Harry & David vs Williams Sonoma

The rise of online bakeries and dessert shops has made it easier than ever to access gourmet sweets from the comfort of your home. Craving macarons from a Parisian-style patisserie or a slice of authentic New York cheesecake? Ordering online means you can enjoy these treats without booking a flight.

This kind of dessert shopping takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect sweets for any occasion - whether it's a surprise birthday treat, a holiday celebration, or just an excuse to satisfy your sweet tooth. And let's not overlook the gift-giving convenience - these desserts usually arrive beautifully packaged, making them ideal gifts that show you care.

Desserts are the sweet exclamation point to any meal. From decadent cakes and flaky pastries to rich puddings and creamy gelato, desserts have been delighting palates across cultures for centuries. Fast forward to today, and the world of desserts has expanded in ways our ancestors could never have imagined.

Their origins are as varied as their flavors, with ancient civilizations crafting sweets from honey, fruits, and nuts, while later innovations brought us sugar-based confections and baked goods. Whether served at grand feasts or enjoyed quietly at home at the end of a long day, desserts are often synonymous with celebration, comfort, and creativity. In many cultures, sweets are intertwined with traditions, marking holidays, family gatherings, and even daily rituals with a touch of delicious indulgence.

If you're imagining something delicious coming right to your doorstep, where should you order that dreamy dessert? There are a lot of online shops to consider, and they're not all the same. Here are a few things to keep in mind that might influence which online dessert shop you choose:

• Small business vs. well-known retailer. Do you really enjoy supporting up-and-coming entrepreneurs, or do you prefer to shop with a tried-and-true big-name company? You'll find both in the online dessert world.
• Variety. How many desserts are there to choose from? It's okay to order dessert from a business with a smaller selection if they specialize in what you want to send, but having a broad range of options is better if you're just browsing for ideas.
• Value. How many servings do you get for what you pay? Is shipping included? Look at the customer reviews too: they're a good guide to whether or not a dessert tastes as good as it looks.
• Reliability. Desserts are often perishable and easily damaged. How dependable is the retailer when it comes to getting the treats to their destination in presentable, fresh condition? When customers have issues, does the company take the appropriate steps to make it right (like with a refund or redelivery)?

There are so many great options out there for ordering dessert online, and the treat-loving experts at Top Consumer Reviews have reviewed and ranked some of today's most popular sweet shops. Use our research to choose the right dessert company, whether you're buying something special for yourself or ordering something to "wow" everyone at the company's holiday potluck (we won't tell anyone that you didn't make it, we promise). Just don't forget to save us a piece!