What to put in gourmet gift baskets

4 MINUTE READ

When you want to give an exceptional gift to celebrate a special occasion, gourmet gift baskets are the perfect thing. Instead of buying a premade collection, make it even more special by putting together your own custom creation.

Are you looking for ideas on what to put in gourmet gift baskets? Follow along as we share tips on how to select and assemble a delicious selection of specialty items that will impress any foodie on your gift list.

Gourmet favorites

Food is always a popular item to put in gift baskets, but when you want to make it extra special, make it gourmet. Impress with a thoughtful selection of high-quality food items that will appeal to your recipient’s tastes.

Some popular things to include in food baskets include:

• Wine and champagne
• Coffee and tea
• Chocolate
• Baked goods
• Fruit
• Meats and cheeses
• Nuts and snacks
• Condiments and spices

To take these everyday items from ordinary to extraordinary, choose a specialty or exclusive variety. For example, for a chocolate lover, fill your container with a selection of the best chocolates from around the world. To make a gourmet fruit basket, choose exotic, tropical fruit that goes beyond what you can pick up at the local grocery store.

Choose one primary food category to craft your gift or make it interesting by creating a custom mix of items. Pair savory and sweet snacks to make a trendy charcuterie, gift a unique brunch with fancy coffee, pastries, and jams, or create a classic wine and cheese gift basket for traditional tastes.

Choose a destination

Another approach when making gourmet gift baskets is to choose a destination and curate a variety of specialty food items from that area. This allows you to create a memorable experience for your recipients as they take a flavorful journey from the comfort of their own homes.

Napa Valley

For a red wine lover, a Napa Valley-themed basket is a perfect choice. Bring the charm of wine country by gifting a few different varieties from top wineries along with other local specialties like coffee, chocolate, and honey. Feel free to add non-edible gifts as long as they fit your theme, such as wine glasses or a locally made candle.

Italy

When you think of decadent food, it’s hard not to think of Italy. Make a stunning gift basket full of Italian specialties to deliver big flavors and satisfy cravings. Select a variety of meats and cheeses for a tasty charcuterie collection or opt for a pantry assortment filled with the best olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta, tomato, and pesto sauces, olives, and spices you can find.

France

France is known to have some of the best pastries in the world. Make a pastry basket fit for a Parisian with authentic favorites like crunchy baguettes, flaky croissants, sweet macarons, and madeleines. Pair with some fancy French coffee or tea for a delicious treat any time of the day. For another take on French decadence, champagne is the ultimate gourmet gift. Select a nice bottle and arrange it with champagne flutes, then add some fancy French truffles to finish.

It’s all in the details

To showcase gourmet food items, go for a simple and tasteful presentation. Start with a sturdy yet sleek container. Wooden crates work great for gifting food items. Not only are they strong enough to hold heavy bottles and jars, but they also have an elegant appearance and make any gift look more expensive.

This collection is pictured in a 12 in x 10 in x 4 ½ in small wooden crate by Carpenter Core.

Be sure to add plenty of filler in the base of your container to cushion, lift, and hold items in place. Neutral-colored crinkle paper has a stylish look that will not take away from the gift items themselves. You may also choose to line your container with a cloth napkin to add more visual interest and stay on theme. Then, arrange your items attractively, making sure the weight is evenly balanced.

Finally, finish with understated embellishments to keep the focus on the contents. Wrap your basket with a pretty ribbon or attach a bow to the base. We recommend keeping your gourmet gift unwrapped to maintain the elegant look.

In conclusion

There are many ways to go about making a gourmet gift basket, and lots of different types of items you can include to satisfy diverse tastes. Whether you choose a variety of gourmet favorites or recreate a foodie destination, specialty food baskets are beautiful, practical, and delicious. What makes any gift basket even more special is when it is hand-crafted and assembled with care.

This article was made possible by support from Carpenter Core. We make small customizable wooden crates and boxes used for gift baskets and product packaging.