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Out of 55 gift baskets, we found 15 worth spending your money on. Macaron Box
Rachel covers all aspects of the home space and tests products to find the best for consumers. When she's not writing, you can find her streaming, hiking, and decorating.
If you’re unsure what to get someone for a special occasion, whether it’s a birthday or holiday, a great go-to is a gift basket. Gift baskets offer a variety of products instead of just one, and require little effort on the part of the gift giver, making them a great option for people who want to put something special together for their loved ones but don’t have enough time to make it from scratch.
Still, there are many qualities to consider when selecting the right gift basket, including price, packaging, and, of course, the recipient's preferences. To help you weed through the many gift basket options on the market, we spoke with three food gifting experts: Michael Benevides, vice president of Portugalia Marketplace, Cristina Flores, vice president of product at Eataly North America, and Kristin Fisher, founder of Bocu. We also tested 55 different gift baskets ourselves, evaluating them on selection, quality, and overall value.
There are six different sizes to choose from, so you can buy for just one person or a whole group.
You can’t customize the cookie assortment, and there isn’t much variety.
If you’re looking to get a gift basket to share with a large group of people, such as family or your favorite coworkers, we think this one from Cheryl’s Cookies is a great option. The gift basket we tested contained 72 cookies and five flavors, which we thought was a great value for the price tag. You get 16 chocolate chip cookies, 16 oatmeal raisin cookies, 16 frosted classic cut-out cookies, 12 sugar cookies, and 12 chocolate obsession cookies.
We were pleased with the taste and found that the cookies remained soft and flavorful, even after sitting in a freezer for two weeks. We were also impressed by the presentation: Each of the cookies came wrapped, creating an individualized experience for each recipient. Since the basket only offered five cookie flavors, we do think there could have been a bit more variety. Still, if you’re looking for cookies, this option can’t be beat.
Shipping: From $10 | Number of Items: 12, 24, 36, 72, 100, or 200 cookies
The cheese is high quality and comes with complementary foods.
There are only four cheese options.
We loved the high-quality cheese included in this Murray’s Cheese basket, and we appreciated the variety as well as the large portions. With this gift basket, you get a block of English cheddar, a mini Brie, cave-aged Gruyère, and a young manchego, as well as other snacks to go with the cheese, including sea salt and olive crackers, Marcona almonds, and spiced cherry preserves. The creamy Brie, in particular, was a standout, and we thought the crackers complemented the cheese very well. We found the cherry preserves to be unique and unlike typical grocery store alternatives.
Given the price, perhaps more items could have been added to the basket, such as charcuterie or even a bottle of wine. Even so, the crackers and almonds were a nice touch. While it does feel like you’re paying for the “Murray’s” name, the basket is worth the splurge for cheese fanatics.
Shipping: From $7, free ground shipping on orders over $150 | Number of Items: 7
It contains three different types of baked goods.
Some of the products were a bit dry.
Anyone with a sweet tooth will relish the variety of baked goods this gift basket contains. The Harry & David Bakery Tray is a smorgasbord of desserts, including several cookies, ranging from lemon shortbread to walnut chocolate chunk, and cakes, such as an apple streusel loaf cake and a whole lemon poppyseed coffee cake. There are also raspberry galettes, baklava, cinnamon swirls, and more. We liked the variety of baked goods offered, as there is truly something for everyone in this basket.
We found some of the baked goods to be dry, which is to be expected considering that we had to freeze and unthaw them. Even so, we feel that the value of this basket is worthwhile and will save a significant amount of time that would otherwise be spent baking yourself. The Harry & David Bakery Tray comes with 17 total items and a beautiful pine wood tray to display the baked goods to its recipients.
Shipping: From $22 | Number of Items: 17 baked goods plus a tray
The box includes a variety of high-quality flavors, making it suitable for adventurous and non-adventurous eaters.
Each truffle is different, so not everyone will get to try each flavor.
One of the best foodie gifts you can get someone is an assortment of fine chocolates, and we can confidently say that Recchiuti’s Black Box 16 features some of the best chocolates we’ve ever tasted. The best-selling box includes 16 truffles, each featuring a unique flavor and intricate design. We were impressed by the variety and ended up enjoying every single chocolate in the box, even the flavors we don’t typically prefer. We think the wide range of indulgent textures and flavors make this box a real crowd-pleaser.
The box arrived with an ice pack to ensure that the chocolates were fresh upon opening them. Though the packaging itself wasn’t particularly elaborate, we appreciated the luxe, minimalist Black Box aesthetic. It was more expensive than most chocolate boxes, but we think the high-quality flavors and thoughtful designs make it worth the price. While the 16-piece box is ideal for sharing among smaller groups, Recchuiti also offers the Black Box 32 and Black Box 88 for larger crowds. This is a great choice for every chocolate lover, whether they have an adventurous palette or prefer to stick to the basics.
Shipping: From $20 | Number of Items: 16 truffles
The basket includes a wide variety of snacks, ranging from fruit to sausage.
The brown paper in the packaging is a bit messy when you open it.
While one may not expect fruit gift baskets to be versatile, this basket from Shari’s Berries amazed us with its variety. The basket includes a whopping 37 different fruits and snacks, including pears, apples, chocolate-covered pretzels, butter-toffee mixed nuts, sausage, and more. With a wide selection ranging from sweet to savory, the basket truly has something to please everyone. Given its generous portion, we believe it would be great to serve at a party or share with a large group.
Beyond its variety, we were equally impressed by the basket’s beautiful presentation. It arrived in a wicker basket nicely covered in cellophane, adorned with a bright bow on top. We appreciated that the basket was attractive enough that you wouldn’t have to worry about adding additional packaging to make it a presentable gift. The basket did get a bit messy once we removed the cellophane, though, as the brown shreds of paper were pretty much everywhere. Even so, the secure packaging ensured that none of the fruits were bruised upon arrival.
Though the fruit didn’t necessarily taste different from the organic fruits we’ve tried from the grocery store, we were amazed by the consistent freshness. Every single fruit was in pristine condition, perfect to be eaten right away. Even the pears, which are often susceptible to bruising, were packed in a separate layer beneath the other snacks and perfectly fresh. While it was definitely on the expensive side, we think this would be a good choice for those seeking a healthy, fresh gift basket to share with friends and family.
Shipping: Varies by location | Number of Items: 37
It includes a varied assortment of non-perishable snacks from around the world.
It isn’t as gourmet as other gift baskets, and most of the snacks tasted of grocery-store quality.
This exotic gift basket allows you to enjoy some of the tastiest sweet and savory treats from around the globe at home. It offers 20 different snacks, eight of which come in multiples, including sour kiwi gummies, ketchup potato sticks, choco banana wafer rolls, kimchi-flavored soy wheat crackers, and others. Representing South Korea, Spain, Turkey, Germany, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Czechia, this basket provides a worldly experience at your fingertips.
The majority of the snacks were shareable, and the ones that came in personal servings were duplicated so at least two people could try them. The presentation wasn’t anything extraordinary–the snacks came in a simple box with a cute pattern on it–and each snack was individually sealed. Since all of the snacks are prepackaged and non-perishable, we think this gift basket would make for an ideal care package for a college student.
All of the snacks tasted great in our testing. While we, of course, preferred some snacks over others, we found all of them to be extremely fresh. We would say that the appeal of this gift basket is more so novelty than gourmet. A lot of the snacks tasted like typical grocery store items but came in a variety of flavors that you wouldn’t usually find in the U.S. The low price was also a steal given the large quantity. If you’re an adventurous eater eager to expand your palate, this care package might do just the trick.
Shipping: Free | Number of Items: 28
The high-quality ice cream stays fresh and cold through transit, tasting as if it were made the night before.
The selection lacks a fruity flavor.
Ice cream lovers will be thrilled to dive into this curated assortment of Salt & Straw’s best-selling pints. This gift basket contains five pints, including sea salt with caramel ribbons, chocolate gooey brownie, double fold vanilla, freckled mint chocolate chip (vegan), and salted, malted chocolate chip cookie dough. The flavors complemented each other well, though we think the selection could have benefited from a fruity touch.
The ice cream arrived in a large, unbranded cardboard box with a couple of damp corners. Despite the damp packaging, we were amazed by how fresh and cold the ice cream stayed in transit, thanks to ClimaCell lining and dry ice. The ice cream tasted like it had been made the day before, with no freezer burn or meltiness whatsoever. The creamy, soft consistency of the sea salt caramel flavor exceeded that of what we’d get from well-known brands like Ben and Jerry’s, and the chocolate flavors were sweet but not too overpowering. Our MVP (most valuable pint) has to be the vegan flavor, which was unlike anything we’ve ever tasted. It was so good that we would even choose it over traditional dairy flavors. The gift basket’s price equates to $15 per pint, far more expensive than anything you’d find in a grocery store, with a $19 shipping charge on top of that. That said, the ice cream’s impressive quality may make it worth the splurge.
Shipping: From $19 | Number of Items: 5
The biscuits arrive frozen, so you don’t have to rush to eat them by a certain time.
It doesn’t have the appearance of a typical “gourmet” gift basket.
If you’re seeking a non-traditional gift basket to send a friend, consider sharing the love with this biscuit box from Callie’s Biscuits. The basket includes 18 small biscuits in three different flavors: buttermilk, cinnamon sugar, and cheddar and chive. It also comes with a small tub of pimento cheese for spreading. We estimate that this basket could serve six to nine people if all the flavors are prepared at once or three people if you choose to prepare each flavor box separately.
We appreciate that each box of biscuits arrives frozen, so there’s no need to rush to enjoy them while they’re still fresh. This flexibility allowed us to savor the biscuits over an extended period as opposed to eating them in one sitting. They arrived in a huge branded box, which was a bit deceiving given the size of the biscuits themselves, with plenty of dry ice to keep them cold. We were pleasantly surprised to find that, despite being frozen, the contents were not at all wet or soggy. The biscuits tasted perfectly fresh and crumbly, comparable in taste and quality to those served in a Southern-style restaurant. Even the pimento cheese was more flavorful than the grocery store versions we’ve tried.
Shipping: Varies; free express shipping on orders over $100 | Number of Items: 19 (18 biscuits, 1 cheese)
The interactive and informative packaging adds a sense of excitement when opening it.
There is a delay between the order and shipping date, so this isn’t a good last-minute option.
While gift baskets make for nice one-time gifts, Curdbox offers a subscription that keeps the food flowing for three months. Each month has a unique theme, adding an element of surprise to the subscription. The basket includes a total of six items, featuring three artisanal cheeses, a jar of onion jam, and two types of crackers. The cheese selection is diverse, catering to those who like both soft and harder cheeses, in addition to those who prefer bold flavors and subtle ones. We found the softer, creamier cheeses tasted more gourmet than the harder ones. It’s a bonus that the gift basket did the work for us by finding the perfect crackers and onion jam to pair with them.
Its packaging particularly stood out to us. Inside the box, there was a letter explaining the theme and providing a bit of information about each item. It also included a letter with a QR code that directed us to a Spotify playlist featuring songs related to the box’s designated theme. The thoughtful execution of the theme made us even more excited to explore the contents. The cheeses were individually wrapped and placed in silver packaging alongside a disposable ice pack. After sitting on the front porch for approximately six hours, the ice pack had completely melted, and the cheese was only slightly cool to the touch. Though we wish the cheeses remained a bit colder, they still tasted perfectly fresh when we opened them.
Since this is a subscription, the manufacturer notes that the first box you order will be shipped the following month, so the recipient may not receive the package until several weeks later. Due to this delay, we wouldn’t recommend this basket for those seeking a last-minute gift. Even so, it’s the perfect size for sharing, which makes it the ideal gift for a host or hostess looking to impress guests.
Shipping: Free | Number of Items: 6 (3 cheeses, 3 food pairings)
It includes more variety than your standard charcuterie board.
The cheese selection was a bit unexciting, so you may want to add some other cheeses to the mix.
Di Bruno’s Abbondanza Gift Box is sure to elevate anyone’s charcuterie game. The box features all the essentials needed to craft the perfect cheese board, including one aged cheddar block, one cheese spread, pepper shooters, salami, jam, candied nuts, caramels, and crostini. The website mentioned that the box typically comes with peppers, though ours arrived with a black olive tapenade instead. We think this box could easily feed a small gathering of three to five people.
It arrived in a pretty simple box adorned with illustrations and filled with shredded paper. The ice pack kept the contents adequately cold, and nothing was damaged upon arrival. We were impressed by the diverse array of options, as everything tasted super fresh and high quality. While it tasted great, the block of aged cheddar lacked pizazz. We would have preferred if the basket offered a third, more exciting cheese option.
Overall, we wouldn’t consider the gift basket vastly different from what we could get in a grocery store, though the salami, jam, and tapenade did have a particularly gourmet feel. It is a bit more expensive than the median price of a typical gift basket, but we think the varied selection and exceptional quality make it a good value buy. If you’re looking to craft a savory charcuterie board that goes beyond the typical “meat and cheese” selection, we would vouch for this one.
Shipping: From $15 | Number of Items: 8
It includes a varied enough selection of foods to provide a meal, beverage, and dessert.
It’s a bit pricey, and the bagels tasted pre-packaged.
New York is known for its iconic cuisine, and Eli Zabar’s NYC Deli Weekender Box provides enough of The Big Apple’s delicacies for everyone to have a bite. The basket includes six bagels (you can choose two variations between everything, poppy seed, sesame, and cinnamon raisin), two loaves of bread, babka, granola, lox, cream cheese, ground coffee, cookies, jam, cheese crisps, pastrami, and mustard, though we didn’t receive the mustard in ours. Its variety allows for several different food combinations and provides enough ingredients to craft a full meal, including a beverage and dessert. The manufacturer says this gift basket could feed six people, as each person would get their own bagel in addition to other items.
We appreciated that the basket provided an option to choose your delivery date, as opposed to automatically shipping as soon as you order. This allows you to schedule the basket in advance for a specific occasion. It had a pretty standard appearance; everything was packaged neatly, and the perishable items were wrapped in an envelope with an ice pack. We were impressed that nothing was damaged upon arrival–the glass jam jar stayed intact, and the softer items didn’t crumble.
The babka was so good we could hardly stop eating it, and the pastrami and lox were so fresh we would have never guessed they went through transit. We were a bit disappointed by the bagels, though, which tasted like what you’d find at a grocery store. This was unsurprising given the fact that it was pre-packaged, but you shouldn't expect NYC-style bagels. Priced at $270, this was the most expensive gift basket we tested, and we suspect we could buy the same items at a grocery store for less. Still, it’s a fun option for a large group to share.
Shipping: Free | Number of Items: 18
It includes both baked and non-baked goods.
The banana pudding goes bad fairly quickly and may take up a lot of space in the fridge.
After trying Magnolia's Best of Bakery Sampler, we can attest that the brand's signature banana pudding is a fan favorite for a reason. The sampler includes six pints of banana pudding, four brownies, and four blondies. You can choose between the classic banana pudding pack—including six pints of the traditional flavor—or the variety pack with two classic pints, two red velvet, and two chocolate hazelnut. You can customize the delivery date at checkout, and add a personalized gift message.
We found the brownies and blondies rich and indulgent—even those of us who are chocolate lovers thought the blondies were just as delicious. Plus, each baked good is individually packaged, making it easy to bring on the go. While the brownies were decadent and delicious, the banana pudding was the real standout. We particularly loved the red velvet flavor, which didn't skimp on red velvet cake chunks. Two containers of each flavor proved to be the perfect ratio, ideal for sampling with a friend or two.
The banana pudding must be refrigerated upon arrival, and the six containers may take up a bit of fridge space. They can last for up to four days in the refrigerator or 30 days in the freezer, so you can strategically save some for later. Still, we appreciate the contrast between the cold banana pudding and the baked goods and think this is the perfect gift basket for those with a sweet tooth.
Assembly is required, so the cooking process is fairly time-consuming.
If you're looking for an interactive date night activity, you can't go wrong with this Blue Ribbon DIY Sushi Kit. The classic kit includes enough sushi ingredients to make four or five rolls and crispy rice. It also offers various add-ons to choose from, including fish, condiments, and even cutlery. Whether you're splitting it with a loved one or sharing it with a small group of friends, the customizability makes it ideal for any special occasion.
Since this is a DIY kit, it isn't the best choice for those seeking a quick and easy meal. Nevertheless, we found the instructions extremely easy to follow—even those of us who are sushi amateurs mastered the meal. The rolling kit also comes with a sushi mat, so you don't need additional supplies. The fish tasted a bit basic on it's own, but was delicious once in the roll. We felt that the real star of the show was the tuna crispy rice.
While this is the most expensive gift basket on our list, we think the experiential component makes it worth the splurge. Just keep in mind that the fish only lasts for up to three days in the refrigerator, so you'll have to eat it relatively quickly.
Shipping: From $25 | Number of Items: 17
The gift basket features sauces of various spice levels.
It only includes tomato-based sauces.
Pasta fans will be obsessed with this gift set, which provides a taste of Italy from the comfort of home. The small sampler includes three of Rao's signature sauces (marinara, arrabbiata, and tomato basil) and two noodle types: spaghetti and penne. Plus, it comes with a jar opener, so you won't have to struggle to pry the lid open.
Upon arrival, we found the packaging simple yet durable, keeping the glass bottles secure inside. Since the contents are non-perishable, we like that the recipient can savor the pasta at their leisure without feeling rushed to eat it quickly. You can also add a personalized gift message at checkout.
While the tomato basil and marinara have a classic flavor, the arrabbiata had a subtle kick to it, providing options for those with various palate preferences. It's worth noting that all of the sauces included are tomato-based, and you can't customize which sauces are included. Still, we think the simplicity and quality make up for this slight downside.
Shipping: Free | Number of Items: 5
The distinct flavors taste exactly as advertised.
Some of the flavors may be too sweet depending on your preferences.
Breakfast enthusiasts will love Jeni's Breakfast in Bed Collection, which offers beloved breakfast treats for any time of day. The box features nostalgic morning classics in ice cream form, including Banana French Toast, Brambleberry Crisp, Coffee with Cream and Sugar, Maple Soaked Pancakes, Milkiest Chocolate, and Skillet Cinnamon Roll. It also comes with knit pint holders so you can comfortably dig in while holding the carton.
The ice cream arrived in an insulated styrofoam box with dry ice to keep it cold. Upon the ice cream's arrival, we had doubts about the flavors' accuracy. With such specific titles, we initially believed that the pints couldn't accurately capture such nuanced flavor profiles. After tasting, we can confidently say that the unique titles perfectly match each ice cream. The flavors somehow tasted exactly like the breakfast staples they sought to recreate. That said, some flavors were a bit too sweet, so we only wanted a small portion.
Still, this variety pack hits all the bases, including fruity flavors as well as chocolatey ones. Given the unique flavors and the vibrant packaging, this gift basket will make any recipient eager to grab a spoon.
Shipping: From $19 | Number of Items: 6
We tested 55 different gift baskets and evaluated them based on presentation, freshness, variety, quality, and overall value of the basket. We examined the contents of the gift baskets when they arrived, taking into account whether or not the perishable items were properly stowed and if anything was damaged. For the baskets with frozen items, we checked how cold the contents were and how well-packaged any dry ice was within the container. In terms of presentation, we noted how visually appealing each basket was.
Next, we tasted each of the items in the gift baskets, giving feedback on the variety of the selection and how many people it could comfortably feed. We then evaluated the freshness of the food and noted whether the products tasted gourmet or as if we could have found them at a local grocery store. Once we sampled everything in the baskets, we decided whether the price was justified for what we got. After considering all of these factors, we compiled the best gift baskets.
Stan's Donuts Donuts & Coffee Lovers Gift Pack: We were amazed by how fresh the doughnuts tasted, and the coffee and mug added a nice touch, too. This gift set fell short in its presentation, though, as the mug caused the packaging to bulge and rip when we opened it.
Knowing your recipient's interests is of the utmost importance. “Know your audience,” says Flores. “For example, do they lean sweet or savory? Are they adventurous eaters or is crowd pleaser a safer bet? Does this person/group like to cook, or do they prefer to simply open a package/jar and enjoy? Finding the right balance is key.”
Benevides emphasizes the various factors to consider, including "the recipient’s interests and taste, the theme (e.g., should the food be sweet, savory, or both?), the number of products (e.g., a basket with few higher-priced items or one with many less expensive ones?), whether there will be perishable offerings, and how the gift will look when the recipient opens it,"
Once you’ve chosen the theme of the basket, Flores says the next best thing is to ensure that there is also balance in the product selection. She suggests getting a mix of sweet and savory items and products that vary in color, size, and packaging materials, as this creates a more visually stimulating experience for the giftee. If your gift basket has a singular food theme, Benevides says there should be variety within the category, adding that the best assortments include brands or products that aren’t readily available at the grocery store.
Flores agrees with Benevides, noting that there’s no better feeling than giving a gift basket that exposes people to new products they’ve never experienced before. We found this to be true while testing: We had never seen anything like the spiced cherry preserves included in the Murray’s Cheese Greatest Hits Gift Basket, which made discovering it all the more special. “I know I’ve done my job well when a friend I’ve gifted begins to purchase the same product(s) for themselves or, even better, gifts to others!” Flores says.
Along with product variety and uniqueness, Fisher points out the importance of knowing the receivers’ dietary restrictions.
Both Flores and Fisher say the biggest mistake they see people make with gift baskets is not considering aesthetic packaging. “I am a big proponent of a gorgeous presentation, and cellophane in a dated basket just doesn't cut it,” says Fisher. “There are so many modern companies out there that have elevated the gift basket.”
Benevides also says to consider the way the gift basket is presented to you before you buy it. He says the biggest mistake people make is getting a gift basket without knowing what it will look like when presented to the giftee. “You should be able to see how the gift box looks assembled to interpret how the recipient will experience it,” he says. “If you can’t see that, I would be hesitant to order from the business.”
People sometimes gawk at the high price of gift baskets, as many are more than $100. It’s important to know that the price you are paying for a gift basket is more than just the products within it. It’s also the expert curation of those products, the packaging of it all, the shipping costs, and the assurance that it will arrive safely (and beautifully assembled) to its recipient.
Flores explains that the amount of products also affects the price. “Just under $100 is very doable for a smaller selection of goods,” she says. “I do think one should be able to purchase a very well-appointed, premium, and generous gift box of dried goods for $140, with eight to 10 products inside depending on what they are.”
Based on her experience, Flores advises buying a gift basket from a brand that specifically focuses on making gift baskets, as this will ensure you get good value for your money. “I do see examples of businesses where gift baskets are not their main priority, so prices are very high compared to what you would pay for the products individually in-store,” she says. “If a gift basket is double what you’d pay for the same products in-store, less shipping, you’re probably not in the right place.” Fisher echoes this, telling us that she wouldn’t pay more than two times the retail value of each item in the basket.
They can be. When opening a gift basket, many of us often assume that we can purchase all of the included items for less at a local grocery store. While that may be true in some cases, Fisher says there’s more to the cost than the total sum of the included products.
“Consider the value of your time!” she says. “Going out to select and purchase each item, then assemble properly for shipping—not to mention the shipping itself—is time-consuming, and more than likely, your basket won't arrive looking as beautiful as you hoped. Gifting companies go to great lengths to curate the perfect gift for you and package in a way that will ensure a beautiful experience upon delivery. There is serious value in their expertise and freeing up your time so that you can make someone's day and still enjoy your own.”
Taking these factors into account, Flores notes that going with a professionally assembled gift basket may end up costing you less in the end than if you did it all yourself, so it’s a worthwhile investment. it
Freshness varies greatly by the goods in your basket as well as the brand you are buying from. Although fear of food spoilage is a legitimate concern, our gift basket experts assured us that there are techniques and systems in place to prevent this from happening. “When we receive a gift basket order that contains perishable items, we pack those separately inside an insulated sleeve along with ice packs, which prevents the food from spoiling,” says Benevides. He suggests looking into exactly how the brand packages its perishables for reassurance.
Flores also stresses looking into the brand at large to ensure that they are credible, as this can affect the state of the product when it gets to its recipient. “If you select a reputable retailer, they will have the proper supply chain in place that guarantees freshness,” she says. “If you are shipping perishable items, the correct ‘cold chain’ will be in place via their delivery courier (i.e FedEx or UPS),” she says.
She adds that retailers usually aim to include dry goods that are fresh for six or more months. “Unless a product is perishable, a gift basket shouldn’t have to be consumed immediately. The receiving party should have time to enjoy their gift,” she explains.
If you want to be extra careful, Fisher recommends not ordering specific foods during certain times of the year. “Steer clear of cheese, chocolate, or fruit baskets during the hotter months when spoilage and melting may occur, and instead opt for alcohol, snacks, or cooking-themed baskets that are more stable,” she says.
Regardless of whether or not the items in your gift basket are perishable or not, always read the brand’s directions on consuming and storing the food, which should be included with the gift basket.
In addition to the holidays, our experts note that there are endless other occasions out there that call for a gift basket. “I like to send a gift basket as a pre- or post-hosting gift,” Flores says. “For example, if a friend is hosting me as a weekend guest in their home, it’s fun and unexpected when the basket arrives either before or after your stay.”
Fisher adds that “any sort of life event that might make cooking difficult or inconvenient is a great time to gift food—like a new baby, a new house, or if someone is not well.” She also loves the idea of getting a gift basket for a housewarming gift. “When you move into a new home, you often only have the condiments that you brought with you and the bottle of Champagne to pop,” she says. “A charcuterie-themed gift basket would be a nice addition to the new home.”
This article was written by Rachel Center, a product reviews home writer for Real Simple, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. We researched the best gift baskets and tested 55 of the most popular options, evaluating them on selection, quality of foods, and overall value. We also sought the advice of gift basket experts, including Michael Benevides, vice president of Portugalia Marketplace, Cristina Flores, vice president of product at Eataly North America, and Kristin Fisher, founder of Bocu.
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