Dine Outdoors in Style with the Best Picnic Baskets of 2024 (2024)

This traditional picnic basket from Picnic Time is cottage core at its finest. It has a classic shape with a blue-and-white striped liner for preppy flare all around — though the cotton/polyester liner doesn't feature padding or insulation. But our experts say that the spacious interior can fit an insulated bag plus a wine bottle and non-perishable items. We also appreciate that you can remove the liner for easy cleaning if you spill some jelly or juice.

A wooden lid provides coverage en route to your picnic destination, and you can even use the lid as a makeshift table to place glasses of wine. However, we found that the edges of the lid could be prone to some breakage or splintering. Velcro straps let you secure the lid or you can remove it entirely. Whether you want to keep the lid off and display the items you packed or use the basket as a centerpiece in your home, this picnic basket has versatility that improves its overall value.

Dimensions: 17.5" x 13" x 0.6" | Materials: Willow, wooden lid, cotton/polyester liner | Weight: Not listed

Picnic baskets can get downright expensive, but this collapsible basket is just under $25 and is a more than capable sandwich toter. It's Amazon's Choice with a 4.7-star rating across more than 2,900 reviews including ones that said it's "great for [the] price" and that the "large basket has more than ample capacity." You can choose from a medium and large size, and 10 colors and patterns from stripes to cherries.

We appreciate its large capacity and insulated aluminum foil interior to keep perishables cool or cooked food warm. Soft padding on the handle makes it more comfortable to hold. Plus, it can fold down for storage when not in use. The brand claims the basket features a leaf-proof lining, but some Amazon reviewers experienced some leaking nonetheless.

Dimensions: 9.5" x 15" x 9.8" | Materials: Polyester, aluminum | Weight: 5 lbs

If you're looking for something easy to tote around (pun intended), then this stylish canvas tote is the one for you. It features a sturdy wicker bottom that helps it keep its shape when you set it down. The basket also has a spacious inside with enough room to fit all your favorite snacks and beverages. The brand even claims you can fit a blanket too! We like that it comes with two wine glasses, plates, forks, knives and spoons making it a great all-in-one buy for super cute dates to the park. While its interior isn't insulated, you can probably fit a separate insulated bag inside. Personalize the tote for a gift with an embroidered monogram for an extra fee.

Dimensions: 14" x 11" x 13" | Materials: Willow, cotton leatherette | Weight: Not listed

While this isn't the most stylish carrier out there, its insulated features may be worth the compromise. Thanks to two double-layered insulated storage compartments, you can keep a whole casserole dish warm in the bottom section while your refrigerated stuff stays cold on top. Who says you have to limit picnics to sandwiches and charcuterie? We also like that it comes with a trivet you can use as a pot holder or a place to set a hot dish. There is also a zippered pocket on top to keep utensils and napkins.

This food carrier stands out for its versatility. You can even collapse the top compartment for smaller toting tasks like bringing a dozen cupcakes to a birthday party, or use both sections at full volume.

Dimensions: 5" x 5" x 10.5" | Material: Fabric | Weight: 1.9 lbs

Lady Whistledown invites you to a posh picnic full of pastries, custards, jellies and more. While this picnic basket for two may not include the actual food, it does come equipped with almost everything else you'll need to have a truly royal picnic.

The interior has nice padding with a gorgeous floral fabric that also makes up the napkins, an insulated pouch and the blanket that straps onto the side. We're obsessed with the cheese board made from durable acacia wood as well as the ornate detailing on the plates' rims. The ends of the flatware also have a vintage flare, and we like that this set includes a separate cheese knife. However, our experts did note that the knife is a little flimsy and rather top-heavy.

This picnic basket is the most expensive pick on our list at just under $350. While it includes tons of picnic accessories, plus a padded interior with straps to keep everything protected, it's still not the most budget-friendly. If you're looking to splurge, this is definitely the basket to pick.

Dimensions: 19" x 13" x 17" | Materials: Willow, synthetic straps poly cotton lining | Weight: 6.5 lbs

For solo picnics or dates, a small basket like this one does the trick. Don't bother lugging around a bigger basket than you need. The interior is padded for an extra layer of protection, and we love the chic look of the striped liner that ties closed at the top. The thick, navy straps feel good on the shoulder or in hand and offer a nice contrast to the light-colored woven seagrass.

One downside is that there is only one small interior pocket for a phone or keys. Everything else has to go in the main compartment which could make organization trickier. But a major upside is that this Parisian-inspired basket could easily function as a beach bag or even an everyday tote in the summer.

Dimensions: Not listed | Material: Woven seagrass | Weight: Not listed

Planning a day hike that includes a lunch break at the summit? A picnic backpack will make carrying your food and drink easier on the way up. Choose from a tan or gray canvas exterior, both with a durable PU bottom that can stand up to resting on the ground. The insulated interior is designed to be water-resistant. We like the roll top that can expand to accommodate more snacks, and the magnetic closure is easy to open and close. A front pocket stores the included stainless steel utensils and two plates, made from recycled plant fiber. The two glass water bottles with bamboo lids are gorgeous and could be used separately from the backpack anytime. Our testers found the backpack comfortable to hold and easy to adjust. The clasp hook was a little hard to unclip and clip back on, though.

Dimensions: 14.75" x 6" x 22" | Materials: Canvas, polyurethane leather | Weight: Not listed

This all-in-one picnic kit (minus the food, of course) comes at a great value. The handcrafted basket comes stocked with stainless steel knives, forks and spoons as well as wine glasses, plates and striped napkins that match the patterned interior. We like that the 7-inch plates are made of durable melamine that's tough to break. We like that the main compartment is insulated.

Five-star reviews say the basket is beautiful and functional with good-sized plates. One satisfied shopper said, "The basket seems pretty sturdy and was able to hold a decent amount of weight without issues." Another customer did note that the included blanket feels more like a tarp.

Dimensions: 17.8" x 11.8" x 7" | Material: Wicker | Weight: 5.7 lbs

The sophisticated appearance of this large picnic basket makes it an elegant wedding gift for the engaged couple in your life. Or you can gift it to your partner for your anniversary! It comes with place settings for four people, including reusable cups and plates, stainless steel cutlery and even a bottle opener and wooden cutting board. We like hat the plates and cups are made from renewable materials, according to SunnyLife.

Shoppers are satisfied with this stylish, great-quality basket. One five-star reviewer even said, "Great size, all the added cutlery and crockery we need. Been looking for the right picnic basket for ages and this one ticks all the boxes." One shopper did wish there was another strap they could use to place the basket over their shoulders when their hands were full.

Dimensions: 18.9" x 11.8" x 11" | Materials: Willow, PLA, Cotton, Aluminum, Foam, Metal, Wood | Weight: Not listed

A beautiful honeycomb fabric elevates the black wicker of this basket and the gold touches on the straps and buckles are the cherry on top. Matching gold-plated silverware adds to the luxe feel, though we noticed that it scratched easily. You'll also find four ceramic plates and a bottle opener. The four wine glasses and napkins are great to have, although we wish they were a bit sturdier. You can fit a wine bottle in the insulated section, as well as plenty of other perishables to keep them cool. Note that it's the heaviest basket on our list and it lacks a shoulder strap.

Dimensions: 21" x 13.5" x 8.25" | Materials: Wicker, canvas, leatherette | Weight: 7 lbs

✔️ Material: While wicker and willow may be the first materials that come to mind when you think of a picnic basket, we've included baskets made of other materials too. Wicker will give you that traditional look and these baskets often have a cotton or polyester liner. But there are other styles made of polyester or canvas on the exterior that may insulate food better. Some baskets feature faux leather detailing on buckles and straps.

✔️ Style: A traditional basket typically has one or two large compartments and a curved handle at the top. They're cute but may be cumbersome to carry long distances. You can also find picnic basket backpacks, totes and other zippered bags that may be more comfortable to carry.

✔️ Features: When choosing the best picnic basket for you, it's important to consider additional features. For example, some baskets have an insulated liner to help keep perishables at the right temperature. Other styles may have a buckle or lock on the top or a zipper or magnetic closure. Interior pockets and zippered sections are nice to have to keep items organized.

✔️ Accessories: Some baskets come with included accessories that while nice to have, do mean that the price may increase. We've included baskets that have dining sets for two or four people. In addition to plates, flatware and wineglasses, some picnic baskets also come with a cheese board, corkscrew, napkins and a blanket to sit on.