We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 35 Best Gift Baskets for Valentine's Day, According to Research and Testing

Thoughtful options for everyone’s taste.

Harry & David Signature Bakery Tray displayed on a blue table

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Valentine's Day is all about showing your loved ones how much you care, and what better way to do so than a gift basket of delicious treats? They're the perfect gift-giving solution for even the pickiest of people you want to spoil, whether you’re choosing a gift for a partner, family member, or friend.

But with all the options available for gift baskets, it can be difficult to decide the best one for your giftee. Do you choose a basket of gourmet snacks to share together on date night? Or a box of high-quality chocolate they can savor for weeks on end?

“Consumers are looking for something that is unique and special. Most consumers today want to see items that they rarely, if ever, see in a retail store,” says Shirley George Frazier, a gift basket expert and owner of Gift Basket Business in New York City. 

In addition to including high-quality items, the best gift baskets will have policies in place to ensure the basket arrives intact.

“You want to know about delivery; you want to know about freshness; you want to know about any package breakages and what the company is going to do to handle that problem,” Frazier says. “If there are no terms and conditions, there is going to be a problem.” 

To find the best gift baskets, we tested researched and tested different gift baskets from top brands. To select the best gift baskets for your money, we considered the convenience of the ordering process as well as the quality and variety of products included in each basket.

Recchiuti Black Box 16

Recchiuti 

Our Ratings
  • Presentation
    5/5
  • Variety
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Freshness of Items
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • It includes a collection of both new and traditional truffle flavors.

Keep in Mind
  • 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.

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit Share the Love Basket

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

Our Ratings
  • Presentation
    4.5/5
  • Variety
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Freshness of Items
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • We were impressed with the authentic Southern biscuit flavor.

Keep in Mind
  • 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 & 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.

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.

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. 

Universal Yums Care Package

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Presentation
    4.5/5
  • Variety
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Freshness of Items
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The gift basket is affordable and ships quickly.

Keep in Mind
  • 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.

Vosges Haut-Chocolat Soirée Smash: Sourdough Pretzel & Toffee

Vosges Haut - Chocolat

Our Ratings
  • Presentation
    4/5
  • Variety
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Freshness of Items
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The 2.2-pound slab is sure to impress and looks nice on display.

Keep in Mind
  • 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 because there's enough chocolate to go around (we had over half left after 15 people tried it!), we think this is one of the best gift baskets to bring 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. 

The bottom of the Vosges Soirée Smash: Sourdough Pretzel & Toffee box

Better Homes & Gardens / Meg Lappe

Salt and Straw The Best Sellers Pack: Classics

Salt and Straw

Our Ratings
  • Presentation
    4.7/5
  • Variety
    4.3/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Freshness of Items
    4.9/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The gourmet ice cream tastes fresh and flavorful and has a satisfying texture.

Keep in Mind
  • 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 & 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.

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. 

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. 

The large-quantity options make this the best gift basket 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. 

Barnetts Deluxe Biscotti Gift Box

Barnetts

Our Ratings
  • Presentation
    4.8/5
  • Variety
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Freshness of Items
    3/5
  • Value
    4/5
Why You Should Get It
  • Coffee and tea drinkers will appreciate this addition to their morning routine.

Keep in Mind
  • 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. 

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. 

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. 

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 that make it the best gift basket 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. 

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 is the best gift basket 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. 

Why You Should Get It: The bite-sized treats stay fresh and frozen for hours after delivery. 

Keep in Mind: In some states, the only shipping option is two-day express shipping.

This Mochidoki gift set combines tasty ice cream flavors with a bite-sized serving that is perfect for sampling. Mochi is a Japanese ice cream dessert wrapped in rice dough.

The gift set features eight of the brand’s most popular flavors. It includes four pieces of each flavor and 32 pieces of mochi in total. The gift basket we tested had a mix of both classic flavors like vanilla chip and unique flavors like matcha. The other flavors in the box were strawberry, cake batter, black sesame, purple sweet potato, mango, and passion fruit. 

We loved the variety of flavors in the gift basket and the fresh taste. During our tasting, we thought the ice cream flavors were pleasantly subtle rather than overly sweet. We especially enjoyed the matcha and other fun flavors, which all tasted natural and fresh. The outer shell and ice cream filling were creamy and soft in each flavor, and the mochi had a pleasant texture.

Our gift box was shipped in an insulated cooler with dry ice, and the ice cream was still very cold when it arrived. The brand says the mochi should remain frozen for at least five hours after delivery, so you don’t have to worry about the ice cream melting before it gets to the freezer.

The mochi lasted through shipping, retained its freshness without melting, and was very fresh and tasty when eaten directly from the freezer. However, mochi will melt if they are left to sit out for too long, just like any other ice cream. The mochi are bite sized, so they can easily be served as individual portions. The ice cream can also be frozen until ready to eat, so you can sample each flavor over time. 

The ice cream was colorful and complemented the fun packaging. The package included a guide that described and identified each flavor so we knew which flavor to eat as well as nutritional and allergen information. 

Keep in mind that, in some states, the less-expensive ground shipping option is not available. Two-day express shipping costs $30 unless your order is $200 or more, which is when free shipping kicks in.

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. 

Why You Should Get It
  • The selection of sweets made the price tag worth it.

Keep in Mind
  • You can’t choose which sweets are included.

Harry & 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 & 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.

Shari's Berries Distinctive Fruit Basket & Sweets Gift Grande

Shari's Berries

Our Ratings
  • Presentation
    5/5
  • Variety
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Freshness of Items
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Why You Should Get It
  • We were impressed with the basket’s gorgeous presentation.

Keep in Mind
  • 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 & 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.

Eataly risotto ai funghi

Eataly

Our Ratings
  • Presentation
    4.8/5
  • Variety
    4.8/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Freshness of Items
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The gourmet ingredients are a step up from what you’d get from the grocery store.

Keep in Mind
  • It doesn’t come with a recipe to instruct how to make the risotto.

If you’re looking for the best 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.

Seven Sisters Scones Sconies, Jam, And Tea Sampler

Seven Sisters Scones

Our Ratings
  • Presentation
    4.5/5
  • Variety
    4.8/5
  • Size
    4/5
  • Freshness of Items
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The scones tasted fresh and soft.

Keep in Mind
  • It’s a smaller basket compared to others we tested.

If you’re looking for the best gift basket 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.

Harry & David The Favorite Royal Riviera Pears

Harry & David

Our Ratings
  • Presentation
    4.5/5
  • Variety
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Freshness of Items
    4.3/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • Harry & David has been selling these pears for 80 years and each pear included is hand-picked.

Keep in Mind
  • 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 & 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 & 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.

Why You Should Get It
  • It offers a nice wine selection that pairs well with the other contents of the basket.

Keep in Mind
  • 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 & 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.

Why You Should Get It
  • The craft beer flavors are good and the food complements them well.

Keep in Mind
  • 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.

Why You Should Get It
  • Recipients get to pick from 50 gourmet popcorn flavors.

Keep in Mind
  • 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.

Why You Should Get It
  • It’s a great option to send to a family, roommates, or a couple.

Keep in Mind
  • 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. 

Why You Should Get It
  • It’s a great alternative to chocolate and other sugary baskets and is less expensive than other options.

Keep in Mind
  • 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. 

Why You Should Get It
  • It includes 36 pieces of luxury chocolate.

Keep in Mind
  • 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 one of the best gift baskets if you’re willing to splurge a bit. Just note that shipping is an additional cost to consider as well.

Why You Should Get It
  • It features a rainbow of tropical fruits.

Keep in Mind
  • 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.

Why You Should Get It
  • You can choose between 12, 20, and 30 cookies, each of which is freshly baked to order.

Keep in Mind
  • 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. 

Why You Should Get It
  • This gift box looks as delicious as it tastes.

Keep in Mind
  • 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.

Why You Should Get It
  • It brings the café experience straight to their door.

Keep in Mind
  • It doesn’t contain the cups or other accessories as pictured on the site.

It’s coffee or tea time any time this gift box shows up on their doorstep. No need to go out to a crowded café to enjoy a sweet treat to accompany their morning or afternoon pick-me-up. This box contains two types of coffee, a Davidson’s Ayurvedic Infusions tea sampler chest, cinnamon pecan straws, caramel popcorn, and butter peanut crunch.

You can have the Coffee Break gift basket shipped with overnight delivery, so your recipient could be enjoying a decadent snack with their tea or coffee as soon as tomorrow. You can even send a personalized greeting card that will further make their day. Note that this gift box does not include any of the cups, coffee plates, or coffee pots shown for display on the website.

Why You Should Get It
  • It includes a variety of options to suit different cravings.

Keep in Mind
  • 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 M&Ms, gourmet popcorn in cheesy cheddar and caramel, cinnamon and brown sugar kettle corn, Haribo Goldbears, Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps, Mike & 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.

Why You Should Get It
  • It includes a variety of treats, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Keep in Mind
  • 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 & 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 & Cocoa tote. Note: In the hotter months, any “meltables” will be swapped out for hardier ingredients of equal or greater value.

Why You Should Get It
  • You get to select the flavors and toppings, plus they are shipped well to avoid freezer burn.

Keep in Mind
  • We felt that the price is steep for only four pints of ice cream and standard toppings.

We loved the variety of ice cream flavors included in this variety pack from Ice Cream Jubilee. Unlike other gift baskets that are preselected, you get to choose from a selection of over a dozen pints (pending availability), including Cherries Jubilee, Banana Bourbon Caramel, Chocolate Chocolate, Bold Vanilla, and Honey Lemon Lavender.

Each pint thawed quickly with no freezer burn and tasted fresh and creamy, though we found the Fresh Minty Chip was more reminiscent of toothpaste than a delicious frozen treat.

You can also choose two toppings from among rainbow or chocolate sprinkles, chocolate candies, and gummy bears. The toppings were a fun addition but a tad mediocre; we would have preferred a larger variety to choose from. 

The biggest drawback is the price for just four pints of ice cream and assorted toppings. Though the ice cream was high-quality, we would have liked better toppings or an extra pint or two of ice cream to match the price tag.

Why You Should Get It
  • The lucky recipient will have all the ingredients they need to set up a charcuterie board.

Keep in Mind
  • 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.

The Bottom Line

After ordering and tasting 51 different gift baskets, we chose the best gift baskets for every budget and taste. Then, we took what we learned during testing to find more gift baskets available. The Bonnie and Pop Dried Fruit and Nut Gift Basket is a great option for a last-minute gift since it ships quickly on Amazon. We also loved the Murray's Cheese Greatest Hits gift basket for a classic cheese and crackers option, or the Italian Market Snacks Tote for an affordable, yet luxurious, charcuterie basket. 

Our Testing Process

We began testing gift baskets in 2022 and have since ordered and tested 51 different gift baskets in both our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab and in our own homes. During the ordering process, we noted whether the shipping cost was clearly stated on the website. We also looked for any additional or hidden fees. We kept track of when each gift basket was ordered, the estimated delivery date, and when the basket actually arrived. 

When the baskets arrived, we assessed the quality of the packaging and presentation of the basket. We noted if any products were damaged and if perishable items were still fresh. We then spent several weeks sampling each basket to evaluate the quality, freshness, and taste of the items. We brought in multiple testers for each basket to receive a variety of opinions on the flavor and taste of the products. 

We evaluated the variety or assortment of items in each gift basket, as well as the quality of each product. We looked for baskets that had customization options like different sizes or flavors. We also considered the ease of ordering the basket and the delivery experience, like whether the basket needed to be refrigerated immediately. Finally, we took into account the brand’s return, replacement, or refund policies if the basket arrived damaged or spoiled. 

What to Know About Gift Baskets Before Shopping

Assortment

Selecting a gift basket that has a wide assortment of items is a good way to guarantee that the recipient will find something they enjoy. Especially if you aren’t sure of the giftee’s exact preferences for food and drinks, it’s best to choose a basket that has a variety of options for them to sample. Additionally, some gift baskets may substitute items if something is out of stock. Frazier recommends checking the company’s policies on substitutions so you know exactly what you could receive in the basket. 

Delivery

Delivery is one of the most important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a gift basket. The freshness of the food or beverages is crucial to the quality of the basket. We preferred brands that offered a delivery guarantee or replacement of the basket if the items weren’t fresh when they arrived. Each brand will also have different shipping dates and delivery timelines, so always plan ahead to ensure the gift basket arrives on time. Particularly during holiday seasons, delivery may be delayed or take longer than usual. 

Servings

Gift baskets will vary in the number of servings, but they typically offer at least five servings. Some baskets, like the Compartes Vegan Dark Chocolate Assortment Gift Box, are available in more than one size, so you can select the amount that makes sense for your giftee. Keep in mind that the recipient may want to share the goodies with others if they live with family members or roommates.

Price

According to Frazier, the minimum cost for a quality gift basket is between $55 and $75. The base price of the best gift baskets we chose ranged from $40 to $100, and the average price was $80. When evaluating the cost of a gift basket, look at the quantity and quality of items included in the basket. The packaging also makes a difference in price, as some gift baskets are packaged in reusable containers (like the Deluxe Exotic and Tropical Fruit Basket, which comes in a woven basket). Some brands will include shipping in the cost of the basket, while others will charge an additional fee for shipping.

Other Gift Baskets We Tested 

Harry & David Classic Gourmet Gift Basket

We thought the cheese in the Harry & David gift basket was very high quality, and there was a wide variety of items. We also liked the reusable basket and large jar of chutney it included. However, we thought some of the prepackaged snacks were bland, particularly the almonds and cookies. We didn’t include it as one of the best gift baskets due to the lower quality and freshness of some items. 

Hickory Farms Great Taste Gift Basket

We enjoyed the variety included in the Hickory Farms Great Taste Gift Basket. Between multiple cheeses, sausages, crackers, candies, and a bag of caramel popcorn, we felt like we could snack on a little bit of everything. However, the ice packs included in our gift basket were completely melted when the box arrived, which raised concerns because all of the items were marked as requiring refrigeration after opening. Luckily, the food was all shelf-stable and safe to eat. However, at the end of the day, we didn't think the contents stood out from other baskets we tested.

The Popcorn Factory Make You Smile Ultimate Gift Box

This gift basket from The Popcorn Factory arrived on time without any damage. But when we opened the box, we were disappointed to see that it wasn't packaged like it was shown on the listing. Instead of the snacks poured together in a large box, each item was packaged individually in its own bag. While this kept the popcorn fresh, it made it more difficult to share. We also weren't impressed with the overall flavor, as only one of the four popcorn varieties tasted gourmet.

testing gift baskets

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Your Questions, Answered

Can you return a gift basket?

Return policies vary from brand to brand, but most will offer a return policy that covers damage to the basket, missing items, or food that arrives spoiled. Typically, you can’t return a gift basket just because you don’t like the taste or assortment of items, so be sure you’re happy with the products included before you make a purchase. Before ordering a gift basket, check the company’s website and look for a generous return policy or refund options.

Can you customize gift baskets?

Some brands have a variety of options to customize the gift basket, whether that be the type or quantity of products included in the basket, the style of the basket, or the message attached. The Olive & Cocoa Italian Market Snacks gift basket offers two options for the basket itself, for example: It can be gift wrapped in a handcrafted wood crate or a canvas tote. Other brands will have pre-set options to choose from, so they aren’t as individualized. The Cheryl's Cookies Bow Gift Box, for example, can be ordered in quantities ranging from 12 to 200 cookies, but the types of cookies are not customizable.

Can food spoil in a gift basket?

Gift baskets should be shipped quickly enough to prevent spoiled food or reduced quality of the products. If you order a gift basket and the food arrives spoiled, contact the company directly to request a refund or replacement. “In most cases, you can return [a gift basket],” Frazier says. “It’s best for the consumer to take a picture to validate the problem with the gift basket.” If there is a problem with the order, many companies will send a replacement without the need to return the original basket. 

Some gift baskets, like the Mochidoki Signature Collection ice cream basket, should be refrigerated or frozen immediately upon arrival to their destination. To prevent the food from spoiling before it arrives to the recipient, the gift basket should be delivered at a time when it can be brought inside quickly.

Who We Are

Molly Blanco is a research coordinator for Dotdash Meredith and Barbara Zito is a freelance writer. For this article, they thoroughly researched the best gift baskets and important features to consider when purchasing a gift basket, then compared her research to testing insights gathered from our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. They also talked with Shirley George Frazier, gift basket expert and owner of Gift Basket Business, about how to choose the best gift basket for your needs. 

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles