So many food trends exploded on the scene this year, from Instacart to TikTok meals, but there is one food trend experiencing a resurgence in popularity and it seems to be here to stay: the good old gift basket in all its goodie-filled glory.
When it was impossible this past year to visit loved ones or attend parties, gift baskets proved to be one of the most practical and simple ways to send a sentiment without a fuss – or social contact. Much like how the grocery delivery sector skyrocketed, so did the renown of the beloved basket.
Even though we’re all getting back to our …
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So many food trends exploded on the scene this year, from Instacart to TikTok meals, but there is one food trend experiencing a resurgence in popularity and it seems to be here to stay: the good old gift basket in all its goodie-filled glory.
When it was impossible this past year to visit loved ones or attend parties, gift baskets proved to be one of the most practical and simple ways to send a sentiment without a fuss – or social contact. Much like how the grocery delivery sector skyrocketed, so did the renown of the beloved basket.
Even though we’re all getting back to our social lives, the basket trend, for all its convenience and nostalgia, seems to be soldiering on, with sales at a pace comparable to even the height of the pandemic, retailers say.
“I think because of the pandemic, because people weren’t able to get out to see each other, it really took off,” said Craig Sharp. Owner of Main Line Baskets in Glenside. “It’s just kept on going since then.”
This Father’s Day, instead of ties or another golf shirt, let’s talk dad food. I thought I’d explore what options are trending as food basket gifts for local dads, from candies to beer, all stuffed in big, festive vessels. There are a ton of options to choose from. Here are some of my favorites.
Robertson’s Flowers & Events is featuring their ever-popular gourmet cheese or charcuterie trays this year for dad, but they’ve also created a beer gift set, featuring four pint glasses made by Philadelphia artist Paul Carpenter. Each of the glasses features Philly sports team logos, and are wrapped up with a copy of the book “Fifty Places to Drink Beer Before You Die,” by Chris Santella. The trays range from $85 to $150 and the beer set is $85. Robertson’s, 8501 Germantown Ave., 215-836-3050. www.robertsonsflowers.com.
The Ambler Flower Shop is partnering with local G.M. Deck & Sons Inc. hardware store on Main Street in Ambler to create a hardware heaven basket for dads this year. The basket, which runs $75, includes cookies, a candy assortment, biscotti and coffee, as well as a variety of hardware store must-haves from nuts to bolts to shore up dad’s garage supplies. The shop will deliver anywhere in the Philly region. Ambler Flower Shop, 107 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, 215-646-0507. www.amblerflowershop.americommerce.com.
Made By Me owner Mary Ellen Salamone crafts her own handmade chocolates for dad at the Market at the Fareway. This Father’s Day, she has baskets starting at $25 on up featuring her signature handlebar mustache milk or dark chocolate lollipops and her famous bags of dark chocolate almond bark. Lollipops are $3 each individually. You can throw in a box of assorted chocolates if dad has a real sweet tooth. Made by Me, Market at the Fareway, 8221 Germantown Ave., 215-450-3165. www.pastriesbyme.com.
Rothe Florists, a fourth generation shop in Mount Airy, is offering another local favorite for Father’s Day. The Rothe Bakery Basket filled with local baked fresh muffins, bagels, turnovers and danishes, as well as fresh Philadelphia cream cheese, can be delivered Saturday so dad can wake up with a hearty breakfast Sunday. Baskets start at $69.99 and up. Rothe Florists, 7148 Germantown Ave., 215-247-0832. www.rotheflorists.com.
Main Line Baskets in Glenside has three baskets trending big right now, including the ever-popular lottery basket for dad. The baskets, which average about $75, are filled with goodies and rimmed with lottery tickets. Or, you can bring in your own wine or beer selection to the shop and they’ll incorporate the booze into a goodie-filled basket, for about $50 and up. Smaller goodie baskets are also available featuring nuts, chocolates and other snacks, for about $35 and up. Main Line Baskets, 114 Easton Rd., Glenside, 215-886-4246. www.mainlinebaskets.com.
If dad is out-of-state and you’d like to send a little taste of Philly for Father’s Day, one of the sites I’ve found most useful is Goldbelly.com. You can overnight some Pat’s King of Steaks or Jim’s Steaks to dad, and you can even send some soft pretzels from the Center City Pretzel Co. Prices vary, but the food literally arrives overnight, packaged and ready to heat and eat. www.goldbelly.com.
Kitchen Kapers Chestnut Hill loves to wrap gifts, and they have a great idea for dads this year. If you buy a grill basket and fill it with the tools and gadgets of your choice, they will gift wrap it into a gorgeous cellophaned basket for dad. Prices vary as you customize. Kitchen Kapers, 8530 Germantown Ave., 215-242-2866. www.kitchenkapers.com.