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How beautiful is Christmas in Milan! The crisp air, the twinkling lights and… the eternal dilemma of the perfect gift.
But there is one tradition that resists the passage of time and passing fads: Christmas baskets. Well, yes, these treasure chests of goodness make even the most cynical Milanese Grinch’s eyes sparkle and smile.
Because, let’s face it, who can resist a riot of flavors encased in elegant packaging?
In the Lombard capital, the demand for Christmas baskets is experiencing a real renaissance. But beware: we are not talking about the usual dusty baskets forgotten in the basement. No, the Milanese doc are crazy about special Christmas baskets, real taste assortments that celebrate local, organic and artisanal gastronomic excellence.
It’s as if the city of fashion has decided to apply its chic touch to the world of Christmas gifts as well! Ready to find out where to find these gustatory treasures?
Buckle up, it’s off for a mouthwatering tour among the best Milanese offerings!
Eataly
Eataly, a foodie’s paradise, certainly could not miss the call when it comes to refined Christmas baskets. Here, Italian tradition blends with culinary innovation, creating gift packages and Christmas baskets that are true gastronomic works of art. Their “Basket of Excellence” is a riot of flavors: from artisanal panettone to DOCG prosecco, via 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano, organic extra virgin olive oil and candied orange halves covered with dark chocolate. There is no shortage of gourmet surprises such as truffle risotto and pistachio cream.
Address: P.za XXV Aprile, 10, 20121 Milan
Biffi Pastry Shop
To play it safe when it comes to Christmas baskets in Milan, one cannot fail to mention the historic Pasticceria Biffi. Since 1847, this confectionery institution has been delighting the palates of the Milanese with its creations. Their Christmas basket is a tribute to the Milanese tradition: handmade panettone, of course, but also handmade chocolate pralines, shortbread cookies and a selection of jams made with seasonal fruits. All packaged in an elegant wicker basket, perfect for reuse as a chic magazine rack.
Address: Corso Magenta, 87, 20123 Milan
Martesana
Martesana brings a breath of fresh air to the world of Christmas baskets. This contemporary pastry workshop has created Christmas food baskets that are a true sensory journey. If you want to leave a special person speechless, the Diamond basket is for you: in addition to their famous panettone, you will find a selection of artistic pralines, the world-famous Martesanotti, a pistachio spread, a package of their signature macarons, baci di dama and other handcrafted sweet delights.
Address: Via Giovanni Cagliero, 14, 20125 Milan, Piazza Sant’Agostino, 7, 20123 Milan, Via Paolo Sarpi, 62, 20154 Milan and Corso di Porta Romana, 131, 20122 Milan
Cortilia
For those looking for Christmas baskets with a green soul, Cortilia is the answer. This e-commerce platform specializing in zero-mile products offers baskets for Christmas that are an ode to Lombard biodiversity. Their “Eccellenze Il Viaggiator Goloso” box is designed to pay homage to those who appreciate the authenticity of Italian flavors and includes Carnaroli Rice, Calamarata IGP, Olio Umbro DOP, Lenticchie di Altamura, Cotechino IGP, Salame Strolghino, Wild Boar Salami, Carciofini Duchessa, Ragù di Chianina, Panettone with caramel and pecans, Marron Glacés, a bottle of Franciacorta Brut Bio and a bottle of Mirto di Sardegna.
Delivery nationwide by purchasing online.
Esselunga
Large retail giant Esselunga has also launched into the art of Christmas baskets, offering a wide range of options for all budgets. From the classic basket with panettone and sparkling wine, ideal as a Christmas gift for colleagues and acquaintances, to more elaborate solutions for true connoisseurs. Their “Excellence Basket” includes many local specialties, such as the T’a Milano Classic Panettone, a box of assorted chocolates, an assortment of almond and pistachio torroncini, paccheri, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled artichokes, Altamura lentils, Modena cotechino, Grana Padano DOP Riserva, and a selection of fine wines. A practical solution for those who want to make a good impression without spending a fortune.
Address: Find your nearest store here
Don Italy
When it comes to corporate Christmas hampers, Don Italia is a name that immediately brings to mind excellence. Specializing in Christmas gifts for companies, they offer customized solutions that go far beyond the classic panettone and bottle of sparkling wine. Their “Monte Titano Basket” is a triumph of luxury and refinement: Giovanni Cova & C. panettone, Sant’Orsola Brut Extra sparkling wine, Di Martino x Dolce&Gabbana pasta, IGP Modena balsamic vinegar, IGP Bellucci cotechino with lentils, Sperlari nougat, Bronte pistachio cream, Apulian tarallini and Nero d’Avola DOC wine. All presented in a refined golden box with satin ribbons and bows, perfect for a classy Christmas gift. Each product is carefully selected to impress even the most discerning customer.
Address: DonItalia.com is a Milan-based company that delivers throughout Europe, buying online
Cascina Carlotta
For those looking for Christmas baskets with a rustic yet refined touch, Cascina Carlotta offers a unique solution. This farm on the outskirts of Milan has created Christmas gift baskets that are a true homage to the land of Lombardy. Their “El Top basket from Carlotta” is formidable and very complete, in fact it includes cured meats (salami, speck, cotechino, lardo), cheeses (Grana, Fagotto, Caprotta), porcini mushrooms, polenta, risotto, saffron, organic pasta and sauce, jams, honey, chestnut and pistachio cream. It also includes fine wines such as Amarone di Milano, spumante millesimato and Passito Verdea. This is complemented by a 1kg artisanal panettone cake,
If you prefer, you can compose your own basket with Cascina Carlotta’s exclusive products.
Address: Cascina Carlotta, 2, 20098 San Giuliano Milanese
Peck
Peck, the iconic Milanese delicatessen, elevates the Christmas basket concept to culinary art forms. Their “Sipario Basket,” for example, is a veritable cornucopia of delicacies: gourmet panettone, artisanal cookies and amaretti cookies, citrus marmalade, lemon honey, almond cream, specialty truffles (orange and black cherry), fine Ceylon tea with steel filter, Ethiopian single-origin coffee beans, and a liqueur made from IGP Sorrento lemons. All are elegantly presented in a Peck designer box, for a luxury dining experience that celebrates the most sought-after Italian flavors.
Address: Via Spadari, 9 20123, Milan, Piazza Tre Torri, 20145 Milan and Via Tommaso Salvini, 3, 20122 Milan
CiboCrudo
For those looking for a healthier alternative to classic Christmas baskets, CiboCrudo offers an innovative solution. The “Christmas Breakfast” basket offers a selection of organic and vegan products for an energetic and healthy start to the day during the holidays. It contains: protein muesli, berry compote, coconut chips, raspberry pralines, premium matcha, agave syrup, Criollo bitter cocoa powder and giant cashews. A perfect holiday gift for the friend who wants to start the new year off on the right foot.
Where: CiboCrudo delivers nationwide by purchasing online
Yamamoto Gastronomy
To end our tour with a touch of originality, we cannot fail to mention Gastronomia Yamamoto. This little gem in the heart of Milan has created a Christmas basket that blends Italian tradition with the flavors of the Rising Sun. In their Bottega you can buy their Panettone with late Ciaculli mandarins, candied yuzu and lemon and yuzu white chocolate, and create a very original Christmas basket by adding a bottle of Gozenshu Yuzu, made with a base of high-quality junmai bodaimoto sake, and one of Umeshu, also made with a base of bodaimoto sake, infused with okayama ume. It will be the perfect gift for lovers of fusion cuisine and those who want to impress with a truly out-of-the-box Christmas basket.
Address: Via Amedei, 5, 20123 Milan, Italy