Living

This $5 Collapsible Picnic Basket Is Five Below's Best-Kept Secret

Collapsible Picnic Basket.
Collapsible Picnic Basket. Retail Photographer / Shutterstock.com

Spring at Five Below has become something of a seasonal ritual for savvy shoppers. As soon as the weather starts to warm, the retailer rolls out a wave of affordable outdoor essentials-think picnic blankets, portable tables, colorful coolers and playful accessories that make spontaneous days outside feel effortless. It's the kind of place where you can walk in for one item and leave with a full picnic setup for less than the cost of lunch.

What makes these finds especially appealing is their mix of practicality and fun. Five Below leans into bright colors, clever designs and space-saving features that cater to small homes, apartments or anyone who just doesn't want bulky gear taking over their closet. Recent hits, like foldable picnic tables and compact outdoor accessories, prove that function doesn't have to come with a high price tag-or a lot of storage commitment.

SIGN UP for the Dengarden / Parade Home & Garden newsletter for a weekly dose of our favorite house hacks, decor trends and shopping deals

Collapsible Picnic Basket, $5 at Five Below

 Collapsible Picnic Basket.
Collapsible Picnic Basket. Five Below

One standout this season is the Collapsible Picnic Basket that's quietly earning a reputation as one of the store's best-kept secrets. At just $5, it delivers surprising utility for such a small investment. Designed with an accordion-style structure, the basket expands to hold a generous amount-about 3-1/2 gallons of food, drinks or market finds-then folds down nearly flat when you're done using it.

That collapsible design is what really sets it apart. Traditional picnic baskets can be charming, but they're often bulky and awkward to store. This version solves that problem entirely, making it ideal for anyone short on space or looking for something easy to stash in a car trunk.

The lightweight build and fold-down handles also make it simple to carry, whether you're heading to the park, beach or a weekend farmer's market. It's plastic lid doubles as a drink holder and a tablet or phone holder, so you can dine and relax with a cold beverage and your favorite movie.

Related: Walmart's $20 Porch Goose Is Defining Spring Front Porches

Beyond picnics, the basket's versatility is part of its appeal. It can double as a grocery tote, a catch-all for road trips or even a casual storage bin at home. And because of the low price point, it's easy to justify grabbing more than one-one for outings, one for errands and maybe even an extra as a gift.

In a store known for impulse buys, this is the rare find that feels both fun and genuinely useful. As spring turns into summer, it's exactly the kind of simple, budget-friendly upgrade that makes getting outside a little easier-and a lot more organized.

Related: Aldi's $20 Wooden Planter Trellis Will Give Your Garden a Magazine-Worthy Makeover

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 3:35 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER