A gourmet basket is a type of gift basket that is filled with gourmet food, drinks, or snacks. This type of gift basket is frequently given for special occasions like engagements, weddings, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and promotions. Gourmet baskets are often given as gifts for holidays as well. They also make good gifts to give for no apparent reason or just to let the recipient know someone cares or is thinking of her.
There are many things that can go into a gourmet basket. The possibilities are nearly endless, as there are so many different types of gourmet items from which to choose. For example, a wine and cheese basket might contain a bottle of wine artfully positioned in a gift basket with gourmet cheese. This basket might also contain gourmet crackers and pretzels as well as a corkscrew. Sometimes such a gourmet basket will also contain sausages that don't have to be refrigerated before opening and tasty mustards or spreads.
Coffee and tea baskets are also popular. These baskets often contain a selection of specialty coffees or teas that cannot be purchased at ordinary supermarkets, as the idea is to give something the recipient wouldn't usually have already. It may also contain gourmet cookies and candies. Sometimes these baskets contain biscotti or candied tea stirrers, and some contain gourmet crackers and jams. Often, a gourmet basket of this type will also contain attractive mugs for the recipient to enjoy.
Often, a gift recipient will have a sweet tooth, and a gourmet basket can be designed just for her. For example, a basket may be filled with small cakes, cookies, single-serving pies and chocolate-covered pretzels. This type of basket might also include gourmet coffees and teas. For someone with a love of chocolate, a gourmet basket may be brimming with chocolate truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate-covered popcorn, chocolate tree bark, hot chocolate mix and a full selection of other decadent treats.
Sometimes a gourmet basket is even built around a meal. For example, a breakfast basket might include pancake mix, waffle mix, gourmet coffees and teas, honey, muffin mix, and gourmet jam. Sometimes breakfast meat is even included, in a container that doesn't have to be refrigerated until after it is opened. Pasta baskets, pizza themes, and soup-making kits are also popular ideas.
Though gourmet baskets are referred to as baskets, they may actually use any type of container to hold the special gourmet treats. For example, this type of gift may be carefully arranged in a box, carton, planter, hat, bowl, pot, or ice bucket. Usually, gourmet baskets are tied up with cellophane or shrink wrapped. They may also be decorated with bows, curling ribbon, or trinkets.
