Harry & David is well-known for its food and gift baskets. Although the company has a modern website with updated navigation that makes it easy to shop for prepared holiday meals, assorted fruit selections, plants, wine and seasonal gift baskets, its history goes back way further than your fancy smartphone or even the digital age.
Started in the 1930s at a family orchard, Harry & David has long since become an American institution. But is it the right choice for getting your next fruit basket or seasonal gift? Here’s everything you should know.
Harry & David At A Glance
- Best Match For: People looking for unique gifts for every occasion, ranging from gourmet foods to gift of the month clubs.
- Commitment Level: No commitments - Order at any time; Subscription
- Availability: Anywhere in the US
- Value: Gift prices can vary significantly depending on what you choose; $6.99-$23.99 shipping fee for orders under $150; 16% shipping fee for orders over $150; Additional $9.99 charge for deliveries to Hawaii and Alaska; Additional $5.99 to PO Box deliveries
- Type: Exclusive gifts, gift baskets, fruit boxes, premium chocolates, baked goods, gourmet food, wine clubs, and more.
How Does Harry & David Work?
Harry & David features a few different shopping options for customers. You can order gifts, fruit and gourmet products online, but those who prefer the traditional experience will be pleased to know that the company still supplies the same kinds of mail-order catalogs that bolstered its earliest successes.
Most Harry & David customers will pick from one of two options — a subscription-based product, such as a monthly fruit delivery, or a one-time purchase, such as a holiday gift pack. The site also makes it relatively easy to shop for items in specific categories, such as sympathy packages, salami of the month clubs, chocolates, fruits or floral arrangements.
Learn more about services to gift someone food on our full list.
Exploring the Harry & David Product Selection
Diverse meals and products are the name of the game with Harry & David. Even though the company’s roots are firmly grounded in its fruit selections, it has branched out to a wide variety of other items during its many decades of existence.
Monthly Clubs
One of the most famous Harry & David offerings that it has the best Fruit of the Month Club. This neat program lets you pick from a range of fruits, including the pears and apples the firm is famed for. Each club sends you a box each month featuring its own distinct type of fruit.
They also have a cheese susbcription!
Chocolate and Sweets
If you're looking for subscription boxes for desserts, no review of Harry & David would be complete without mentioning its massive chocolate selection. The company has one of the top chocolate subscription boxes, with everything from truffles and toffees to chocolate bars and caramels, making it a decadent choice for those who love to indulge. It even offers two-day ice cream delivery.
The company also has one of the best cookie susbcription boxes and best ice cream subscription boxes.
Harry & David Gourmet
Harry & David’s gourmet meals include a variety of different foods and wine pairings. In addition to fruit and appetizer trays, you can order entrees and complete meal sets designed to make entertaining a bit less kitchen-intensive.
The meals are designed for easy preparation, with most requiring little more than unpackaging and a brief bake in the oven.
Gift Baskets and Towers
Want to get someone something that shows you care? Saying it with food usually works, and with Harry & David, it’s fairly simple to make an occasion out of it.
Many of the items in its gift boxes and holiday selections, such as pears, pretzels and mixed nuts, are also available separately. On the other hand, getting someone a complete package might be the most straightforward way to cater to different tastes.
What Should You Expect From Harry & David Meals?
Harry & David meals might not be your go-to option if you’re looking for help dieting. When Hannukah, Thanksgiving or another event is coming up, however, then this is definitely a wise choice. With the exception of the fruits and nuts, the selection is packed with super-rich fare that’s better suited to a night of socializing than to routine meal planning.
Where Does the Harry & David Service Deliver?
Harry & David will ship most of its meals, baskets and other items anywhere in the US — including Hawaii and Alaska.
It’s important to remember, however, that certain items might not be available for shipping depending on where you live or what you have a craving for. For instance, wine deliveries are prohibited by law in some counties and states.
Harry & David will also ship to Canada and other nations, but only on a product-by-product basis. Be sure to check each item description for the inside story before heading to checkout.
How Much Do Harry & David Products Cost?
Harry & David offerings run the full gamut of costs. For instance, the pantry selection offers snacks like multigrain chips and country-style relish for prices similar to what you might see at your local grocery store.
At the other end of the spectrum, however, the year-long fruit box subscriptions and specialty one-time gift baskets can cost anywhere from a few dozen dollars to upwards of one hundred. Naturally, the wines and other premium items tend to be some of the more expensive options.
Will You Have to Pay for Shipping?
Harry & David order shipping costs can add up quickly if you’re careless. For instance, the club orders include separate surcharges for each shipment, and if you get something shipped via express, you’ll pay extra in addition to the standard rate.
The nice thing is that the base shipping rates are easy to predict. Since they’re on a sliding scale pegged to the cost of your order, you don’t have to worry about any last-minute shockers just as you’re preparing to finalize your big holiday plans. Subscribing to the company’s email list is the best way to snag free limited-time shipping on select products.
Can You Get Holiday Meals Delivered?
Harry & David specializes in holidays. For instance, its Thanksgiving menu includes several different meal combinations that you can either order as-is or customize to add your favorite dishes and sides.
This service also makes it easy to find fare that suits different dietary habits and allergen requirements. Even if one of the meals isn’t fit for everyone at your table, you can add extras to keep all of the guests satisfied.
FAQS
No, Harry & David is not overpriced. They offer premium quality gifts, which is why their price tags can be a little expensive. But you are still getting great value.
Both Harry & David and Hickory Farms offer a vast selection of premium food gifts for every occasion. Taste-wise, we would say they are both great! Harry & David may be a better choice if you are looking for sweets and treats, while Hickory Farms is perfect for meat and cheese gift boxes.
Hard cheeses can last up to a month in the refrigerator. Soft cheeses are good for a week, while cream cheese can last up to two weeks in your fridge.
Harry & David offer a special type of Comice pear called Royal Riviera. These exquisite pears are often called “the fruit of kings” as they are considered one of the best and most exclusive pear varieties.
Yes, after you open Harry & David cheeses, you should refrigerate them.
Yes, a Harry & David gift basket is a perfect gift for any foodie out there. Everything they offer is of the highest quality, from meats to sweets. So, if you know a person who appreciates gourmet foods, Harry & David should be your top pick.
Yes, you can freeze most of Harry & David's products.
One Royal Riviera pear is wrapped in gold to show the exceptional quality and taste of this fruit. That way, you know you are enjoying the best treat in the box.
Once pears are ripened, they can last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Harry and David truffles can last up to 6 months, regardless of how you store them.
Harry & David Costs
Gifts start at $7.99 and can go up to several hundred dollars. Shipping fees go from $6.99 to $23.99 for orders under $150, and 16% if they exceed this amount. There is also an additional $9.99 charge for orders to Hawaii and Alaska, and a $5.99 fee for deliveries to a PO Box.
The Pros and Cons of Harry & David
Harry & David is a trusted name with a lot going for it.
The company is clear about its dedication to supplier transparency, and it benefits from working under the 1-800-Flowers umbrella to bring customers a selection that’s hard to find elsewhere.
It also has extensive customer service and lets people review specific products, making it a bit easier to find something you’ll enjoy.
Harry & David does everything possible to avoid shipping over weekends, which is a double-edged sword.
While it’s great that your packages won’t languish in some hot postal depot, it does mean you’ll have to plan things out to get those holiday deliveries on time.
Some of the clubs also require minimum commitments, and reviewers have noted that while the wine selections are decent, they aren’t as extensive as the other products.
Food for Thought
Harry & David has a long track record of delivering edible gifts. The company also makes it easy to get the little extras that make special occasions worth remembering, such as floral centerpieces, nicely packaged gift baskets and cards.
Not having to do all of the wrapping yourself is a definite advantage if you’re the type of person who loves gift giving but hates dealing with the logistics. It also helps that Harry & David is known for its special subscription programs and volume discounts. Why run all over town when you can handle your whole gifting to-do list in one convenient online stop?
Harry & David