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From sweet to savory, we found the best food gift baskets for every occasion.
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10 Best Gourmet Food Gift Baskets, Tested and Reviewed by Our Editors
Updated on Apr. 22, 2025
Food gift baskets have come a long way from when the only options were shipping off a simple fruit assortment or assembling something yourself. Nowadays, there’s a pre-made food care package for almost every occasion and taste, with options tailored to coffee lovers, ramen fiends and beyond. It’s even possible to snag things like cheese, cookie dough and ice cream without worrying about them spoiling during shipment!
“Gift baskets have remained a popular choice for gift-giving for centuries. Their ability to adapt over time, along with their versatility in content and design, make them the best choice for gifting to people of all ages” says Erin Hager, VP of Brand and Creative Strategy at Gourmet Gift Baskets. “The process of gifting can feel overwhelming and difficult. When uncertain about what to give, a ‘gift basket‘ is a great solution. It removes the challenge of finding the one perfect gift by providing a diverse sampling.”
The Taste Recipes team has decades of combined experience trying and covering all types of food gifts, from fruit baskets to gifts for grillers. To help you find the best gift, we compiled our favorites in the list below. No matter your budget or occasion, these options—all tested and recommended by our staff—are sure to impress with their presentation, quality and thoughtfulness.
Best Overall
Cheers Gift Set
Pros:
- Comes with an assortment of celebratory snacks
- Sparkling drink is nonalcoholic to suit a range of tastes
- Two party noisemakers for celebrating
- Each purchase plants a tree
- Coconut wax candle included
- Satin bow and sleek box make it very giftable
- Option to include a handwritten message with a wax seal
Cons:
- Pricey
When the occasion calls for the “pop!” of bubbly, why stop at a bottle? Instead, spring for a cheers-worthy chest of champagne-inspired treats. The perfect accompaniment to a cheese board gift, this Cheers Champagne gift set comes with a bottle of TÖST sparkling nonalcoholic white tea rather than a traditional bubbly bottle, making it a thoughtful pick for anyone limiting their alcohol intake.
A champagne candle, wine-flavored gummies, white chocolate champagne popcorn, two party noisemakers and a champagne stopper accompany the bottle of nonalcoholic bubbly in a sleek, gift-ready box. Include a handwritten note adorned with a wax seal for extra fancy flair. They’ll love unboxing this stunning assortment, and you’ll love that each purchase plants a tree.
“The curators did an excellent job collecting celebratory and festive items,” our tester and Executive Culinary Director, Sarah Farmer, says of this charming gift basket for women and men. “From the superior packaging to the array of products, this box nails it for any occasion that calls for a cheer.”
Best for Fruit
The Fruit Company
Pros:
- Beautiful packaging
- Strong assortment of fruit
- Tons of gifting options for every occasion
- Reasonable price point for gifting
- Fruit packaged carefully to prevent bruising
- Organic options available
Cons:
- Quality around the same as what you’d find in a gourmet grocery store
- Fruit clubs are a bit pricey
Fresh fruit gifts are a classic food care package option for a reason—but not all fruit baskets are equal. The Fruit Company is truly a one-stop shop for all things fresh fruit delivery. The Simply Fruit basket contains fresh, farm-picked fruit. Inclusions span apples, pears, oranges, pineapple, kiwi and a bag of dried fruit medley, making for a colorful and flavorful assortment.
This is truly one of the best choices for almost any occasion, from gifting to monthly shipments that keep your snack stash topped up. A card with ripening tips comes with each shipment—a nice touch, according to Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski.
“This is a solid fruit basket,” shares Katie of her Simply Fruit basket. “It’s beautifully arranged, shipped without any damage to the fruit and has a nice variety.” She notes that despite evidence of a rocky shipping trip, the fruit inside was carefully packaged in a generous straw bed with extra protection like mesh sleeves and tissue paper. While there was a little bruising along the top of the pineapple, the majority of the fruit inside was unharmed.
Best for Cookies
Levain Cookie Tin
Pros:
- Decadent, delicious cookies that taste homemade (or better!)
- Gift-ready tin included
- Sizable, 6-ounce cookies
- Novelty of the Levain name
- Secure packaging prevents breakage
- A wide assortment of flavors available
Cons:
- Requires some preparation
Levain Bakery makes some of the most famous cookies in the world—and not just because of the dozens of dreamy flavor combinations like chocolate chip walnut and dark chocolate peanut butter. Each behemoth cookie weighs in at a whopping six ounces, making their assortment tins some of our favorite indulgent gifts for foodies.
Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski tried a whole set of their famous flavors, including the iconic chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, dark chocolate peanut butter chip, oatmeal raisin and caramel coconut chocolate chip. She used her oven to heat each cookie as instructed, resulting in ooey, gooey goodness.
“My first sample was the caramel coconut chocolate chip cookies. They tasted like a Girl Scout Samoa cookie and a chocolate chip cookie had a baby. The result was warm and tender with crunchy flakes of coconut. As the cookie cooled, the caramel turned deliciously chewy and added an even deeper texture,” she notes in her cookie review.
“I can confirm that Levain cookies are the real deal. I’ll certainly be ordering again for myself and my loved ones. The signature cookie assortment makes a delightful gift for any occasion—even ‘just because.’” Want a gift that keeps on giving? Consider opting for a cookie of the month club instead.
Most Customizable
Sugarwish Box
Pros:
- Choose from a number of gifts, including candy, cookies, coffee, cocktails and more
- The recipient picks their own goodies
- Packaging is pretty and gift-ready
- Shipping is fast and secure
Cons:
- No option to add mixed inclusions, e.g. part cookies and part coffee
Candies and cookies and coffee, oh, my! For the friend that’s hard to shop for, turn to Sugarwish. This clever service offers a range of treats and snacks, from flavored popcorn to cocktail mixers to savory snacks and more. Even better, there’s no need to know what your recipient prefers—they pick their own options out of the categories you select, making it the perfect present for colleagues or picky eaters. And no matter which option they end up with, we guarantee they’ll find an assortment of flavors they adore.
“With six candies to enjoy, I enlisted the help of my sister/roommate to help me eat this sweet gift,” says Product Reviews Home Editor Madi Koetting in her Sugarwish review. “We treated ourselves to a movie night and indulged in all the sugary goodness. Afterward, there were still plenty of treats to go around for quick indulgences. Even on day five, the candy tasted as fresh as it did on day one.”
I tested Sugarwish’s cocktail mixer gift as part of our piece on the best cocktail kits. Like the candy, coffee and cookie options, shoppers choose the number of mixers (anywhere from two to 12). From there, Sugarwish does the rest. Your recipient selects their picks from a list of more than 20 options that span a range of flavors and alcohol pairings. My “large” box contained four options—I enjoyed the simple margarita, blackberry lemonade, spiced cherry mule and pineapple mule options. They weren’t overly saccharine or artificial—nothing like those $5 mixers you spot in the grocery store.
Sending a Sugarwish gift basket is even easier than sending a gift card, and it’s so much more personal (and delicious)!
Best for a Sick Friend
Spoonful of Comfort
Pros:
- Comes with two 32-ounce containers of chicken noodle soup
- Includes six rolls for dipping
- Chocolate chip cookies for a sweet treat
- A keepsake ladle comes with every box
- Bright, cheery packaging
- Extra add-ons available, including pet gifts and cozy essentials
- Optional personalized message
Cons:
- On the pricey side
Sending a care package to a sick friend is a time-honored tradition, as is bringing them a bowl of fresh chicken noodle soup. Combine the two, then add cookies, rolls and a gift-ready ladle and you get Spoonful of Comfort, a cozy gift delivered right to the recipient’s door.
“Whether you’re sending a ‘get well soon’ package or want to cheer up a homesick loved one going through a hard time, a spoonful of comfort is exactly what they’ll get inside this heartfelt box,” says Madi of these cozy food gift baskets. “Complete with all things warm—chicken noodle soup, grandma’s old-fashioned rolls and chocolate chip cookies—it lights up their soul. The box arrives with a shiny ladle and your personal message.”
“I was impressed with how everything heated up perfectly in the microwave and stovetop, and now I have enough chicken noodle soup for the week,” she notes. “I’m not exaggerating when I say I almost ate all the cookies in one sitting—they’re that good.”
Best for Cocktail Lovers
5 O'Clock Box Old Fashioned Kit
Pros:
- Chocolate bitters and three-chile simple syrup offer a twist on this classic
- Comes with a jigger for measuring bourbon or whiskey
- Includes mandarin chip garnish
- Yields eight cocktails
- Clean, gift-ready packaging
- Affordably priced
Cons:
- Not as spicy as expected
Budding bartenders and master mixologists alike enjoy cocktail kits. These fun gift boxes include all the ingredients required for several cocktails using your choice of spirit (minus the alcohol). The 5 O’Clock Box comes in an array of options that cover a wide strata of drinks, but our favorite is the classic Old Fashioned cocktail kit.
Each comes bursting with a sweet and spicy kick. It’s the perfect pick for anyone who wants to experiment with a spin on one of the most popular cocktail drinks. While I personally could have done with a little more heat from the spiced three-chili syrup, I can’t think of a better companion to my collection of cheese subscriptions.
The cocktail kit comes with an easy-to-follow instruction card that’s a good guideline, but it’s totally possible to tailor the recipe to your taste, too.
Best for Cheese Lovers
Boarderie Charcuterie Gift
Pros:
- Everything is pre-arranged—just unwrap and it's ready
- Inclusions are fresh and high-quality
- Reusable wood charcuterie board included with each purchase
- Utensils like spoons and forks included
- Comes in a variety of sizes and flavors
- Secure shipping with cold packs for freshness
Cons:
- Pricey
Calling all hostesses, grazers and snack fiends—Boarderie charcuterie boards aren’t just for parties. In fact, what makes a better present than a gift-ready charcuterie board loaded with gourmet offerings? These artisan grazing boards arrive at the recipient’s door prearranged and carefully packed with dry ice, making them ready to enjoy straight from the box without any chopping or portioning required. Plus, each comes with a reusable wooden board for future gatherings.
“All I had to do was simply unwrap the individual trays and re-situate them on the serving board,” says Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley in her Boarderie review. “This compartmentalization of the board’s toppings made it easy to set up and made it clear which accoutrements were to be paired together.”
“I’ll spare you a list of all 35—yes, 35!—ingredients on my Arte board and just hit the highlights. My favorites were BellaVitano espresso cheese, blueberry-vanilla goat cheese, Peppadew pepper white cheddar cheese, salami picante, everything-seasoned cashews and candied pecans. Is your mouth watering yet? Each board, big and small, boasts a similarly masterful assortment of hand-selected artisan munchies. Boarderie also offers holiday-specific boards, cheese-only boards, small-scale boards and the oh-so-alluring Deluxe Baked Brie Board (that’s next on my list!),” she says of these cheese-centric food gift baskets.
Best for Coffee Lovers
Chocolate & Coffee Pairing Box
Pros:
- Three 2-ounce bags of coffee
- Three single-origin bars from Raaka Chocolate
- Includes a tasting and pairing guide
- Option to include coffee-tasting glasses
- Choice of whole bean or medium ground coffee
- Free U.S. shipping
Cons:
- No option to select roasts or chocolate types
The only thing better than a steaming cup of coffee is a rich, chocolatey treat to go with it. When it comes to coffee gift baskets and chocolate boxes, there are tons to choose from, but only one that offers the best of both worlds. Enter: Driftaway Coffee’s chocolate and coffee pairing box. This coffee and chocolate-tasting gift set comes with three global coffees and three vegan chocolate bars that put your recipient’s tastebuds to the test.
Anyone who appreciates a nice cup of joe will enjoy the range of roast levels and origins that make up each 2-ounce sample. Plus, they get to snack on three organic dark chocolate bars made in small batches with single-origin, unroasted cacao beans.
“You’ll also uncover tasting tips, pairing recommendations and tons of information on how the coffee is grown and roasted,” says product tester Katie Bandurski of this flavorful tasting experience. “It’s a great way to learn something new in the comfort of your home.”
On Sale
Best for Partners
Chest of Chocolates with Wine
Does your sweetheart loves wine and chocolate? Showcase their love of sweets with a chocolatey, wine-filled gift box. Inside is Moose Munch popcorn, chocolate decadence cake, candies galore and a bottle of red blend wine.
“The chest of chocolates and wine were packaged very carefully—some of the best packaging I’ve seen when it comes to keeping items safe and intact,” shares Shopping Editor Mary Henn. “Contents seem a bit smaller in person than what’s pictured online, but there’s a good variety.”
If they’re not big drinkers (or—gasp—don’t like chocolate), there are plenty of other Harry & David gifts that will tickle their tastebuds in the best way. We’ve tried tons of Harry & David treats over the years and have yet to receive a disappointing gift!
Best for Tea Partiers
Thinking of You Gift Basket
Pros:
- Good array of gift items around a self-care theme
- Basket doubles as a tote
- Includes a personalized card
Cons:
- Food items are very small
Any tea lover will smile when this sweet “thinking of you” gift basket shows up on their doorstep. According to tester Katie, it’s laden with sweet sentiments, including a glass tea infuser, confetti cookies, tea, granola bites and a candle. Everything is tightly packed inside a darling basket that doubles as a tote.
“I tested this basket and think it makes a sweet Easter surprise for mom, grandma or a long-distance BFF,” says Katie. “While on the pricey side, every product is truly gourmet. The food finds especially go beyond basic grocery store fare. And they’re tasty, too. I ate the confetti cookies in one sitting—they’re that good!”
What to Look for When Shopping for Food Care Packages
When shopping for a gift basket, consider the recipient’s interests. There are a variety of food gift baskets out there, including options with champagne, candy, savory snacks and even bespoke items like cocktail mixers and gourmet bakery items. The best food gift baskets include various items that go well together, and there should be enough of each treat for the recipient to share with their loved ones.
“With a variety of expertly curated items, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy. The high quality of ingredients and the amount of care that goes into the details of a gourmet gift will leave a lasting impression,” says Erin Hager, VP of Brand and Creative Strategy at Gourmet Gift Baskets. “Gift baskets are versatile, so you can find the ideal gift for any occasion.”
How We Found the Best Food Gift Baskets
During a typical workday, our shopping editors scour the internet for the latest and best finds in food, kitchen and lifestyle categories. We found these gift baskets by looking at popularity, price, user reviews and well-loved brands, then brought them into our own homes to further evaluate each pick. With our combined decades of kitchen experience, the Taste Recipes editorial team is more than qualified to assess the quality of food products, ingredients and—of course—gift-ability.
Some inclusions were found while testing for other gift basket pieces. Some were given by editors to friends and family and were well-received. Others still were sourced and tested specifically for this piece. Regardless of how we sourced each food gift basket and food care package, each was carefully tested and determined to be high quality and certifiably giftable. Our team looked for options that covered a number of occasions, tastes and ages.
Each of these picks was evaluated and scored based on a number of factors, including:
- Shipping
- Variety
- Packaging
- Freshness
- Quality
- Taste
- Price
- Value
In order to make the list, each food care package had to receive high scores across the board and impress with its inclusions and quality.
Other Baskets We Tested
- Harry & David Snack Box: While we love the price (and quality) of this budget pick, there’s not much inside that made us say “wow.”
- Mrs. Fields Pop-Up Fruit Bowl: This charming pop-up fruit bowl is absolutely adorable. That said, we like having a bit more variety in our fruit baskets.
- Shaker and Spoon: This cocktail subscription is an excellent pick for five o’ clock enthusiasts. However, the subscription model (and lack of barware) makes it a pretty niche gift.
- Williams Sonoma Fruit & Cheese Gift Crate: This pick was packaged perfectly inside the cute crate, but the fruit inside was bruised and marked.
- Local Harvest Fruit Gift Box: The fruit in this budget pick was well ripe and delicious—but the fake-tasting cheese was a no-go for our testers.
Why You Should Trust Us
As Taste Recipes’s resident food and drink expert, I’ve sent and received my fair share of food gift baskets over the years, from basket gifts for bakers to chocolate gift baskets and beyond. I used my experience, along with the experiences of several fellow editors, to inform this piece, focusing on only the best food gift baskets we’ve personally tested and enjoyed. No matter what type of epicurean you’re targeting, there’s bound to be an option on this list that tickles their tastebuds.
We also spoke to Erin Hager, VP of Brand and Creative Strategy at Gourmet Gift Baskets, for their insight into what makes a good gift basket.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Taste Recipes, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
FAQs
Is a food basket a good gift?
Everyone loves receiving a basket or box bursting with goodies, which is why food gift baskets make a classic, thoughtful gift. No matter the occasion—be it a birthday, graduation gift, sick friend care package, new house or engagement present—nothing beats delicious gourmet snacks in a pretty package.
Do people still buy gift baskets?
Yes! Gift baskets remain one of the most popular gifts for various occasions. Today’s market goes beyond dried fruit, offering options for cheese, chocolate, wine and even ice cream.
