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The 24 Best Gift Baskets for Any Occasion, Tested & Vetted

Whether they like wine, cheese or chocolate

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

best gift baskets: belgian chocolate cookies gift basket, assorted Brightland products and Italian charcuterie gift basket, side by side
Brightland/Levain/Man Crates

You may think gift baskets aren't a brag-worthy present idea, but they've come a long way from the stale box of cookies and mixed nuts your grandma used to ship. They're a great long-distance or last-minute gift (since the turnaround time is usually pretty fast), and today's boxes get niche, catering to all kinds of hyper-specific interests, whether your giftee is into Michelin-star-restaurant-worthy steaks (see: the Best of Porter Road Box, $128) or is homesick for the city they left behind (Texans, order a "Mother Clucker," $90, stat).

That said, with great variety comes...quality that varies greatly, too. (Who hasn't dropped $80+ on flower delivery, only to have a few wimpy, half-wilted carnations and a riot of baby's breath arrive at someone's door?) With that in mind, I researched and shipped top-rated wine, chocolate and other food gifts across the country, vetting them to uncover the best gift baskets to send in 2024 and 2025.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

The Best Gift Baskets at a Glance

1

Best Gift Basket Overall

Harry & David Deluxe Favorites Gift Basket

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2

Best Cookie Gift Basket

Levain Bakery Signature Cookie Assortment Gift Box

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3

Best Gift Basket for Cheese Lovers

Murray's La Dolce Vita Sampler

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4

Best Wine Gift Basket

Firstleaf Three-Bottle Mixed Bundle

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5

Most Comforting Gift Basket

Spoonful of Comfort Get Well Soon Gift Package

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How I Chose the Best Gift Baskets

First, I pooled our food team's expertise, our editors' recommendations and brand knowledge to find the most creative, diverse gift baskets on the internet, as well as the top-reviewed ones. With that in mind, I vetted and shipped nearly three dozen gift baskets to editors across the country, asking them to take photos of the package upon arrival and fill out a survey after sampling its goods, focusing on the following:

  • Value: Did the contents seem worth the cost?
  • Arrival Condition: Was anything broken or damaged?
  • Expectations vs. Reality: How did what you receive compare to what was pictured?
  • Flavor and Texture: How did the foods taste? Were you thinking about them days later? Would you go out of your way to order it again?
  • Gifting Opportunity: Does this make a solid gift, and for whom? What occasion(s) is it best for?

After weighing these factors and receiving testers' pros and cons, I also considered the overall costs of sending the gift basket (including shipping) as well as delivery timeframes (aka how last-minute you could get with sending out a gift) to narrow down the selection.

The Best Gift Baskets of 2024-2025

Best Gift Basket Overall

1. Harry & David Deluxe Favorites Gift Basket

Harry & David

You want to make a grand gesture, but you're not sure what, exactly, to send. When in doubt, check out the Harry & David Deluxe Favorites Gift Basket. It's a foolproof crowd-pleaser, loaded with sophisticated snacks that range from chocolate-drizzled Moose Munch and soft, raspberry jam-filled cookie sandwiches to sharp cheddar you can serve atop three-seed crackers, garnished with the brand's pepper and onion relish. (And if you, or your giftee, does, I highly recommend cutting up one of the nine seasonal pears that are included to top off your impromptu crostini.)

The gift basket comes gorgeously arranged in a bronze and gold tin adorned with gold ribbon. The gift basket isn't customizable, but you can add a bottle of red wine, white wine or sparkling juice to the order for $8 more.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: nine seasonal pears, Moose Munch popcorn, cheese, crackers, raspberry galettes, pepper and onion relish, chocolate-covered cherries, chocolate truffles, milk chocolate mini mints and a bronze and gold tin
  • Shipping: varies by item
  • Rave Review: "This gift basket has such a nice range of items—it's practically everything you need to host a picnic, with a nice mix of sweet and savory treats. There's so much inside that it makes for a great gift to surprise a family of four or five, without everyone fighting for a taste." -Candace Davison, VP of editorial content

Best Gift Basket for Southerners

2. "Mother Clucker" Chicken & Candied Bacon 4-Pack

Goldbelly

Homesick Texans and barbecue fans, lend me your ears: Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ is the cure for what ails you. The "Mother Clucker" four-pack contains (almost) everything you need to make the restaurant's famous sandwich, featuring a thick, 5.3-ounce chicken thigh stacked with candied bacon, guac, melted cheddar and a drizzle of Clucker Sauce (a spicy BBQ aioli), enveloped in a jalapeño cheddar sourdough bun. The only thing you need to pull from your fridge is a couple eggs for frying and adding to this behemoth sandwich. It's optional but highly encouraged.

After ordering it as a Father's Day gift, everyone at the table was blown away by the meal. While you do have to assemble the sandwich and bake it in the oven, it's largely hands off—and pretty foolproof. And the result is blue ribbon-worthy, if I do say so myself. (Just be prepared to need a nap afterward—this sandwich is heavy.)

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, 4 jalapeño cheddar sourdough buns, 1 package of sliced cheddar cheese, 4 strips candied bacon, premade guacamole, 1 (20-ounce) bottle Clucker Sauce
  • Shipping: free
  • Rave Review: "Succulent chicken...these sandwiches were AMAZING! Also, fast delivery and everything was still cold. Thanks, will be ordering again." —Salina C., Goldbelly shopper

Best Cookie Gift Basket

Levain Bakery

Whether they have a raging sweet tooth or not, Levain's iconic, extra-gooey, softball-sized cookies are practically guaranteed to please. Each four-, eight- and 12-pack is baked to order (no stale sweets here!) and comes with four of the bakery's best-selling flavors: chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate peanut butter, oatmeal raisin and of course, dark chocolate chocolate chip. While it seems dozens of bakeries have jumped on the gigantic cookie trend, Levain does it best—and I feel confident saying so after PureWow tested and ranked the top 10 places to buy cookies online.

"I loved how massive the cookies were," PureWow Assistant Editor Delia Curtis says. "They were definitely filling and could feed a crowd," adding that after heating them in the microwave for 30 seconds, "they were gooey and delicious."

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: one, two or three each of four cookies, Chocolate Chip Walnut, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip and Oatmeal Raisin
  • Shipping: from $12
  • Rave Review: "They make [ordering] incredibly easy and everything was packaged so beautifully. None of the cookies were crumbled or broken upon arrival." -Levain shopper

Best Gift Basket for Vegans

4. Platterful Plant-Based Perfection Charcuterie Kit

platterful

Admittedly, when I first heard someone say "plant-based charcuterie," I thought, you mean crudite? I pictured a veggie platter with some crackers for good measure; what arrived from Platterful upended all preconceived notions. This is a legitimate stand-in for your classic charcuterie board, featuring 13 vegan products, including three cheese substitutes, two meat substitutes, and an array of crackers, spreads and accompaniments.

When I served it to a crowd of 15 people, vegans and carnivores alike raved about the BBQ soy jerky—it disappeared in minutes—and were shocked to learn that the cheese was, in fact, dairy-free. The garlic-marinated olives and plant-based dark chocolate (studded with tart dried raspberries) were also hits.

While the platter's contents may vary, the selection itself is well-rounded and thoughtfully considered. Plus, the included instructions for assembling the board make creating an Insta-worthy arrangement practically foolproof.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: 13 vegan products, including 5 meat and cheese substitutes, 2-3 spreads and an array of crackers, dried fruit and other snacks
  • Shipping: varies
  • Rave Review: "People oohed and aahed over the presentation of this plant-based charcuterie board, but they were even more impressed by the flavor. A vegan friend was so touched to have such a spread to enjoy at my daughter's birthday party that he insisted on buying my husband and I coffee the next time we saw him." -Davison

Best Gift Basket for Cheese Lovers

5. Murray's La Dolce Vita Sampler

Murray's

You can't go wrong with a fancy cheese plate fit for a crowd. La Dolce Vita, from New York's famed Murray's Cheese shop, features more than 2.5 pounds of meat and cheese. It's a complete taste of Italy, featuring four cheeses (from milky burrata to a buttery-mushroomy fontina), sopressata salami and prosciutto, as well as Castelvetrano olives and crisps.

"I was so impressed by the quality of the cheese and meats included in this box," says Pamela Masin, director of affiliate strategy at Gallery Media Group, PureWow's parent company. "It really did transport you to an afternoon in Italy—all you need to add is a bottle of wine! Everything included was delicious and there was something for everyone—from crowd-pleasing parmigiano and burrata to more unique picks like a fontina with black truffle and a soft cheese that tastes like a mix of goat cheese and stinky Brie (in the best way). The crackers, prosciutto, salami and olives were delicious extras that complemented the cheesy assortment."

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: 4 cheeses (parmesan, fontina, burrata and alta langa la tur), 2 meats (prosciutto and sopressata), olives and Mitica Taralli crackers
  • Shipping: from $7
  • Rave Review: "This box is definitely worth the money. My family and I recently went on a trip to Italy, and this cheese board was so fun to set up for us and all reminisce." -Masin

Best Gift Basket for Moms to Be

6. Raising the Bar Cheers, Mama Shrub Kit

Raising the Bar

You want to toast to the mom-to-be, but it seems a little unfair to enjoy a glass of bubbly while she holds a glass of water. This kit is an excellent way to celebrate her growing family without leaving her out. The Cheers, Mama kit impressed testers with its thoughtful range of gifts—a soft, muslin swaddle blanket, mimosa scented candle, ginger chews and ginger gum for upset stomachs, mint-lavender herbal tea and everything you need to make a ginger, lemon and yuzu mocktail (down to a dried lemon slice garnish, because #aesthetics).

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: swaddle blanket, candle, all ingredients to make an artisanal zero-proof cocktail, ginger gum, ginger chews, herbal tea
  • Shipping: $10
  • Rave Review: "I love how practical and genuinely useful this box is. The mocktail had a great balance of tart-tangy-sweet flavors and a bubbly effervescence, making it a refreshing drink that feels close to a cocktail, not cloyingly sweet like some recipes out there." -Davison

Best Wine Gift Basket

7. Firstleaf Three-Bottle Mixed Bundle

Firstleaf

Show up to your friend's dinner party with this bundle of gold-medal wines and they'll be thanking you all night long. Inside are three bottles—two reds and one white—that are seriously top notch. The oaky chardonnay is a double-gold winner, scoring a 97 out of 100, and the reds are award-winning as well. (Having sampled a variety of Firstleaf's wines, I can tell you their curation is on point, especially if you take the brand's quiz to learn your flavor preferences beforehand.)

You'll save 45 percent by gifting this bundle instead of buying the bottles individually, and they make for a staggering gift to elevate an anniversary dinner at home or celebrate a promotion or retirement.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: two bottles of red wine (cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir) and one bottle of white wine (chardonnay)
  • Shipping: free on orders of 12 bottles or more
  • Rave Review: "Lovely wines! Great assortment of wines and [I love] the ability to customize your order frequency and number of bottles. Helpful concierge and customer service." - Firstleaf shopper

Best Gift Basket for Chocolate Lovers

8. 1-800-Baskets Exclusive Godiva Holiday 2024 Basket

Godiva

You really can't go wrong with an over-the-top selection of chocolates, and Godiva makes some of the best. "I can't imagine anyone receiving this and not having a big smile on their face. This was a great chance to try a variety of sweet treats (and they will last me a little while since there were so many in the basket)," says Phil Mutz, VP of news and entertainment at PureWow. While it is a splurge, "as a chocolate lover, I'd say this is for sure worth the money. "

Fast Facts

  • What You Get (smallest size): Diamond-embossed red and gold metal basket containing a Godiva® Milk Chocolate Peppermint Bar, Godiva® Masterpiece Dark Chocolate Ganache Heart Bar, Godiva® nine-piece Limited Edition 2024 Wreath Box, Godiva® Milk Chocolate Gift Box, Godiva® Almond & Honey Milk Chocolate Mini Bars, Godiva® Gold Ballotin Red Bow Box
  • Shipping: varies by item
  • Rave Review: "I loved how full the gift basket was and how many different options of chocolates were included. It was definitely a nice variety and gave me a chance to try Godiva offerings that I'd never had before." -Mutz

Reader Favorite

9. Man Crates Pit Master Barbecue Crate

Man Crates

Does your dad feel at home manning the grill? You can officially stop marinating on gift ideas, thanks to this clever crate of barbecue essentials. It's been a best-seller among PureWow readers, largely because of how well thought out the box is—and for its clever presentation. It contains everything from heavy duty gloves to meat claws, so he can shred his own chicken or pork Wolverine-style (which is a thrill in and of itself). The whole thing comes in a wooden crate that the recipient needs to crack open with a crow bar. Who wouldn't get a kick out of that?

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: stainless steel meat claws, leather gloves, grill fork, silicone basting brush, cast iron sauce pot, Honey Sweet sauce, Touch of Heat sauce, barbecue meat rub and three smoke cans (apple, hickory and mesquite)
  • Shipping: free with Amazon Prime
  • Rave Review: "This entire package is so giftable, tasty sauces, and a fun appearance. I have told all my friends about Man Crates!" -Amazon reviewer

Best Gift Basket for Ice Cream Fans

10. Jeni's Ice Creams Best-Sellers Collection

Jeni's Ice Creams

An office-wide ice cream tasting had editors raving about Jeni's ice creams for days afterward. The creaminess! The elasticity—rather than iciness—it possessed! The flavors—oh, the flavors. If you know an ice cream fan who deserves a little big treat, send them Jeni's Best-sellers Collection. No matter their flavor preferences, they're sure to be delighted. Take it from PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth: "It is so hard for me to pick my favorite from this pack—no wonder they're all best sellers!—but I think I have to go with the Brambleberry Crisp or the Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks. Both are so delicious and light and creamy."

It's also delightfully packaged, making it a joy to unbox. "It's very cute and festive, which is especially nice for something like ice cream, because the inside packaging is forced to be rather basic by the necessity of keeping the ice cream cold. I also appreciate that the packaging is fairly simple inside so there’s not a ton of waste/recycling," Hepworth added.

Psst: For a more seasonal spin, PureWow editors also love the wintry mix of flavors in the Splendid Holiday Collection. (Don't sleep on the Pistachio Macaron!)

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: 5 pints of ice cream: Brambleberry Crisp, Darkest Chocolate, Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Salty Caramel
  • Shipping: varies
  • Rave Review: "This gift basket...

Best Housewarming Gift Basket

11. Brightland The Mini Essentials Gift Set

Brightland

If you're on the hunt for the ultimate housewarming gift, look no further than this drool-worthy pantry assortment from Brightland. It includes 3.4-ounce bottles of the brand's top olive oils (cold-pressed and bottled in California), and its fresh fruit-infused vinegars. What makes them stand out, however, is what powerful flavors each had—and how surprisingly well they can be mixed and matched together.

"One olive oil was a bit heartier (Awake) while the other one (Alive) was a bit zingier. The champagne vinegar (Parasol) was fruity and bright while the balsamic (Rapture), was deep, bold and berry-like," Curtis explains. "It's the perfect set of ingredients to create a number of combos to use for soups, salads, breads, meats, veggies, fruits, chocolates and more. They're all very versatile and will definitely be getting a lot of use in the kitchen this year."

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: two cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oils, two fruit-infused vinegars
  • Shipping: free for orders $100 and up
  • Rave Review: "I think that my favorite product combo was mixing the Awake Olive Oil with the Rapture Balsamic Vinegar to create a well-rounded dressing that was both hearty and bold, but fruity and sweet. I honestly thought that they were all hits." -Curtis

Most Comforting Gift Basket

12. Spoonful of Comfort Get Well Soon Gift Package

Spoonful of Comfort

Four different editors raved about Spoonful of Comfort's boxes and how, well, comforting they are in times of need, be it the bleary-eyed early days of postpartum parenthood, caring for an ill loved one from afar or helping a pal stay warm during winter's worst. "I received a Spoonful of Comfort box from my bestie a few years ago when I was recovering from surgery, and let me tell you, it contained the absolute BEST chicken noodle soup I have ever eaten in my life," swears Stephanie Maida, PureWow senior commerce editor. "It's such a thoughtful get well or sympathy gift, especially since the soup arrives frozen, so your giftee can keep it in the freezer for whenever they're ready to heat-and-eat."

The others also attested to the high quality—and flavor—of the soups provided, and how "soft and doughy" and "dreamy" the rolls are.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: two 32-ounce containers of soup or mac n' cheese, six bacci rolls, six cookies, a ladle and a notecard
  • Shipping: from $15
  • Rave Review: "They have the most magnificent soups, soft and doughy bread rolls, and cookies...I still dream about the autumnal squash soup." -Curtis

Best Gift Basket for Meat Lovers

13. Best of Porter Road Box

Porter Road

I was warned that once you try Porter Road's thick-cut bacon, anything you find at the grocery store will be ruined for you. They were right. But they didn't warn me that I'd feel that way about the chorizo, ground beef or ridiculously thick-cut pork chops, too. This epic selection of hormone- and antibiotic-free dry-aged meat, provides the foundation for nearly a week's worth of meals, making the splurge seem pretty reasonable, all things considered. (You'd spend this much on a night out a nice steakhouse, anyway.) Depending on availability, the two dry-aged steaks could be ribeyes or strips. The meat is shipped cold, packed with sustainable insulation, gel packs and cardboard.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: two dry-aged steaks, two pork chops, two pounds dry-aged ground beef, one pound bacon, one pound country sausage and one pound chorizo
  • Shipping: free shipping on orders $125 and up (select states)
  • Rave Review: "The cuts, flavor and just overall quality of the meat are amazing. It's like having the best of a top-notch butcher shop delivered right to your door. I'm now looking into monthly subscriptions after receiving the 'Best of' box—it's that good." -Davison

Best Gift Basket for Noodle Lovers

14. Momofuku Noodle Starter Pack

Momofuku

David Chang's brand is beloved by foodies, who flock to the Momofuku online store for chili crisp, soy sauce and noodles alike. While the five-pack (three packages of noodles, two jars of chili crisp) is pricier than, say, Cup-O-Noodles, the quality sets it on par with a restaurant meal.

"It's easy to jazz up with a soft boiled egg, throw in your choice of protein and a leafy green. (I think bok choy would be great but I would also do spinach or kale or broccoli)," PureWow SEO Editor Marissa Wu suggests. "The chili oils are fairly mild, but...I will say, pairing any oil with any of the spicy noodles IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. If you have a low spice tolerance...you will die. Guaranteed. But I loved it!"

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: three types of dried noodles (Sweet & Spicy, Soy & Scallion, Chili), Original Chili Crunch and Chili Crunch Hot Honey
  • Shipping: free shipping on orders $45 and up
  • Rave Review: "The chili oils make the noodles. Otherwise, it's just a pile of noodles (delicious as they are) that have a heavy soy sauce aroma. The chili oils really bring a more nuanced flavor—and kick." -Wu

Most Decadent Desserts

15. Killer Brownie Best-Seller Gift Tin

killer brownie

When you want to treat a chocoholic—I mean really treat someone—send them this pack of over-the-top brownies. I first received a box in late 2020, when my family moved back to our home, mid-quarantine, after an unexpected six-month stint living with parents during lockdown. New York was a very different place, and I was feeling lonelier than ever, and these insanely decadent treats helped me feel less isolated amid the chaos of daily quarantine check-ins from the state and caring for a toddler while working.

Since then, they've become a go-to gift for anyone in need of serious comfort food. The best-sellers pack features four bricks of brownies, all triple-layered with nuts, chocolate chips and/or quarter-inch-thick gobs of peanut butter or salted caramel. They're so intense, outrageously fudgy and massive that you'll want to quarter each one to eat it, making it perfect for sharing. (And honestly, that intensity helps stretch them farther, helping to justify the price.)

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: nine
  • Shipping: varies by item
  • Rave Review: "While they'll keep in the fridge for two weeks, do yourself a favor and enjoy one immediately—and wrap the rest in plastic wrap and shove them in the freezer. If you don't, you will crave these fudgy treats so badly that you will devour them until you get a stomachache. It's a fact." -Davison

Best Gift Basket for At-Home Wine Tastings

16. Clif Family Winery Napa Valley Happy Hour Gift Set

Clif Family

You'd love to gift that friend who just landed her dream job—or the brother who finally scored that promotion, or the cousin whose kid's adoption was just approved—a trip to Napa to celebrate, but...that's a little out of your budget right now. Fair. Why not bring a taste of Napa to them?

This gift basket features all the makings of an impromptu happy hour—a 2022 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and a 2022 Gary's Improv Zinfandel, along with sesame crackers, red wine jelly and salt and vinegar cashews. Testers loved how bold and robust Gary's Improv was, and how nicely the sauvignon blanc cut through the tangy-meets-sweet flavor of the cashews. All that's missing is a block of sharp cheddar or smoked gouda.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: one bottle of red wine, one bottle of white, salt and vinegar cashews, red wine jelly and crackers
  • Shipping: varies (Note: shipping is unavailable in Mississippi, Utah, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Arkansas)
  • Rave Review: "True wine connoisseurs will appreciate this gift—the wines are so refreshing and pair so nicely with the included snacks. It's like a picnic in a box, minus the gingham blanket." -Davison

Best Value Gift Basket

17. Best of Cheryl's Dessert Tray (Medium)

Cheryl's Cookies

Gift baskets can get pricey, fast. But if you want to ship a massive range of treats—including frosted cookies—affordably and have them arrive in tact, Cheryl's Cookies is the way to go. Multiple editors raved about how easy it is to order from Cheryl's—and how nicely they arrive (individually wrapped, too, making them easy to store).

The medium-sized dessert tray makes for a great office gift, since it includes enough treats to easily satisfy a dozen or more people. (Plus, everything is snack-sized, so you can have a few bites of a couple different treats.) While Cheryl's is known for its soft, buttercream-frosted cookies, the oatmeal raisin and fudgy brownie bites were editors' favorites.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: 55 snack-size desserts, which includes 24 crunchy chocolate chip cookies, 12 crunchy snickerdoodles, 5 snack-size brownies, 2 oatmeal raisin cookies, 2 sugar cookies, 6 buttercream-frosted cookies, 2 chocolate chip buttercream sandwich cookies
  • Shipping: from $10
  • Rave Review: "10/10 balance of flavors between the oats and raisins. They are so softttttttt." -Christina Chiu, Gallery Media Group Backend Engineer

Best Gift Basket for Hosts

18. Kosterina Dipping Duo Gift Set

Kosterina

You know that friend who bought the Eleven Madison Park cookbook and actually cooks from it? That friend could use—and would genuinely appreciate—some ultra-luxe, top-of-the-line olive oil. And balsamic vinegar, while you're at it. The EVOO is cold-pressed in small batches using early harvest Koroneiki olives from southern Greece, and as a result, it has a robust depth of flavor and, according to the brand, it's loaded with anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

Our testers loved the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar, and how smooth the oil was. In fact, it's flavorful enough on its own that it became their go-to salad dressing, and could hold its own as an app, served with a hunk of crusty bread.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: a 375-ml bottle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar
  • Shipping: varies by item
  • Rave Review: "I will go out of my way to buy fresh bread, just to dunk into this balsamic/olive oil pairing. And then I'll turn it into a meal." -Davison

Best Gift Basket for Former New Yorkers

19. Magnolia Bakery World-Famous Banana Pudding Variety Multipack

Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery's cult-favorite banana pudding is famous far beyond NYC. Anyone with a sweet tooth will adore digging into this assortment of red velvet, chocolate hazelnut and banana puddings, the brand's three most popular varieties. (And if you haven't tried it, you're in for a treat: It's the fluffiest banana pudding you'll ever taste, thanks to the whipped cream folded into the pudding.) It's a solid gift for anyone who likes banana pudding, but also for ex-New Yorkers who are craving a taste of home.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: two red velvet banana pudding cups, two chocolate hazelnut banana pudding cups and two classic banana pudding cups
  • Shipping: $25
  • Rave Review: “Even people who normally snub all things banana can't resist this pudding. It's dangerous to keep in your fridge, because you'll find yourself sneaking bite after bite—until the whole pint is gone in record time." -Davison

Best Cocktail Gift Basket

20. Harry & David Bloody Mary Kit and Garnishes

Harry & David

If you're shopping for someone who gets decked out in an IG-worthy fit to go scarf down eggs Benny every Sunday, gifting them this Bloody Mary basket is an easy win. Packed with all of the necessities—Bloody Mary mix, dill pickle hot sauce, cornichons, olives and a robust chili lime seasoning to rim their glass with—they'll be more than equipped to mix up their favorite brunch cocktail.

"The Bloody Mary mix itself is thick and savory, and the unique dill pickle hot sauce supplies a nice bright kick without making the drink too spicy to sip," Maida says. "I will note that just one drink used up about half of the mix bottle, but I didn't really dilute it (and didn't add a ton of tequila for my, in this case, 'Bloody Maria'). If you were to be a little stingy with the mix, I think you could get three to four servings out of it."

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: Bloody Mary drink mix, chile lime seasoning, dill pickle hot sauce, garlic dill cornichons and pitted grilled green olives
  • Shipping: varies by item
  • Rave Review: "As somewhat of a Bloody Mary aficionado, I can say that this set has everything you need to make a great from home." -Maida

Best Candy Gift Basket

21. Sugarwish Candy Box

Sugarwish

Satisfy a sweet tooth with this gift basket that's basically like trick-or-treating for grown-ups. Rather than select a basket of random goodies, you send someone a digital gift (which, bonus: makes it a great last, last-minute present!) that allows them to select the mix of treats they'd like.

And no, these aren't generic-brand sweets, either. The giftee can choose from more than 70 classic and modern loose candies, opting for two to 24 options. Ideal for anyone who loves sweets, the selection is better than your garden variety convenience store candy. If they're into chewy caramel creams, throwback Jawbreakers or sweet-and-sour gummies, they'll be more than pleased with their options. Promise.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: two, four, six, eight, 12 or more candies in a cute box
  • Shipping: free
  • Rave Review: "I love that this company lets the giftee choose the food they actually want to receive. It still feels like you're receiving a gift and not a gift card, which can feel impersonal." -former PureWow commerce director Nicole Briese

Best Gift Basket for Steak Lovers

22. Crowd Cow Best of Japanese Wagyu Box

Crowd Cow

When you want to treat someone to a serious steak—like, one of the best steaks of their lives—spring for this Crowd Cow Best of Japanese Wagyu bundle.The steaks are shipped vacuum-sealed and frozen at peak freshness, and arrive with cards explaining how to best cook them and what makes their Wagyu legit. Don't be fooled by the thin cuts; these steaks are outrageously tender, with a surprisingly buttery flavor. You (or your giftee) may also balk at the suggestion to avoid adding any fat to the pan before searing your steaks; these are so perfectly marbled that you truly do not need it.

Note that while the steaks arrive in not-so-pretty packaging, it is recyclable and compostable, which is a nice plus.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: one 5-ounce A5 Wagyu Petite Striploin, two 5-ounce A5 Wagyu Petite Ribeye Steaks, all Miyazaki Gyu
  • Shipping: free shipping for orders $149 and up
  • Rave Review: "Miyazaki Wagyu, which is featured in this bundle, has won the highest accolade in what's known as the Wagyu Olympics four consecutive times, and once you try these steaks, you'll understand why. It's so tender that I could practically cut it with a fork." -Davison

Most Celebratory Gift Basket

23. Nuts.com Cheers to You Gift Box

nuts.com

Heading to a baby shower, bridal shower or engagement party? (Or sending your regrets, along with a really thoughtful gift?) This is the gift basket to send. It's filled with festive, bubbly inspired treats and snacks, along with a non-alcoholic rose. Testers raved about the rich, thick dark chocolate coating on the almonds, as well as how lightly fruity and almost effervescent the prosecco gummies were. All in all, it makes for a charming gift to pop off any occasion.

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: TOST Non-alcoholic rosé, prosecco gummy bears, dark chocolate-covered almonds, bourbon pecans, EATABLE Pop the Champagne (Mini) Wine-Infused Gourmet Popcorn, Compartés Champagne Dark Chocolate Bar
  • Shipping: free shipping on orders over $59
  • Rave Review: "Every aspect of this gift box is a delight, from the popping candy-infused popcorn to the extra-squishy gummy bears." -Davison
rubirosa pasta and sauce sampler

Best Gift Basket for Pasta Fans

24. Rubirosa Pasta Sampler & Sauce Gift Set 

Rubirosa

When Béis founder and actress Shay Mitchell told me Rubirosa was one of her absolute favorite restaurants in NYC, I took note. And when PureWow Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay tested their gift baskets, she confirmed: The famed Italian spot's packaged goods live up to the hype. The sauces, in particular, make this basket worth the splurge.

"I was dying to try the vodka sauce, since it's one of my favorites from the restaurant, and it really was delicious," says Yohay, who visited Rubirosa once a month. "Jar sauce (being jarred sauce) is already at a disadvantage when comparing it to the homemade stuff, but this was definitely one of the best jar vodka sauces I've ever had. It's more sweet than spicy, so if you like a little kick I'd suggest adding a touch of red pepper flakes."

Fast Facts

  • What You Get: 3 pounds of pasta, in 3 unique shapes; 1 jar of Rubirosa marinara, 1 jar of Rubirosa vodka sauce and 1 bottle of olive oil
  • Shipping: varies
  • Rave Review: "I also just love how practical it is since the contents aren't perishable (meaning I don't have to eat it right away or take up precious fridge space) and they all have a great shelf life." -Yohay

What to Consider When Shopping for a Gift Basket

Here are a few key factors to consider before placing an order:

  • Variety and Theme: Choose a basket that focuses on something you know the giftee likes. Once you choose the theme of the basket, consider if the basket contains enough diverse items to make the gift feel generous. You want the giftee to feel like they have plenty to sample once they open the basket.
  • Delivery and Shipping: Of course, it's imperative that the gift actually reaches the giftee, so ensure that the basket you order can be delivered to their state. If you're ordering for a specific occasion, consider expedited shipping or buying in advance to make sure it arrives on time. This is especially key for perishable items that need to be brought inside ASAP.
  • Price: Gift baskets span a wide range of prices, so there's likely one you can find within your budget. But before you buy based strictly based on price, take shipping costs into account as well and the brand you're shopping. (Some are inherently pricier than others.)


Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can You Buy Gift Baskets? 

Gift baskets are available from a variety of in-store and online retailers. You can often find gift baskets at local grocery stores and specialty stores, especially around the holidays. Sites like Amazon and Harry & David are great sources for over-the-top and affordable gift baskets alike. Other sites, like Man Crates and Goldbelly, are solid go-tos for year-round gift basket shopping.

Can You Personalize a Gift Basket?

Some brands—like The Basketry or Personalization Mall—specialize in personalized, customizable gift baskets. Additional brands also include add-on options for packaging, so you can sometimes tweak a few items in the order or choose the gift wrap instead of personalizing the whole basket.

Can You Return a Gift Basket?

It depends. Most sites offer returns within 30 days of purchase with a receipt, especially if items are broken, spoiled or inedible, says The Spruce. Contact the sites directly if you have any Qs about returns or exchanges, and note that not liking the contents of the box usually isn't a case for a return, in this case.


candace davison bio

VP of editorial content

  • Oversees home, food and commerce articles
  • Author of two cookbooks and has contributed recipes to three others
  • Named one of 2023's Outstanding Young Alumni at the University of South Florida, where she studied mass communications and business

taryn pire

Food Editor

  • Contributes to PureWow's food vertical
  • Spearheads PureWow's recipe vertical and newsletter
  • Studied English and writing at Ithaca College

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