As the days get warmer, it’s best to plan for a family picnic. The thought of having it will likely take our minds to traditional wicker baskets and plaid blankets. Living such an idea is not a difficult thing, given the many choices of the best picnic basket for family. Even better, now we have more advanced options to store our foods for a picnic. And you can find all kinds of baskets here on our list!
Before we get to the list, find out what to consider before choosing your basket. If a picnic isn’t your only outdoorsy interest, check out our curated list of the best pop up tents for camping as well. In case you’re sensitive to bug bites, keep yourself protected with our choices of the best mosquito net bodysuits too!
How to Choose the Best Picnic Basket for Family
Choosing the right picnic basket depends on how you’re going to use it. Maybe you want to keep your food fresh through the trip. Or you want a basket that comes with useful utensils meant for the very occasion. Before buying one, consider the following important qualities.
Size
Let’s say you’re going to need something big enough to store a bowl of salad, some chicken sandwiches to share, crackers and chips, and a bottle of juice or wine. However, you don’t want your basket to add more weight as you carry everything to the picnic spot. In this case, make sure to pick one with enough space for the foods you’re going to carry, yet lightweight enough. Though most baskets cater for two only, some can fit foods for up to 8 people.
Material
Iconic picnic baskets made of wicker or wood have their own share of nostalgic sense. And these types of material are mostly lightweight. But today, you have more options on the market with better advancement. You can easily find baskets with insulated materials or even foldable baskets. Wicker picnic baskets will never go out of style, but they don’t always come in a friendly price tag. Consider canvas materials for more durable and easy to clean options.
Price
With a wide range of prices, a basket can be either very cheap or extremely expensive. That’s why it’s important to find something that works for you and can be your best picnic basket ever. Even better if you can find a decent one within your budget. Don’t spend too little and having obvious trade-offs, or spending too much while not having your expectations met.
What’s in the perfect picnic basket?
The perfect picnic basket should include hearty, simple meals. That’s why a lot of us are packing sandwiches and the likes for a picnic. Apart from sandwiches, a bowl of salad to share and a selection of fruits can also be included in the list. These refreshments are great to begin or wrap-up your day after relaxing and enjoying the whole day picnicking. Packing a bottle of wine with great cheese picks can also be a great idea if you’re spending the day with friends or your lover.
Is a picnic basket a good gift?
A picnic basket is not only a good gift, it’s a perfect one. If you know anyone close to you who loves spending their time outside and munching on light bites, don’t hesitate to wrap it as a gift. Aside from using it as its ultimate purpose, it makes a great item to store your things at home. Even better, they can use it for a grocery run too.
What can I use I don’t have a picnic basket?
There are plenty of alternatives to a picnic basket. You can use any totes with enough space for food to take to a picnic. Some of these totes are even available with a cooler to keep your meals fresh.
California Picnic Picnic Basket for 4 Person
13
For a classic picnic basket, look no further than California Picnic’s Picnic Basket for 4 Person. On every purchase, you’re not only getting yourself a woven basket with a handle, but also a set of picnic equipment. The set includes ceramic plates, stainless steel cutleries, wine glasses, and napkins. All come in 4, perfect for each member of the family. On top of that, you’re also getting salt & pepper shakers, a bottle opener, and a free picnic blanket.
With all the quality and the freebies that come with it, this basket should be one of your top choices. It’s not too expensive like other wicker picnic baskets, nor too cheap with dozens of things to compromise. Overall, it’s a great deal.
What We Love
With a complete picnic set and other qualities attached to this basket, it has everything we expect from the best picnic basket for family
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Comes with a complete picnic set
- Spacious compartment
- Comes with a picnic blanket
Cons:
- Durability issues, especially on the handle
ALLCAMP Insulated Picnic Basket (Large)
12
Modern picnic baskets are mostly characterized by the insulated interior, wrapped in a canvas interior. ALLCAMP Insulated Picnic Basket is exactly that and it offers over the best-quality food storage for a picnic.
The interior is fully insulated with a leak-proof lining. As for the outer material, the basket is constructed with rugged polyester canvas. This specific material makes it easier to clean, especially when it comes to food stains. Aside from good materials, the large version of this basket is big enough to contain food, drinks, and fruits for a family of four.
What We Love
A practical, modern, and easy-to-use picnic basket.
Pros:
- Built to be durable
- Very spacious and holds tons of stuff
- Lightweight
- Comes at a great price
Cons:
- Smaller than pictured
- Leaking issues
LIQING Insulated Picnic Basket
11
Woven or wicker picnic baskets are not the only kinds available in the market today. Take a look at LIQING Insulated Picnic Basket. This modern product covers all the bases and beyond. With insulated lining inside, you can keep your food fresh and cold until mealtime. It’s also very easy and comfortable to carry around, which makes it the best picnic basket ever!
Another important feature of the basket is that it’s lightweight and collapsible. So once you’re done with the picnic, the basket won’t take much space any longer. And that is more win for you! All these features are wrapped in a water-resistant material. Making it the best picnic basket for family you can get only by a few clicks!
What We Love
You can keep your food cold just by putting ice packs on the sides of the basket. The packs stay frozen for quite a while too!
Pros:
- Keeps your food fresh and cold
- Easy and comfortable to carry
- Lightweight and collapsible
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Easily slumped over without many items inside
Upboxn 26L Cooler Bag Picnic Basket
10
Upboxn 26L Cooler Bag Picnic Basket is no ordinary picnic basket, but every mother’s favorite. Though it’s sold at a low price point, it provides everything you need in a picnic basket. From spacious storage, easy and comfortable handle, to fully insulated interior; it’s a dream basket!
Just because it’s inexpensive, doesn’t mean you have to compromise the quality. This item is made durable and should last with you for at least a couple of years. People are praising how well the insulated interior works. Some claim it lasts for over 6 hours. With such features, you won’t have to worry about keeping your food and drinks cold and fresh. All in all, it’s a great bang for the buck.
What We Love
It serves beyond its function; multi-purpose.
Pros:
- Padded handle
- Compact when not in use
- Fully insulated inside
- Durable
Cons:
- No cons found so far
HulaFish Foldable Insulated Picnic Basket
9
HulaFish Foldable Insulated Picnic Basket is built sturdy and lightweight. Catering to every picnic-goers and beach day enthusiasts, it’s the ultimate modern picnic basket that goes beyond its main function as food storage. And the manufacturer ensures that the experience you get from getting yourself this item is a great one.
Apart from keeping your food fresh, the basket is very spacious. You can store all the food you need for 6 – 8 people and it still has enough room for desserts and drinks. Not to mention how it folds flat for storage, so you don’t need a big space for the days when you’re not using it. Not many best picnic basket for family offers such a thing, which adds more reason for you to get your hands on this exceptional product
What We Love
Very spacious and highly functional picnic basket.
Pros:
- Highly-insulated
- Solid construction
- Great design and look
- Compact storage; collapsible
Cons:
- No cons found so far
Nature Gear 4 Person XL Picnic Basket
8
As the name suggests, Nature Gear 4 Person XL Picnic Basket has what it takes to make the best picnic basket for family. Their picnic includes everything you need; plates, silverware, even wine glasses. Each item is packed inside a classic wicker design that never goes out of style.
Yes, the all-time favorite design is uber cool. Not to mention how it’s well-made and sturdy. You’ll love this one even more once you know it has an insulated liner inside. Surely, this one is no ordinary wicker picnic basket. With a modern twist to the model, you won’t want to miss out on Nature Gear 4 Person XL Picnic Basket. It can be your best picnic basket ever!
What We Love
Great classic design with modern surprises of anything you need for a picnic!
Pros:
- Well-made and sturdy
- Equipped with an insulated liner
- Plates, silverware, and plastic glasses are included in the set
- Blanket included
Cons:
- A little difficult to clean from stain
Happy Picnic Cooler Tote Bag with Fleece Blanket
7
Now, what’s a picnic day without relaxing on a blanket? In case you haven’t got one, your purchase of Happy Picnic Cooler Tote Bag comes with a fleece blanket to go. It’s a great bundle for anyone who’s planning to make a picnic their go-to unwinding routine.
This one is definitely a great basket for a picnic. It’s decently insulated and more than able to hold your food fresh and cold. It can even keep ice frozen for a good 6 hours. That’s a huge win if you’re planning to relax under the summer sun with no worry if your popsicles would melt in the basket.
Aside from the qualities, it’s very easy to use as well. Without any items inside, the bag is lightweight enough easy to store. On top of all that, this best picnic basket for family comes with comfortable handles.
What We Love
Spacious and reliable to keep your food and ice cream cold for long hours.
Pros:
- Comes with a blanket
- Enough to carry food and 2-liter drinks
- Sturdy
Cons:
- Nothing significant
LANOUOGGK Picnic Basket
6
Apart from its super budget-friendly price tag, LANOUOGGK Picnic Basket is perfect for any picnic occasion. it’s made of durable Oxford cloth as well as lined with pearl cotton and aluminum film. The zip-top compartment is more than enough to store food for 3-4 people. And don’t worry about not having your food fresh for mealtime, the compartment is fully insulated to maintain the food temperature.
When not in use, it folds perfectly flat and makes it very easy to store, which adds more value for being convenient and compact. People are also praising how easy it is to clean this best picnic basket for family. That’s another big win for families with little kids or in case things get a little messy during lunchtime. With its value and versatility, LANOUOGGK worth beyond its low-cost price tag.
What We Love
A great product that doesn’t break the bank!
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Collapsible
Cons:
- Durability issues
Picnic Time Country Picnic Basket
5
Do you have the picture-perfect picnic in mind involving a classic wicker basket with plaid blankets? With Picnic Time Country Picnic Basket, you can make it happen! The basket is well-made and durable. Considering its price point, it falls more on the cheaper side even though it’s made of wicker. That is a big bonus since usually the best picnic basket for family made of this material is rather pricey.
When it comes to functionality, the basket is spacious enough to store food for your family even though it may look small in the picture. It’s also equipped with a wood lid to add a more old-school look and style. Although it’s lacking features usually found in a modern picnic basket, it’s still a decent choice, especially when you’re planning the day out on a warm and bright day. Your food will last for a good couple of hours without the help of insulation systems.
What We Love
The quintessential picnic basket everyone is looking for!
Pros:
- Well-made and sturdy
- Large size
- Equipped with a wood lid
- High-quality
Cons:
- Some experienced unsatisfactory after-purchase service
Scuddles Picnic Basket with Utensils
4
Speaking of the best picnic basket for family, you want something that simply works without having to compromise on other additional features. Scuddles Picnic Basket with Utensils is the best example of that.
Its spacious storage and 4-person dishware are unbeatable. Now, what makes this picnic basket is distinctive from others? It’s how the dishwares are placed in a separate compartment. With this, you don’t have to worry about utensils clanking into one another when you’re on the move. Judging on how well-constructed this picnic basket is, Scruddles Picnic Basket with Utensils can be your long time family companion.
What We Love
All things considered, this is a great picnic basket if you’re looking for something modern, does the job well, and comes with a utensil set.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Easy-to-grip handle
- Dishware included
- Spacious room of storage
Cons:
- The plastic wine glasses are not the best in quality
Picnic at Ascot Insulated Folding Picnic Basket
3
There are tons of insulated picnic baskets available on the market today but can you really find the right one? Consider Picnic at Ascot Insulated Folding Picnic Basket. The manufacturer, Picnic at Ascot, is dubbed as one of the leading companies in the industry. And you can expect it to produce the best picnic basket for family.
Let’s start with how the basket – or bag – is very well-made. With three color choices of black, navy, and apple green, you can add a little touch of your personality to it. Besides, it’s highly functional. Aside from the insulated interior, it’s also heat-sealed, leak-proof, and able to holds up to 65 pounds total of items inside.
Whether you’re taking it to a concert, on a beach day, or whatever outdoor activities you’re planning, this basket makes a great companion. Considering it’s in mid-range price, with the decent features as well as quality, you’re in for a great deal.
What We Love
Comes with a mid-range price tag while doing the job very well.
Pros:
- Well-made
- Very sturdy
- Equipped with a strong, quality velcro
- Convertible
Cons:
- Poor quality zipper
Tirrinia Large Insulated Picnic Basket
2
Getting a cheap product may be a bummer if you didn’t know much about it other than its low price tag. We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you! At a little under 30 USD, Tirrinia Large Insulated Picnic Basket is a good choice for a more modern version. Holding up to the total capacity of 26 liters, it’s more than enough to store meals for four people and everything else to spice up your outdoor day.
As the best picnic basket for family, expecting an insulated interior is the bare minimum. This one goes beyond the bare minimum by wrapping it in a waterproof fabric. So far, this is the only picnic basket on our list that claims to incorporate a waterproof material into their product. Every purchase also comes with a foldable grocery bag, to make it easier for you to separate trash or other items.
The cushioned handle makes it comfortable to carry. The basket itself is built sturdy and with the very price tag and everything that features in it, it makes the best picnic basket !
What We Love
With a total internal capacity of 26 liters, this is going to be your family’s best friend from now on!
Pros:
- Very large capacity
- Waterproof fabric
- Lightweight
- Cushioned handle
Cons:
- Not as sturdy as advertised
Picnic at Ascot Insulated Picnic Cooler on Wheels
1
There are many reasons why Picnic at Ascot Insulated Picnic Cooler on Wheels sits on top of our list of the best picnic basket for family. First, there’s literally nothing like it. It has the best of both worlds; a combination of classic design and a very modern twist to it. Carrying everything on your own can be a bummer at times. Insulated Picnic Cooler on Wheels will definitely make things easier for you. It’s easily portable and equipped with wheels and a telescoping handle which makes it work like luggage.
The surprise doesn’t stop there. Your purchase comes with a complete serving for four – plates, plastic wine glasses, flatware, corkscrew, as well as salt and pepper shakers. Hang on, there’s more to it. It even comes with a cheese board and cheese knife! Your ultimate dream of enjoying cold cuts and wine by the lake is only a few clicks away!
What We Love
Stepping up the game like no other, with all the functions of a modern one.
Pros:
- Easily portable, built-in wheels
- Packs a lot of items; from utensils to a cheese board
- Durable
Cons:
- A little pricey but to be fair, it’s worth every penny
