Gourmet Gift Baskets Review: Fruit Basket Companies

What are some things to consider before you buy a fruit basket?

Whether you are searching for the perfect gift to send as a thank you, to offer congratulations or for other special occasions, a fruit basket is always a thoughtful gift that will be gratefully received. Often, fruit baskets are received via special delivery, and this experience alone can be meaningful and exciting. Fruit baskets are usually filled with an excellent mix of fruits, so the different colors and textures may be a beautiful sight while the basket is displayed in a home or office. More than that, a good fruit basket will have ripe, quality fruit that is loaded with flavor. Savoring the sweet or tangy flavors of favorite fruits is a treat that could be repeated for days.

Deciding to buy a fruit gift basket may be easy to do, but selecting the perfect basket for the recipient may be far more challenging. After all, if you are not familiar with the provider, you may wonder about matters like size, quality and other important factors. At the same time, you understandably want to choose a basket that the recipient will love. What should you pay attention to as you make your selection?

The Types of Fruit

Initially, your attention may naturally turn to the types of fruit in the basket. If you are familiar with the preferences of the recipient, you could find a basket that has at least a few of his or her favorites. Otherwise, it makes sense to choose a basket filled with a variety of both sweet and tangy fruits. Rather than focusing on one type of fruit, such as citrus or apples, choose a basket that has more options for the recipient to enjoy. If you are aware of dietary restrictions, such as allergies, those restrictions should also be taken into account as you make your selection.

Keep in mind that some fruits can easily be damaged while en route to the recipient. For example, bananas bruise easily, and berries can easily be squished. Generally, you can expect the basket provider to protect the fruit as much as possible. Even with this in mind, the best options are those that are relatively durable and easy to transport.

The Fruit Basket's Size

Any time you order a gift basket online, you should pay special attention to its size. Some baskets look larger in a picture than what they actually are, and vice versa. Rather than trying to determine the physical dimensions of a fruit basket, look at the quantity of fruit provided. Most basket descriptions will itemize the quantity of each type of fruit, and this takes the guesswork out of the process.

Regardless of the type of gift basket selected, you want the basket to be reasonably sizable so that it makes a great impression. With a fruit basket, however, size also matters for another reason. A person can only eat so much fruit before the items go bad. Consider how many people will be enjoying the basket. A good rule of thumb is to purchase several pieces of fruit for each person. For smaller baskets, consider purchasing enough fruit for each individual to have a piece of fruit daily for a week. You have some flexibility to make adjustments here. For example, one pineapple can easily account for several servings. A kiwi, on the other hand, may be enjoyed as a half of a serving because of its small size.

Be aware that each type of fruit has a different shelf life. Pineapples, apples and citrus fruits are common in fruit baskets because they have an extended shelf life. If you are buying a fruit basket with cut fruit rather than whole fruit, the shelf life of that fruit may only be a few days at best. With this in mind, a basket of cut fruit should generally be smaller than a basket of whole fruit that will stay fresh for a longer period of time.

Some fruit baskets contain other treats as well. For example, you may find a fruit basket that also has meats, cheeses, crackers, sweets or even a bottle of wine. Generally, other foods in a gift basket will remain fresh for a much longer period of time than fruit. As you determine the right basket size for the recipient, it is not necessary to ensure that all of the foods can be eaten within a week or so. Instead, ensure that the individual or group of recipients have ample time to eat the variety of foods in question before they may go bad.

The Type of Basket or Container

There are three primary factors to consider when you select a basket or a container for the gift, and these are its style, its functionality, and its size. Whether the gift will be sent to an office, a home or somewhere else, the basket is meant to be displayed. More than that, its style should complement the fruit in some way so that it is aesthetically pleasing. The basket itself can be a gift. Choose a basket that the recipient may be able to repurpose for another use after the fruit has been consumed. Consider finding a style that appeals to the recipient personally and that may correspond well with his or her home or office décor.

The primary initial purchase of the basket, however, is to hold the fruit while it is being transported and until the fruit has been eaten. Fruit generally should not be pressed firmly against a hard container. This can lead to premature spoilage or rotten spots. Look for a container that leaves some space for the fruit to breathe, such as a wicker basket or a decorative fruit box. Other containers, such as a bowl or a pot, may also work well if the fruit is properly placed in a protective tray or with shredded paper.

The size of the container also should be considered. Be aware of space limitations. Are you sending the basket to a dorm room or an efficiency apartment? Will the basket sit on one person's desk in an office, or will it be shared in a large office break room? You understandably want your gift to be appreciated fully rather than to be an inconvenience, so keep the recipient's available space in mind.

The Delivery Method

A final and critical factor to consider is the delivery method. Because cut fruit has such a limited life, it should generally be hand-delivered. Ensure that the provider has a solid reputation for delivering packages in a timely manner so that the fruit arrives fresh and looks appetizing. Special delivery is also crucial if the basket contains strawberries, grapes, or other fragile fruits.

For baskets with whole fruits and other treats, parcel delivery may be acceptable. Be aware that the provider cannot control shipping conditions for parcel deliveries. It can be difficult to gauge how well a basket may be packaged simply by looking at a picture online. With this in mind, you should read reviews to ensure that baskets have arrived in a timely manner and in good condition. In addition, always check the shipping time. Be wary of shipment times that exceed a few days.

While a fruit basket can give the recipient something to smile about for days, you can see that many factors will impact the recipient's full enjoyment of the gift. You understandably want your gift to be well-received on all levels. With this in mind, focus on these important factors as you explore the exciting possibilities and make your final selection.