Chelsea Market Baskets

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Chelsea Market Baskets offers the kind of gift-giving selection you'd be thrilled not only to give, but to receive. At the back of Chelsea Market, the retail space manages to capture the feel of a well-stocked country store in the heart of lower Manhattan. You can either walk around and choose basket-fillers to create a custom basket or you can simply choose one from their collection; you can also select just a picnic container, from an insulated beach bag to a wine tote or a bamboo picnic chest. But food is the business: They offer a selection of teas, coffee, specialty jams, biscuits, pastas, sauces, fruit, spices, candy, and a slew of attractive condiments. Non-edibles, with themes like lavender soaps, candles, and creams, or newborn accoutrements, are also available. Chocolate is especially well represented, with a full line of Leonidas' Belgian truffles available, along with blocks of Callebaut baking chocolate and at least half a dozen other choices for those who want to send good wishes to a chocoholic. Shortbread is another category of treat that is amply stocked here, and the cheese selection, though small, is focused on artisanal makers. — Carey Meyers

Phone and web orders are accepted, and they ship nationally.