How to choose a Puglian gift basket: the guide (including the doubts everyone has before buying)

Giving food as a gift seems easy. Giving food that truly leaves a lasting memory, much less so. Those looking for a gift basket online almost always have one thing in mind: to make a good impression. Yet, in front of the screen, they always ask themselves the same questions: what is actually inside? Are these real products or industrial stuff with a nice ribbon? How much is appropriate to spend? Does it arrive on time, and does it arrive intact?

In this guide, we answer these questions one by one, starting with how The Large Apulian Gift Basket, our tasting basket for important gifts, is made.

1. What is actually inside? Beware of baskets full of samples

The most common flaw in gourmet baskets is the "clutter" effect: many tiny portions, nothing memorable. A well-made basket works the opposite way: few items, but well chosen. An important piece, a table cheese, something savory and full of character, something sweet, and at least one product that tells the story of the region. We also discussed this in What to put in a box of Apulian products.

In the Large Apulian Gift Basket you will find:

• 1 liter of Coratina extra virgin olive oil: the signature cultivar of Apulian oil, with a bold character. The foundation of the entire basket.
• 2 wines: Primitivo and Negroamaro: the two most representative reds of Puglia, to pair with cheeses and cured meats.
• 2 caciocavallo cheeses (500g each): the "important" centerpieces of the basket, traditional table cheeses to slice at dinner.
• 2 artisanal sausages: the savory element with character, perfect for charcuterie boards and appetizers.
• 1 raw wildflower honey: the simplest sweetness, excellent with cheeses or for breakfast.
• 1 chocolate spread: the indulgent touch, for those who cannot resist sweets.
• 4 preserves of your choice: the part you customize; choose the ones the recipient will appreciate the most.
• Taralli or scaldatelli, of your choice: the crunch for the appetizer, in the version you prefer.

The mix of savory and sweet is intentional: it is the combination that, in gourmet gifts, satisfies the most people because it is convivial and suitable for those who open the basket at the table as well as those who share it with their family.

2. Are these products truly artisanal? How to tell before buying

A label like "Apulian taste" or "typical" says nothing. Before purchasing a basket, whatever the shop, check three things:

• Is the producer indicated? An authentic product has a name, a company, and a place. If you can't find them, ask.
• Does the label explain the origin? Read the ingredients and the production site, not just the product name.
• Do they explain the difference between certified and artisanal? Some products have labels like PDO or PGI; others are artisanal without certification. They are different things, and an honest seller will tell you so.

This is how we work: we select small Apulian producers we know personally and assemble the basket by hand. This is why our motto is "small producers, great stories." If you want to learn more, read how to recognize true typical Apulian products.

3. How much should you spend?

There is no absolute right amount, but industry guides tend to indicate three ranges: around €20-40 for colleagues and small tokens of appreciation, between €50 and €80 for clients, friends, and family, and over €100 for the people you really care about.

The Large Apulian Gift Basket costs €149 and belongs to the last tier: it is a basket for an important thank you, an anniversary, or a client you want to surprise. Since it is over €89, shipping is free. If you are looking for something smaller, write to us: we can recommend a lighter composition.

4. Does it arrive on time, and does it arrive intact?

The basket is assembled by hand and packed with care, with particular attention to the bottles. Delivery times depend on your area: generally, we anticipate a few business days (if you prefer express DHL, it is not included in the price).

If you are giving it as a Christmas gift, the advice is not to leave it until the last minute. Industry guides suggest ordering as early as October-November, and for corporate gifts, aim for a delivery between December 10 and 20, when offices are still open.

The basket contains wine, and the rules for shipping it to private individuals outside of Italy vary from country to country. For this reason, if the recipient is abroad, write to us before ordering: we will find the right solution together.

5. Corporate gift: card, quantity, and tax aspects

Many companies are abandoning the classic anonymous basket, perceived as a chore rather than a gesture, in favor of more curated and recognizable gifts. A basket of artisanal products with a story behind it does exactly this: it leaves an impression because it is not what the recipient expects.

• Personalized card: available upon request, with the message you prefer.
• Multiple baskets, multiple addresses: if you need to send gifts to clients and collaborators in different locations, write to us or contact us on WhatsApp at (+39) 350 852 4863 to organize the order.
• Invoice: if you are a company, indicate this during the ordering process to receive the correct documentation.

A detail that many discover late: for gifts, the 50-euro threshold is calculated on the total value of the basket, not on individual products. Above 50 euros, VAT is not deductible and deductibility follows the limits for representation expenses. For a basket like ours, at €149, it is advisable to discuss it with your accountant first. This is not tax advice, but a useful reminder before choosing.

6. What if the recipient has allergies or specific tastes?

The basket contains alcohol (wine), dairy (caciocavallo, and possibly the chocolate spread), and baked goods. If the person you are gifting to does not drink, has allergies, or intolerances, write to us before ordering: we will provide the ingredients for each product and, if necessary, help you choose suitable preserves and baked goods.

7. Who is the Large Apulian Gift Basket for?

• For Christmas, when you want to bring something to the table that you won't find at the supermarket.
• To thank a client, partner, or collaborator who has made a difference.
• For anniversaries, graduations, inaugurations: occasions where a basket is worth more than an object.
• For those who have left Puglia and miss it: a piece of home that arrives at their door.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose the preserves?

Yes. The 4 preserves are customizable, as is the choice of taralli or scaldatelli.

Can I add a card?

Yes, upon request. Indicate it in the order notes with the text you want.

Is there a shipping cost?

No: shipping is free for orders of €89 or more, so it is included for this basket as well.

Do you ship abroad?

The basket contains wine, so for destinations outside of Italy, write to us before ordering.

How long does it take to arrive?

It all depends, as we carefully prepare every order according to the different needs of each client.

Can I order multiple baskets for my company?

Certainly. Write to us with the quantities and addresses and we will prepare the order for you.

Ready to gift a piece of Puglia? Discover The Large Apulian Gift Basket

Small producers, Great stories.