Nothing says summer like swapping the dinner table or desk for a patch of grass in the open air and enjoying a picnic lunch in the great outdoors.
If that sounds like your idea of heaven, our round-up of stylish and practical picnic baskets is for you! We've scoured the high street in search of the best picnic hampers available right now - from dreamy wicker baskets to sturdy picnic rucksacks for serious hikers.
Read on for our selection of the best picnic baskets on the market. And if al fresco socialising is your style, don't forget to check out our pick of the best outdoor cushions and best outdoor rugs on the market.
HappyPicnic Wicker Picnic Basket for 4
This cool coastal-stripe wicker basket is roomy enough to hold a hearty picnic lunch, and comes with four sets of stainless steel cutlery and four plastic wine glasses, as well as a 150x130cm picnic blanket, making this a one-stop picnicking kit.
The tricky part of a picnic lunch is always trying to find a flat patch of grass or sand to balance drinking glasses - ingeniously, this basket comes with a fold-out lid with built-in legs and glass holders so it can be used as a table. We love the detail of the leather bottle strap attached to the side to stop your drinks rolling around inside.
Two-Person Green Geo Picnic Backpack with Blanket
If your idea of summer fun is less strolls along the beach and more miles-long hikes through woods and fields, you might well prefer a more practical take on the picnic basket - that's where this handy VonShef rucksack comes in! Inside the hardwearing waterproof backpack, you'll find a whole picnic kit for two, including plates, cutlery, glasses, napkins, corkscrew and even a chopping board and salt and pepper shakers!
We love the trendy olive colour and funky geometric detailing, but it's also available in navy.
Personalised Two Person Green Tweed Picnic Hamper
Made of stylish and practical steamed wicker, with faux leather detailing, this two-person picnic hamper from Oh So Cherished at Not On The High Street has everything you need for an al fresco date.
Inside, you'll find includes porcelain plates and stainless steel cutlery for two, a bottle opener and a removable cooler bag in elegant tweed. Plus, the basket can be personalised with up to three characters stamped on the lid - making it a great choice for a gift.
Wicker Picnic Basket
Many of our favourite picnic baskets come with a set of cutlery and crockery, but maybe you already have your own cherished set and you'd prefer an empty hamper. If so, we think you won't find better at an affordable price point than this wicker hamper from John Lewis.
It's lightweight, durable and comes with a convenient carry handle. Plus, if you're short on space around the house it can also double as extra storage.
Two-Person Nautical Fitted Picnic Basket
This nautical-style wicker and wood picnic basket is just the job for a day at the beach, with its jaunty blue and white cloth interior - the bottom is also water-resistant, in case of inadvertent spills.
The hamper comes with plates, napkins, cutlery, acrylic glasses and a bottle opener, as well as a handy removable cooler bag that will keep your food crisp and fresh until you're ready to tuck in.
Wrenbury 12” Fitted Deluxe Compact Picnic Hamper
When boot space is at a premium, you want a compact picnic basket that's still big enough to fit all the food, drink and kit you'll need for a person picnic. This small but perfectly formed model from Wrenbury is the ideal option, measuring just 30x30x19cm. It's made of antique wash willow, with a grey check fabric lining and a grey faux leather fastener and handle.
The hamper comes with plates, cutlery and glasses for two, as well as a bottle opener and zippable chiller pocket for for your fresh foods.
'Gigi La Girafe' Kids' Basket
On a warm day, a picnic makes for a fun and budget-friendly family outing, so why not buy your little ones their own picnic basket? This hand-woven wicker model from Amara is lined with fabric featuring a super-cute jungle animal motif, with matching plate, cutlery and tumbler, all made of sustainable bamboo.
When not in use, it can be used as a trunk for storing books, toys or crafting materials.
Looking for more al fresco dining ideas? Check out our guide to the best BBQs, best pizza ovens and best portable BBQs for even more inspiration!
