Chocolate is one of the most popular gifts given at any time of the year - and it's not just for Easter or Valentine's Day. This Christmas, chocolatiers have competed to provide good quality, fun and luxurious gifts - from gourmet chocolate santas and reindeer, to chocolate tasting experiences and hampers. Here is a round up of some of the chocolate treats that would satisfy any chocoholic this Christmas.
A Chocolate Gift Basket Can Make A Luxurious Christmas Gift
You can make up your own chocolate basket, by selecting some of the recipient's favourite chocolates and wrapping them up in an attractive box or wicker basket. Or, go online and order one already assembled. This year, Thorntons are offering a range of Christmas-themed hampers, including The Wonderland Hamper.
Costing £120, this is definitely a luxurious gift and contains a variety of chocolates, truffles and reindeer, santa and snowmen chocolate models. There are also toffees, fudge and chocolate covered brazil nuts. Thorntons are also offering boxes of chocolates at a lower cost - for example the Continental Chocolatier's Tasting Collection costing £49.99 for 1315g or £19.99 for 520g. See the Thorntons website for more details.
A different take on the gift basket idea is to set up a chocolate delivery scheme. Artisan du Chocolat have a "Cocoa Rehab" scheme in which you can sign up for three, six or twelve months. The lucky recipient will receive a selection of chocolates each month. More details, including how to order, are on the Artisan du Chocolate website.
A Chocolate Tasting Experience Is A Thoughtful and Unusual Present
For an extra special touch, why not book your loved one into a chocolate tasting session? Artisan du Chocolat currently offer a London Chocolate Tasting Evening which costs £35 per person for 2 hours of tutored tasting.
Lucky attendees will taste chocolate-based delights, including cocoa pulp juice, truffles, salted caramels, chocolate ice cream and chocolate cocktails. All this takes place under a special "plantation light" at their shop on Westbourne Grove in London and an expert will be on hand to assist and give advice.
Novelty Chocolate Gifts Are Fun and Inexpensive
Novelty gifts are what makes Christmas fun and exciting - and there are plenty of novelty chocolates available to choose from. Try santa, reindeer and snowmen moulded chocolates, chocolate christmas decorations or, for the run up to the festive season - advent calendars. As well as the usual advent calendar for children, Hotel Chocolat also offer a calendar for teens and over, priced at £12. Their moulded chocolates of Dasher the Reindeer and Chilli Penguins are priced competitively - the penguins contain chilli, providing a tingle in the mouth alongside the sweet chocolate.
Thorntons offer a Love Dipping Set - including jars of white and milk chocolate sauces with fudge, coconut ice and marshmallows for dipping.
There are many options for chocolate-themed gifts this Christmas - from gift baskets, to tasting experiences and novelty chocolates. Christmas is often a time for indulgence - and any of these gifts will provide the perfect opportunity.
For more information, visit the following websites:
- Thorntons
- Hotel Chocolat
- L'Artisan du Chocolat
Jo Romero - Jo is a Freelance Food Writer, Food Blogger and Restaurant Reviewer, based in the UK. Visit her profile to find out more.
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