How to Make a Chocolate Themed Gift Basket

"All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!" So said Lucy van Pelt, of the the famous "Peanuts" comic strip. Lucy had the right idea. Few people can resist the powerful lure of this delicious food, and you'll soon be feeling the love firsthand if you choose to present a lucky chocolate devotee with a chocolate themed gift basket.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basket
• Chocolate
• Tissue paper (optional)
• Shredded paper (optional)
• Cellophane
• Ribbon

How to Make a Chocolate Themed Gift Basket

1. Purchase your basket. Select something neutral in color, unless you decide to make the basket itself a central feature of the gift.

2. Go shopping for chocolate! Chocolate can be found nearly everywhere, from the grocery or drug store to specialized candy shops. Consider including one large box of chocolate truffles as a featured gift. Decide whether quantity or quality is more important; gourmet chocolates can get very expensive when purchased in large quantities. Your young nephew, for example, might be just as, if not more, happy with a basket filled with favorite candy bars than with a handcrafted truffle from the chocolatier down the street. Of course if you have the means and inclination to go with quality and quantity, then go for it!

3. Consider your recipient's tastes and select chocolate accordingly. Does he prefer dark chocolate to milk chocolate? Does she like her chocolate simple and classic, or would she enjoy additions such as jalapeno peppers, huckleberries or other unique ingredients?

4. Think about including non-candy chocolate offerings. How about a canister of hot chocolate, along with candy cane stir sticks and a bag of marshmallows? Graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows are an instant recipe for smores.

5. Order chocolate candies printed with special sayings or wrapped in special wrappers. This is a great way to send a special message or celebrate a meaningful event.

6. Arrange your chocolates in the basket, making sure that the larger items are in the back, and the smaller items towards the front. Items should be staggered slightly to help ensure that all are visible. Fill out the bottom of the basket with colored tissue paper or shredded paper if necessary. The basket's contents should fit snugly so that they don't move around when the basket is transported. Try to avoid unsightly gaps between contents.

7. Place your completed gift basket on a large piece of cellophane. Bring the edges up over the basket, gather, and tie with a ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• Set a budget before you do your shopping. It's very easy to get carried away and buy more than you had anticipated.
• Take time to enjoy a few bites of chocolate yourself!