Traditional wicker picnic basket
This charming basket provides a classic and elegant way to enjoy outdoor meals with friends or family.
Kitchen & Coffee
Picnic baskets
8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Picnic gear tends to go to people who already like eating outdoors: parents planning park days, couples who like a lakeside lunch, and families who head to the cottage or campsite. What gets used is whatever is easy to pack and carry. A classic wicker picnic basket looks great under the tree, but an insulated picnic basket or a backpack often gets taken out more. Before you choose, think about how the person gets to their picnic spot. If they drive, weight doesn't matter much. If they walk or bike, it matters a lot. Also think about how many people usually come along, and whether they have room to store something bulky between summers.
Kind 1 of 8
The classic wicker basket
This is the woven basket with a lid and handles that most people picture. Many come with plates, cutlery and glasses strapped inside the lid. It suits someone who likes a proper setup, like a couple heading to the park or a parent who makes picnics a family tradition. Before you buy, check how heavy it is when empty, because wicker adds up fast. Make sure the lid closes firmly, and see whether there's room for real food once the dishes are packed in.
Kind 2 of 8
Larger wicker hampers for a crowd
A hamper is usually bigger and boxier than a basket. It often holds place settings for four and sometimes has a cooler section or a matching blanket. It's a good fit for families who picnic together or for someone who hosts outdoor get-togethers. Check the number of place settings against the size of the household, and look at how the handles are attached. A full hamper is heavy, so a hamper that gets carried a long way needs solid handles or a carry strap.
Large family picnic hamper
Designed to accommodate larger groups, this spacious hamper ensures everyone has enough provisions for a grand outdoor feast.
Kind 3 of 8
A tiny picnic table for backyard squirrels
This is a small wooden feeder shaped like a picnic table. It mounts on a fence or tree, and squirrels sit at it to eat. It's a playful gift for anyone who watches their backyard, and kids and grandparents both tend to love it. Before buying, make sure the person actually wants squirrels around, since not every gardener or bird-feeder fan does. Also check that the wood is finished for outdoor use and that the mounting hardware is included.
Kind 4 of 8
Complete sets for two or more
A set packs everything into one carrier: plates, cutlery, glasses, napkins, a cutting board and often a bottle opener. Sets for two make a thoughtful gift for couples, newlyweds or anniversaries. Look at what's actually included, and check whether the dishes are dishwasher-friendly or need hand washing. Also see whether each piece has its own strap or slot, which keeps things from rattling around. A set is only useful if the pieces are easy to replace or can be used on their own.
Picnic basket for two
Elevate any romantic outing with this beautifully appointed basket, perfect for intimate moments outdoors.
Kind 5 of 8
Insulated baskets that keep food cool
These look like a basket or tote but have a lined, insulated section inside. That way cold drinks and salads stay chilled longer on a warm afternoon. They suit practical picnickers, beach-goers and parents packing lunches for a day out. Check whether the lining wipes clean or comes out for washing, and whether the lid seals well. It's worth noting how much space the insulation takes up, since a thick lining can leave less room inside than you'd expect.
Insulated picnic basket
Keep food and drinks perfectly chilled for extended periods during any outdoor excursion or gathering.
Kind 6 of 8
Picnic backpacks for walkers and hikers
A picnic backpack carries dishes and food on your back and leaves your hands free. Many have a cooler compartment and a side pocket for a bottle. They're a strong pick for hikers, cyclists and parents who also need to push a stroller or hold a small hand. Before buying, check that the straps are padded and adjustable. See whether the dishes are light and unbreakable, and whether the cooler section can be cleaned easily after a spill.
Picnic backpacks
Ideal for adventurers and hikers, this portable set allows for hands-free transport to scenic spots.
Kind 7 of 8
Collapsible baskets that pack flat
Collapsible baskets fold flat when empty and pop back into shape for use. That makes them easy to keep in a car trunk or closet. They suit people in apartments, anyone short on storage, and people who shop at markets as often as they picnic. Check that the frame holds its shape when full, that the handles are sturdy and that the fabric can be wiped down. A collapsible basket often ends up used for groceries too, which is a bonus.
Collapsible picnic basket
This space-saving design offers convenience for storage and transport, perfect for impromptu outings and easy packing.
Kind 8 of 8
Folding baskets and carts for longer hauls
Folding designs cover rigid baskets with hinged sides and wheeled carts that fold down between trips. A cart makes sense for families who carry blankets, chairs and food a long way to the beach, the field or the campsite. Look at the folded size to be sure it fits in their vehicle. Also check that the wheels can handle sand or grass, and look at how much weight it's meant to hold. Carts are bulky, so they're best for people who picnic often.
Wheeled all-terrain picnic cart
Effortlessly transport your picnic essentials across various landscapes with this convenient, easy-to-maneuver cart.
How to choose picnic baskets as a gift
- Picture how the person reaches their picnic spot, whether by car, on foot or by bike, and choose something they can carry comfortably.
- Match the number of place settings to the household. A set for four gets awkward for a couple, and a set for two leaves a family short.
- Look for washable linings and dishes that go in the dishwasher, since those are the baskets that get used again.
- Think about storage between summers. Collapsible or stackable designs suit smaller homes and cottages.
- Add something to use right away, like a blanket, a thermos or a favourite snack, so the gift feels ready for the first nice day.
Usually safe to skip
- Decorative baskets with flimsy handles often look lovely but can't hold the weight of a real lunch, so they end up on a shelf.
- Oversized hampers packed with fragile dishes tend to stay home because they're too heavy and awkward for most outings.
- Sets full of small novelty tools often get lost or go unused, so a few solid basics are the better gift.
Questions people ask about picnic baskets
- What is the difference between a picnic basket and a picnic hamper?
- People often use the two words for the same thing. In general, a hamper is larger and boxier and holds more place settings. A basket is smaller, lighter and easier to carry for two people.
- Is a wicker or insulated picnic basket better as a gift?
- Wicker suits someone who enjoys a classic, set-the-scene picnic and usually drives to the spot. Insulated baskets suit practical types who want cold drinks and food to stay chilled, and they're often easier to clean.
- What is a good picnic gift for parents with young kids?
- A picnic backpack or wheeled cart keeps their hands free for kids and strollers. Look for unbreakable dishes, an easy-clean cooler section and enough room for snacks, wipes and a blanket.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All picnic baskets picks
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