10 Best Picnic Baskets in 2022 (Picnic Time, Scuddles, and More)

You want to be able to fit enough food and drinks to leave everyone at your picnic satisfied. By choosing the picnic basket based on how many people you intend to serve, you avoid being stuck with a basket that’s big and tedious to carry or too small to fit enough food and drinks for everyone.

Additionally, if your basket of choice comes with a blanket, you may want to check that the blanket is big enough for everyone. If you're going on a picnic with a large group of people, a regular blanket might be too small. So make sure you have a big blanket or placemat so that everyone is comfortable.

Think about how the basket opens and closes or where the handles are located. That affects how you carry the basket and what happens to its contents.

Some picnic baskets are like suitcases where you pack your items while the basket is on its side, but carry it upright, which can cause the contents to roll around. On the other hand, you can find picnic baskets where you can pack everything upright and carry it the same way, minimizing the chances of causing a mess inside. 

You might also be interested in compartments, so you can separate different types of items or organize the contents more neatly. Another option is getting a basket that has little pockets or straps on the side or the lid to carry things like cutlery, plates, glasses, and more. 

If you're new to the world of picnics, you may want to get a basket that comes with extra things such as tableware, plated, napkins, glasses, or even a blanket. Getting a set like this can save you the stress as well as the time of looking for all of those things separately. 

Some picnic basket sets come with high-quality tableware, such as ceramic plates, real wine glasses, and stainless steel utensils. While they may feel better to use and are sturdier in some ways, they can weigh a lot in the basket. Glasses and plates also have the chance of breaking if they're not secured properly.

Alternatively, many picnic baskets come with tableware that is partly or entirely made of plastic. Plastic tableware can look cheap or feel flimsy, but they are lightweight and less likely to break if dropped or tossed around.

Traditionally, picnic baskets are wicker baskets made out of willow. Willow is a type of wood that is light and flexible, yet strong and durable. Other natural options include rattan, a type of strong wood that is frequently used for the handles.

Canvas is a great alternative to the wickerwork basket that still looks classic. Some advantages include its durability, color options, and ease of cleaning. However, they can be tedious to deal with if they get wet or if something leaks inside them.

Artificial materials like plastic or aluminum can provide benefits like insulation. Depending on the places you intend to picnic, you may want to keep an eye out for waterproof or water-resistant options. These baskets may not have the same classic look as a natural picnic basket, but they keep your picnic clean and dry.

If you live in a warm climate or have any picnic foods that need to stay refrigerated, insulation will be a feature you want to look for in a picnic basket. If you live in a cold area or don’t need to travel far for your picnic, you may be able to get away without insulation. Another option is to get a portable, removable insulated cooler to put in the basket.

However, many modern picnic baskets come with insulated lining to keep their contents cool. Some may have separate compartments that are insulated, so you can separate the things inside. Check if a basket has insulation before you buy it, and it may save you the worry of your food getting too warm!