The 22 Best Gift Baskets for Any Occasion, Tested & Vetted

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

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

Fast Facts

• What You Get: four cheeses (varies seasonally), two meats, olives and Mitica Taralli crackers
• Shipping: from $7
• Rave Review: "This box is definitely worth the money. My family and I recently went on a trip to Italy, and this cheese board was so fun to set up for us and all reminisce." - Masin

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

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

Fast Facts

• What You Get: varies by bundle
• Shipping: free on orders of 12 bottles or more
• Rave Review: "I've tried a few different wine subscription services, and usually, there's at least one or two bottles nobody likes. Not so with Firstleaf—their quiz seemed to really get my family's tastes. Each bottle was top-notch, and it was great to have on hand for a last-minute get-together." -Davison

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

Fast Facts

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

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

Fast Facts

• What You Get: five pints of ice cream: Brambleberry Crisp, Darkest Chocolate, Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Salty Caramel
• Shipping: varies
• Rave Review: "It's very cute and festive, which is especially nice for something like ice cream, because the inside packaging is forced to be rather basic by the necessity of keeping the ice cream cold. I also appreciate that the packaging is fairly simple inside so there’s not a ton of waste or recycling." - Hepworth

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

This gift basket features all the makings of an impromptu happy hour—a 2023 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and a 2022 Gary's Improv Zinfandel, along with biscuits, smoked Spanish almonds, red wine jelly and salt and vinegar mixed nuts. Testers loved how bold and robust Gary's Improv was, and how nicely the sauvignon blanc cut through the tangy-meets-sweet flavor of the cashews. All that's missing is a block of sharp cheddar or smoked gouda.

Fast Facts

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

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

Fast Facts

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

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

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

Fast Facts

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

Sure, Levain cookies and Magnolia Bakery cupcakes are as emblematic of the Big Apple as any other NYC treat. But the pastrami sandwich—especially from a beloved, iconic deli—arguably epitomizes New York food. And luckily, you don't need to book a flight (or brave the subway) to get some: This all-inclusive kit, which makes six servings with all the fixings, can be shipped to your doorstep via Amazon.

"Yes, it's a splurge," Davison acknowledges, "but the sandwiches are on point with New York's famous deli. They're so outrageously good, in fact, that my family was talking about them a full week later. While the package is designed to serve eight, you wind up with plenty of leftover pickles, rye and mustard to make more."

Fast Facts

• What You Get: 1.5 pounds pre-sliced pastrami, 1.5 pounds pre-sliced corned beef, one bottle mustard, one 24-ounce loaf rye bread, one jar sour pickles
• Shipping: free with Amazon Prime
• Rave Review: "The meat is the star! I was shocked by how well the pastrami and corned beef reheated; they stayed as tender and juicy as if I'd ordered it right at the counter in Madison Square Garden." - Davison

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

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

Fast Facts

• What You Get: two 4-ounce A5 Wagyu Petite Striploins, one 4-ounce A5 Wagyu Petite Ribeye Steaks
• Shipping: free shipping for orders $149 and up
• Rave Review: "Miyazaki Wagyu, which was featured in my bundle, has won the highest accolade in what's known as the Wagyu Olympics four consecutive times, and once you try these steaks, you'll understand why. It's so tender that I could practically cut it with a fork." - Davison

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

Fast Facts

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

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

"Jarred sauce is already at a disadvantage when comparing it to the homemade stuff, but this was definitely one of the best jar sauces I've ever had," says Yohay, who's been known to visit Rubirosa once a month. "It's more sweet than spicy, so if you like a little kick I'd suggest adding a touch of red pepper flakes."

This one now only comes with marinara, but you may want to add some vodka sauce to the mix, too. "I was dying to try the vodka sauce, since it's one of my favorites from the restaurant, and it really was delicious."

Fast Facts

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