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The 25 Best Fruit Baskets for Delicious Holiday Gifting

These baskets and bundles are filled with fresh fruit, nuts, chocolates, and award-winning wines.

Cheese board with crackers, jam and fruit, nuts with chocolate in a bowl and a box with pears on a wooden surface
Photo:

Food & Wine / Harry & David

A fruit basket is a classic way of sending joy, gratitude, or comfort. While it may seem like an old-school gift for wishing season's greetings, it’s about as foolproof a gift as you can find — everyone loves fruit, it’s a crowd-pleasing food gift that will get eaten almost immediately, and it still feels like a special treat. Whether it's a box of fresh oranges in the dead of winter, chocolate-dipped strawberries for a sweet host gift, or a taste of one orchard's summer best, the best fruit baskets will make anybody smile.

We especially like gift baskets that inspire creative cooking, with unique picks and supplemental items like chocolate truffles, artisanal jams, nuts, olive oils, and wine pairings. Whether you’re shopping for someone who prefers strawberries dipped in dark chocolate or a tropical fruit lover who wants to fake a winter vacation, these luxe picks will impress.

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 the Honey, We Care collection, which includes a large jar of unfiltered honey, seasonal estate-grown fruit, an assortment of dried fruits, and dark chocolate truffles — made extra-special with Frog Hollow’s olive oil.

Just be aware that the fresh fruit included changes based on the time of year. Each box weighs about three pounds, but it won't always be the apples and oranges in the photo.

Includes: Seasonally ripe, organic fresh fruits, a box of dark chocolate truffles, and dried fruit

Harry & David is probably the most famous name in the best fruit baskets, and the brand has earned a sterling reputation for quality and reliability. This “little bit of everything” arrangement includes a half-dozen of Harry & David's beloved pears, a block of sharp cheddar cheese, crackers, relish, chocolate-covered cherries, and chocolate truffles. Oh, and a bag of the irresistibly snackable Moose Munch chocolate caramel popcorn mix. It’s a generous amount of salty, sweet, and memorable — and you can tack on a bonus bottle or two of wine to make it extra special.

Includes:  6 premium pears, Moose Munch Premium Popcorn, sharp white cheddar cheese, three-seed crackers, pepper and onion relish, milk chocolate-covered cherries, chocolate truffles, bronze and gold tin

Red or white? Apple or orange? Chocolate and cookies or cheese and crackers? With this impressive gift basket, you won’t have to choose. It comes with three types of fruits, Pinot Noir and California chardonnay, and a picnic of sweet and savory snacks. It's an impressive amount of goodies at a good price, especially considering that standard shipping is included.

Includes: Houdini Napa Valley Chardonnay, Houdini Pinot Noir, 3 pieces lemon cakes, 5 pieces chocolate caramels, 2.5 ounces J&M Caramel Sea Salt Cookies, 3.5 ounces Vino e Formaggio Smoked Gouda Cheese Spread, 3.5 ounces olives, 2.1 ounces fruit jellies, 2 pieces Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles, 2 apples, 2 oranges, 2 pears, and much more

The Fruit Company's Oregon orchards produce a year-round abundance of apples, cherries, peaches, pears, and lots more, and this subscription box is a great way to taste everything at peak ripeness. You can choose from a 3-, 6-, or 12-month subscription, in four different sizes ranging from about four pieces of fruit per month to more than 30. These are sought-after varieties like Rainier cherries, Seckel pears, and Honeybell citrus. Another nice feature is that you can choose a start date up to 4 months in advance to get the jump on holidays, birthdays, weddings, and any other kind of gifting. The Fruit Company offers other subscriptions, too, including one featuring organic fruit and another with exotic and unusual items.

Includes: 3-, 6-, or 12-month subscription in four sizes ranging from 4 to 30 pieces of fruit

As beautiful as it is tasty, this box of vegan chocolate fruit clusters from Compartés is guaranteed to garner plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” when unwrapped. The luxe brand is known for its high-end chocolate and impactful design, resulting in chocolate gifts that will satisfy even the pickiest sweet tooth. In this sleek black box, they’ll find 20 chocolate fruit bites, each topped with a spectrum of dried fruits, including papaya, raisins, raspberries, kiwi, and blueberries. The petite size — and gorgeous appearance — make them a perfectly indulgent after-dinner treat.

Includes: 20 chocolate fruit bites in assorted flavors, gift box

Take the guesswork out of creating the perfect cheese and charcuterie board with this host-friendly fruit basket from Frog Hollow Farm. Packed inside is a selection of organic apples (of course!), along with award-winning blue cheese from Point Reyes Farmstead and Carmody cheese from Bellwether Farms. Both choices pack a tangy punch, helping them stand up to the sweet flavor of the apples. The best part? If you’re unsure when your recipient will be home from their holiday travels to receive your gift, Goldbelly allows you to send an e-gift, leaving them to schedule it whenever convenient. 

Includes: 3 pounds organic apples, 7 ounces Carmody cheese, 6 ounces blue cheese, branded eco-friendly box

This basket pulls out all the stops and makes no apologies for it. Maybe you won’t find any fresh fruit, but the 30-inch crate is packed with dried fruits — plus an entire appetizer, cheese, charcuterie, and dessert platter. There are smoked and spicy cheeses, a salami, four kinds of crackers, salted nuts, Tuscan olives, hummus, trail mix, handmade caramels, coconut macaroons, butter cookies, and plenty more. Your giftee won’t miss the odd pear or two. The thoughtful present includes a corkscrew, cutting board, and cheese knife. It's pricey but makes an unforgettable and over-the-top present.

Includes: 6 macaroons, 2 artisan chocolate bars, 1 bag each of trail mix, mixed nuts, pistachios, Swedish Fish, sea salt caramels, dried figs & apricots, milk chocolate pretzels, chocolate toffee dusted almonds, 1 jar each of hummus dip, Tuscan olives, and sun-dried tomato bruschetta spread, 1 box each of chocolate-covered caramelized almonds, butter cookies, black pepper crackers, rosemary thyme crisps, rosemary parmesan crackers, wasabi crackers, smoked gouda cheese, artisanal salami, berry & jerky mix, fruit & jerky mix, 1 serving knife, a dark stained cutting board, corkscrew, and wooden crate

Fruit and nuts are a classic combination, especially around the holiday season when cocktail and appetizer-based parties are at an all-time high. This charming fruit basket has everything needed to host friends or a small crowd, with fresh-picked fruits and cinnamon-glazed almonds. Two jars of indulgent toppings are included — one vegan hot fudge, and one salted caramel sauce from editor-loved brand Coop’s — in case your recipient wants to drizzle something extra on top of their apples. Completing the scene is a versatile water hyacinth tray, which can see a second life on their coffee table or dining table.

Includes: 2 red apples, 2 oranges, 3 pears, Salted Caramel sauce by Coop’s, Vegan Hot Fudge by Coop’s, Cinnamon Glazed Almonds by Stewart & Jasper Orchards, water hyacinth basket

Pineapples are a fruit ripe with meaning — known to symbolize hospitality, a welcoming atmosphere, and good luck, making them the ideal pick for anyone on your gifting list to who you want to send warm greetings. Maui Gold pineapples are known to be the sweetest and best of the bunch, having been grown on the slopes of Haleakala for over 40 years. You can snag this pick through Amazon for convenience and quicker shipping, ensuring you never show up to a holiday party empty-handed. 

Includes: 1 Maui Gold pineapple

Second only to a pick-your-own trip to an orchard, it doesn’t get much fresher than this Harry & David basket. The brand is synonymous with quality fruit gifts, and they’ve packed their best into this stylish (and reusable) rope basket. Nestle among the juicy pears and apples, you’ll find classic accouterments like dried fruits (a mix of raisins, apricots, cranberries, pineapple, papaya, and banana), roasted almonds, and peanut butter pretzels. Thanks to a gorgeous rope basket, it’ll arrive to your intended recipient looking every inch a worthy holiday gift — you even have the option to add wine and a personalized note. 

Includes: 5 pears, 2 apples, 4 ounces roasted almonds, 6 ounces dried fruit, 5 ounces pretzels, rope basket

Pomegranates are a staple of the holiday season. Not only are they a classic winter fruit, but these tiny little jewels also pack a ton of symbolism, representing goodwill, generosity, and love. This gorgeous box from Melissa’s Produce allows you to send a little extra love this year, with six pomegranates, all at the peak of freshness, packed carefully into the box. These nutrient-packed fruits are a great source of vitamin C, K, folate, and potassium, so your thoughtful present can even help them start the New Year off on a healthy note. 

Includes: 6 fresh, whole pomegranates

Forget apples and pears; Miami Fruit's Box offers more unusual items like soursop, rambutan, longan, and even fresh cacao pods. The company works with hundreds of growers to source fresh fruits that can't otherwise be found outside their native regions. The standard box comes with 4 to 5 pounds of fruit, which varies depending on what's fresh, and shipping is included. (You can also double the amount of fruit for an extra $50.) A nice option Goldbelly offers is e-gifting, which sends the recipient a note via e-mail and lets them choose their delivery date.

One unfortunate caveat: Due to state agriculture regulations, this box can't be shipped to Arizona or California.

Includes: 4-5 or 8-10 pounds of tropical fruit; some examples include cacao, key limes, and soursop

The 1-800 Flowers brand does more than just speedy delivery of floral bouquets. Click around the website and you’ll find an underrated section of fruit and other food gift baskets. The Premier Orchard mix is for true fruit lovers — no chocolate or cheese here to distract you! It includes a generous combo of pears, apples, oranges, and more, all packed in a reusable wicker basket. (The deluxe version throws in extra of all those, plus pineapple, mango, and a bag of dried fruits). We also appreciate that the site simplifies shipping calculations: You put in the recipient's address, and it pops up a calendar that tells you exactly how much it will cost for delivery on each specific day.

Includes: 3 Imperial Comice pears (D'Anjou when not in season), 1 Beurre Bosc pear, 1 crimson red pear, 1 pineapple, 2 mangos, 2 navel oranges, 5 Mandarin oranges, 2 Braeburn apples, 1 granny smith apple, 3 kiwi, 3-ounce assorted dried fruit bag, sturdy willow hand-woven gift basket

No one does fresh farm-to-table produce quite like California. This colorful box is the perfect example. Sourced directly from Frog Hollow Farm — a family-owned institution in Brentwood, California — this pick delivers the best seasonal produce available alongside specialty cheeses from Bellwether Farms and Point Reyes Farmstead. While they do vary slightly by season (past fruit picks include apples, oranges, pears, mandarins, and persimmons), the colorful goodies packed inside will look just as beautiful as a cocktail party centerpiece as they will sliced and served alongside some bubbly for New Year’s Eve. How’s that for a gift that can do it all?

Includes: 3 pounds of mixed seasonal fruit, 8 ounces Carmody cheese from Bellwether Farms, 8 ounces Blue Cheese from Point Reyes Farmstead

Ideal for the hostess on your list who does it all — and makes it look easy — this fruit basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets is packed with abundant goodies that will set them up for success ahead of their next bash. From a classic assortment of fruit (including apples, pears, and oranges) to cheese and sweet finishing touches (hello, caramel sauce, and Belgian chocolates), this pick has plenty to enjoy from cocktails through dessert. Send it directly to your loved one if you’re missing their holiday party or order it to your home for a foolproof host gift you can take credit for without lifting a finger. 

Includes: 2 red apples, 2 green apples, 2 oranges, 2 pears, Sea Salt Caramel Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen, Flatbread Crackers by Mariner, Chocolate Covered Cherries by Marich, Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese by Cabot, Butter Peanut Crunch by Hammond’s, Assorted Chocolates by Annalie’s Chocolates

The only thing better than finding tickets to a far-flung locale in your stocking? Finding a food that at least tastes like a bucket list trip. This selection of jams from Japanese provisions shop Yun Hai is made in small batches from pure ingredients and packed with unusual flavors, like Irwin Mango, Mulberry, Passionfruit Pumpkin, and Red Guava. Endlessly versatile, these preserves can be used for just about anything, like topping toast in the morning or adding a finishing touch to a late-night scoop of ice cream. Each jar is topped with a patterned cloth, helping you nail the presentation and skip gift wrapping altogether.   

Includes: Four 9.9-ounce jars of jam in Irwin Mango, Mulberry, Passionfruit Pumpkin, and Red Guava

Receiving this box of luxury snacks from Manhattan Fruitier is like raiding the whole mini-bar at a fancy hotel. It's an irresistible mix led by dried fruits: apple rings from the Finger Lakes region of New York, Mediterranean apricots, and banana chips. The mix is filled with sweet and savory items, including pistachios, almonds, butter toffee mixed nuts, sea salt caramels, and chewy honey nougat.

Includes: 4 ounces honey almond nougat, 3 ounces butter toffee mixed nuts, 4 ounces roasted salted almonds, 3 ounces organic Mediterranean dried apricots, 3 ounces organic banana chips, 3 ounces sea salt caramels, 2 ounces organic apple rings, 4 ounces organic whole pistachios, 3 ounces cinnamon toffee almonds

For the friend who can’t get enough of their apple, pear, or orange a day, we recommend this fresh fruit box from Harry & David, packed with crowd-pleasing favorites, including apples, pears, and oranges. The fruit included is picked at the peak of freshness, guaranteeing it arrives at your destination full of flavor and color. The best part? Because nothing in this box is holiday-themed or overly festive, it’s also suitable for the New Year, a promotion, sympathy, or any other sentiment you want to convey. 

Includes: 6 pears, 6 apples, and 6 oranges

Christmas breakfast is a beloved tradition for many — but who wants to spend time firing up the waffle maker or pancake griddle after a long night of prepping presents or shuffling the kids from house to house? With this sweet Berry Breakfast gift basket from Stonewall Kitchen, you can help them take the guesswork out of a cozy winter’s breakfast. Packed inside is everything they need for a soul-warming morning feast, including pastry mixes — blueberry scones, waffles, and muffins — along with jams and syrups bursting with fruity flavor.

Includes: Wild Maine Blueberry jam, Red Raspberry jam, Strawberry jam, Wild Maine Blueberry syrup, Raspberry syrup, Blueberry Pancake & Waffle Mix, Blueberry Muffin Mix, Blueberry Scone Mix, 10-inch stainless steel balloon whisk

There’s something to be said for the perfect presentation, and nothing will look prettier under the tree than this gift set from Gourmet Gift Baskets. Tucking into a duo of festive emerald green boxes, finished with gilded details, and tied with a box, this tower of fruit immediately looks like you spent much more time and energy on it than you did — especially considering it can ship out in just two days. They’ll find fresh fruit and other sweet and savory bites, like snickerdoodle glazed almond and chocolate sea salt cashews. 

Includes: 2 apples, 2 pears, Snickerdoodle Glazed Almonds by Stewart & Jasper Orchards, Cinnamon Glazed Almonds by Stewart & Jasper Orchards, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cashews by Stewart & Jasper Orchards

Think of classic chocolate and fruit combinations. What comes to mind? If cherries are the first fruit that pops into your brain, you’re not alone. The duo is a go-to pairing for a reason, playing off each other with sweet-meets-tangy notes that thrill the tastebuds. This visually stunning box of chocolate cherry clusters from Compartés is like a gorgeous jewel box of flavor, with 20 clusters they can share with friends (or keep to themselves). Choose from milk and dark chocolate and medium or large boxes for the perfect gift that’s almost too pretty to eat. 

Includes: 20 chocolate cherry clusters

The produce packed into this crate comes from farms and suppliers that have been family-owned for decades, so you know you’re serving your family something grown with love and care. Inside the woven hamper — which can easily be reused as stylish storage when done — your recipient will find a selection of crisp apples, juicy pears, tart grapefruit, and sunny oranges. It’s a great choice for anyone whose preferences you don’t know well (these fruits are all easy crowd-pleasers!) and you won’t risk these hearty fruits getting damaged en route. 

Includes: 4 apples, 4 pears, 1 grapefruit, and 3 oranges, packed into a woven hamper basket

It doesn’t get better than ripe, juicy strawberries… unless they’re dipped in chocolate, and then topped with chocolate chips or toffee crumbles. Shari’s Berries has a network of local vendors around the country, which means these sweet treats can often be delivered on the same day as a celebratory congratulations or comforting condolences. The dipped strawberries are available in sets of six, 12, or 24, but we'd advise being generous: Shari's says two dozen berries are only enough to serve four people.

Includes: Six, 12, or 24 chocolate-dipped strawberries topped with crunchy bits of toffee, chocolate chips, and a chocolate drizzle

Dried fruit is a classic sweet treat and especially easy to tote to work, on the airplane, or anywhere else the holiday season takes them. This buddle of gummy goodies from Yun Hai comes in a cool, graphic box with equally impactful packaging for the five included flavors. Recipients can choose from five classic Taiwanese dried fruits, all inspired by traditional finds at local produce markets, including Golden Diamond Pineapple, Irwin Mango, Wax Apple, Green Mango, and Pearl Guava.   

Includes: Five 100-gram bags of dried fruit in a selection of flavors

Pros
  • This beautifully packaged box is filled with dried fruits dipped in fine chocolate, and it comes with a no-melt guarantee.

Cons
  • It's rather expensive for a small number of chocolates.

Los Angeles' Compartés is known for its beautiful high-end chocolates, and its Treasures of the Orchard box combines chocolate and fruit. It's a mix of dried fruit from California orchards, all dipped in or drizzled with chocolate. Your recipient will get apricots, pears, peaches, dates, pineapple, and lots of other luscious treats, in a handsome box to keep for display after they've been devoured. Compartés even offers a No Melt Guarantee, shipping chocolates with ice in hot weather to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

Includes: 1 box of chocolate-dipped, California-grown dates, apricots, peaches, pears, and/or pineapples 

Factors to Consider

Assortment

Do you want to send a traditional fruit basket, or something 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 with 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.

Shipping & Delivery

A big part of the price of a fruit basket is the cost of getting it to the recipient. Fresh fruit has to ship fairly quickly, often with ice packs or insulated packaging to keep it cool. When comparing one basket to another, consider the shipping cost — some retailers include it in the upfront cost, while others add it during checkout. There are often multiple shipping options, too: Overnight and 2-day shipping generally cost extra.

Because many delivery services don't do pickup or delivery on the weekends, many gift baskets will only ship out on certain days of the week as well. If you order over the weekend or late Friday afternoon, your basket may not go in the mail until the following Monday. It's nice to send a fruit basket as a surprise gift, but it's a good idea to coordinate with the recipient and let them know when to expect a package.

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 with in-season fruit from regions that grow it well. Customer reviews and ratings are a good way to gauge a company’s reputation for delivering on freshness and ripeness.

Sustainability

Consider sustainability and organic farming practices when shopping for the best 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 grown to USDA organic standards. Keep an eye on options that feature in-season produce to ensure responsible farming practices as well as better-tasting fruit.

Allergy Information

If you're sending a basket to someone with food allergies, be sure to take a look at the full ingredient lists for packaged goodies like crackers, snack mixes, or chocolate — these are usually pretty easy to find in the product listing. For severe nut allergies or gluten intolerance, you may want to look for a brand that doesn't process and package nuts or gluten in its facilities at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What makes a good fruit basket?

    A good fruit basket contains ripe, fresh, delicious-looking fruit. Of course, 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, overflowing baskets usually have to fit inside a box and will rarely look as robust in person. Many sellers offer personalization or cards for special occasions like birthdays and thank-yous, and you can find options for almost any kind of food preference.

  • How long does a fruit basket stay fresh?

    That depends on the fruit. Apples and citrus can last for weeks at room temperature, while delicate raspberries should be refrigerated immediately and eaten within a few days. As beautiful as a nicely composed fruit basket looks, it's a good idea to disassemble it and store each type of fruit separately. 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 only last about 24 hours; store it in the refrigerator and enjoy 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 like grapefruits and oranges. Whole fruit baskets sometimes also contain dried fruit, chocolates, and other extras. Cut fruit is often made into “fruit bouquets,” which are much more perishable than whole fruits.

  • How much do fruit baskets typically cost?

    Whole fruit baskets (and other edible gift baskets) can range in cost. Size matters here, with many sellers offering multiple portions of the same assortment, and prices that grow to match. Many fruit baskets fall into the $50 to $150 range, though this may or may not include shipping.

More Food & Wine Gift Guides for 2024

Our Expertise

Alyssa Longobucco is a writer, editor, and stylist with a background in food, interior, and lifestyle content. She has over a decade of experience in the digital and magazine industry creating unique and innovative content for storied brands such as Food and Wine, House Beautiful, HGTV, The Knot, Domino, Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, Food52, Good Housekeeping, and more.

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