It’s always going to be a challenge to find the best chocolate gifts for the person who has everything. We all know that person. The one whose birthday or holiday approaches with a looming sense of gift-giving dread. They seem to possess everything they could possibly need or want, making the task of finding a meaningful present feel like an impossible quest. Your mind scrambles frantically to come up with that unique chocolate gift. Or, perhaps you want to give that extravagant luxury chocolate gift. Whichever, you want it to be the best chocolate gift you can find and afford. Forget another novelty gadget destined for the back of a cupboard, or a generic voucher. When aiming to delight someone who appears to have it all, the key lies in shifting focus from things to experiences, quality, and thoughtful curation. And this is where fine chocolate truly shines.
Forget the mundane supermarket aisle offerings. We're talking about chocolate elevated to an art form – a sensory journey crafted with skill, passion, and exceptional ingredients. High-quality chocolate is a universally appreciated indulgence, yet the world of artisanal and bean-to-bar chocolate offers enough depth and nuance to surprise even the most discerning recipient. It's a gift that delights the senses, offers a moment of luxurious escape, and, best of all, doesn't add permanent clutter. It’s enjoyed, savoured, and disappears, leaving only a pleasant memory.
Friars is a great place to discover unique chocolate gifts for such occasions. We feel our luxury chocolate gifts are amongst the best chocolate gifts available. Let us point you in the direction of some truly delicious luxury chocolate gifts.
The ultimate statement of chocolate luxury providing the ultimate in luxury chocolate gifts. Crammed with masses of fine chocolates superbly crafted. A unique chocolate gift and undoubtedly one of our very best chocolate gifts.
Indulge in the unparalleled luxury of the Chocolatier's Grande Platter, an extraordinary large chocolate box curated by our master Chocolatier. This giant chocolate box showcases an irresistible assortment of decadent creations, each crafted with the finest ingredients and unmatched artistry. Designed to delight every chocolate lover, it’s a celebration of flavour, texture, and craftsmanship in every bite.
Maybe you are drawn to the darker side? No problem. One of our best chocolate gifts has a very dark place of origin. In the mind of our Chocolatier, dark can also be the source of unique chocolate gifts.
We have tried to capture the deep rich essence of the cocoa beans by selecting chocolates with 60% to 72% cocoa solids, with the flavour of the chocolate dictating the strength of cocoa used.
An exquisite selection of our high cocoa, delectably dark chocolates. Savour our richest, darkest, most decadent collection for the true dark chocolate devotee. Indulge in our Jamaican rum truffle sealed in 72% dark chocolate or our rich cherry truffle with a kirsch liqueur soaked cherry in the centre.
All of this in one box, a perfect gift or sneaky treat for yourself.
Ice Cream Chocolate Selection Luxe Box
This box contains a quite unique chocolate gift whilst also being hailed as a luxury chocolate gift. Long, light evenings are ideal for moments of leisure, much like our limited edition ice cream inspired chocolates. Treat yourself or a loved one to our exquisite selection of creamy, ice cream-flavoured chocolates. Enjoy the mouthwatering flavours of strawberry, raspberry ripple, chocolate, banana split, and caramel fudge. Act quickly—once they're gone, they're gone! These are one of our best chocolate gifts this summer.
These are just a few of the best chocolate gifts you might wish for, and to be found at Friars. Take a look below for other options and ideas, remember, unique chocolate gifts are often that special luxury chocolate gift chosen for someone special.
So, how do you choose a chocolate gift that transcends the ordinary for the person who has everything? Focus on uniqueness, craftsmanship, and the experience itself. Here are some ideas:
1. Curated Bean-to-Bar Tasting Collections
Move beyond blended chocolates and introduce them to the fascinating world of single-origin, bean-to-bar chocolate. Much like fine wine reflects its terroir, cacao beans possess unique flavour profiles influenced by their origin, genetics, and processing. Bean-to-bar makers meticulously control every step, from roasting the beans to moulding the final bar, often highlighting specific estates or regions.
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What to look for: Gift sets featuring multiple bars from different origins (e.g., Madagascar, Ecuador, Vietnam, Philippines) but the same maker, allowing a comparison of terroir. Alternatively, select bars from the same origin but different makers to showcase varying craft styles. Look for UK makers like Firetree Chocolate, which focuses on specific volcanic islands, or award-winning Bare Bones Chocolate from Glasgow. Some companies offer DIY tasting kits complete with flavour wheels and tasting notes (like Bean To Bar World, though international, the concept is key).
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Why it's special: It’s an educational and sensory exploration, offering a deeper appreciation for chocolate's complexity and the maker's craft. It transforms tasting into an engaging activity.
2. Gourmet Chocolate Subscriptions
For a gift that keeps on giving, consider a luxury chocolate subscription box. Several services curate selections of fine chocolates – bars, truffles, pralines – from various artisan makers and deliver them monthly or quarterly.
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What to look for: UK-based options include curated boxes from specialists like Chocolate Fayre's Tasters Club, social enterprise Harry Specters' Chocolate Champion Club, or London's Melt Chocolates' Club Melt subscription. Check what kind of chocolate they specialise in (bars, filled chocolates, a mix) and the curation quality.
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Why it's special: It offers ongoing discovery, introducing the recipient to new makers and flavours they might not find otherwise. It's a regular reminder of your thoughtful gift, delivering moments of delight throughout the year.
3. Chocolate Making Workshops and Experiences
For the person who values experiences over possessions, gifting a hands-on chocolate workshop or a guided tasting session is an inspired choice.
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What to look for: Search for workshops offered by local chocolatiers or specialist venues. In the UK, providers like Noble and Stace (Sussex), Cocoa Amore (Leicester), or Mocha Chocolate Shop (North Yorkshire) offer experiences ranging from truffle making and tempering basics to more in-depth bean-to-bar insights. Master Chocolatier William Curley occasionally hosts exclusive masterclasses.
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Why it's special: It’s an engaging, memorable activity that provides new skills and a much deeper appreciation for the Chocolatier's craft. Plus, they get to take home their delicious creations!
4. Rare, Limited Edition, or Unusual Bars
Tap into the thrill of exclusivity. Seek out chocolates made from rare cacao varieties, limited harvest micro-batches, or unique collaborations.
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What to look for: Bars made from highly-prized cacao like Criollo (considered the rarest, championed by makers like Domori) or the rediscovered Ancient Nacional from Ecuador (To'ak Chocolate offers ultra-premium examples). Look for small-batch UK makers experimenting with unusual inclusions or processes. Consider bars made with wild-harvested cacao, such as the Bolivian Wild Cacao bar featured by Moon Roast Coffee. Even unique flavour profiles or novelty shapes from sites like Yumbles or Friars can fit the bill if quality is maintained.
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Why it's special: Rarity and exclusivity appeal to collectors and connoisseurs. It shows you've gone the extra mile to find something truly unique and perhaps fleeting.
5. Sophisticated Pairing Kits
Elevate the chocolate experience by pairing it with complementary flavours.
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What to look for: Curated kits pairing specific chocolates with wine, whisky, craft beer, artisan coffee, premium tea, or even cheese. Alternatively, create your own bespoke kit: select a few high-quality chocolate bars (perhaps single-origin darks or complex milk chocolates) and pair them with a bottle of corresponding spirit, a bag of speciality coffee beans, or fine cheeses known to complement chocolate.
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Why it's special: It creates a sophisticated tasting event, caters to the recipient's other potential interests (wine lover, whisky enthusiast), and demonstrates an understanding of flavour synergy.
6. Exquisite Pralines and Truffles from Master Chocolatiers
While a standard box of chocolates might feel generic, creations from true masters are anything but. These are miniature works of art, showcasing exceptional skill, premium ingredients, and often surprising flavour combinations.
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What to look for: Seek out renowned chocolatiers known for their craft. In the UK, this includes names like William Curley (a Master of Culinary Arts Patissier Chocolatier), Rococo Chocolates (known for British flavours and beautiful packaging), Montezuma's (ethical and innovative), or winners highlighted by the Great British Food Awards like Juthan Chocolate or Hollychocs. Look for fresh ganaches, seasonal ingredients, and artistic presentation.
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Why it's special: It’s pure, unadulterated luxury and indulgence. The focus is on exquisite flavour, texture, and the artistry of the Chocolatier.
7. Bespoke or Personalised Creations
For a truly one-of-a-kind gift, explore bespoke options.
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What to look for: Some chocolatiers offer custom services, allowing you to commission unique flavour combinations or personalized designs. Companies like The Unique Chocolate specialise in personalised bars featuring names, messages, or even intricate designs like flowers or animals.
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Why it's special: It’s incredibly personal and shows significant thought went into creating something just for them.
Presentation Matters
Whichever route you choose, ensure the presentation matches the quality of the gift. Elegant packaging, perhaps a stylish ribbon, and a handwritten note explaining your choice (e.g., "I chose this single-origin bar from Madagascar known for its red fruit notes") elevates the entire experience.
Where to Find Them
Look beyond supermarkets. Explore specialist chocolate shops (online and physical), websites of bean-to-bar makers, high-end department store food halls (like Harrods or Selfridges), curated online marketplaces (like Yumbles), and dedicated subscription services. Don't forget to check for talented local artisans in your area.
Finding a gift for the person who has everything doesn't have to be stressful. By focusing on the exceptional quality, unique experiences, and sheer sensory pleasure that fine chocolate offers, you can give a gift that is both thoughtful and guaranteed to be enjoyed. It’s a delicious reminder that sometimes, the best things in life aren't things at all.
