7 Best Picnic Baskets and Hampers

Summer is the ideal season to make every effort to impress and enjoy each opportunity for al fresco dining. It’s the perfect time to get outdoors, explore the surroundings and enjoy a picnic feast at the beach or the park.

From easy sandwiches to a high-end wine and cheese party, taking the perfect picnic basket or a traditional hamper doesn’t have to be expensive, but will look attractive and chic. Most options will keep drinks and food cool and other baskets also hold cutlery and glasses, with the odd one out even having a table built into the bag. Choose your picnic basket or hamper depending on your needs and lifestyle.

Many of us have realised how much we missed the outdoors since COVID-19 prevented outdoor gatherings. Now it is time to enjoy the sun and good company in style, and here is an overview of hampers and picnic baskets that might be suitable for you.

List of best picnic baskets and hampers

• Best traditional for 2 – Romantic Wicker Picnic Basket
• Best traditional for 4 – Picnic Basket with Large Insulated Cooler Compartment
• Best on wheels – Picnic at Ascot Original Insulated Picnic Cooler
• Best backpack – Sunflora Picnic Backpack for 4 Person with Blanket Picnic Basket Set for 2 
• Best collapsible – Lifewit Collapsible Cooler Bag Insulated for Outdoor Travel and Picnic 
• Best with table – INNO STAGE 40L Cooler Tote with Portable Wine Snack Table
• Best budget – Picnic Basket Natural Woven Woodchip with Double Folding Handles

Things to consider before buying 

Material

Wicker baskets and wooden baskets are more traditional and very stylish, although these might not always be the most comfortable to carry and store. Nowadays, canvas totes, backpacks and other materials with washable lining are made to optimise comfort with some collapsing for easy storage. 

Size

Not all baskets come with plates, glasses and other necessities to make a picnic carefree. Hampers are commonly available for two to eight people. If you tend to party with a larger group of people, there are large capacity bags available. 

Price

Those picnic baskets that hold all the extra accessories you may need such as plates, glasses, cutlery, corkscrew, and linens come at a cost. If you only picnic occasionally, you can find a basket with fewer bells and whistles at a more affordable price. 

Overview of best picnic baskets and hampers

Best traditional for 2 – Romantic Wicker Picnic Basket

This white hamper includes a tableware set for 2, inclusive wine glasses, a bottle opener, and matching cotton napkins. A large picnic blanket is fixed on the side with straps. The basket is made of premium material and has a cooler compartment. All the necessary is thought of for a romantic picnic for two! Don’t forget the Champagne!

Related: Turn your garden into an al fresco dining experience

Best traditional for 4 – Picnic Basket with Large Insulated Cooler Compartment

A wicker hamper in traditional brown colour that is long lasting. The faux leather straps secure the components and give it a luxury look. All necessary tableware and glasses are considered for 4 persons together with a bottle opener, napkins and an extra-large picnic blanket.

The large, insulated compartment can keep food hot/cold/fresh for hours, and it is easy-to-clean. In addition, there is also a temperature zone, to store food that does not require refrigeration.

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Best on wheels – Picnic at Ascot Original Insulated Picnic Cooler

This picnic at Ascot design on wheels is a deluxe canvas version, fully equipped for four persons. The stainless-steel flatware, acrylic wine glasses, cheese knife, and a combination corkscrew are held in the removable wheeled cart. There is also an adjustable shoulder strap for easy transportation when the wheels are detached.

The spacious leak-proof cooler compartment keeps food and drinks cool for hours with separate sections for food and 2 bottles. It also features a pass through opening in the lid for bottles. An excellent choice for picnics where a short walk is necessary to reach the destination.

Related: Best gas barbecues for easy grilling

Best backpack – Sunflora Picnic Backpack for 4 Person with Blanket Picnic Basket Set for 2 

Going to a picnic can be stylish and practical with this thoughtfully designed picnic backpack. It’s especially comfortable when going on a hike and it’s available in multiple colours to express your style.

All picnic accessories and picnic necessities for four persons are neatly organised and fixed in the insulated bag. It even has a metal salt and pepper shaker and bamboo cutting board! There is a detachable waterproof pouch that allows you to put ice, cold beers or other items into a cooler picnic backpack, easy to clean and it avoids getting the insulted compartment wet. The Sunflora customer support provides 100% satisfaction service to customers worldwide. You will get 30 Days free to return and 1-year warranty. 

 Best collapsible – Lifewit Collapsible Cooler Bag Insulated for Outdoor Travel and Picnic 

Picnic baskets don’t always need all the cutlery and tableware. Having a high-quality cooler bag large enough to hold the essentials for a picnic, while not cumbersome, is ideal for camping and hiking. There are 2 side mesh pockets for storing drinks and bottles. The bag also has a deep front pocket for putting candy, napkins, keys, and other small stuff.

A padded handle and a detachable shoulder strap offer multiple carrying styles and most importantly, this bag can be folded flat for easy storage. This model has a maximum capacity of 24L. 

Best with table – INNO STAGE 40L Cooler Tote with Portable Wine Snack Table

If you like to picnic, but don’t want to eat off the grass or the sand, this cooler tote has a strapped-in portable table, complete with spaces to secure wine glasses and an entire bottle. The picnic basket is a functional cooler bag that holds a 40-litre interior which is big enough for a full meal for up to six people and 2 wine bottle pockets on the sides. All hampers make great gifts but this one is our personal preference.

Related: How to store food in a sustainable way

Best budget – Picnic Basket Natural Woven Woodchip with Double Folding Handles

Are you only an occasional picnicer? If so, then it is not necessary to splurge as this budget model will hold all your food and drinks. However, there are no extras so you might need to bring a separate cooler and other accessories. The woodchip material is lightweight, waterproof, and easy to clean.