Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering
How do I order a gift basket?
You can order through our online order form or call us at 250.739.2933. Let us know whether you'd like a ready-to-order basket or a custom creation, along with the recipient's details and your preferred delivery date. We'll reach out to finalize your order and send you an invoice. Payment is required before your basket is built.
How long does it take to get a gift basket?
Most baskets can be made in as little as 3 days. More complex custom baskets may take longer depending on product sourcing. If you're working with a tight deadline, call us at 250.739.2933 and we'll do our best to accommodate a rush order.
Can I see my basket before it's delivered?
Yes. We send you a photo of your completed basket before it goes out for delivery or pickup. This way you know exactly what your recipient is getting.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit card, cash, and e-transfer. Once your order is confirmed, we'll send you an invoice. Your basket is built after payment is received.
Customization
Can I customize a gift basket?
Absolutely. Every basket can be fully customized. Tell us about the recipient, the occasion, and your budget, and we'll build something unique. You can request specific products, dietary accommodations, colour themes, or anything else that makes the gift personal. We also offer ready-to-order baskets if you'd prefer to choose from our existing collection.
What's included in your gift baskets?
Our baskets feature locally sourced treats and premium products from across Vancouver Island and BC. Depending on the basket and occasion, this can include artisan chocolates, gourmet snacks, specialty foods, coffee, tea, wine, beer, champagne, bath and spa products, baby items, and more. Every basket is different because every basket is made to order.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?
Yes. Let us know about any dietary needs when you place your order — whether it's gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, or any other requirement. We'll adjust the basket contents accordingly.
Do you have a minimum or maximum budget?
We can work within almost any budget. Let us know what you'd like to spend and we'll create the best possible basket at that price point. Custom baskets involving personal shopping for unique or hard-to-find items may incur additional charges, which we'll discuss and confirm with you before purchase.
Delivery & Pickup
Where do you deliver?
We deliver throughout Vancouver Island including Nanaimo, Victoria, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay, Comox, Duncan, Ladysmith, and surrounding communities. For areas outside Nanaimo we use a trusted courier service to ensure your basket arrives safely. See our delivery areas for more details.
Note to Shannon: Update the "See our delivery areas" link to point to the footer or a delivery areas hub page once the location pages are live.
How much does delivery cost?
The delivery fee is $15 per order within the City of Nanaimo. Additional fees apply for deliveries outside of Nanaimo. Contact us at 250.739.2933 for rates to your specific delivery area. Local pickup from our location at 5430 Mildmay Rd in Nanaimo is available at no charge.
Can I pick up my basket instead of having it delivered?
Yes. Local pickup is available from our location at 5430 Mildmay Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 4Z3. We're open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We'll let you know when your basket is ready for pickup.
Do you deliver on weekends?
We are open 7 days a week, Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact us to confirm weekend delivery availability to your area.
Alcohol
Can I add alcohol to a gift basket?
Yes. As per the BC Liquor Control and Licensing Act, we can include wine, beer, or champagne in gift baskets. By placing an order that includes alcohol, you confirm that both you and the intended recipient are at least 19 years old. Proof of valid ID may be required at delivery. An additional fee applies for this service — contact us for details.
Corporate & Bulk Orders
Do you offer corporate gift baskets?
Yes. We work with businesses across Vancouver Island for client appreciation, employee recognition, holiday gifting, team events, and corporate milestones. Every corporate basket can be customized to your specifications, and we can coordinate bulk orders with consistent presentation and staggered delivery schedules. Contact us to discuss your needs and volume pricing.
How many baskets can you handle for a bulk order?
We can accommodate orders of any size. Whether you need 5 baskets or 50, we'll work with you on timelines, customization, and delivery logistics. For large orders, we recommend placing your order at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure everything is ready on time.
Occasions
What occasions do you make gift baskets for?
We make gift baskets for every occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, holidays (Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day), corporate appreciation, employee recognition, sympathy and condolences, baby showers, housewarmings, retirements, thank-you gifts, get well wishes, graduations, and more. If there's a reason to give a gift, we can make a basket for it.
Do you offer sympathy gift baskets?
Yes. Our sympathy baskets are thoughtfully curated to offer comfort during difficult times. They can include comforting foods, tea, chocolates, and other premium items. Every sympathy basket is handled with care and can be customized to suit the recipient. View our sympathy baskets.
Do you make holiday gift baskets?
Yes. We create gift baskets for all major holidays including Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, and more. Holiday baskets can be ordered from our ready-to-order collection or fully customized. We recommend ordering early during the holiday season to ensure availability.
About Us
How long have you been in business?
Nanaimo Gift Baskets has been creating custom and ready-to-order gift baskets for over 7 years. We're a locally owned and operated business on Vancouver Island.
What is the Consumer Choice Award?
The Consumer Choice Award recognizes businesses for exceptional quality and customer satisfaction, based on independent consumer surveys. Nanaimo Gift Baskets is a 2025 Consumer Choice Award winner — a recognition we're proud of and that reflects our commitment to creating gift baskets people love.
How are you different from national gift basket companies?
We're a real local business on Vancouver Island, not a national aggregator shipping generic boxes from a warehouse. Every basket is handcrafted to order using locally sourced products. You get a personal touch — we talk to you about what you want, build something unique, and send you a photo before it's delivered. That level of care and customization is something the big online gift basket companies simply don't offer.