Chocolate Gift Box: A box chosen for their favourite pieces

Decide who the box is for

Is this a treat for one person or a box to pass round? A compact selection can be just right for the first; a bigger assortment gives several people a choice. Compare the chocolate weight and number of pieces rather than the dimensions of the gift box.

For an individual recipient, focus on the chocolate they like. Someone who always chooses dark chocolate may prefer a smaller dark selection to a large mixed box. More variety is useful when different people will be sharing it.

Choose the centres as carefully as the chocolate

Caramel, praline, ganache and fruit fillings offer quite different textures and flavours. A known dislike of coconut or liqueurs is a good reason to avoid an assortment built around them. Familiar favourites can be a thoughtful choice when they show that you know what the person enjoys.

Read the contents and allergen details for the actual selection. Nuts, milk, alcohol and other ingredients can vary between pieces, and dark chocolate should not be assumed to suit a particular diet.

Help it arrive in good condition

Follow the storage instructions and look at how the seller packs chocolate for delivery. Think about where the parcel will be left, especially when sending it straight to the recipient. Decorative packaging is not the same as protection in transit.

If you are buying ahead of Christmas, check the stated shelf-life. A sensible amount is often nicer to receive than a huge assortment they feel they must work through.

A different kind of sweet gift

Someone who enjoys a crisp biscuit with their coffee might prefer a biscuit gift tin. For more ideas beyond food, browse our Christmas gift guide and choose around what they enjoy doing.