Life is full of occasions to show your generosity. It could be someone's birthday, an anniversary present, dinner with friends, a romantic evening or simply a gesture of thanks. There are plenty of occasions where we can show someone how much we appreciate them. Personally, I just like to spoil my husband, a chocolate lover par excellence. For me it is a way of showing him I care about him. Whether I go on a weekend break or just my weekly shopping in my local supermarket, I always have a chocolate treat for him when I come back.

Personally, I am not a big chocolate fan, or at least I was not until a friend of mine came back from Belgium bringing me a little box of treasures; Leonidas chocolates. It was the first time I sat to literally devour a whole box of chocolates and they were absolutely gorgeous. They just melted in my mouth slowly releasing unknown flavours... it was Nirvana! After that experience I can say I was hooked to luxury chocolate, specially Leonidas who's shops I looked for in every city I visited in Europe.

When I moved to France I discovered that French chocolatiers had no reason to envy Belgian chocolate. Almost by accident one day I landed in a small town east of Lyon called Bourgoin-Jallieu. The town was largely empty except for a small gathering of people in a building off the main square. Curious as I am, I headed straight there and just went in the building as if was one of the invited guests to the event. After being served a glass of champagne at the entrance, I could not believe my eyes... I had landed in a Chocolate Convention and this was the final event where the best chocolate makers from France had done their best work and were ready to be judged on who was the best. In front of me there were a dozen chocolatiers each explaining their creations carefully arranged on white linen tables. When the chocolatiers finished their introductions, the guests were invited to try the chocolates!!! I just could not believe my luck, the most delicious chocolates at my disposition, made by the best and for free! And whenever my glass of champagne was empty like magic it appeared again replenished. It was a wonderful night. I made a few friends among the chocolatiers who even gave me little boxes with chocolates to eat later. When I went back to my hotel, I realised I had a week worth of chocolates!

A few years later, still bewitched by luxury chocolates I took "chocolatier" classes in France with one of the best "chocolatiers" in the area, unfortunately it was not a success and my efforts to make delicious truffles, or a good ganache failed monumentally. So I decided to leave the speciality to the specialist and just buy my chocolate from my favourite's chocolatiers rather than experimenting in making my own culinary disasters.

Chocolate gifts:

These are some luxurious chocolates that you can buy online, either to indulge yourself or to have delivered to your friends and relatives for the holiday season.

Leonidas Belgian Chocolates:

1 lb Classic General Assortment

Leonidas is a world-renowned chocolate maker, selling over 100 different kinds of Belgian chocolate through 1,400 outlets around the world. However, regardless of where they are made, they are always made according to traditional methods, using only the finest ingredients. And now you do not even need to move from your chair to taste these sinfully delicious treats.

Leonidas General Assortment...with a well balanced and representative selection of Leonidas' fresh butter creams, smooth truffles and delectable pralines The package in Leonidas' signature wrapping paper and ribbon holds approximately 28 pieces - Net weight 1 lb. When you taste these chocolates, your taste buds will finally know true chocolate heaven.

Very Special Liquor Filled Chocolate Bottles 48 piece Holiday Gift Box

These delicious liquor filled chocolates come individually wrapped. 12 Remy Martin, 12 Kahlua,12 Grand Marnier,12 Jim Beam Makes a great holiday gift for that special someone.

Dark Chocolate Covered Gourmet Coffee Beans From Costa Rica

This one is for coffee fans. 100% gourmet Costa Rican coffee beans are delicately dipped in creamy dark chocolate. Artisan made with the purest chocolate: no preservatives, milk or fat other than natural cocoa, an enticing aroma and crunchy texture. They are packed in a special zip-lock bag to assure freshness.

Grand Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Basket

From the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, San Francisco's first chocolatier. This luxury assortment of Ghirardelli chocolate candies in different flavours and sizes, together with delicious cocoa, is a chocolate lover's dream come true.

Baileys Original Irish Cream Chocolates Holiday Gift Box By Turin Chocolates 1lb 1.6 Ounces

The perfect gift for that special someone in your life that loves Baileys Irish Cream and chocolate. Each beautifully decorated gift box comes with approximately 51 pieces of decadent Baileys Irish Cream filled chocolates. This is not flavoured Baileys; it is real Bailey's Irish Cream.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate 24 oz.

This is a rich hot chocolate to enjoy by the fire on cold evenings. A smooth chocolate taste with a hint of cinnamon that will spice up your evenings. It is irresistible and great for gift giving.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Baskets

Chocolate covered peanuts and raisins serve as the foundation of this sensational gift basket. Jordan almonds and pecan bears add a crunchy accent to almonds and cashews dipped in smoothed milk chocolate. We add some of Hammond’s famous candy selections – buttery toffees, dark and white nonpareils and chocolate covered cherries. This attractively packaged gift offers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.