The Best Picnic Basket Sets

What better way to celebrate snow melting away than with a beautiful outdoor picnic? Whether your picnic is romantic or family-friendly, there’s a picnic basket out there for you.

Buying Guide for Picnic Basket Sets

Why buy a picnic basket set?

Lugging around a blanket, cooler, plates, cups, and utensils sounds like a lot of tiresome schlepping. An all-in-one picnic basket set has what you need for a stellar picnic in one convenient and cute package. Picnics are a fabulous way to enjoy a nice day, so be prepared with a picnic basket set that can make packing a snap.

What should you consider in a picnic basket set?

• The Liner: If you want a traditional-style picnic basket, it’s a good idea to look for one with a liner. Food spills, wine splashes, and accidents happen, and plain, uncovered wicker isn’t fun to clean. A liner will help make it easier. Some modern baskets will be lined with insulation to keep your food fresh for hours.
• Interior Space: If you prefer a simple picnic with sandwiches and fruit, you may not need a ton of space. But if you want to make an impression with charcuterie and wine, you may need extra space, special pockets, and a wide enough interior for a cutting board. Consider the things you like to pack, and then decide how much space you need inside your basket.

How much should you expect to spend on a picnic basket set?

We’ve found that the median price for a good picnic basket set lies between $35 to $100. You may be able to find some smaller options for less than $35, but that means the quality may suffer. And there are some elegant options over $100 if you’re willing to spend the dough.

Our Picks for the Best Picnic Basket Sets

Pros: This modern picnic tote is sturdy and lightweight. The insulation inside this picnic basket is so thick that you don’t need to worry about glass breaking inside if it suffers a bump. It folds completely flat for storage in between uses.

Cons: This picnic basket doesn’t have a shoulder strap, but you can put the handle over your arm for hands-free carrying. It might not be large enough for family picnics.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a picnic tote that’s bigger than an insulated lunch bag but lighter than a clunky cooler, this is it. It has a solid aluminum frame to keep the quality insulated canvas in place, and it’s super easy to clean.

 

Pros: This is the ideal picnic basket set for a romantic picnic. The lid is fully lined, keeping the interior cool on a hot day. There are also secure straps inside to hold your essentials in place. It comes with two plates, two wine glasses, silverware, and a corkscrew, so you’ll be prepared for a nice little meal together. Plus, this basket is quite durable.

Cons: The lid doesn’t stay open without assistance.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a classic picnic basket to carry to the park, this is it. The red gingham pattern of the liner combined with its accessories makes it a picturesque option.

 

Pros: This basket is nice and large, so it can fit many food items for your afternoon picnic. Plus, the blanket is nearly 5 feet wide on each side, so two people can fit on it comfortably. And since it comes with glasses, plates, and flatware, you don’t have to worry about packing them.

Cons: While the quality of the basket is very good, the flatware, plates, and wine glasses are made from thin plastic.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an all-in-one picnic basket that makes a nice wedding gift, this may be a great selection. The striped pattern marries a classic picnic and a modern farmhouse style. And it’s a great value.

 

Pros: This picnic basket comes with flatware, plates, napkins, and cups, so you’ll be prepared for a little outdoor feast. It has a classic wicker look with a modern cooler compartment to keep your drinks or food chilled. The blanket, liner, and napkins are easy to clean right in your washer and dryer, just in case you have a spill. Plus, every component of this basket is sturdy.

Cons: The interior is smaller than some other picnic baskets in the same price range.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a beautiful picnic basket with included dishes, this may be a great pick for you. The fabric has a nice pattern that complements the dark wicker, and everything has its place inside, so you don’t have to fumble around to fit what you need.

 

Pros: This is a sturdy and lightweight white wicker basket. It comes with flatware, glasses, and a blanket, each made from quality materials. Plus, the blanket is waterproof, so you don’t have to tote a wet blanket home if there’s a spill or a sudden rainstorm. And it’s just the right size for a date night.

Cons: The wicker is painted, and the paint may flake over time.

Bottom Line: White picnic baskets are hard to find, but this one is a gem. It fits a lot of food in its wide interior. Plus, every detail of this basket is handmade with quality in mind.

Final Thoughts

A good old-fashioned picnic is a fabulous way to spend an afternoon, and an all-inclusive picnic basket set will make it more convenient than ever to get outside and have a picnic.