We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. What to Buy Gift Guides The 11 Best Fruit Baskets for Gifting in 2024 Think rustic baskets overflowing with fresh fruit, nuts, chocolate truffles, and award-winning wines. By Rochelle Bilow Rochelle Bilow Rochelle Bilow is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, and the former social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines. She has also worked as a cook on a small farm in Central New York and a Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City. Her first book, a food and farming memoir titled The Call of the Farm, was published in 2014. Her second book, a romance novel set in Scotland, will be published in February 2023. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 6, 2023 In This Article Expand In This Article ReviewsFactors to Consider FAQ More Food & Wine Gift Guides for 2023 Our Expertise Photo: Food & Wine / Harry & David A fruit basket is a classic way of sending gratitude, thanks, or just a “thinking of you” gift. Although we love a traditional arrangement bursting with fresh fruits and citrus, the best fruit baskets have come a long way. Today’s options are curated with an eye toward seasonality — think stone fruits in the late summer and berries in the spring — and sustainability. And while there’s a lot to love about biting into a piece of perfectly ripe fruit, we especially like gift baskets that inspire creative cooking with unique picks and supplemental items, like chocolate truffles, artisanal jams, nuts, olive oils, and award-winning wine pairings. Half the fun of shopping for a fruit basket is finding the perfect one for your recipient, so we’ve rounded up creative, unexpected, and high-end options. Whether you’re looking for the best fruit basket for a chocolate lover or a gorgeous wine gift basket, these luxe picks are sure to impress. Best Overall Harry & David Classic Favorites Gift Box PHOTO: Harry & David $80 At Harry & David Pros This gift box is customizable, so you can add a wide variety of wines, snacks, and more. Cons Items may be substituted without warning due to unusual supply issues. Harry & David has excellent name recognition and a sterling reputation when it comes to fruit baskets. They’re well-known for their perfectly ripe boxes of pears, but this “little bit of everything” arrangement includes those beloved pears plus a savory relish, chocolate-covered cherries and chocolate truffles, artisan crackers, sharp cheddar cheese, and the irresistibly snackable Moose Munch. It’s just the right amount of salty, sweet, and special — and under $100 with the basic shipping option. Estimated Shipping Time: 5-8 days; add $19.99 for exact-day shipping; add $24.99 for Saturday shippingAvailability: Nationwide Best Variety The Fruit Company HarvestClub Medley PHOTO: The Fruit Company View On The Fruit Company Pros The first month ships on the same day if ordered by noon PST. Cons Items cannot be swapped or altered, and the larger sizes can get pricey. This subscription box from The Fruit Company, an Oregon-based retailer will deliver smiles for months to come. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription, then customize the size (classic, grand, deluxe, and executive are all on offer). Your gift recipient will receive regular installments of sought-after fruits, like Rainier cherries and Seckel pears — all picked at the peak of ripeness. The Fruit Company also offers an Americana and Exotica box, for fruits both home-grown and from far away. Estimated Shipping Time: Monthly for 3, 6, or 12 monthsAvailability: Nationwide Best Value 1-800 Flowers Fruit Gift Basket PHOTO: 1-800 Flowers View On 1800flowers.com Pros This basket is simple and elegant and comes with a reusable wicker basket. Cons Presentation is more subdued than website photo for shipping efficiency. The 1-800 Flowers brand is best known for its speedy delivery of floral bouquets, but keep clicking, and you’ll find an underrated yet highly valued section of the website: fruit gift baskets and other edible food gift baskets. This curated mix is for true fruit lovers — no chocolate or cheese to distract them! — and includes a mix of pears, apples, oranges, and tropical fruits (mangos, kiwis, and dried fruits). Choose from two sizes, pick a delivery date, and all your giftee will need to do is slice and enjoy. Estimated Shipping Time: 5-8 business days; add $4.99 for expedited shipping; add $9.99 for Saturday shippingAvailability: Nationwide Best Sustainable Frog Hollow Farm Honey, We Care Gift Box PHOTO: Frog Hollow Farm View On Froghollow.com Pros Produce is sustainably and responsibly sourced, and shipping is free and carbon neutral. Cons Items may be vary based on season and availability. What Farmer Al doesn’t grow on his regenerative, organic farm in Brentwood, California, he sources sustainably from nearby local producers. Every item on Frog Hollow’s giftable list is grown and produced in good conscience, but we’re especially fond of this sweet pairing, which includes seasonal estate-grown fruit, an assortment of dried fruit, unfiltered honey, and dark chocolate truffles — made extra special with Frog Hollow’s own extra virgin olive oil. Estimated Shipping Time: 2-5 daysAvailability: Nationwide Best Gourmet Basket Olive & Cocoa Signature Gourmet Collection PHOTO: Olive & Cocoa View On Oliveandcocoa.com Pros This gourmet basket is luxurious and includes a well-rounded variety of items. Cons Standard shipping is costly, and some items may be substituted. This basket pulls out all the stops and makes no apologies for it. You won’t find any fresh fruit in this arrangement, although with a two-foot wide wooden crate packed with handmade caramels, coconut macaroons, butter cookies, salted nuts, Tuscan olives, and plenty more, you won’t miss the odd pear or two. It’s a thoughtful “comes with everything” gift that even includes a corkscrew, cutting board, and cheese knife. Previous customers have commented on the impact of this gift: It makes an unforgettable statement. Estimated Shipping Time: 4 business days; 2nd business day, next business day, and Saturday air delivery available for an additional costAvailability: Nationwide Best Fruit Bouquet Edible Arrangements Simply Edible Bouquet PHOTO: Edible Arrangements View On Ediblearrangements.com Pros This edible bouquet is fruit-forward and allergen-free, and the size can be customized. Cons This gift is highly perishable, and delivery is not available in all locations nationwide. When it comes to fresh fruit bouquets, no one has better name recognition than Edible Arrangements. This elegant option is a no-fuss celebration of ripe melon, berries, and pineapple, cut to look like a bouquet of daisies. This is one of Edible Arrangements’ less whimsical, more traditional offerings that come in three sizes, but if you’re in the market for something chocolatey or cutesy, you’ve got plenty of bouquets to choose from. Estimated Shipping Time: Dependent on location; same-day delivery is available in some locationsAvailability: Nationwide, with some exceptions Best for Snack Lovers Manhattan Fruitier Deluxe Dried Fruit, Nut, and Sweets Box PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $100 At Williams-Sonoma Pros This box includes a curated selection of high-end treats and snacks. Cons Shipping is not included and is pricey. Manhattan Fruitier is famous in New York and beyond for its luxury curated gift baskets. This one is an irresistible mix of dried Mediterranean apricots, banana chips, dried apples from the Finger Lakes region of New York, sea salt caramels, cinnamon toffee almonds, roasted salted almonds, mixed nuts, and chewy honey nougat. Consider this the most crave-able mini bar your giftee will ever have the pleasure of raiding. Estimated Shipping Time: 2-7 daysAvailability: Nationwide Best for Berry Lovers Shari's Berries Gourmet Dipped Fancy Strawberries PHOTO: Shari's Berries View On Berries.com Pros Choose from customizable sizes; same-day delivery is available in some locations. Cons Sunday and Monday delivery are not available. It doesn’t get better than a dozen ripe, juicy strawberries… unless they’re dipped in milk and white chocolate, then topped in chocolate chips and toffee. Shari’s Berries creates impressive presentations from fresh fruit, and although there are gift options for just about every holiday and event, these simple and elegant berries are ideal no matter the occasion. Choose from a half-dozen, a dozen, or two dozen, and be prepared for the thank-you card to come. Estimated Shipping Time: 2-3 days; add $5.99 for expedited shipping; add $9.99 for Saturday shippingAvailability: Nationwide Best for Chocolate Lovers Compartés Treasures of the Orchard Chocolate Fruit Gift Box PHOTO: Compartés $60 At compartes.com Pros This fruit box is beautifully packaged, it comes with a no-melt guarantee, and the chocolates are all handmade. Cons These chocolates are not allergen-free. This high-end gift box is pretty from the inside out. All of the chocolate-dipped and drizzled dried fruit is from California orchards, and it’s arranged in a handsome box your recipient will want to display long after the treats have been devoured. This highly giftable pick includes the option to add on more gourmet made-in-Cali chocolate, too. Estimated Shipping Time: 5-8 business days standard; 2nd-day air and next-day air also availableAvailability: Nationwide (pick up is free in Los Angeles) Best for Tropical Fruit Lovers Miami Fruit Fresh Fruit Variety Box PHOTO: Goldbelly View On Goldbelly.com Pros This box includes 4-5 pounds of fresh and seasonal tropical fruit, straight from the farm. Cons The number of pieces may vary based on the individual crop. Goldbelly made waves when it partnered with regional favorite food producers, chefs, and restaurants from around the country. Now, you can order farm-sourced, fresh tropical fruit for delivery, no matter what time of the year it is. Miami Fruit’s Fresh Fruit Variety Box includes 4-5 pounds of fresh, seasonal, and often rare or exotic tropical fruits that could include anything from bananas, key limes, and blood oranges to cacao, soursop, and kumquats. We think this box will make any lucky recipient smile. Estimated Shipping Time: 5-7 business daysAvailability: Nationwide Best for Wine Lovers Wine Country Gift Baskets Napa Valley Fruit Collection PHOTO: Wine Country Gift Baskets View On Winecountrygiftbaskets.com Pros This collection includes a luxe assortment of items, including award-winning wines. Cons It’s not available in all states, and buyers cannot swap wine varietals. Red or white? Apple or orange? Chocolate and cookies or cheese and crackers? With this impressive gift basket, you won’t have to choose. With a bottle each of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and an entire picnic’s worth of sweet and savory snacks, this gift basket is truly wow-worthy; a touching option for the California wine lover in your life. Estimated Shipping Time: 2-5 days; 2nd business day, standard overnight, and Saturday delivery all available at additional costAvailability: Nationwide, except MS, SD, and UT Factors to Consider Assortment Do you want to send a traditional fruit basket, or something a little more creative? Consider the assortment of items when choosing a basket. For the traditionalist, a box of perfectly-ripe pears may be just the ticket. For adventurous eaters, a culinary-inspired basket that highlights freshly-baked goodies may be more their style. Oenophiles would appreciate a wine-themed gift basket paired with gorgeous fruit and cheese. For a little bit of everything, many fruit basket companies offer baskets that contain a mix of salty snacks, creative condiments, fresh produce, and sweet treats. Pricing The actual cost of a fruit basket can skyrocket once you consider shipping. Generally, shipping is more expensive for fresh or perishable fruit than for dried fruit or packaged items due to the time-sensitive nature of the arrangement. Regardless, when shopping for edible gift baskets, be sure to factor taxes and delivery costs into your budget. An exception: Some companies offer free shipping, although that typically is reflected in a higher price for the actual arrangement or basket. Delivery Many fruit basket companies offer a window of delivery, so if an exact date is important, you’ll want to note that. (Most do offer the option for a specific day of delivery, although you’ll pay more for it.) You will also want to ensure that the recipient can accept the delivery in person, whether it’s at home or at their place of employment. If the package contains perishable or fresh fruit, the delivery company may require an in-person handoff, so it doesn’t get left outside and exposed to the elements. Of course, any basket containing wine must be signed for by an adult over the age of 21. Freshness If you’re shopping for a basket full of fresh fruit, quality matters. The best way to ensure you’re getting the freshest fruit available is to choose arrangements that feature in-season fruit from regions that grow it well. (Grapefruits, for example, are in season in the southern states throughout the winter months). Customer reviews and ratings are another good way to gauge a company’s reputation for delivering on freshness and ripeness. Sustainability You may choose to consider sustainability and organic farming practices when shopping for fruit baskets. While most gift basket companies note the country or state of origin for their fruit, some go a step further and identify fruit that is grown to USDA organic standards. Once again, keep an eye on options that feature in-season produce to ensure responsible farming practices as well as better-tasting fruit. Allergy Information If including packaged goodies, like crackers, snack mixes, or chocolate, in your basket, check that a full ingredient list is provided with the arrangement. Consider also whether the items were processed in an allergen-free facility. Better yet, check with the recipient for any potential allergens or food sensitivities, so you can thoughtfully choose a basket that’s free from triggers, and ready to enjoy. Frequently Asked Questions What makes a good fruit basket? A good fruit basket contains ripe, fresh, delicious-looking fruit. Of course, the taste is paramount, but the best fruit baskets create a show-stopping presentation with wrapping, ribbon, and attractive displays. Don’t be fooled by online marketing images: Towering baskets will rarely look as robust when shipped — but they should never look squashed or crushed. Although you don’t have to theme a fruit basket, many sellers offer baskets and boxes curated for special occasions (like birthdays and thank-yous), or with food preferences in mind (such as boxes for snackers or lovers of gourmet treats). How long does a fruit basket stay fresh? A fruit basket containing whole fresh fruit will last at room temperature for 2-3 weeks. To eke out a longer lifespan, keep the basket in a cool, dry place, or remove the fruit and store it in the refrigerator. (Some fruits, like bananas, should not be stored in the fridge.) If you notice any signs of bruising or mushiness, remove that piece of fruit from the arrangement so it does not accelerate the ripening and rotting of the rest of the basket. A cut fruit arrangement will last about 24 hours; store it in the refrigerator if not enjoying it immediately. Do fruit baskets contain whole fruit or cut fruit? Traditional fruit baskets contain whole, fresh fruit — tropical fruits, like kiwis and mangos, are popular, as well as seasonal fruits, like berries and pears, or citrus fruits, like grapefruits and oranges. Whole fruit baskets sometimes also contain dried fruit. Cut fruit is sold as “fruit bouquets,” and can include add-ons, like chocolate-dipped fruit, and candy or marshmallows. It’s rare to find an arrangement that contains both whole and cut fruit. Cut fruit arrangements are more perishable. How much do fruit baskets typically cost? Whole fruit baskets and other edible gift baskets cost, in general, in the $50 to $150 range — without shipping. Cut fruit baskets, also known as fruit bouquets, are priced in a similar, if not slightly less expensive, range. Size matters here, with many sellers offering multiple sizes of the same arrangement, and prices that grow to match. More Food & Wine Gift Guides for 2023 Our Definitive 2023 Gift Guide, According to Food & Wine Editors The 30 Best Gifts Under $50, Including a Few of Our Tested Favorites The 35 Best Gifts for Cocktail Lovers, According to Bartenders The 30 Best Gifts for Bakers, According to Pastry Chefs and Editors The 30 Best Gifts Under $100, Including a Few of Our Tested Favorites Our Expertise Rochelle Bilow is a food writer and editor with over a decade of professional experience. Previously a senior associate editor and social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines, Rochelle is also a novelist, a culinary school graduate, and a former professional baker and line cook. In researching this article, she scoured the internet for dozens of edible gift baskets, taking into account pricing, seasonality and sustainability, reputation, and customer satisfaction. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit