Your friend just texted you that her mom passed away. Or maybe your college roommate finally got that promotion. Or someone hosted you for the weekend, and you need to say thank you. You want to send something, but you're stuck: What's appropriate? What won't be awkward? What actually helps?
Gift baskets solve this problem because they land in that comfortable zone between thoughtful and low-pressure. You're acknowledging the moment without making it weird. In this article, we'll walk through ten gift basket options organized by the actual situations you're dealing with - from sympathy to celebration to simple thank-yous - so you can match the gift to the moment.
Figure Out What You Actually Need
Before looking at products, answer these three questions:
1) How close are you to this friend?
Assessing the closeness of your friendship can help you decide what you should spend:
-
Casual friends: These could be work friends, neighbors, acquaintances. Keeping it under the $70 range is appropriate.
-
Good friends: Friends that you text regularly and grab dinner occasionally. Gifts around $100 or less is the sweet spot.
-
Close friends: Friends you can’t live without. You've met their family and they'd help you move. Spending $160-$220 should be the cap for major life events.
2) What kind of occasion is prompting you to give a gift?
Different moments require different approaches:
-
Sympathy/loss: Comfort food, self-care items, and sentimental items. You don’t want to give them any additional work to do.
-
Celebration: Something special that says “You did it!”
-
Thank you: Make it a substantial gift, but not over the top.
-
Just because: When it’s a gift just because, or perhaps to help warm a new house, go for the classic crowd-pleasing options.
3) Do they drink alcohol?
Our wine and beer gift baskets are some of our highest-end options, so it’s important to know your recipient’s relationship with alcohol before you select one.
-
If you don't know: If you’re not sure if they drink alcohol, skip it completely.
-
If you know they do drink, but you don’t know what they prefer to drink: Red wine is safer than Champagne in a case like this.
-
If you know they love champagne: Celebration baskets with Veuve Clicquot are great to mark the occasion.
-
If they're sober or you're unsure: Choose one of our exciting non-alcoholic options instead!
Now let's look at what’s in our acclaimed baskets.
Sympathy Gift Baskets for When Someone Is Grieving
Finding a gift to express condolences can be challenging. You want to provide a friend with comfort and happy memories of their loved one that passed. This duo of sympathy gift baskets combines classic comfort and high-quality ingredients with tasteful packaging that is a perfect way to show you care.
Read our sympathy survey if you're struggling to find the right condolence message for your grieving friend or family member.
With Sympathy Bakery Gift
The With Sympathy Bakery Gift includes an assortment of rich baked goods - whoopie pies, oatmeal raisin cookies, fudge brownie cookies, maple walnut blondies, and chocolate chunk brownies.
Who it's best for: Casual friends, coworkers, or groups. This is perfect for a wake or celebration of life, as the guests will be able to open and enjoy with no prep work.
Skip this if: You’re very close with the bereaved. This is more of a casual gift designed for some sweet comfort, but it can pair well with another gift.
Sympathy Basket Select
With the Sympathy Basket Select, your recipient will get red apples, green apples, oranges, pears, Summer Sausage by Hanover Smokehouse, Seriously Sharp White Cheddar by Cabot Cheese, Sea Salt Caramel Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen, Basil & Garlic Olives by Oloves, Lemon & Rosemary Olives by Oloves, Assorted Chocolates by Annalie’s Chocolates, Chocolate Chip Cookies by Dulion, Peppercorn & Poppy Crackers by Capeachio’s, Cashew Almond Cranberry Mix by J&R Gourmet, Raspberry Honey Mustard by Terrapin Ridge Farms, Cocoa Dusted Almonds by Kopper’s Chocolate, water hyacinth, basket, and cutting board lid.
Who it's best for: This is an ideal gift for a whole family, or a truly close friend who you want to give snacks and food for days. It offers variety, which is perfect for a difficult period, as it gives people the chance to figure out what makes them feel better right now.
Skip this if: This is a more personal gift, so it might not be ideal for someone you don’t know too well. If you know they won't have people stopping in to pay respects, you might want to opt for something smaller. For someone grieving alone, a simple bakery option might be more comforting.
Achievement Gift Baskets
Champagne & Truffles - Veuve
The Champagne & Truffles - Veuve includes Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label(750ml), Sparkling Prosecco Cordials by Kopper’s Chocolate, Chocolate Caramel Grahams by Annalie’s Chocolates, Chocolate Caramels by Annalie’s Chocolates, Chocolate Chip Cookies by Dulion, French Vanilla Malted Milk Balls by Kopper’s Chocolate, and Mudpuppies by Mississippi Cookie Factory.
Who it's best for: This is a great blowout option for celebrating an engagement, promotion, or graduation with close friends. Veuve Clicquot is an iconic, high-end spirit that sends a message the second the box is opened. The 750ml bottle means they can share it with others celebrating with them.
Skip this if: This is a high-end option, so skip it if you don’t know if they have a taste for champagne or if you’re not sure if they drink alcohol. It may also be a bit over-the-top if they’re a casual friend.
Midnight Snack Veuve Champagne Basket
The Midnight Snack Veuve Champagne Basket includes numerous gourmet offerings: Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label, Sparkling Prosecco Cordials by Klopper’s Chocolate, French Vanilla Malted Milk Balls by Kopper’s Chocolate, Chocolate Caramel Grahams by Annalie’s Chocolates, Cheesy Cheddar Popcorn by Gourmet Gift Baskets, Chocolate Wafer Cookies by Fusion Gourmet, and a white basket.
Who it's best for: This is the ideal champagne option if you’ve got some close friends coming together to celebrate an achievement. It’s more relaxed and affordable than the option above, but still makes a big statement. The 375ml bottle is the perfect size for a fun, casual celebration.
Skip this if: You don’t know if they drink champagne, or you think the achievement is big enough and requires a more extravagant gift.
Classic Red Wine Gift Basket
The Classic Red Wine Gift Basket features a bottle of Merlot by Dark Horse, Butter Toffee Peanuts, Summer Sausage by Hanover Smokehouse, Basil & Garlic Olives by Oloves, Everything Lavasch Crackers by Venus Wafers, Mudpuppies by Mississippi Cookie Factory, and Garlic Cheese by Mountain View Farms.
Who it's best for: This is a fitting choice for when you’re celebrating with close friends who you know drink, but you’re not sure if they drink Champagne. Red wine works for more people, hits a $100 mark that signals you care, and the food pairings are substantial enough to feel like a real gift.
Skip this if: If you don’t know their drinking habits, or the situation is one that seems more appropriate for Champagne.
Gift Basket Choices for Anyone
These are some of our more affordable options, featuring a wide assortment of sweet and savory delights. Whether you want sweet and savory snacks, charcuterie, or a farm-fresh assortment of fruits, these gift baskets will find a wide audience that will enjoy them even if they don’t drink.
Snack Gift Basket - Premium
The Snack Gift Basket - Premium includes Summer Sausage by Hanover Smokehouse, Butter Toffee Peanuts, Cheddar Cheese by Mountain View Farms, Everything Lavasch Crackers by Venus Wafers, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies by Dulion, Vanilla Wafer Rolls by Fusion Gourmet, Chocolate Chip Cookies by Fusion Gourmet, Black & White Cookies by Mississippi Cheese Straw Company, Cheesy Cheddar Popcorn by Gourmet Gift Baskets, Crunchy Caramel Popcorn by Gourmet Gift Baskets, and Roasted & Salted Pistachios by Stewart & Jasper Orchards.
Who it's best for: This is a great gift for a birthday party or thank-you message. The wide variety of treats is perfect for a group of guests. The sweet and savory split covers all preferences and $100 reads as thoughtful for good friends. This is your default when you don't have strong intel on what they like.
Skip this if: You know they like a specific type of treat that you can get an assortment of, or if they have dietary restrictions or allergies that make some of the items unsuitable.
Deluxe Gourmet Meat and Cheese Sampler
The Deluxe Gourmet Meat and Cheese Sampler is packed with sausages, cheeses, olives, sun-dried tomato bruschetta, and crackers.
Who it's best for: This is a perfect pick if you want to give the vibe of luxury without breaking the bank. Charcuterie is a classic choice for sharing snacks at a party, and this assortment has enough options for a full spread
Skip this if: They don't eat meat, or if the occasion warrants something at the $100 level based on your friendship closeness.
Farmers Market Gift Box
The Farmers Market Gift Box naturally includes red apples, green apples, oranges, Summer Sausage by Hanover Smokehouse, Basil & Garlic Olives by Oloves, Lemon & Rosemary Olives by Oloves, Original Water Crackers by Capeachio’s, Seriously Sharp White Cheddar by Cabot Cheese, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites by AMG Snacks.
Who it's best for: This is a great choice for light summer snacking, especially if you’re sending it to a health-conscious recipient who would be happy with a more wholesome assortment celebrating fresh fruit.
Skip this if: You’re worried about shelf life, or if they prefer more decadent and indulgent treats.
Gift Baskets for Friends Who Host or Entertain
These two gift baskets are among our largest options, featuring a collection of fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, and snacks that make for an amazing spread to be displayed at the next big party. They’re among the more expensive options without alcohol, but the selection is well worth the price.
Bountiful Harvest
The Bountiful Harvest includes red apples, green apples, oranges, pears, Summer Sausage by Hanover Smokehouse, Basil & Garlic Olives by Oloves, Lemon & Rosemary Olives by Oloves, Seriously Sharp White Cheddar by Cabot Cheese, Peppercorn & Poppy Crackers by Capeachio’s, Raspberry Honey Mustard by Terrapin Ridge Farms, Sea Salt Caramel Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen, Chocolate Chip Cookies by Dulion, Butter Toffee Peanuts, Assorted Chocolates by Annalie’s Chocolates, Cocoa Dusted Almonds by Kopper’s Chocolate, water hyacinth, basket, and cutting board lid.
Who it's best for: Close friends who regularly host people or who often have family visiting. The elevated fruit basket, with gourmet additions, offers guests more than just fruit. The presentation is beautiful enough to sit out on a counter. It’s the perfect choice for housewarmings, thank-you gifts after you leave a host family, or a situation where people will be dropping by to visit a sick person.
Skip this if: They aren’t expecting many guests and live alone, as the fruit will spoil if not eaten relatively quickly.
Orchard's Abundance
The Orchard's Abundance includes oranges, red apples, green apples, Assorted Chocolates by Annalie’s Chocolates, Sea Salt Caramel Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen, Dark Chocolate Cocoa Dusted Almonds by Kopper’s Chocolate, Peppercorn & Poppy Crackers by Capeachio’s, Almond Cashew Cranberry Mix by Worldwide Foods, and Seriously Sharp White Cheddar by Cabot Cheese.
Who it's best for: Good friends where you want fresh fruit but don't need the $160 version. The caramel sauce and chocolates offer just the right hint of sweet indulgence to pair with the fresh fruit. It’s an impressive spread that sends the right message for a housewarming or thank-you.
Skip this if: They’re not a fan of fresh fruit or cheese, or you think the circumstances call for something fancier.
Three Questions to Consider Before You Buy
1. Does the price match your friendship level? A gift that’s too impressive can make things awkward with a new acquaintance. Going too low for a major occasion can feel insufficient for a friendship that is deeper if your budget can support more.The ideal gift is paired with the right level of friendship.
2. Does the gift match the occasion? Sympathy gifts should deliver comfort and ease. Celebrations are a good opportunity for something special. Thank-you gifts can offer a range of items. Make sure your basket aligns with the moment.
3. Are you confident about alcohol? It’s best to only go with one of our wine or champagne gift baskets if you’re sure they enjoy drinking, and you know the special regulations around shipping alcohol - see below.
Important Shipping Details for Gift Baskets
Our baskets ship nationwide, and you can choose your desired delivery date so you won’t miss a big event.
Alcohol restrictions: Wine and Champagne require the signature of an adult (21+) at delivery and cannot ship to Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Utah, or military addresses. If you're unsure about their availability to sign, choose a non-alcohol option.
Final Thoughts
The right gift basket sends a message and can speak much louder than words. Whether you want to express sympathy, gratitude, congratulations, or something else entirely, make sure the gift you choose matches that sentiment and your closeness to the recipient.
If your college roommate just bought her first house, the Champagne & Truffles tells her you know this is worthy of a big celebration. If a work friend's parent passed away, a modest sympathy basket offers comfort without overstepping. And If someone hosted you for the weekend, a snack gift basket is a simple way of saying “Thanks”.
The best gifts are the ones that feel like a natural extension of your relationship, and make them feel like you’re there with them as they enjoy every item.