Christmas Gift Basket Alternatives

Not another boring gift basket! No one wants that response when their gift is received, especially at Christmastime. Some people feel gift baskets are old-fashioned and tedious, a gift for when you’re unsure of what to give. Christmas gift baskets often conjure memories of stale crackers, dry cheddar cheeses, and tasteless summer sausages. Remember the gift baskets full of food items with brand names no one recognized? They were filled with goodies like jams, spreads, peanut brittle, cookies, candies, pretzels, popcorn and more that didn’t get eaten. 

What Can I Send for Christmas Instead of a Gift Basket?

Gift baskets were popular in the 1980s and 1990s, but it's time to bring gift-giving into the 21st century, especially at Christmastime. If you're looking for alternatives to traditional Christmas gift baskets, here are some creative and thoughtful ideas:

Culinary delights - Instead of a traditional gift basket, gather a collection of gourmet food items, such as artisanal cheeses, exotic spices, specialty chocolates, or unique sauces. These can be packaged creatively or arranged in a themed gift box. Some companies, such as Boarderie, offer artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards pre-arranged and delivered to your gift recipient's front door!

Experience vouchers - Instead of physical gifts, give your loved ones vouchers for experiences such as spa treatments, cooking classes, concert tickets, or a weekend getaway. This allows them to create lasting memories.

Subscription boxes - Consider gifting a subscription tailored to the recipient's interests, such as a monthly book box, a wine or beer tasting box, a gourmet food box, or a DIY craft box. There are many options available to suit various hobbies and preferences.

Charitable donations - Donate in your loved one's name to a cause or charity that they are passionate about. Personalized contributions are meaningful and impactful gifts supporting something close to their heart. 

Outdoor adventure kit - Put together a gift set for outdoor enthusiasts, including items like a durable water bottle, camping gear, a portable hammock, a solar-powered charger, or a guidebook for local hiking trails.

Art supplies - If your loved one enjoys arts and crafts, consider assembling a collection of high-quality art supplies, sketchbooks, or a DIY kit for a specific creative project they've mentioned.

Personalized photo album or scrapbook - Compile cherished memories in a photo album or scrapbook. You can include photos, handwritten notes, and mementos to create a unique and sentimental gift.

Remember, the key is considering the recipient's interests, preferences, and hobbies when selecting an alternative to a traditional gift basket. Thoughtfulness and personalization can make any gift extra special.

Gourmet Cheese and Charcuterie Gifts for Christmas

Think outside the basket this holiday and treat your loved ones to a luxurious charcuterie board. Our delectable snacking gift makes the perfect Christmas present, as it's filled with quality meats, cheeses and gourmet food items. These are not your ordinary grocery store provisions; they are the best artisan cheeses and charcuterie from small-batch makers throughout Europe. Boarderie offers a collection of charcuterie and cheese boards ideal for year-round gift-giving, including Christmas. 

Each Boarderie grazing board is pre-arranged on a keepsake board and arrives ready-to-eat. There is no slicing, arranging or cooking required. The recipient must unbox the board, remove the food-safe plastic wrap and serve. 

Boarderie Offers Free Christmastime Nationwide Shipping

Need your holiday snack board to arrive in time for Christmas? Simply place your order and schedule it several days ahead to ensure its arrival before Christmas. Boarderie ships Christmas charcuterie gifts overnight so they arrive fresh. They can be refrigerated for 7 to 10 days before serving.