Updated on Nov. 26, 2024
A Christmas gift basket—brimming with delicious things to eat and drink—is just the thing to send to friends, family members and colleagues. Here are the top picks to show you care.
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I’m all about themed gifts—a collection of three to four items that I handpick to match the recipient’s personality, interests and needs. I’ve done this for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and birthdays, but pulling this off at Christmas proves nearly impossible. When gifting to so many people at once, I’m hard-pressed to find time to plan, buy and package multiple themed presents for each of them.
That’s where Christmas gift baskets and care packages come in clutch. They’re exactly the type of thoughtful gift I’m looking for—but without any of the work. And Christmas gift baskets go way beyond the typical pretzels, popcorn and nuts these days. Although those traditional assortments fit the bill for some giftees, like coworkers or neighbors, there are more niche selections now, too, so you can find perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
The folks at Taste of Home have tested dozens of Christmas gift baskets over the years. Below are our favorites. While this year’s packaging may look different for some of these options, they still have the same delightful contents that we’ve tried and loved in the past. I hope you, too, find lots of just-right gift ideas on this list for the loved ones in your life. Happy holiday shopping!
Hickory Farms is a standby for Christmas gifts—and for good reason. For the past 70 years, the company has been crafting baskets filled with irresistible food gifts that appeal to nearly everyone. I sampled this gift tower with my vegetarian and meat-eating friends, and everyone enjoyed the array of sausages, cheeses, mustards, graham crackers, cherry candies and taffy equally. Not to mention the striking presentation!
There’s no cross-generational pastime quite like snacking! The little ones and elders in your fam will enjoy this supreme gift basket just as much as Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski did. “Wow! This Harry & David gift is very bountiful and has an excellent assortment,” she says. “It just kept going and was so fun to unwrap.” Among the chocolates, cheese, salami, crackers, tea and more, it was the pears and peppermint bark that stood out to her most.
Even sleepyheads will enjoy waking up for this Christmas morning brunch gift basket. It contains English muffins, a quiche, a cranberry orange loaf cake, Santa’s Cinnaberry Kringle, blueberry preserves and caramel-pecan coffee that will fill the house with an amazing aroma. Kringle is the official pastry of Wisconsin, so we’re tough critics here at Taste of Home headquarters in Milwaukee. Our editor who tested this declared the Kringle in the box is her new favorite flavor.
It’s okay to be a little over-the-top during Christmas, so why not spoil the sweet and savory lover in your life with this basket full of goodies? Packed with everything from melt-in-your-mouth caramels to garlic cheddar, this gift basket will make your recipient feel totally spoiled.
“My favorite thing in the entire basket was probably the chocolate shortbread cookies. I loved how cocoa-y they were; not too sweet but very chocolatey and delicious,” says Senior Shopping Editor Caroline Lubinsky.
Featuring 22 sugary treats such as shortbread and macaroons, this Christmas cookie gift box comes with adorable packaging. Plus, the $45 price tag is a steal compared to other Christmas gift baskets. Our studio assistant’s favorites? The raspberry-filled shortbread and the chocolate-covered peppermint cookies. “This would fit perfectly under any tree,” he says. Overall, Harry & David is one of the best places to order Christmas cookies online.
It can be tricky to track down a gift for someone who doesn’t eat animal products, so that’s where this pear-filled basket comes to the rescue. Harry & David is famous for its fresh, juicy pears. Your vegan friend or family member is guaranteed to savor these gold foil-wrapped delights. Our plant-based expert and Culinary Producer, Sarah Tramonte, was pleasantly surprised by how delicious (and pristine!) these pears were. “Pears can be hard to find in stores with little blemishes,” she says. “But these were perfect.”
Whoever invented the phrase “the icing on the cake” must’ve just eaten a Cheryl’s cookie. The bakery’s famous buttercream frosting features four ingredients: vanilla, butter, confectioners’ sugar and evaporated milk. Who knew something so simple could make everything so much better? That includes the cookies from this box set. I’ve been enjoying Cheryl’s for nearly a decade and never grow tired of the luscious frosting and tender cookies. My favorite in this assortment was the classy monochromatic white cookie. Read my full review.
Christmas outshines New Year’s Eve in most people’s minds, but if you know someone who’s keeping the Christmas magic going all the way until the 31st, then consider this champagne-inspired gift set. It includes a sparkling nonalcoholic drink akin to champagne, wine-flavored gummies, a champagne-scented candle, a champagne stopper, champagne-infused chocolate-covered popcorn, Compartes chocolate and gold noisemakers.
“The curators did an excellent job collecting items that feel celebratory and festive,” our tester and Executive Culinary Director Sarah Farmer says. “From the superior packaging to the array of products, this box nails it for any occasion that calls for a cheer.”
Go beyond the typical popcorn gift basket and order one with some seasonal style. We love this Moose Munch tin that features bags of gourmet popcorn in three flavors (milk chocolate, dark chocolate and classic caramel). I stick to plain salted popcorn most of the time, so this was a departure for me, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The popcorn was fresh and not at all chewy or stale, despite shipping. It was indulgent and rich, but still, I couldn’t help myself from going back for handful after handful. The printed vessel and festive lid tie this sweet gift together.
Most gift baskets straddle the line of savory and sweet to appease all different tastes, but this one goes all in on the latter. If an upscale sugar rush is what you’re after, choose these winter treats. Our tester, Katie, likened it to a “candy charcuterie board,” with its rum caramels, chocolate-covered Oreos (her favorite), red Aussie licorice, rocky road popcorn, white chocolate gummy bears and more. It’s available in petite, medium, large and extra large sizes to fit your budget and recipients’ needs.
Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok have made the royal-icing craze that much more intense. Did you even have a wedding shower, birthday party or holiday celebration without a platter of these stunning treats present? Unlike some, these holiday artisan iced cookies deliver just as much on taste as they do on appearance.
Beth Tomkiw, Taste of Home‘s former Chief Creative Officer, wasn’t so sure at first, but she was quickly won over. “With holiday-themed shapes and colorful decorative icing, these charming cookies definitely delight,” she says. “Flip the iced cookie over and the back side is an ideal golden color. The cookies look hard, but wow, was I surprised. These are some super buttery cookies. I couldn’t believe how soft and satisfying they are.”
We’ve tried several of Harry & David’s gorgeous gift baskets, but this baked goods basket is definitely one of our favorites of all time. Editor Emily Way sampled the signature bakery assortment, which is overflowing with cakes, baklava, galettes, cookies and a cinnamon swirl. “Everything looks fresh, and upon opening the box, it smelled absolutely lovely, like a local bakery,” Emily says of the delivery experience. “There’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of fruity cookies and cakes or prefer chocolate.” It’s a great gift for him—especially if he has a sweet tooth!
Showcase their love of sweets with a chocolaty, 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.”
Muffins, croissants and tea bread—oh, my! With this Christmas morning gift basket, they won’t need to prepare their morning meal. It comes with an assortment of goodies and juice mixers to start the jolly holiday off right.
“Each pastry (three pistachio muffins, three blueberry muffins, two raspberry danishes, two apple croissants, two slices of chocolate marble tea bread and one slice of cranberry tea bread) was individually wrapped,” says Mary. “All in all, the pastries were very good. The muffins and bread were excellent and super moist.”
Filled with delicious individually wrapped cookies, brownies, and whoopie pies, this fresh-baked gift basket comes with a sturdy box and a pretty bow for a lasting impression. “Each of the treats was delicious,” says Emily. “From the whoopie pies to the tender nut and fruit blondies, my husband and I were blown away by how fresh everything is.”
Featuring fanciful favorites, this Ultimate Meat and Cheese gift basket is anything but boring. Inside are new cheese knives, premium cheese and crackers, savory sausage, crunchy popcorn, decadent cookies, and a delicious chocolate-covered berry mix to top everything off—all wrapped up in a pretty package.
Know someone who thinks cookies make the world go round? Snag them this Levain Holiday Cookie gift tin. It comes with four seasonal peppermint chocolate cookies, plus Levain’s signature four-pack containing Chocolate Chip Walnut, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip and Oatmeal Raisin.
“The cookies, as per usual with Levain, were out of this world,” says Senior Editor Katie Bandurski, who has also tested the Levain cookie club. “I’ve got to say the peppermint flavor was one of the best things I’ve eaten lately, and I don’t really like mint that much! Rich, chocolaty and just insanely flavorful. I typically cut one cookie in fourths and eat it bit by bit throughout the week (they’re so big and rich), and I look forward to those little bites with an afternoon coffee or after dinner every day.”
Most Christmas gift baskets are overflowing with sweets and snacks, but maybe, what your special someone really needs this season is an excuse to relax. This thoughtful box boasts a champagne tumbler, monogrammed compact, lip balm, ring dish, candle, bath bomb and personalized postcard. It’s a great gift for her!
The elegant blue and gold packaging of this Ghirardelli gift set calls to mind a city Christmas with glowy holiday lights and a dusting of fresh snow. As far as chocolate lovers are concerned, the contents of the boxes are just as special: hot cocoa, chocolate caramel corn, chocolate chip cookies, white chocolate, chocolate drops and the brand’s signature chocolate squares. See more hot chocolate gift sets!
This splendid assortment has everything the host or hostess could want for a sophisticated holiday soiree. Think crackers, dips (lobster spread, anyone?), popcorn, cookies and nuts. Plus, this food gift comes with three holiday-themed bowls for serving the included delicacies so that guests can graze and gab the night away. We truly can’t think of a better gift than alleviating holiday-hosting stress.
From the classy red exterior of the box to its equally traditional contents, this box of holiday treasures is quintessential Christmas. Perfect for vegetarians, too, this assortment contains pears, apples, mandarin oranges, cookies, jelly candies and chocolates. It’s a gorgeous gift that will warm their hearts during winter’s cold.
This brimming breakfast box that serves up to 10 people is Buddy the Elf-approved. Give them a sugary rush on the best morning of the year with this collection of red velvet pancakes, French toast squares, Belgian waffles, Pop Tarts, Twinkies, favorite candies like Reese’s and M&M’s, sauces and condiments galore such as vanilla icing and Nutella, and so. much. more.
If you’re going for a gift basket the foodies in your life will adore, start with Williams Sonoma, particularly this holiday caramel apple gift basket. It features two triple-chocolate caramel apples, a chocolate-walnut caramel apple, chocolate-covered pretzel rods, mini pretzel twists, chocolate toffee and the company’s famous peppermint bark. It’s an ideal gift for your brother, boyfriend or anyone else who could use something sweet.
We’re absolutely smitten with this stunningly detailed tea treasure box, and your mom, girlfriend or grandma will be too. The 20 sachets, filled with flavors of jasmine green tea, raspberry violet green tea, coconut almond rooibos and cocoa hazelnut rooibos, were handwoven in France to resemble strawberries, flowers, a crescent moon and a heart. If tea is a wintertime staple that she savors, these packets make her daily cuppa that much more special.
Your favorite coffee lover deserves a caffeine-packed gift they’ll enjoy every morning. This Christmas coffee gift pack, featuring Kona coffee blends they can’t buy at the grocery store around the corner, should do the trick. Dad, grandpa, your coworker—or anyone else who can’t resist a cup of joe—will love this perky gift.
In years past, their snacking options at cookie exchanges and Christmas movie nights might have been limited, but no more! Thanks to this set of biscotti, your GF BFF can enjoy just as many sweets as you this holiday season. They’ll delight in flavors such as cinnamon sugar, white chocolate Craisin, dark chocolate peppermint, and dark chocolate cappuccino. Talk about an amazing holiday gift under $50! For more, check out these gluten-free gift baskets, too.
If spiced cider is more their speed than peppermints and sugar cookies, then look no further than this crate of supplies. Christmas gift baskets like this one crafted by Williams Sonoma include mulling spices, cinnamon sticks, a hammered metal mulling spice ball and two double-walled cups. Bonus: The mulling spice ball, essentially an infuser, can also be used to infuse homemade stocks and soups with extra flavor. Speaking of, you can also consider these soup gift baskets to warm up their bleakest winter days.
Thinking ahead during the holiday season is harder than it sounds. If you find yourself in a pinch, money- or time-wise, then this Amazon Prime pick is perfect for you. They’ll never know this box, complete with caramel corn, mints, Ghirardelli chocolate squares and chocolate-covered pretzels, was a last-second “Add to Cart.” Check out more Amazon Christmas gifts.
It’s fun to give Christmas gift baskets to families because many appeal to every age group, including parents to teens. If the family loves nothing more than to stay in for a movie marathon every weekend, consider this movie-themed gift basket. Piled into a popcorn tub, the basket includes a variety of popcorn and sweet favorites, tied together in a movie ticket ribbon.
Nuts and Christmas have always gone hand in hand, and any snacker will appreciate this party-ready nuts gift basket. Ideal for a holiday gathering or a post-sledding snack, this tray includes cheese crisps, pecans, pistachios, cashews, dried apricots, salami, olives and mission figs. Plus, it ships for free.
Presents get the spotlight on Christmas morning, but there’s something we’d argue is nearly as important: Christmas breakfast. This waffle-themed gift basket has the holiday breakfast covered with eight waffles (of four different varieties), two loaf cakes, syrup, preserves, coffee, and tea — ideal for groups of three or more.
You should trust us because these gift baskets and Taste of Home have the same basis: food. Whether tested by our shopping editors who sample products, oftentimes consumables, for a living or our culinary professionals who have decades of combined kitchen experience, these baskets were vetted by people who know—and love—food. If we say these baskets contain food gifts we’d be proud to give, we’re confident you’ll agree.
We found the best Christmas gift baskets through research and firsthand testing. We perused the internet for gift baskets with a range of contents and price points (oh, and good reviews) so that both gifter and giftee could feel equally excited about the present. Then, we called in the handful of gift baskets that our readers responded to best in order to ensure they were as great and gift-worthy as we expected. Taste of Home staffers from various departments and with various tastes took these baskets home to share with loved ones and then provided thorough and honest feedback to our writers.
Yes, gift baskets make excellent Christmas gifts for several reasons. They come in a wide price range, allowing you to spend more for a spouse or parent ($200) or opt for a more budget-friendly option ($25 to $50) for a co-worker or Secret Santa. Gift baskets have become so specialized that you can find one for almost any interest—from beef jerky and coffee to bath bombs and macarons. Plus, they’re designed for shipping, making them a practical option for sending gifts long-distance, ensuring they arrive safely.
While some gift baskets may seem pricier than expected, they often include thoughtfully curated items from multiple vendors and come beautifully wrapped. The cost reflects not only the contents but also the time saved in shopping, wrapping and shipping. Many baskets include festive touches, like ribbons and reusable containers, which can add to the price. However, with options starting under $30, gift baskets can be affordable and worth the convenience and presentation.
Gift baskets usually contain between four and 10 items. Small baskets work well with four to five items, while medium baskets tend to include five to eight. Larger baskets can hold eight to 10 items or more. These are just guidelines; you can customize the number of items to suit the occasion or recipient.
