Better Reviewed
Capalbo's vs Harry & David: Which Gift Basket Company Delivers?
Two gift basket companies with very different stories. Capalbo's is a family-owned New Jersey company with consistently strong reviews. Harry & David is a 90-year-old national brand now owned by 1-800-Flowers — with a recent reputation crisis. Here's what gift-givers need to know.
Updated: February 9, 2026 7 min read
National Brand Harry & David
Iconic Gift Baskets Since 1934
From $29.99
1.6 Trustpilot
Significant quality complaints reported
Visit Harry & DavidQuick Verdict
Capalbo's wins on reliability. With a BBB A+ rating and consistently positive customer reviews, Capalbo's delivers what they promise. Harry & David has the bigger brand name and wider product selection, but recent reviews (1.6/5 Trustpilot, 1.2/5 Sitejabber) reveal serious quality and delivery problems since the 1-800-Flowers acquisition. For gift-giving — where reliability matters most — Capalbo's is the safer choice.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Capalbo's | Harry & David |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $39.99 - $300+ | $29.99 - $300+ |
| Founded | 1960s (Clifton, NJ) | 1934 (Medford, OR) |
| Ownership | Family-owned, independent | 1-800-Flowers (since 2014) |
| BBB rating | A+ | A+ (historical) |
| Trustpilot | Limited reviews (small company) | 1.6/5 (69+ pages of reviews) |
| Google reviews | 4.8/5 | Mixed |
| Sitejabber | Limited data | 1.2/5 (639 reviews) |
| Shipping cost | Free on many items | From $6.99 |
| Delivery speed | Next-day available | 4-7 business days standard |
| Product range | Fruit, gourmet, wine, baby, sympathy | Fruit, gourmet, wine, chocolate, meat & cheese |
| Signature product | Fresh fruit arrangements | Royal Riviera Pears, Moose Munch |
| Coverage | Nationwide (strongest NY/NJ/CT) | Nationwide + Alaska/Hawaii |
The Reputation Gap
This is the most important factor for gift-givers. When you send a gift basket, your reputation is on the line. A basket that arrives late, damaged, or with wilted fruit reflects on you, not the company.
Capalbo's maintains a 4.8/5 Google rating with consistently positive feedback about freshness, presentation, and on-time delivery. As a family-owned operation, their quality control is hands-on.
Harry & David's reviews tell a different story. Since the 1-800-Flowers acquisition in 2014, customer complaints have surged. Common issues reported on Trustpilot (1.6/5) and Sitejabber (1.2/5) include:
- Fruit arriving overripe or with brown spots
- Orders not delivered on the promised date
- Difficulty reaching customer service for resolution
- Quality decline compared to the brand's historical reputation
To be fair: Harry & David still has loyal customers, and many orders arrive perfectly fine. The iconic Royal Riviera Pears remain a beloved product when they arrive fresh. But the volume of negative reviews suggests systemic issues that create real risk for gift-givers.
When to Choose Capalbo's
- Reliability is your top priority — When you can't afford a late or damaged delivery (birthdays, anniversaries, sympathy)
- You want free shipping — Many Capalbo's baskets include complimentary shipping
- You need it fast — Next-day delivery available for last-minute situations
- You value customer service — Family-owned companies tend to resolve issues personally
- Fresh fruit baskets — Their core strength is hand-packed fresh fruit arrangements
When to Choose Harry & David
- Brand recognition matters — Harry & David is an iconic name that recipients immediately recognize
- Signature products — Royal Riviera Pears and Moose Munch are genuinely unique products you can't get elsewhere
- Wider product variety — More options for meat & cheese boards, Tower of Treats, and seasonal collections
- Corporate gifting — The brand name carries weight in business contexts
- Budget entry point — Options starting at $29.99 (Capalbo's starts at $39.99)
If you do choose Harry & David, order well in advance and consider tracking the shipment yourself to ensure it arrives on time.
The Gift-Giver's Decision
For most gift-giving occasions, Capalbo's is the safer choice. Their consistent quality and reliable delivery mean your gift arrives looking exactly as it should. Harry & David's brand recognition is valuable, but the risk of a disappointing delivery undermines the very purpose of sending a gift.
The exception: if the recipient specifically loves Royal Riviera Pears or Moose Munch, Harry & David is the only source. Just order early and hope for the best.