Gift Ideas for 2026

Christmas is one of those times when a food gift can feel much more personal than another item that gets put away after the festive season.

A thoughtfully chosen hamper gives people something to open, discover and share. It can become part of a Christmas Eve evening, a relaxed Boxing Day breakfast, a family afternoon tea or a quiet cup of tea once the Christmas rush has finally slowed down.

And if you’re looking for something with a genuine sense of place, Christmas hampers from Devon are a lovely option.

Devon has a strong food culture, from traditional cream teas and clotted cream to farmhouse cheese, biscuits, cakes, chutneys and West Country cider. That gives you plenty of ways to choose a Christmas food gift according to the person you’re buying for rather than sending the same generic hamper to everyone.

Devon Heaven’s Devon Food Hampers collection brings together a wide range of locally sourced food and drink hampers, including sweet, savoury, cream tea and larger mixed selections. The hampers are hand-packed and can be sent with a personalised gift message. (Devon Heaven)

So, if you’re starting your Christmas 2026 gift shopping, here are some Devon food hamper ideas to consider.

1. A Traditional Devon Cream Tea Hamper

Christmas doesn’t always need to mean mince pies, Christmas pudding and chocolate.

Sometimes, the best festive food gift is something that can be enjoyed during the quieter days around Christmas.

A traditional Devon cream tea is a perfect example.

The Devon Cream Tea by Post brings together plain scones, Devon clotted cream, strawberry jam and Devonshire tea.

It makes a particularly nice gift for someone who loves traditional British food and would enjoy turning an ordinary afternoon into a small occasion.

Imagine the scene: Christmas decorations are still up, the kettle is on, everyone has finally finished opening presents and there is nowhere that anyone needs to be for the next hour.

That is exactly when a cream tea can work beautifully.

For a larger selection, the Cream & Afternoon Tea Hampers collection includes a range of cream teas and afternoon tea hampers in different styles and sizes.

Why choose a cream tea for Christmas?

  • It is distinctly associated with Devon
  • It can be enjoyed at home
  • It works for couples and families
  • It offers an alternative to traditional Christmas desserts
  • It is suitable for both gifting and sharing

2. A Cream Tea for One

Christmas gifting can sometimes be difficult when you’re buying for someone who lives alone.

Large family hampers may be more food than they need, while many traditional gifts don’t feel particularly personal.

That’s where a smaller hamper can make sense.

The Cream Tea For One is designed for an individual recipient, with scones, clotted cream, jam, Devonshire tea and a sweet treat.

It can be a thoughtful choice for a friend, relative, neighbour or colleague who might appreciate having their own little Christmas treat.

It also makes sense when you’re sending several different gifts and want to give each person something suited to them rather than sending one large box to an entire household.

3. A Cake, Tea and Biscuit Hamper

If there’s one combination that feels naturally suited to a winter afternoon, it’s tea and something sweet.

The Cake, Tea & Biscuits Hamper combines Devonshire tea with a selection of treats including fruitcake, brownie, fudge cookies, strawberry and cream shortbread and other sweet treats. (Devon Heaven)

This is the kind of Christmas gift that doesn’t need a special occasion within the occasion.

It can simply be opened during the Christmas holidays and enjoyed over several cups of tea.

It’s also a good option when you aren’t completely sure what type of sweet food the recipient prefers because the variety gives them different things to try.

Particularly suitable for:

  • Parents and grandparents
  • Tea lovers
  • Colleagues
  • Friends
  • Teachers
  • Hosts
  • Relatives who enjoy traditional British baking

4. A Biscuit and Cake Hamper for Sweet-Toothed Recipients

Some people see Christmas as an excellent excuse to eat more cake and biscuits.

If that sounds like someone on your Christmas list, a sweet-focused hamper could be exactly what you’re looking for.

The Biscuit & Cake Lovers Basket is centred around the sort of treats that work particularly well with afternoon tea or a hot drink.

Rather than choosing one box of chocolates and hoping the recipient likes it, a selection of cakes and biscuits gives them more variety.

The wider Cake & Biscuit Hampers collection is also worth exploring if you want your Christmas gift to focus specifically on traditional sweet treats.

This type of hamper can be particularly useful for grandparents or families because it can be opened and shared throughout the festive period.

5. A Little Devon Treats Hamper

Not every Christmas gift needs to be enormous.

In fact, a smaller selection can sometimes be more appropriate for neighbours, colleagues, friends or relatives when you want to give them something thoughtful without going overboard.

The Little Devon Treats Hamper offers a selection of local treats in a compact hamper format.

This makes it a useful choice for Christmas gifting when you’re buying several presents.

You can also use a smaller food hamper as an alternative to the traditional bottle of wine or box of chocolates.

The recipient still gets a selection of treats, but the gift feels a little more distinctive and connected to Devon.

6. Cheese and Savoury Christmas Hampers

Not everyone wants another box of chocolates at Christmas.

For someone who prefers savoury food, cheese, chutney and snacks can be much more appealing.

The Cheese & Savoury Snacks hamper is designed around savoury treats and can work particularly well for people who enjoy putting together a cheeseboard or grazing platter.

You can also browse the Cheese & Savoury Hampers collection for other options.

A savoury hamper has another advantage at Christmas: it can become part of the food on the table.

Instead of being something that has to be eaten immediately, individual products can be brought out when guests arrive or added to a relaxed evening spread.

A savoury hamper works well for:

  • Cheese lovers
  • Hosts
  • Couples
  • Parents
  • Foodies
  • People who prefer savoury snacks to sweets
  • Christmas entertaining

7. A Devon Cider and Cheese Gift

For adults who enjoy a relaxed evening drink with good food, cider and cheese make a natural pairing.

The Cider & Cheese Hamper brings these two elements together into one gift.

It can work particularly well for couples because it is naturally suited to sharing.

Picture a cold December evening, the Christmas lights on, a cheeseboard on the table and a glass of cider alongside it.

That’s the sort of experience that makes a food hamper feel like more than just a parcel.

If you’d like to explore more cider-related options, the Devon Cider collection provides another route for choosing a gift.

8. A Larger Devon Food Hamper for the Whole Family

Some Christmas presents are meant for one person.

Others are better when everyone can join in.

A larger mixed food hamper can be particularly useful when you’re buying for a family or household.

The Devon Heaven Feast is one of the more substantial food selections available from Devon Heaven.

A gift like this can be opened during the festive period and enjoyed gradually rather than being treated as a single sitting.

That’s especially useful during Christmas, when there are usually several opportunities for people to snack, make a cheeseboard, have afternoon tea or sit down together.

For families, a mixed hamper also removes some of the pressure of trying to find one product that everyone likes.

There is simply more to discover.

9. An Afternoon Tea Hamper for a Christmas Afternoon

Christmas Day gets most of the attention, but some of the nicest festive moments happen on the days around it.

A quiet afternoon between Christmas and New Year can be the perfect time for afternoon tea.

The Afternoon Tea Hamper offers a more complete afternoon tea experience, combining scones, clotted cream, jam, tea and additional sweet treats.

It can make a lovely Christmas present because the recipient doesn’t have to wait for a particular celebration to use it.

They can simply choose an afternoon when everyone is at home.

And because the festive period often means family members visiting from different parts of the country, an afternoon tea hamper can give everyone something to sit down and enjoy together.

10. Create Your Own Christmas Hamper from Devon

If you’re buying for someone who has very specific tastes, creating your own hamper can be one of the most personal approaches.

Rather than selecting a pre-designed box, you can choose products according to the person you’re buying for.

The Create Your Own Hamper gives you the opportunity to put together a combination of Devon treats.

This can be especially useful for Christmas because you can build the hamper around the recipient.

For a cream tea lover

Choose scones, clotted cream, jam and tea.

For a sweet tooth

Look for cakes, biscuits, fudge and chocolate-based treats.

For a cheese lover

Build around cheese and savoury accompaniments.

For a Devon enthusiast

Combine different local specialities to create a wider taste of the county.

For a family

Choose a mixture of sweet and savoury products so there is something for different tastes.

A personalised hamper can also be a nice solution when you’re buying for someone who already seems to have everything.

They may not need another physical object, but they can certainly enjoy good food.

Christmas Food Gifts for Different People

One of the easiest ways to choose a Christmas hamper is to forget about the word “Christmas” for a moment and think about the person.

For Mum or Dad

A traditional cream tea, afternoon tea or larger Devon food hamper can make a lovely family-oriented gift.

A Devon Cream Tea by Post is particularly suited to someone who enjoys classic British treats.

For grandparents

Cake, biscuits and tea are timeless choices.

A hamper can also give them something they can enjoy gradually rather than having to consume everything immediately.

For a couple

Consider something designed for sharing, such as a cream tea, cheese selection or cider and cheese hamper.

For a colleague

A smaller hamper such as the Little Devon Treats selection can be a thoughtful alternative to a standard box of chocolates.

For a foodie

Choose variety.

A larger Devon food hamper or a custom selection allows the recipient to discover several different products.

For someone who loves afternoon tea

Look at the Cream & Afternoon Tea Hampers rather than automatically choosing a general food hamper.

Why Choose a Devon Hamper for Christmas?

There are plenty of Christmas hampers available across the UK, so what makes a Devon hamper different?

The answer is the sense of place.

A regional food gift can tell a small story about where the food comes from.

Devon is strongly associated with cream teas, clotted cream, traditional baking, cheese, cider and other West Country produce. Choosing a hamper built around those foods means the recipient isn’t simply receiving “Christmas food”.

They’re getting a taste of Devon.

Devon Heaven says its food hampers are made with locally sourced ingredients from Devon and Cornwall and are hand-packed in recyclable packaging. The company also offers delivery date selection and personalised gift messages. (Devon Heaven)

That combination makes a regional hamper particularly suitable for gifting from a distance.

Sending Christmas Hampers by Post

If you’re ordering a Christmas food gift for delivery, timing is worth thinking about before placing the order.

Devon Heaven allows customers to schedule a hamper for a selected delivery date, with orders able to be arranged up to four months in advance. The company also advises ordering ahead of important occasions because next-day delivery is not guaranteed. (Devon Heaven)

This is particularly relevant during the Christmas period, when courier networks can be busier than usual.

If the hamper contains chilled or perishable products, check the individual product’s storage and delivery information as well.

For example, Devon Heaven explains that ice packs may be included during warmer weather for products such as cream, cheese, scones and pasties. (Devon Heaven)

A simple Christmas delivery checklist

Before ordering, check:

  • The recipient’s full delivery address
  • Whether someone will be available to receive the parcel
  • The selected delivery date
  • Whether the hamper contains chilled products
  • Any dietary requirements
  • Whether you want to add a personal message
  • Whether the gift needs to arrive before a particular celebration

A little planning can make the whole process much easier.

Don’t Forget the Personal Message

One of the nicest parts of sending a Christmas hamper is the message that comes with it.

A short handwritten-style message can turn a food delivery into a genuine Christmas present.

You don’t need to write a long paragraph.

Something as simple as:

“Wishing you a wonderful Christmas. Hope you enjoy a little taste of Devon!”

can make the box feel much more personal.

Devon Heaven includes personalised gift messaging with its hampers, and its gift boxes don’t include invoices or receipts inside the parcel. (Devon Heaven)

Christmas Hampers from Devon: Which One Should You Choose?

There isn’t one type of hamper that suits everyone.

Instead, think about what the recipient genuinely enjoys.

Traditional food lover:
Choose a Devon cream tea.

Tea and cake fan:
Go for a cake, tea and biscuit selection.

Sweet tooth:
Choose a biscuit and cake hamper.

Cheese lover:
Look at savoury and cheese hampers.

Cider fan:
Consider a cider and cheese combination.

Family:
Choose a larger mixed Devon food hamper.

Someone with particular tastes:
Build a custom hamper.

Someone who lives alone:
A smaller option such as a cream tea for one can make more sense.

The Devon Food Hampers collection brings many of these options together, making it easier to compare different styles of gift in one place.

A Taste of Devon for Christmas 2026

Christmas gifting doesn’t have to be complicated.

A good food hamper can be opened, shared and enjoyed, and a regional hamper adds something extra because it connects the gift with a particular place.

From traditional Devon cream teas and afternoon tea to cakes, biscuits, cheese, cider and larger mixed food selections, there are plenty of ways to put together a Christmas gift that feels thoughtful without being predictable.

For Christmas 2026, a Devon food hamper can be particularly appealing if you’re looking for something that feels warm, traditional and genuinely enjoyable.

After all, the best Christmas gifts are often the ones that don’t sit on a shelf.

They’re the ones that end up on the kitchen table, beside a freshly made cup of tea, while everyone reaches over to see what comes next.