Christmas gift shoppers
You’re looking for a chocolate box that works as a gift in its own right and suits the recipient. In that case, the packaging and any personal message matter more than simply how much chocolate is inside.
Which option is right for you?
Hosts and people sharing
You want to put chocolate on the table or share it among several people. Check the number of pieces, the variety and whether the chocolates are individually wrapped.
Shoppers checking ingredients
You’re buying for someone with an allergy, intolerance or specific dietary preference. The ingredients and allergens listed on the exact packaging should take priority over how the box looks.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether the chocolate box is mainly a gift or a treat to share. Then check what’s inside and, once you’ve chosen a specific box, read the label.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gift appeal | Look at the outer packaging and, for a seasonal or personalised design, check the specific option you’ve chosen. | If I’m giving the box as a Christmas gift in its own right, the presentation needs to suit the recipient. Around 36% of consumers put this first. |
| Variety and sharing | Check the number of pieces, the types of chocolate and whether portions are individually wrapped. | For a table with several guests, I want enough portions and a choice of flavours. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Quantity | Compare the net weight and, if stated, the number of pieces in each pack. | If I’m buying several small gifts, I want to know how much chocolate each box contains. Quantity comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, any stated allergens and any warnings on the current packaging. | If the recipient needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to check the exact option before giving it to them. Around 14% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a mixed box without reading the label
An assortment may contain ingredients that matter to the recipient. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, 14 allergens must be listed on the label of prepacked foods in the Netherlands.
Read the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the packaging of the exact option you’re buying. Don’t rely on the brand name or product photo alone.
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Assuming seasonal chocolate will still be available later
Christmas editions can change or sell out, so a particular pack may not be available whenever you’re ready to buy.
Check the current product page for the exact box before planning your Christmas gift around it.
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Treating biscuits and chocolates as the same kind of gift
Lotus Bakeries describes Biscoff as a biscuit to enjoy with coffee, among other things. It’s a different product category from a box of chocolates or pralines.
Add biscuits if you’d also like to give something to enjoy with coffee or tea, but choose a chocolate box when chocolate is meant to be the main gift.
Brands and retailers to consider
These examples show the types of chocolate gifts and extras you can compare. Be sure to assess each specific product.
merci
The 250 g merci Assorti Doos is an example of a box to give as a gift or share.
- According to Jumbo, this box contains eight varieties and 20 individually wrapped chocolates.
- This information applies to the Assorti Doos. For other merci options, check the contents and allergens again.
Tony’s Chocolonely
An option to consider if a festive set or personalised gift is important to you.
- Tony’s Chocolonely includes gift boxes, tasting sets and customisable bars in its Christmas collection, among other things.
- Check the current contents, ingredients and availability of each set.
Choceur
An ALDI own-brand range that includes a 200 g pack of filled pralines.
- The stated weight makes it easy to compare the quantity with other packs.
- Check the current packaging and availability before choosing these pralines as a Christmas gift.
Jumbo
A retailer where you can compare different chocolate gifts, chocolates and pralines.
- The range includes both own-brand products and other gift brands, in a variety of pack sizes.
- Check whether the specific box you want to buy is available at the time.
Lotus Biscoff
A biscuit to enjoy with coffee or tea, rather than a chocolate box.
- Lotus Bakeries presents Biscoff as a biscuit to enjoy with coffee, among other things.
- Add chocolates or pralines if you want chocolate to be the focus of the gift.
Chocolate products on Joybuy
These chocolate gift packs, assortments and pralines are options for a gift or a sharing occasion. Check each product to see whether the packaging, contents and ingredients suit your plans for Christmas.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A chocolate gift pack to give or share. According to the Joybuy product information, this 288 g pack contains six small bars. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging you choose.
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Lindt Lindor Cornet Assorted, 200 g
An assortment of Lindor pralines to consider as a chocolate gift. The pack contains 200 g; check the number of pieces and the allergens on the current product packaging.
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Celebrations Chocolate Assorted, 385 g
A chocolate assortment to compare for a sharing occasion. The pack contains 385 g; before sharing, check which ingredients and allergens may be relevant to your guests.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A smaller pack of chocolates to consider as a little gift. This Merci Petits option contains 125 g; check the ingredients and consider the outer packaging if presentation matters.
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Milka Thank You Pralines Milk Cream, 110 g
Pralines to consider as a small gift if the recipient likes a milk cream filling. The pack contains 110 g; check the ingredients and outer packaging before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find allergen information for a prepacked box of chocolates?
Read the label on the exact pack. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, 14 allergens must be listed on the label of prepacked foods in the Netherlands and clearly distinguishable in the ingredients list.
Is a mixed box of chocolates suitable for someone with a nut or milk allergy?
Don’t assume it is: a selection of flavours doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for that person. The merci Assorti Doos described by Jumbo contains milk, almonds and hazelnuts, among other ingredients. When buying, read the ingredients and warnings on the exact option you’ve chosen.
How should I store a chocolate box until Christmas?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the box you’ve chosen. Jumbo advises keeping the merci Assorti Doos away from heat; instructions may vary from product to product.
Can I order a particular Christmas chocolate box later?
Don’t count on a seasonal option staying available. Check the current stock of the exact box and the delivery or collection options before planning to give it as a gift.