We Tested 18 Food Gift Baskets and Found 7 We’d Gift Any Time of Year

Receiving a gift basket in the mail is one of life’s finer pleasures—especially if it includes cookies, cheese, or other delectable treats. But shopping online for a food gift basket can be a daunting task. Will your recipients enjoy it? Will the basket look like the pictures on the website? We don’t want you to take a gamble when most edible gift baskets cost hundreds of dollars. So, we tested 18 of them to find out which are worth the price and will create a memorable experience for your friends and loved ones. After our first round of testing, writer Meghan Splawn named four winners. Editor Rochelle Bilow recently tested a handful of new gift boxes and added three winners. In total, we found seven food gift boxes we’d be proud to send and thrilled to receive.

The Winners, at a Glance

The Best Food Lovers Gift Basket

Zingerman’s The Weekender Gift Box

View on Zingermans.com

Zingerman’s The Weekender truly lived up to its name: It includes a curated mix of cheese, beef sticks, bread, and baked goods shipped in a vibrant and playful box. It felt like an invitation to have a celebratory weekend—even if you have nothing to celebrate. This would make a joyful gift for a weekend getaway or respite to new parents who need a break from casseroles. 

The Best Cheese Gift Basket

Jasper Hill Farm The Vermonter

View on Jasperhillfarm.com

This gift basket was so loaded with award-winning (and editor-loved) cheeses that it busted a little in shipping! But don’t worry, no wedge or wheel was harmed. There are generously sized cheeses in this box, as well as crackers and candied nuts. With some fresh fruit and vegetables, this is enough cheese to make two crowd-pleasing cheese plates or four smaller snack plates. 

The Most Luxurious Gift Basket

LA Burdick The Essential Burdick Collection

View on Burdickchocolate.com

This chocolate gift basket from LA Burdick was the only option to elicit actual squeals of delight. While the fresh cookies and chocolate mice and penguins went quickly, the gorgeous one-pound box of high-end chocolates seemed never-ending (in the best way!). This gift box also had the prettiest packaging of all the boxes we tried. 

The Most Unique Gift Basket

Yun Hai Selection Dried Fruit Gift Box

View on Yunhai.shop

I know you’re thinking: “Really? A box of dried fruit?” And, really, we were too, but Yun Hai has curated a unique experience with its selection of dried fruit in a show-stopping package. We shared the dried fruits with friends on a hiking picnic, and they are still talking about the golden pineapple, Irwin mango, wax apple, green mango, and pearl guava weeks later. This is also a pretty affordable gift basket, meaning we will absolutely be buying it again as a gift—and for ourselves. 

The Best Dessert Gift Basket

Olive & Cocoa Decadent Chocolate Gift Basket

View on Oliveandcocoa.com

This is the chocolate gift basket. It’s jam-packed with chocolate confections, including Florentines, soft and tender cookies, peanut butter cups, and a gourmet chocolate bar made with naturally pink ruby chocolate and studded with freeze-dried raspberries. The wooden crate is tied with a satin ribbon and looks very fancy.

The Best Charcuterie Gift Basket

Boarderie Classic Large Charcuterie Board

View on Boarderie.com

Boarderie has mastered the art of premade charcuterie boards, and it’s nothing short of mind-boggling how well these boards ship. The board we received was in mint condition, without a single broken cracker, missing olive, or cheese shingle out of place. Plus, everything was delicious. We particularly enjoyed the double cream gouda and the sweet sesame almonds.

The Best Harry & David Gift Basket

Harry & David Season’s Best Gift Basket

$100 at Harry & David

Harry & David is synonymous with the words “gift basket,” and the brand offers dozens, including ones filled with fresh and dried fruit, baked goods, and those iconic three-flavor popcorn tins. One of the best gift baskets we tried was the Season’s Best Gift Basket, which offers a taste of just about everything: huge chocolate-covered cherries, perfect pears, summer sausage and salami, mixed nuts, and a few other goodies.

The Tests

• Packaging Inspection Test: We examined each shipping box for damage. For perishable items, we also inspected cool components such as ice packs, cooler bags, or styrofoam coolers. 
• Opening Test: We opened each of the gift boxes. Before arrival, we did our best not to read up on the package's contents so we could experience the surprise and delight of each gift box's opening experience. We noted if any instructions or information about the contents were included, too. 
• Use and Enjoyment Tests: After opening each package, we tasted, cooked, and prepared the contents per the box's info sheets. We also noted whether packages that needed to be eaten quickly contained a realistic amount of goodies.

What We Learned

A Gift Box Should Have a Gift Box 

It may seem obvious to some, but this was something we hadn’t noticed before having 18 gift boxes shipped to our houses. Gift boxes that were shipped in generic boxes or shipped in a branded box without any gift packaging (e.g., crinkle paper,  wood shavings, or an info card on the boxes’ contents) felt like a routine shipment, not a special or thoughtful experience. Novelty gift boxes add to the perceived value of the boxes' contents, too. All of our favorite boxes included specialty boxes, branded printouts, and additional shipping materials. External shipping boxes were slightly annoying to deal with after receiving the boxes, but the few gift boxes that shipped without a protective box were the few to arrive damaged.

Novelty Added to a Gift Box’s Enjoyment 

Gift boxes with everyday items, like the Williams Sonoma Pantry Gift Crate, weren’t nearly as exciting to open as something like the Yun Hai Dried Fruit Gift Set, simply because specialty dried fruit is unexpected. Similarly, packages like Zingerman's Weekender or Vermont Wagyu’s Breakfast Box that created an experience—like a fabulous breakfast spread or weekend lunch—were also more joy-inducing and memorable to open.

The Number of Items in a Box Increases Its Perceived Value 

While the dollar value of these 13 gift boxes ranged from over $200 to under $60, the number of items included in the package added to the perceived value of the gift. For example, the Catskill Provisions Negroni Kit only contained two bottles of liquor, but because it included thoughtful info and recipe cards, it felt worth its price tag of $47. Conversely, the $78 price of the Fishwife starter pack has seven tins of fish but no fancy packaging, making it seem “expensive” comparatively. 

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Food Gift Basket

When shopping for gift baskets, look for curated experiences that include unique items. Ask yourself: Could I make this with a visit to the grocery store? If the answer is no, that’s a good benchmark for a giftable box. Read the description carefully, and note if the items are shipped in a shipping box and if the package includes information and instructions. Special gift boxes, recipe cards, and even thoughtful care cards add to the perceived value. We preferred gift baskets that contained a good variety and number of items.

Our Favorite Food Gift Baskets 

The Best Food Lovers Gift Basket

Zingerman’s The Weekender Gift Box

View on Zingermans.com

What we liked: This gift box has a little something for everyone—savory snacks like freshly baked bread, a hunk of rich cheddar, a big-as-your-hand ginger cookie, and an outrageously delicious brownie. The recipient can enjoy these items individually or use them together for a weekend of meals and treats. 

What we didn’t like: The bread loaf had special reheating instructions that kept us from diving right in. This gift box also had a lot of packaging, including the shipping box and the individually wrapped treats. 

Key Specs

• Shipping packaging: External shipping box with a branded gift box and newsletter 
• What’s included: Zingerman’s Farm Bread, Holy Cow Beef Sticks, Downeast Cheddar, no-nut Black Magic Brownie, Ginger Jump-Up Molasses Cookie, Zingerman's Peanut Brittle, and a small-scale Sour Cream Coffee Cake

The Best Cheese Gift Basket

Jasper Hill Farm The Vermonter

View on Jasperhillfarm.com

What we liked: This cheese gift box had one of the highest perceived values of all the ones we tested—our families and guests thought we'd gone overboard at our local cheese shop. Instead, we'd just paired all of Jasper Hill's cheese with items from our fridge and pantry. Your gift recipient can make several cheese plates from the contents and likely still have cheese left over. The four cheeses are crowd-pleasing favorites: a sharp, piquant Cabot cheddar; a buttery wheel of Willoughby; a supple and nutty Whitney (winner of the 2022 American Cheese Society Best of Show award); and a creamy brie-like Harbison.

What we didn’t like: While this gift box had minimal packaging, it was the only box to arrive damaged. A side of the gift box broke under the weight of all that cheese. None of the contents was damaged, but a bit of a bummer for the gift-getter. 

Key Specs

• Shipping package: Bubble envelope around a beautiful gift box, which included an ice pack 
• What’s included: Harbison (9-ounce wheel), Whitney (1-pound wedge), Willoughby (8-ounce wheel) Cabot Clothbound Cheddar (12-ounce wedge), Brewer’s Sea Salt, Flatbread Crackers (5-ounce box), Sugarbob’s Finest Kind Maple Spiced Pecans plus info cards and a sticker 

The Most Luxurious Food Gift Basket

LA Burdick The Essential Burdick Collection

View on Burdickchocolate.com

What we liked: Luxurious, gorgeous, and playful, this chocolate gift basket will have the recipient oohing and ahhing when they open it. While some of the contents should be enjoyed immediately (like the freshly baked cookies), the box of chocolates had such a diverse array of flavors (pistachio and a surprisingly good raisin bonbon) that we savored them over a long period of time. The tiny chocolate mice were such a fun experience for kids and adults alike. 

What we didn’t like: It was one of the most expensive of all the boxes we tested. The chocolate chip cookies contain nuts—of note for people with allergies. 

Key Specs

• Shipping package: Shipping box with a gift crate inside, small chocolate boxes inside the crate. Smaller crate of cookies shipped separately for freshness. 
• What’s included: One pound box of the Everyday Chocolate Assortment, a box of four Chocolate Penguins, a wooden box of 16 hand-piped Chocolate Mice, a box of five chocolate chip walnut cookies, plus flavor guides for each box 

The Most Unique Gift Basket

Yun Hai Selection Dried Fruit Gift Box

View on Yunhai.shop

What we liked: Possibly the most vibrant and playful of all the gift boxes, the novelty of this dried fruit assortment can’t be overstated. The contents, which included hunks of golden pineapple, slivers of Irwin mango, and little dried guavas, were approachable and unique, so much so that you might want to order a basket for yourself and your gift recipient. The green mango was almost candylike, and our adult friends fought over the last piece. 

What we didn’t like: While the gift box is specially designed and the packages of dried fruit are generous, a little more packaging might have made this more novel. Your gift recipient might not understand how exciting the dried fruit is until they try each flavor. 

Key Specs

• Shipping package: External shipping box with gift box inside 
• What’s included: Golden diamond pineapple, Irwin mango, wax apple, green mango, and pearl guava 

The Best Dessert Gift Basket

Olive & Cocoa Decadent Chocolate Gift Basket

View on Oliveandcocoa.com

What we liked: This gift basket came sealed in a wooden crate and tied with a luxe red ribbon. It made the unboxing feel special, especially since we tested it just before the holidays. The words “decadent” and “chocolate” were incredibly accurate, as this box contained nine different chocolatey treats. (We got the Extra Large box, which had two of almost everything.) We especially liked the Florentines, which were chewy and packed with dried cranberries. The cookies were soft and fresh-tasting, too. This is a nice option for corporate gifting because everything is individually wrapped, but it’d also be appreciated by families—Rochelle’s stepkids hoarded the white chocolate-dipped pretzels, and she happily kept all the cocoa-dusted almonds for herself. Unlike some of the other baskets we tested, there was no pressure to eat this one immediately, as the goodies will stay fresh for weeks.

What we didn’t like: We’re no chocolate snobs, but we couldn’t help but note that some of the confections contained less-than-premium ingredients, like corn syrup solids and hydrogenated rapeseed oil.

Key Specs

• Packaging: This package arrived in a perfectly sized cardboard box (no jostling around during shipping), and includes a lidded wooden crate. The treats are individually wrapped and placed on top of decorative shredded paper. 
• What’s included (Extra Large Box): Two packages of chocolate Florentines, two packages of peanut clusters, two packages of white chocolate pretzels, two packages of toffee-dusted almonds, one raspberry ruby chocolate bar, two packages of double chocolate cookies, two peanut butter cups, two packages of dark chocolate orange slices, and two packages of cocoa-dusted almonds.

The Best Charcuterie Gift Basket

Boarderie Classic Large Charcuterie Board

View on Boarderie.com

What we liked: This gift basket came the closest to looking like its website picture. It was beautifully packaged and, true to its claims, came fully arranged and ready to serve. All we had to do was remove the plastic cling wrapping from each miniature tray and set them back on the serving platter. The board included a helpful key, which was a must for informed snacking. (There are over a dozen cheeses on the Large board.) Every item was a knockout in terms of flavor and quality—nothing was old, wilted, or even just “meh.” The mini trays made dealing with leftovers easier. Instead of disassembling an entire board, we just had to cover a few trays and pop them in the fridge. All boards come with bamboo cutlery for serving. Boarderie’s customer service is as premium as its charcuterie boards, and we have nothing but positive things to say about its responsiveness and can-do attitude.

What we didn’t like: There are two truffle-infused ingredients on the board (a cheese and a salami). While tasty, their aromas were so potent that they overwhelmed the rest of the board. 

Key Specs

• Packaging: The board arrives fully assembled and sealed with airtight plastic. The board is placed inside a cushioned, insulated box that can safely last all day on a porch.
• What’s included (Large Board): Black truffle salami, peppered salami, artisan chorizo, finocchiona, creamy aged gouda, double cream gouda peppadew white cheddar, merlot pecorino, blueberry wensleydale, apple smoked cheddar, fig and rose goat, blueberry vanilla goat, blueberry stilton, wasabi horseradish cheddar, grand reserve havarti, truffle moliterno al tartufo, bacon cheddar, dried cherries, Turkish dates, dried apricots, dried tangerines, Thai crystallized ginger, sun-dried tomatoes, pepperoncini, dried mango, salted caramel walnuts, sweet sesame almonds, everything seasoned cashews, candied butter pecans, chipotle cashews, fig and orange marmalade, tangerine and green chili marinated olives (these are SO good), chocolate Prosecco cordials, chocolate espresso bean mix, rosemary and olive oil crackers, tart cherry and cacao crackers, everything spice crackers, 20 bamboo fork pickers, 2 mini bamboo spreaders, 2 mini bamboo spoons, 4 bamboo tongs 

The Best Harry & David Gift Basket

Harry & David Season’s Best Gift Basket

$100 at Harry & David

What we liked: Fans of Harry & David pears will be thrilled to know this gift basket contains six of them, including the brand’s signature gold foil-wrapped pear. This was the most well-rounded gift basket, and the best gifting bet for most people—there’s truly something for everyone here. None of the packaged treats was particularly innovative or unique, but that’s what makes this basket such a strong performer. It’s filled with the greatest hits of cocktail hour, including perfectly salty mixed nuts, a just-sharp-enough cheddar, a peppery salami, and a big bag of caramel and chocolate popcorn Moose Munch. This basket actually came in a basket! The woven rope carrier was a welcome change from utilitarian wooden crates and can be reused. Shipping is fast and reliable, and you can personalize your gift with a real greeting card.

What we didn’t like: We can’t think of a thing! This gift basket is simple and effective.

Key Specs

• Packaging: Items are individually wrapped and placed in two layers in a woven rope basket, with insulated paper between each one. The basket is packed in an insulated, tight-fitting box.
• What’s included: Six pears, one bag of Moose Munch popcorn, black pepper salami, Thuringer sausage, one block of sharp white cheddar, one jar of pepper and onion relish, three-seed crackers, salted mixed nuts, and milk chocolate-covered cherries

The Competition

Also Good

• Vermont Wagyu Best Breakfast Box: Similar to Zingerman’s Weekender, this box felt like a complete experience—you have just about everything you need (except a few eggs) for weekend brunch. But while the Wagyu products, including bacon and maple breakfast sausage, were unique, the other contents (pancake mix, maple syrup) were more standard pantry staples.
• Giustamo Party in Cucina Gift Basket: This felt like a party in a box! And we used it as such, making a pasta feast for friends with the Faella penne, olive oil, plum tomatoes, and Cerignola olives. We ultimately felt we could curate these ingredients ourselves for less. 
• Fly By Jing Jing Box: We found ourselves reaching for these condiments over and over again—both for cooking at home and for zhuzhing takeout and leftovers. But you'll need to be sure your gift-getter likes things very spicy!
• Portugalia Marketplace Anna Hezel's Tin-to-Table Picks: While we enjoyed Anna Hezel’s cookbook very much, we're not sure this is the most universal gift basket. You'd need to be certain that the recipient liked fish! If they do, this is a special gift with some great serving ideas presented in the book. 
• Bean Box Coffee World Tour: The coffee was delicious and helped us discover new-to-us roasters. Each bag of coffee makes enough for about two cups of coffee, great for tasting, but less for making a morning pot of coffee. 
• Jeni’s Ice Cream Jeni’s Gift Basket Collection: This collection of five pints of premium ice cream was discontinued shortly after we tested it (although Jeni’s offers many other collections of giftable ice cream). We love Jeni’s creamy ice cream and its innovative flavors, but there was nothing special or gift-worthy about this “basket.” It arrived without any fanfare, like a fancy box, ribbons, or a card, although it was well insulated with dry ice.
• Williams Sonoma Tour de France Gift Crate: With French-inspired goodies, like pork paté and Daniel Boulud’s smoked salmon, this crate had a certain je ne sais quoi. But the triple cream cheese was a little too oozy, and it had escaped its packaging during shipping, which made a mess. It comes with salmon roe, which was nice but paled in comparison to some of our favorite caviars. 

Not Our Favorite 

• Fishwife Tinned Fish Starter Pack: We're big fans of Fishwife and think this is a truly great starter set of tinned fish, but it didn't really feel gift-worthy.
• Catskill Provisions Negroni Kit: While the gin and amaro are delicious and gorgeous, we wish this package had one more item to make it feel like a kit. 
• Levain Bakery Cheers Bundle: The cookies were a bit stale but we enjoyed the flavors very much. This would be a cute pick-me-up for a friend going through a rough patch, but it had the lowest perceived value of the boxes we tested. 
• Williams Sonoma Pantry Gift Crate: ​​While perfectly suited for a starter kitchen, this box felt a little boring. It didn't spark any creativity to use these items together—instead, we tried the olive oil and vinegar with bread, and the rest of the spices went into the cabinet. They are great quality, but other gift boxes were better. It's been discontinued, but similar crates are still available.

FAQs

What makes a gift basket worth the price?

Shipping materials as well as novelty help determine if a gift box is worth the price. Consider if you have the access, time, and knowledge to create or curate the contents and then double your ingredient costs to account for shipping. Most of the time, a gift basket is a considerable saving over making and shipping items yourself. We found that at least three items help a box feel complete! 

How many items should a gift box include? 

A minimum of three items helps a box feel complete, but gift packaging—branded box, tissue or crinkle paper, as well as info cards—add to the overall gift experience. 

Why We’re the Experts

• Meghan Splawn is a food writer and recipe developer who has worked in food media since 2006. 
• She worked for 10 years in the test kitchen with Alton Brown and has done projects for sites including Simply Recipes, TheKitchn, and Serious Eats. 
• Since leaving her hometown almost two decades ago, she has been shipping gifts to extended loved ones. For this story, Meghan received over a dozen gift baskets, inspecting, unwrapping, and consuming them with the help of friends and family.
• Rochelle Bilow is an editor at Serious Eats who previously worked as a restaurant line cook and prep cook in corporate catering before becoming an editor. She joined the Serious Eats team in 2024.
• For this story, Rochelle tested five additional baskets and named three winners.