Why chocolates make the best cheer up gifts

23 May 2022

Gift Ideas Gifts

Brighten a loved one’s day with delicious chocolate. But why is it such a great cheer up gift?

If someone you love is going through a rough patch in their life, under a lot of stress, or even just feeling a bit down, cheer up gifts can be a great example of “a little goes a long way”. And sometimes, it’s the small things that really matter. A surprise gift might not fix all their problems, but it can express your support, show you’re thinking of them, and help brighten their day.

Flowers are a traditional gift, but now more and more people are turning to edible gifts, like chocolate. It’s long-lasting, can be easily personalised, and may even give a much-needed serotonin boost.

People with coffee holding hands across the table

Why do chocolates make the best cheer up gifts?

Here’s why we think chocolates are the ideal cheer up gifts, and how to choose the best chocolate cheer up gift for someone who needs it.

There are so many to choose from

Everyone has their chocolate preference, whether it’s the deepest and darkest possible chocolate, indulgent truffles with a tipsy twist, or even with a hint of chilli. No matter their tastes, there’s bound to be a chocolate they love, which is what makes them such great gifts.

They’re delicious!

There’s no escaping this one: there’s an undeniable reason why people love chocolate so much — it’s tasty! There’s just something so satisfying about the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible taste of chocolate that makes it a gift people are rarely disappointed to receive.

You can send them in the post

Have you ever forgotten that you ordered something and then been pleasantly surprised when it arrived? A surprise delivery can be really exciting, and that surprise might be just what they need to turn their day around. And surprise chocolate? It’s the perfect treat. Luckily, you can get chocolate delivered right to their house.

Or why not deliver it in person? Take the chance to have a chat, show them your support in person, and maybe even offer a hug.

Traditional red post box

Studies suggest they may boost endorphins

It’s a commonly-held conception that chocolate contains chemicals that make you happy. While there’s still debate around chocolate’s happiness effect, according to BBC Science Focus, chocolate “does contain a number of compounds associated with mood-lifting chemicals in the brain”. This includes the natural antidepressant phenylethylamine, and the amino acid tryptophan, which is linked to serotonin production in the brain.

However, the article goes on to explain that “scientists say that they are probably almost entirely digested before they reach the brain”, meaning these chemicals might not be directly having an effect.

So does chocolate make you happy? No matter what’s actually going on up there, it’s hard to deny that chocolate can be a great pick-me-up. Whether it’s the association with happiness, the dopamine from getting a treat, or even just the taste, there really does seem to be some magic to it all.

How to choose cheer up chocolates

So, how do you decide which chocolate cheer up gifts to get your friend or loved one? Here are some things to consider purchasing:

Something they love

When you’re feeling down, it’s nice to be reminded that you’re loved. Someone remembering your preferences is such a simple thing. But it makes you feel known and appreciated. So when you’re choosing some cheer up chocolates for your loved one, consider personalising your gift. Do they prefer milk or dark? Do they have any dietary requirements, such as being dairy or gluten-free? Or maybe there’s one particular patisserie selector that you know they love. That’s a guaranteed way to put a smile on their face.

Something exciting

Not sure about their preferences? Why not give them the chance to be adventurous and try something new? This option might not be for everyone, but if your loved one is the kind of person who likes to try new things, something novel could cheer them up. How about looking for our latest products?

Something simple

Chocolate is a fail-safe comfort food, there’s no doubt about it. And sometimes when everything seems grey, something familiar is just the thing you need to get through it. No frills, no extra flavours — just the smooth and comforting taste of chocolate.

Chocolate gifts to cheer them up

The cheer up gift you choose will naturally depend on the recipient’s tastes, but if you want a few ideas to get started, here are some of our recommendations for the best chocolate to give as a gift.

Hot chocolate

We like to think of drinking chocolate as a hug in a mug, and it’s not hard to see why. Holding a warm drink in your hands is a comforting feeling, and can be great to sit down and relax with a mug of detectably smooth warm chocolate when you’re feeling down. You can’t go wrong with our Milky 50% Hot Chocolat Sachets for that creamy texture and cosy chocolate taste.

Woman drinking hot chocolate by a fireplace

Whimsical or cute chocolate

If you know your loved one is the type to go “awww” at cute animals, or just appreciates a bit of whimsy in their life, a more playful gift could be the ticket to bringing a smile to their face. We think our Dozen Chocolate Dapper Dogs are just the cute little critters to help out.

Self-care package

By now, we all know the importance of practising self-care. And the times when you’re feeling down are the times when you need it the most. So why not give your loved one the pampering they deserve? Our Rabot Collection bundle includes both chocolate and skincare, making it the perfect option for a relaxing evening of tropical scents and sweet nibbles. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Cheer up gift box

The classic chocolate box makes a great gift for its variety. Even one tiny box can be bursting with different flavours. And from Marzipan to ice cream sundaes, there’s a chocolate box to suit every taste. Find something you know they’ll love, and you can be sure to perk them up a bit.

Cheer up chocolates for loved ones — and yourself

Whether you’re giving them a whole chocolate hamper of goodies or just their favourite selector, chocolate is a wonderful way to brighten someone’s day. And while you’re giving them a cheer up gift, why not take the time to send them a message to show your support and care?
And don’t forget, if you’re feeling a little blue yourself, you can always get a little gift “to me, from me.” Go on, you deserve it!