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‘Tis the season…for holiday gift baskets. Everyone loves to get one, but when you’re on the giving end, which companies offer you the best bang for your buck?
Read more: Online Shopping Guide: How to get the best price possible
The December 2015 issue of Consumer Reports took a look at some of America’s favorite gift baskets, which all ranged in price from $127 to $145.
Cost: $140 to $145
The magazine noted the oranges were ‘tender, juicy and sweet,’ though some pears were overripe. Chocolate, crackers and nuts were deemed ‘flavorful’ and the caramels ‘buttery.’ On the question of wine, the magazine recommended the 2013 La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.
Cost: $127 to $130
The magazine noted ‘the pears ripened to a quality that Harry & David is known for.’ But the rest of the basket was hit-or-miss. ‘The Moose Munch and cookies were good, the relish delightfully spicy and the cheese sharp and flavorful,’ Consumer Reports writes. However, the cherries ‘tasted more cherry than chocolate.’ The wine, meanwhile, was not a hit. A 2012 Harry & David Vineyards Merlot was called ‘tasty but unbalanced,’ while a 2013 Harry & David Vineyards Chardonnay ordered in a separate basked was ‘short on fruit.’
Cost: $148
Consumer Reports was not thrilled with this basket. ‘The fruit was just okay,’ the magazine writes, ‘One [basked] included items (such as Pepperidge Farm cookies) easily found in grocery stores.’ Among the bright spots were the almond bark and cheese, both deemed ‘delicious.’ Don’t miss the 2013 Dreaming Tree Chardonnay Central Coast wine.
Cost: $128
Another not-exactly-glowing review: ‘The caramels had little flavor, and the cheese tasted processed and slightly sour. Some cookies and crackers were stale.’ Among the suggested wines was a 2013 Eastpoint California Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2013 Eastpoint Central Coast Chardonnay.
Read more: 10 great gag gifts under $10 (including a clip-in man bun)
For more money-saving holiday advice, see our Deals section.
This post was last modified on March 22, 2017 3:09 pm
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