Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration full of food, friends, family, and fun! It is often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day. In fact, it commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Because of this common confusion, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of all things Mexican.
In Mexico there are parades, costumes, music, dances, and food everywhere to celebrate the day. Cinco de Mayo serves as a day to honor Mexico’s fallen heroes, and celebrate life. In the US, Canada, and elsewhere, Cinco de Mayo is a day for celebrating life and all things Mexican.
So if you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo, finding inspiration from Mexico’s vast culture is a must. Sending a gift basket with all they need to party is the way to include friends and family in your celebration even when they’re far away.
So what sort of gifts should you send to pay homage to Mexico?
ALCOHOL – And not just any alcohol, tequila! Distilled from blue agave this drink is (sometimes literally) liquid gold. Perfect for mixing margaritas, chased with lime, or even braising meat, everyone can use a good bottle of tequila. Some of the top brands to pick are Don Julio, Patron, and Jose Cuervo.
If your friends aren’t fans of tequila, sending a bottle of their favorite spirit or beer is also acceptable. Having a drink with friends, or to toast during a celebration is a universal custom.
FRUIT – Mexico has a rich farming culture, and a variety of unique fruits that are perfect for, well, everything. Sending your friends a fruit basket on Cinco de Mayo ensures they have something special to share with their young ones. A fruit basket makes it easy to add some flair to cocktails, or give their dessert a touch of freshness. Pomegranates, mangoes, and prickly pears (often used as an apple substitute) are favored fruits in Mexico.
If you can’t find those, or want to send something more familiar, a blend of limes, oranges, and strawberries will make a fruit basket that is sure to be enjoyed.
SAVORY GOURMET GIFTS – For the foodies in your life, it’s the perfect chance to send them a gourmet gift basket to inspire their next meal. From bold chorizo, to asadero cheese, Mexico offers an abundance of foods that liven up any snack or meal. Choose baskets with something bold and easy to eat with your hands. A spice gift full of fragrant cumin, chili powder, and oregano will help them experiment with their own Mexican flavors.
Whatever you send them, try sending a variety. A cheese and meat gift set can give them the perfect late night snack. A wine and cheese gift is an amazing start to any meal. Like with most things in life, the more variety the better.
RELAXATION GIFTS – Finally on our list, gifts to encourage your friends and family to relax! The Mexican people have a strong work ethic, but they also firmly believe in siesta (or afternoon rest). Help remind your friends to slow down by sending them something that will help them indulge. A candle gift basket will give them some much-needed aromatherapy. A spa gift hamper will give them everything they need for a luxurious bath.
Whatever you send on Cinco de Mayo, do it with love. From sweets and spirits, to indulgent spa sets it’s easy to find a gift that’s filled with Mexico’s bounty.
You’ve got an idea of what gifts come from Mexico, now what?
– Take a look at our Cinco de Mayo gifts.
– Check out more of what Mexico has given us here.
– Share this blog with your friends and family using the social media buttons below.

One of the longest-standing members of the GiftBasketsOverseas.com family, Kate is creative, responsible and meticulous. No matter what she’s doing – for the company or in her personal life – Kate always tries to put her best foot forward and enjoy the process.