I would go for the separate can sized pots because then they can be put in multiple places. Unless you know where their going to be putting the plants a certain sized box/basket might not fit.
A little tip, make sure the person you gift it to will really appreciate it. I had a friend ask me to make her one for her birthday, then I spent the next few weeks watching it slowly die from neglect, I even told her how to care for it she just didn't want to bother.

Indoor herb keeping is a challenge (at best) unless someone goes to the effort of having lighting specifically for plants. I found people love dried herbs that I've grown and harvested and packaged in glass jars with labels. That is a possibility for herbal gift giving too.

FataMorgana