Recchiuti Black Box 16
RECCHIUTI
- Presentation5/5
- Variety5/5
- Size5/5
- Freshness of Items5/5
- Value5/5
- It includes a collection of both new and traditional truffle flavors.
It includes a collection of both new and traditional truffle flavors.
- It’s advised to enjoy the chocolates within 2 weeks of receiving them.
It’s advised to enjoy the chocolates within 2 weeks of receiving them.
We were impressed with Recchiuti's delicious assortment of their classic candies sprinkled among some of their more contemporary flavors, which means there’s truly something for everyone in this box of truffles. While you'll spend a bit more than other chocolate boxes, we think it's worth the cost for Recchiuti's high-quality flavors and luxe packaging.
Among the truffles that will appear in your gift box (selected by the company) include Kona coffee, maple pecan praline, peppermint, burnt caramel, cappuccino, rosemary olive oil, Piedmont hazelnut, sesame nougat, current cognac, and a host of other tantalizing ingredients that will impress even the most discerning of chocolate connoisseurs. While some chocolate boxes can go overboard with their flavors and textures, we found the Recchiuti set to offer just enough distinct flavors without being overwhelming.
The box of candy comes with a legend that describes each piece, so your recipient knows exactly what they’re enjoying when they take a bite. The box arrived with an ice pack, which kept the chocolates in perfect condition. But keep in mind, these truffles are best enjoyed when consumed within two weeks of arrival, so be sure to plan your gift shipment accordingly.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICOLE LUND
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICOLE LUND
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit Share the Love Basket
CALLIE'S HOT LITTLE BISCUIT
- Presentation4.5/5
- Variety5/5
- Size5/5
- Freshness of Items5/5
- Value4.5/5
- We were impressed with the authentic Southern biscuit flavor.
We were impressed with the authentic Southern biscuit flavor.
- The box isn't decorated like a traditional gift basket.
The box isn't decorated like a traditional gift basket.
If you're shopping for a foodie who loves Southern cuisine, this gift basket from Callie's Biscuits is a great pick. The box comes with six buttermilk, six cinnamon, six cheese and chive biscuits, and a container of pimento cheese. We were impressed with the quality of both the crumbly biscuits and the flavorful cheese. Even though they're frozen biscuits, we think they tasted just as good as those served at a Southern-style restaurant.
Our box arrived within a week of ordering. The box was packaged with a healthy amount of dry ice, keeping all of the contents cold—but not wet, which we appreciated. Just keep in mind, the box doesn't look like a traditional gift basket and doesn't include any decorative wrapping. It looks more like a meal delivery kit box. However, we appreciated that the biscuits arrived frozen and could stay frozen until we were ready to bake them, unlike some gift baskets that need to be consumed within a few days of arrival.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / EMMA PHELPS
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / EMMA PHELPS
Wicked Good Cupcakes Cupcake 6-Pack and Rosé + Moscato
WICKED GOOD CUPCAKES
Why You Should Get It: The cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and pair perfectly with the wine.
Keep in Mind: The wines are on the dry side.
This wine-and-cupcakes set is a fun and delicious gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. The gift set includes six large cupcake jars in two different flavors: red velvet and chocolate ganache. Two full-size bottles of wine, a California moscato sparkling wine and a California rosé wine, pair nicely with the cupcake flavors.
In our taste test, we thought the cupcakes were decadent, but not sickeningly sweet. Both flavors were very moist with a rich flavor and creamy frosting. We thought the cupcakes tasted fresh, like they were just baked. The wine was just dry enough to balance out the sweetness of the cupcakes, so they paired perfectly. However, the wine was not as sweet as we expected, particularly the moscato.
We were impressed by the quality and balance of flavors in each cupcake jar. The cupcakes are large enough to share since each jar contains the equivalent of two regular-sized cupcakes. The jars are reusable, and the box even comes with spoons to enjoy the cupcakes.
Our gift basket arrived just as advertised on the website in terms of both the packaging and the appearance of the cupcakes. The cupcakes can be enjoyed up to seven days after delivery or frozen for up to six months, so they can be savored over time without going bad.
We thought the gift basket was affordable for the quality and amount of items included, especially since the brand offers free shipping on certain days. However, delivery is not available on Saturdays or Sundays.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Compartés Vegan Dark Chocolate Assortment Gift Box
COMPARTÉS
Why You Should Get It: The luxury gift set offers a tasty variety of chocolate-covered fruits and nuts that are suitable for vegan diets.
Keep in Mind: Some items in the gift box were left out or substituted.
This luxury chocolate gift set offers a variety of chocolate-dipped fruits and nuts that are suitable for vegan diets. The box includes chocolate-dipped apricots, pineapples, coconut pieces, orange slices, almonds, and pecans. The assortment comes in two sizes, medium and large, and both are packaged in a luxe black gift box.
During our taste tests, we couldn’t tell the chocolate was vegan since it tasted the same as regular chocolate. The chocolates tasted fresh, flavorful, and high-quality. The dark chocolate was sweet rather than bitter, and it paired nicely with the fruit varieties. We liked the variety of chocolates included in the gift box, and the arrangement inside the box was elegant and elevated. The chocolates were sizable but still bite-sized.
The chocolates were shipped with three reusable gel ice packs to keep them cool and prevent melting. The chocolates are handmade daily, and the brand offers a “no melt” guarantee to ensure the products arrive in good condition.
The additional snacks, like dried fruit and nuts, complemented the chocolate flavors, and all of the items tasted fresh. The assortment is all dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan, so this gift box is suitable for several dietary needs.
The downside to the gift box was that some items pictured online were not included, like the chocolate-dipped pineapple pieces and pretzels. In our gift box, these items were substituted for candied ginger. There was also no guide in the gift basket to identify the chocolates.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Universal Yums Care Package
AMAZON
- Presentation4.5/5
- Variety5/5
- Size5/5
- Freshness of Items5/5
- Value4.5/5
- The gift basket is affordable and ships quickly.
The gift basket is affordable and ships quickly.
- It's more of a novelty treat, not gourmet.
It's more of a novelty treat, not gourmet.
Looking for an affordable gift basket that will arrive at your recipient's door quickly? This Universal Yums Care Package ships from Amazon and contains over two dozen snacks from around the world.
The packaging wasn't extravagant, but we appreciated the brand's fun design on the box. The snacks, which are individually sealed, arrived without any damage despite not containing any protective packaging like bubble wrap or paper. The box included an insert to explain what each snack was and its country of origin, which is a nice touch since some of the packaging isn't in English.
None of the snacks were perishable and their expiration dates were one to two years in advance, so we were confident that the contents were fresh. While the snacks themselves weren't gourmet, we appreciated the novelty flavors that aren't commonly found in the grocery store.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ERIN MAYER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ERIN MAYER
Vosges Haut-Chocolat Soirée Smash
VOSGES HAUT - CHOCOLAT
- Presentation4/5
- Variety5/5
- Size5/5
- Freshness of Items4.5/5
- Value5/5
- The 2.2-pound slab is sure to impress and looks nice on display.
The 2.2-pound slab is sure to impress and looks nice on display.
- The block arrived almost an entire week earlier than its estimated delivery date.
The block arrived almost an entire week earlier than its estimated delivery date.
Any chocolate lover will be delighted to receive a slab of their favorite treat. This is an impressive 2.2-pound block of chocolate but it’s mixed with sourdough pretzel, grass-fed butter toffee, Madagascar Bourbon Island vanilla bean marshmallows, Montmorency cherries, Bronte pistachios from Sicily, and Baja Gold sea salt.
It’s almost a shame to break down this confectionary delight, but your recipient is indeed encouraged to bust this up with a mallet into smaller pieces. It’s perfect as the centerpiece to a sweet charcuterie display, but it’s also wonderful to be enjoyed in slivers (or hunks) on its own. Because breaking the slab is an event in itself, and since there's enough chocolate to go around (we had over half left after 15 people tried it!), we think this basket works well as a gift for a host.
Our chocolate bar arrived almost an entire week before its original estimated delivery date. While we appreciated its quick arrival, this could be problematic for giftees who won't be home outside of the expected delivery date or for those who want their gift delivered on a specific date. That said, the package did arrive with two reusable ice packs and plenty of protective packaging, so you won't need to worry about the bar melting as soon as it's delivered, especially in colder climates. Shipping is an additional cost, so you’ll want to factor that into your budget.
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MEG LAPPE
Salt and Straw The Best Sellers Pack
SALT AND STRAW
- Presentation4.7/5
- Variety4.3/5
- Size5/5
- Freshness of Items4.9/5
- Value4.5/5
- The gourmet ice cream tastes fresh and flavorful and has a satisfying texture.
The gourmet ice cream tastes fresh and flavorful and has a satisfying texture.
- We weren’t impressed with the package’s presentation, and we wish shipping was included in the price.
We weren’t impressed with the package’s presentation, and we wish shipping was included in the price.
A pint of ice cream is a comforting treat, and this gift basket of five gourmet flavors from Salt and Straw makes for a perfect gift. When the box arrived at our front door six days after ordering, the outer cardboard box had damp corners, which was a bit worrying at first. But once we opened the box, the desserts inside were ice cold. With the amount of dry ice inside the box, we think the ice cream would stay cold sitting by the door for hours, even in warmer climates.
Once we dug into the ice cream, we were impressed with its rich flavor and satisfying texture. The five flavors included in the classic pack—sea salt with caramel ribbons; chocolate gooey brownie; double fold vanilla; salted, malted, chocolate chip cookie dough; and a vegan freckled mint chocolate chip—tasted extremely fresh, as if the dessert was made the day before.
We think the set could have a bit more variety, like including a fruit-based ice cream, but all the flavors included were delicious. The box didn’t have the most stylish presentation, and we were surprised there wasn’t any information for the recipient to learn about the ingredients or where the ice cream was made. However, we appreciated how easy it was to recycle the box and contents once we were done. While this is certainly a splurge for five pints, especially when you add on the shipping fee that isn’t included in the base price, we think it’s worth it for an ice cream lover.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
Bonnie and Pop Snack Attack Tray and Basket
AMAZON
Why You Should Get It: It ships fast and free, and it includes a reusable basket.
Keep in Mind: Some of the candied fruit tasted lackluster.
The Bonnie and Pop gift basket includes more than 3 pounds of dried fruit and nuts on a wooden keepsake tray that can also be used as a basket. The basket contains mango slices, apricots, yellow peaches, pears, apple wedges, kiwi slices, dates, plums, and prunes. In addition to the wide variety of fruits, the basket also has two types of nuts: tamari almonds and cashews.
The gift basket appeared identical to the photos online. The dried fruit looked appetizing and bountiful, and the items were beautifully arranged on the tray. We loved the flavor of the nuts and most of the dried fruit. The nuts added saltiness to balance the sweet fruits, and the dried fruit was very flavorful. The fruits were fresh, sweet, and left us wanting more. However, we thought the dried apricots tasted somewhat lackluster and weren't as flavorful as the other options.
We were very impressed with the variety of items and presentation of the gift basket, as it had a mix of colors, sizes, and textures, especially for the affordable price. The snacks are all kosher, gluten free, and vegan, so they are suitable for a variety of dietary needs. The basket also included a resealable bag to keep the dried fruit and nuts fresh.
The large size can serve up to 10 people, so it makes a great option for a gathering or large family. The basket itself is stylish and collapsible, which makes the already affordable price an exceptional value for any gift. The gift basket ships for free on Amazon and arrived just two days after we placed the order, so it’s a great option for a last-minute gift.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Cheryl's Cookies Classic Assortment Bow Gift Box
CHERYL'S
Why You Should Get It: The gift box offers an assortment of soft, fresh-tasting cookies.
Keep in Mind: The flavors are not customizable.
The Cheryl’s Cookies gift box is a crowd-pleaser for both large and small groups. We loved the variety of cookie flavors and range of box sizes.
The gift box comes with an assortment of cookies, including five classic flavors. In the 72-count gift box, there are 16 chocolate chip, 16 oatmeal raisin, 16 frosted cut-out, 12 sugar, and 12 chocolate obsession cookies. However, we received 12 frosted cut-out cookies instead of 16 and 16 sugar cookies instead of 12.
The gift basket comes in several sizes ranging from 12 to 200 cookies. However, the type of cookies cannot be customized. The cookies are individually wrapped, so they are easy to share with family and friends. Each cookie was clearly labeled with its flavor and ingredients on the package.
We thought all of the cookies were flavorful, soft, and tasted fresh, even after we froze and thawed them. The company recommends enjoying the cookies within three to four days of arrival or freezing them immediately for up to six months. Since they are individually wrapped, they can stay frozen until you are ready to eat them.
When ordering the gift box, we could select a delivery window but not a specific delivery date. None of the cookies were crumbled or damaged when the box arrived.
This gift basket's selection of sizes makes it a good choice for a large group or gathering, like an office party. For the quality and quantity of items included in the gift basket, we thought the price was very reasonable.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Barnetts Deluxe Biscotti Gift Box
BARNETTS
- Presentation4.8/5
- Variety5/5
- Size5/5
- Freshness of Items3/5
- Value4/5
- Coffee and tea drinkers will appreciate this addition to their morning routine.
Coffee and tea drinkers will appreciate this addition to their morning routine.
- There’s an additional shipping fee.
There’s an additional shipping fee.
There’s nothing like enjoying a slice of crunchy biscotti alongside a steaming mug of coffee or cup of tea. You’ll transform a lucky recipient’s coffee and tea times for days with this gift box of two dozen handmade mini biscotti from Barnetts Sweet Creations.
Our box arrived quickly, but we noticed some of the chocolate had melted by the time we opened the box, which is something to keep in mind if you're going to be sending the gift basket to a warmer climate.
The box features biscotti in eight of Barnetts’ most popular flavors that include caramel chip, chocolate chip, craisin, almond crunch, chocolate chip, and cookies and cream. The ribbon-wrapped gift box has 24 individual compartments to ensure a safe trip for each biscotti and a lovely display for your recipient to open and enjoy. The box is less expensive than other options, but keep in mind you’ll also have to factor in a shipping fee.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENICA CURRIE
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENICA CURRIE
Murray's Cheese Greatest Hits
MURRAY'S CHEESE
Why You Should Get It: The cheeses are high-quality and pair well with the speciality jam.
Keep in Mind: It doesn’t include any meat or fruit.
The Murray’s Cheese Greatest Hits gift box is a dream come true for the cheese-lovers in your life. It includes a generous portion of four different cheeses: gruyère, manchego, brie, and cheddar.
The cheese varieties were flavorful and distinct from one another, ranging from hard to soft cheeses. All of the products tasted fresh, and we thought the cheese was very high quality. With 1.5 pounds of cheese, the basket can easily serve six to 10 people.
The basket also included a full-size jar of spiced cherry preserves, almonds, and sea salt and olive oil crackers. We thought the speciality jam was a fun addition to the box since it isn’t a flavor you can find in a grocery store. The preserves had a delicious flavor that complemented the other food items in the basket, especially the crackers. We enjoyed eating the crackers alone or with the cheese and jam.
The basket was packaged well to prevent damage to the items during shipping. Since it included perishable items, it was packaged in a thermal-lined box with ice packs inside the cooler to keep the food fresh.
The pre-packaged items were labeled with nutritional information. The cheeses are cut fresh from a deli, so they do not include nutritional information on the package.
We did not have any products substituted in our order, but the order process includes the option to select your preferred substitutions if an item is unavailable. We liked the variety of items included in the gift basket, but we wished there was an option to add meat or fruit to balance out the heaviness of the cheese.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Melissa's Deluxe Exotic and Tropical Fruit Basket
MELISSA'S
Why You Should Get It: It includes a decorative woven basket and a variety of unique fruits based on the season.
Keep in Mind: The shipping fee raises the price of the box.
With a variety of exotic fruits, we think Melissa's fruit basket is the best option for a flavorful gift. This basket is perfect for the adventurous giftee to try fruits that are only available in tropical climates.
The box includes a random assortment of tropical fruits from around the world, depending on what fruits are in season. You cannot select specific fruits to include in your basket, but the brand lists all of the varieties that may be available. Some of the fruits included in our gift basket were cherimoya, kumquats, Asian pear, dragon fruit, passion fruit, mini bananas, feijoas, baby pineapples, papaya, and guava. The box includes 7 to 8 pounds of fruit in total.
Since the fruits are perishable, the box must be shipped via second-day air. However, the shipping fee is not included in the price, and you can only see the shipping fee when you check out.
All of the fruits arrived intact except for one small piece of fruit that was cracked. Some of the fruit was not ripe when it arrived; however, the box includes a guide to identify each fruit and determine when it is ripe. The pamphlet also explains how to eat the fruit and provides ideas on how to cook it. Once the fruit ripened, it was very fresh and high quality.
The fruit comes in a decorative woven basket that can be reused and repurposed after the fruit is eaten. The decorative basket and the fruit were well protected with bubble wrap inside the shipping box. Although we couldn’t select an exact delivery date for the box, the brand can estimate your delivery date based on when you order and the selected shipping method.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Olive and Cocoa Italian Market Snacks
OLIVE and COCOA
Why You Should Get It: The flavorful spreads serve as a perfect complement to the savory meats, cheeses, and crackers.
Keep in Mind: It has more crackers and salami than cheese.
The Italian Market Snacks Tote includes a variety of flavorful items fit for a charcuterie board. The meats, cheeses, and crackers were savory, and each item in the basket complements the others to create a cohesive snacking experience.
We thought the gift basket had a mix of salty and sweet items during our taste test. It included mixed nuts, artisanal salami, farmhouse cheese, crackers, two types of spreads, and sea salt caramels.
During our taste tests, the artisanal crackers were crispy, thin, and flavorful. The gift basket comes with two jars of spreads to try on the crackers. The spread flavors listed on the website were basil pesto and sun-dried tomato bruschetta, but the jar of basil pesto was substituted for an artichoke lemon pesto in our gift basket. Although we weren’t informed of the substitution before the basket arrived, the brand says substitutions may occasionally occur.
The sea salt caramels were decadent, creamy, and flavorful, and we loved the sweet option to balance out the savory flavors in the basket. The mixed nuts were also very fresh and crunchy, complementing the saltiness of the caramels. The sun-dried tomato spread was mild and smoky with a slight hint of tang. The salami was hearty and had hints of garlic and fennel flavors. While we enjoyed each of the products individually, we thought there should be more farmhouse cheese to balance out the crackers and salami.
The gift basket was carefully packaged for shipping, especially the glass jars, which were wrapped in plastic to prevent breakage. The gift basket was well-arranged, and the presentation was elegant inside the reusable container. Additionally, you can choose between a canvas and burlap tote bag or a hand crafted wood crate as the container for the gift basket.
Overall, we liked the quantity and assortment of items included in the basket. With seven different food items, the basket could serve four to six people.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Pearl River Mart Snack Attack Friendship Box: Surprise Edition
SHOPIFY
Why You Should Get It: It includes snacks for every taste from sweet to spicy.
Keep in Mind: The box is randomized, so you can’t guarantee the products it includes.
The Pearl River Snack Attack makes a great gift for people who like to try new foods from around the world. The gift box offers Asian snacks with a range of flavors from sweet to savory.
During our taste tests, we loved the contrast between the fruity candies and spicy or salty snacks. Some of the items included in our gift box were tropical-flavored marshmallows, wasabi peas, prawn chips, and rice candy.
The wide variety of foods makes the gift box perfect for kids and adults alike. With more than 10 items, the box includes enough snacks to share with family or friends. The individual treats were also small enough to enjoy in one sitting, so they didn’t go stale. Additionally, most of the snacks can be enjoyed long after the delivery date since they are pre-packaged and nonperishable.
We liked the surprise element of the gift box, which made it interesting to unpack and see the products that were included. Each of the items included nutritional information on the package, and the brand added a label in English for products that had a different language on the original packaging.
We thought the box was a great value for the quality, quantity, and variety of items it included. While we loved the variety of products, the box is not customizable since the items are randomly selected.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Magnolia Bakery Best of Magnolia Bakery Sampler Pack
MAGNOLIA BAKERY
Why You Should Get It: The banana pudding is extremely fresh and flavorful, and the basket could easily serve 10 people.
Keep in Mind: The chocolate brownies are slightly dry.
The Magnolia Bakery Sampler Pack includes enough treats to serve an entire party for a birthday or other event. The gift basket had a great variety and selection of items, so there is something that everyone can enjoy. With six tubs of pudding and eight dessert bars, the gift basket could easily serve eight to 10 people.
The gift box is not customizable, but you can choose between a classic banana pudding pack or a variety banana pudding pack with different flavors. The variety pack includes three flavors of pudding, four chocolate brownies, and four buttery blondies. The regular banana pudding was our favorite, but the red velvet flavor also stole the show with the layers of cake mixed in.
During our taste tests, the brownies were rich and sweet, and the pudding had a light, creamy texture. The pudding was the stand-out item of the basket. We thought each flavor tasted fresh and gourmet due to the pleasant texture and rich flavor. The treats looked just as appetizing as they appear in the photos, especially the pudding.
Although we loved the flavor and texture of the pudding, some of the brownies were slightly dry, especially compared to the quality of the blondies. Overall, the price is spot on for the quality and quantity of food included in the basket. The products were well-packaged in a cooler, and everything arrived intact. The gift box even included a card with details on each item, how to store them, and best-by dates.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Harry and David Signature Bakery Tray
HARRY and DAVID
- The selection of sweets made the price tag worth it.
The selection of sweets made the price tag worth it.
- You can’t choose which sweets are included.
You can’t choose which sweets are included.
Harry and David is often the go-to company for gift baskets for special occasions, and we can see why with this signature bakery tray. With this pick, you won’t have to worry about shipping baked goods only to have them arrive stale; we were impressed with how fresh everything tasted on arrival. Although it’s a bit of a splurge, we felt that it was worth it.
The pine basket branded with the Harry and David logo arrives filled with a sweet selection of cakes and cookies including pineapple macadamia nut cake, Wolverman’s lemon poppyseed coffee cake, apple streusel loaf cake, cinnamon swirl, baklava, raspberry galettes, and a smattering of cookies, including lemon shortbread, double chocolate chunk, walnut chocolate chunk, Moose Munch, and macadamia nut chocolate chip.
Although you can’t pick what’s included, it’s a large enough selection so that even if your recipient isn’t a fan of every single cookie or slice of cake, there’s plenty in there to make them happy.
This basket is a great gift for anyone who loves sweets, but it’s also a very thoughtful gift to send for an impressive spread to share and enjoy at a larger gathering. While there are quite a lot of treats in the Signature tray, you’ll get even more when you opt for the Deluxe or the Ultimate.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Shari's Berries Distinctive Fruit Basket and Sweets Gift Grande
SHARI'S BERRIES
- Presentation5/5
- Variety5/5
- Size5/5
- Freshness of Items5/5
- Value4/5
- We were impressed with the basket’s gorgeous presentation.
We were impressed with the basket’s gorgeous presentation.
- The protective wrapping made a mess when we initially opened the basket.
The protective wrapping made a mess when we initially opened the basket.
Many of the best gift baskets are full of delicious sweets and treats, but if you’re gifting for someone who prefers healthier snacks, we recommend Shari’s Berries Distinctive Fruit Basket and Sweets Gift. The Grande basket includes a variety of 37 fresh fruits and snacks gorgeously presented in a wicker basket wrapped in cellophane with a bright bow on top. The only downside is that we unwrapped the cellophane, it sent brown paper shreds everywhere. But the protective wrapping did its job because none of the fruits were bruised in transit.
Some of the included items needed to be refrigerated, and while the basket shipped with an ice pack, we recommend making sure your recipient is home when the basket arrives to avoid spoilage.
All the fruit was fresh and ready to be eaten right away. With a basket of this size, this is a great pick for a group gift for a family or as a hostess gift to bring to a party. Otherwise, some fruit may be overripe by the time your recipient gets to it. The included snacks and candies were also delicious and felt like a step up from generic candy you’d get at a grocery store.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DANIELA GALVEZ
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DANIELA GALVEZ
Eataly Risotto Ai Funghi Gift Box
EATALY
- Presentation4.8/5
- Variety4.8/5
- Size5/5
- Freshness of Items5/5
- Value4.5/5
- The gourmet ingredients are a step up from what you’d get from the grocery store.
The gourmet ingredients are a step up from what you’d get from the grocery store.
- It doesn’t come with a recipe to instruct how to make the risotto.
It doesn’t come with a recipe to instruct how to make the risotto.
If you’re looking for a gift basket for someone who loves to cook, we recommend this mushroom risotto kit from Eataly. The box arrived the day after we ordered, making it a great pick for a last-minute gift. The ingredients were packaged neatly and nothing was damaged during transit.
The box included all the main ingredients you need to make the risotto: extra virgin olive oil, dried porcini mushrooms, vegetable bouillon, and black rice. Keep in mind, the kit didn’t include a recipe, so this may not be the best pick for a beginner cook. Luckily, we were able to follow a basic mushroom risotto recipe to guide us through the cooking process. The ingredients made enough for six servings and we had dried mushrooms left over, which we were happy to use in another dish.
While your recipient will have to do some work to enjoy their gift, we think the basket is a thoughtful present for anyone who loves to cook, and we enjoyed making a high-quality dinner without going to the store for the ingredients.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENICA CURRIE
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENICA CURRIE
Seven Sisters Scones Sconies, Jam, And Tea Sampler
SEVEN SISTERS SCONES
- Presentation4.5/5
- Variety4.8/5
- Size4/5
- Freshness of Items5/5
- Value5/5
- The scones tasted fresh and soft.
The scones tasted fresh and soft.
- It’s a smaller basket compared to others we tested.
It’s a smaller basket compared to others we tested.
As a gift for an individual or couple, we were impressed with the high-quality scones included in this Seven Sisters Scones sampler. The sampler comes with eight individually wrapped scones, a 9-ounce jar of jam, 6-ounce jar of clotted cream, and a three-pack of tea. While the eight scones could be shared with loved ones, we think it’s the perfect amount for an individual or a couple to try throughout the week, which we found refreshing as many gift baskets are too big for a single person to finish themselves.
The basket doesn’t have any refrigerated items, so you won’t have to worry about your recipient being home right at the time of delivery. The box was branded and everything inside was wrapped neatly with tissue paper. The glass clotted cream and jam jars were wrapped in protective bubble wrap, and nothing came broken. Some scones were a bit dented, but not enough to raise concern.
The scones themselves were soft and delicious, and we think recipients with a sweet tooth will enjoy them most. The basket included a helpful sheet with storage and heating instructions. The scones can be left in the refrigerator for up to four days or placed in the freezer for six months. They can be eaten at room temperature, but the recipient enjoys a warm scone, they can be heated in the oven or microwave.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MELANIE FINCHER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MELANIE FINCHER
Harry and David The Favorite Royal Riviera Pears
HARRY and DAVID
- Presentation4.5/5
- Variety5/5
- Size5/5
- Freshness of Items4.3/5
- Value4.5/5
- Harry and David has been selling these pears for 80 years and each pear included is hand-picked.
Harry and David has been selling these pears for 80 years and each pear included is hand-picked.
- Extreme weather might make these pears smaller than usual this year.
Extreme weather might make these pears smaller than usual this year.
When is a box of pears more than a box of pears? When it arrives at their doorstep from Harry and David. Your local farmer’s market might dish up some delectable fruit, but they’re simply no match to the pear perfection that is a Royal Riviera. These sweet, juicy pears are an absolute delight. In fact, they are what launched Harry and David as a purveyor of gourmet gifts, and it’s easy to see how the company grew just on the reputation of these pears expertly grown in Southern Oregon.
While our box arrived a few days before its estimated delivery date, it still took a month after ordering to deliver, which isn't ideal for last-minute gift shopping. Each pear in the five-pound box is hand-picked and wrapped in tissue paper. The box didn't offer any decorative wrapping, but we appreciated that each pear was neatly packaged in its own section.
Keep in mind, the listing states that five pounds is approximately nine pears but we received eight, so this will vary depending on the size of the fruit. The pears should be kept at room temperature right in the box until they ripen, then they can continue to ripen in the fridge. They should be consumed within 10 days, but they’re so sweet and delicious, this probably won’t be an issue for your gift recipient.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JAMIE WEISSMAN
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JAMIE WEISSMAN
Hickory Farms Hearty Bites and Wine Gift Basket
HICKORY FARMS
- It offers a nice wine selection that pairs well with the other contents of the basket.
It offers a nice wine selection that pairs well with the other contents of the basket.
- There are no crackers included to enjoy with the cheese or spreads.
There are no crackers included to enjoy with the cheese or spreads.
Want to send an elegant basket that makes a statement? The Hearty Bites and Wine Gift Basket serves up a pair of red and white wines with a variety of meats and cheeses to complement both for an at-home wine tasting.
A decorative basket comes with both a red and a white—a California Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay, both from Generosity Cellars California. It also contains the perfect small-bite pairings, starting with three different types of sausage or salami and a trio of cheeses. Two types of mustard—one sweet and one hot—served up as a nice accent, though we would have loved some crackers to enjoy them with.
Overall, we liked the variety of the basket’s contents and thought the price was fair, though it would have been better with free shipping. We also noted some mustard substitutions in our basket—the company says supply chain issues might indeed alter the selection of some of the foods and we didn’t receive exactly what was listed online. However, the site does state that sausages and salamis will not be substituted.
Gourmet Gift Baskets The Ultimate Beer Gift Crate
GOURMET GIFT BASKETS
- The craft beer flavors are good and the food complements them well.
The craft beer flavors are good and the food complements them well.
- While the beers are tasty, we felt they don’t offer a diverse enough selection.
While the beers are tasty, we felt they don’t offer a diverse enough selection.
When something is called The Ultimate Beer Gift Crate, it’s naturally going to set some pretty high expectations. We’re happy to report that the craft beers in this gift box are quite tasty and will make the beer lover in your life quite happy.
Each of the four beers is supposed to represent a different brew style, though two of the ones we tested were in the IPA family—not a deal breaker if you or your recipient is an IPA fan. Even though the beer is the star of this basket, we thought the sausage, jerky, cheese, and crackers—which you can serve on the tray that’s included—only elevated the experience.
The food was fresh—though we noted the sausage casing was a bit tough to bite—and the beers were canned in just the last few months. The Ultimate Beer Gift Crate might seem a bit pricey if you’re not a beer lover yourself, but the pints combined with the small bites do make for a nice presentation.
Sugarwish Popcorn Sugarwish
SUGARWISH
- Recipients get to pick from 50 gourmet popcorn flavors.
Recipients get to pick from 50 gourmet popcorn flavors.
- We felt that it was pricey for the amount of popcorn included.
We felt that it was pricey for the amount of popcorn included.
Ever wish you could customize a gift basket just the way they like it? Now you can with the Popcorn Sugarwish box. Once you purchase a box, Sugarwish alerts your recipient and prompts them to choose their flavors. The mini box allows for a single choice, the small allows for two, up through the X-Large that allows them to choose six flavors of popcorn.
There’s quite a selection to choose from. Sugarwish offers 50 different gourmet popcorn flavors, ranging from sweet to savory, and some that are a little bit of both. There are more traditional flavors like Extra Buttery and Extra Buttery Caramel, but also plenty of fun flavors like Chili Lime and Wing Night. You can even opt for fruit-flavored popcorn like cherry, orange, and green apple.
We were impressed by the quality of the gourmet popcorn included, though we found the amount of popcorn underwhelming for the price tag. Yes, movie concession stand popcorn is pricey, but considering that there are larger tubs of popcorn available for gifting, this smaller amount is quite the splurge.
Wolferman’s Bakery Signature Bakery Tower
WOLFERMANÂS BAKERY
- It’s a great option to send to a family, roommates, or a couple.
It’s a great option to send to a family, roommates, or a couple.
- It includes just two ounces of coffee.
It includes just two ounces of coffee.
What’s better than breakfast at a bakery? Having breakfast delivered straight to your door, of course. This gift basket from Wolferman’s is an English muffin lover’s dream. It serves up 20 of them, in fact: four baked using the original 1910 recipe, four San Francisco-style sourdough ones, and a dozen mini cinnamon raisin English muffins.
A smear of the included triple berry preserves (strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries) complements any muffin well. There’s even a wild blueberry scone. It all gets washed down with a sample of Tiffin blend ground coffee.
One of these makes for a delicious breakfast, but there’s no bad time to have an English muffin or scone. Everything comes in two boxes wrapped in twine for a nice presentation whether you’re sending it to a couple, family, or roommates.
Oh! Nuts Mixed Nut Gift Basket
OH! NUTS
- It’s a great alternative to chocolate and other sugary baskets and is less expensive than other options.
It’s a great alternative to chocolate and other sugary baskets and is less expensive than other options.
- You can’t choose the selection included.
You can’t choose the selection included.
Nuts are a delicious, protein-rich snack that also makes a wonderful presentation in this gift basket from Oh! Nuts. The wooden tray box is divided into a dozen compartments, each filled with premium nuts or seeds, making this a healthy as well as impressive gift basket.
This all-natural nut basket is free of sugar and dairy. Barring nut allergies, it’s a great gift for anyone following paleo or gluten-free nutritional plans. Plus, this basket is certified Kosher Pareve as well.
With this basket, you won’t be able to choose the selection you want included. However, with 12 different options in the box, we’re confident there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
andSons Beverly Drive Gift Collection
ANDSONS
- It includes 36 pieces of luxury chocolate.
It includes 36 pieces of luxury chocolate.
- It’s more expensive than other picks and shipping is an additional cost.
It’s more expensive than other picks and shipping is an additional cost.
The Beverly Drive Gift Collection from andSons Chocolatiers will make a delectable impression on any chocolate lover. This gift box features a variety of sweet treats with a luxury look and taste that any lucky recipient will enjoy.
For starters, there’s a box of 36 European-style pralines and ganaches accented by hand-painted candies in exciting flavors. Then, there are a dozen dark chocolate truffles made from hazelnut gianduja and almond praline. To top off this incredible selection of chocolates, there are toffee almonds covered in dark chocolate, almond butter, toffee, and crispy crepe.
This pick is a great splurge for someone special, just note that shipping is an additional cost to consider as well.
Miami Fruit Variety Box
MIAMI FRUIT
- It features a rainbow of tropical fruits.
It features a rainbow of tropical fruits.
- Specific fruit selections are not guaranteed.
Specific fruit selections are not guaranteed.
Mother Nature offers up some of her sweetest creations in this variety box from Miami Fruit. Don’t expect to find just any old produce in this gift box. This box contains a rainbow of tropical fruit that’s in season—though it nearly always contains bananas.
Miami Fruit harvests their natural goodies fresh each week, and they ship Monday through Thursday (overnight shipping is available). The small box contains 3-5 pounds of fruity goodness. You can request specific fruits, but they are only fulfilled on a first-come, first-serve basis. But even if you leave the variety box selection up to chance, your healthy food-loving recipient is sure to be delighted by the colorful produce that will arrive on their doorstep.
Baked in Color Rainbow Colors Chocolate Chip Cookie Tins
BAKED IN COLOR
- You can choose between 12, 20, and 30 cookies, each of which is freshly baked to order.
You can choose between 12, 20, and 30 cookies, each of which is freshly baked to order.
- There’s a shipping charge.
There’s a shipping charge.
Chocolate chip cookies are delicious enough on their own, but these rainbow-hued ones are positively glorious. Baked in Color bills its fare as “the happiest cookies on earth” and we won’t argue.
The cookie tin holds a variety of baked-to-order multi-colored and solid cookies—no two are exactly alike, but they all taste the same. Choose from a dozen, 20, or 30, and ship anywhere you want to spread some love and joy in the U.S. Just be mindful that there’s a shipping fee, which is half the price of the smallest tin.
Compartés Signature Chocolate Gift Tower
COMPARTéS
- This gift box looks as delicious as it tastes.
This gift box looks as delicious as it tastes.
- Treats will vary depending on the season and availability.
Treats will vary depending on the season and availability.
This chocolate gift box from Compartés looks like a work of art, but it is indeed meant to be eaten and enjoyed. The tower contains a box of truffles, chocolate bar gift sets, and a gift of goodies—chocolate apricots, Oreos, fruit, turtles, nut clusters, toffee, marshmallows, or even Compartés hot cocoa that is so decadent, it won an award!
The variety of chocolate truffles and other treats may vary, but all are made in Compartés’ Los Angeles kitchens and are destined to be delicious. (Note that gift towers might not feature fruit in certain seasons.) Plus the “no melt guarantee” assures you that your recipient won’t be disappointed if you send them a sweet treat in the warmer months.
GourmetGiftBaskets.com Junk Food Care Package
GOURMETGIFTBASKETS.COM
- It includes a variety of options to suit different cravings.
It includes a variety of options to suit different cravings.
- The treats are loosely packed and might shift within the box during transit.
The treats are loosely packed and might shift within the box during transit.
When you want to show them you really care, send them a pile of junk food! Whether it’s their birthday or other special occasion or they need cheering up the way only snacks can provide, the Junk Food Care Package will do the trick.
This box of sweet and savory goodies contains plain and peanut MandMs, gourmet popcorn in cheesy cheddar and caramel, cinnamon and brown sugar kettle corn, Haribo Goldbears, Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps, Mike and Ikes, and cherry slices. They’re packed loosely in the box so they might shift a bit during transit, but your recipient probably won’t mind and just dive right into their snack session.
Olive and Cocoa Savory, Salty and Sweet Crate
OLIVE and COCOA
- It includes a variety of treats, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
It includes a variety of treats, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- During the summer, meltable ingredients will get swapped for other ingredients that will hold up better in transit.
During the summer, meltable ingredients will get swapped for other ingredients that will hold up better in transit.
It can be hard to decide which way to go with a gift basket. Something sweet? A little bit salty? How about savory? The best thing about this box from Olive and Cocoa is that you don’t have to make that difficult decision because as its name suggests, it’s got a bit of everything.
The petite version contains pistachios, chocolate-covered raisins, peanut brittle, corn nuts, milk chocolate pretzels, Swedish fish, and gourmet trail mix. The large version includes all of that and adds a dried fruit medley, Bavarian pretzels, caramel almond popcorn, and chocolate-covered sandwich cookies.
Both the petite and large options come arranged in a handmade wooden crate with a ribbon, though you can also opt for the signature Olive and Cocoa tote. Note: In the hotter months, any “meltables” will be swapped out for hardier ingredients of equal or greater value.
Olympia Provisions Euro Charcuterie Box
OLYMPIC PROVISIONS
- The lucky recipient will have all the ingredients they need to set up a charcuterie board.
The lucky recipient will have all the ingredients they need to set up a charcuterie board.
- The website doesn’t list specific salami and cheese selections.
The website doesn’t list specific salami and cheese selections.
Charcuterie boards are growing in popularity, and while they can be fun to put together, they are quite time-consuming. For the charcuterie lover in your life, you’ll make their day by sending them all the ingredients they need in one box.
This box of goodies from Olympia Provisions is a veritable culinary tour of Europe. It includes four different salamis, each representing a region. There’s also some pate and artisan crackers to spread it on, and of course, the box includes a wedge of hand-selected cheese—though there are no other details regarding specific selections.
Additional ingredients include a jar of homemade pickled vegetables, honey, Oregon dry roasted hazelnuts, olives, and a jar of mustard. All they need to do is arrange it on a charcuterie board and enjoy it.