Looking for a Christmas gift or something to share when you visit? Choose a box of chocolates; chocolate sprinkles are perfect for Christmas breakfast. A small selection makes a thoughtful thank-you, while an assortment of individually wrapped chocolates is more practical for a group. Check the allergens on the packaging and make sure the product is available when you need it.
Individually wrapped chocolates are handy to share with a household or group of colleagues. Albert Heijn’s description of the Merci Gift Box says it contains 32 individually wrapped chocolates; check that the flavours and ingredients are suitable for the recipients.
If the packaging is part of the gift, a personalised chocolate product could be a good choice. Tony’s Chocolonely features products like this in its Christmas range; check the current options and availability for each item.
You can look for chocolates or pralines at Jumbo, Lidl and ALDI. Compare the weight and size with the number of people you’re buying for, and check whether the item is available in store.
First, decide whether you’re looking for a breakfast topping or chocolate to give as a gift. If you’re choosing a box of chocolates, consider the recipient, how many people it’s for and when you need it.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the variant you’ve chosen, including any warnings about cross-contamination. | If the recipient has a food allergy, I want to be able to assess whether this particular box is suitable. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Sharing and presentation | Check the number of chocolates, the flavours and the packaging; individually wrapped pieces can make them easier to hand out. | For a household or group, I’m looking for chocolates that are easy to offer around and suitable as a gift. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Contents and size | Compare the weight and, where stated, the number of pieces with the number of recipients. | I don’t want to turn up with a box that’s too small, but I also don’t want to choose an unnecessarily large selection for one person. Around 25% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Christmas presentation | Check the design, any personalisation options and the current availability of the specific item. | For a Christmas visit or a personal message, I want the presentation to suit the occasion. This is the most important consideration for around 19% of consumers. |
Chocolate sprinkles are a topping for bread, for example at Christmas breakfast. A box of chocolates or another gift-wrapped selection is better suited to a thank-you or something to share when you visit.
Before you go shopping, decide whether you’re looking for something to put on the breakfast table or a gift to hand over.
A flavour name or product photo won’t tell you which allergens are in an assortment. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the allergen information on the labels of prepacked foods.
Check the ingredients list and any cross-contamination warning on the packaging of the exact variant you’re giving or serving.
A seasonal item may be sold out or available only in store. For example, Lidl says that one praline selection is available in store only.
Check the status of your chosen product just before you buy. If a particular Christmas design isn’t available, a standard box of chocolates can still be suitable for a Christmas visit.
Supermarket with chocolate gifts, including boxes that make a thoughtful thank-you.
Supermarket with categories for chocolate gifts, chocolates and pralines.
A place to pick up pralines alongside your other Christmas shopping.
A place to shop for items including a 400 g box of Moser Roth Belgian chocolates.
Here are some chocolate gift boxes and assortments to consider as a thank-you or to share when you visit at Christmas. If you’re buying a gift, check that the packaging suits the occasion too.
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A chocolate assortment to put out when you have guests. The packaging states 385 g; check the allergens on the box you’ve chosen before sharing.
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A chocolate gift pack for anyone looking to give a box as a present. The stated weight is 288 g; check the ingredients if you’re choosing it for someone else.
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A smaller chocolate selection to consider as a thank-you. The packaging states 125 g; check the presentation and allergens before giving the box as a gift.
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An assortment in a cornet-shaped pack to consider as a thoughtful gift. The stated weight is 200 g; check the contents and allergens on the packaging.
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A chocolate assortment to take along as a treat. The packaging states 143 g; consider the presentation separately if you’re giving it as a Christmas gift.
Yes, if you’re looking for a gift or something to share. For a topping at Christmas breakfast, choose chocolate sprinkles. For a box of chocolates, look for a size and packaging that suit the recipient.
Check the packaging of the exact box of chocolates before giving it to them. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on the labels of prepacked foods; check for any cross-contamination warning too.
No, availability varies by product and retailer. Check the product status just before you buy, and see whether you can get the chocolate online or only in store.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the box you’ve chosen. For example, Joybuy advises keeping Merci Finest Selection 400 g in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture; this guidance applies to that specific product.
