> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thechocolatelife.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Exploring Chocolate Gifting Options | #PSC 169 - URL: https://thechocolatelife.com/exploring-chocolate-gifting-options-psc-169/ - Published: 2025-12-22T20:13:32.000Z - Updated: 2025-12-23T16:36:58.000Z - Description: Episode 169 of #PodSaveChocolate is a follow-up to the episode on Advent Calendars. I asked several search engines what the most popular holiday chocolate gifting options were. What can we learn from these lists? [updated] - Author: Clay Gordon - Tags: PodSaveChocolate, Live Stream **When and Where to Watch** 🗓️ This stream begins at 11:00 ****MST** (10:00 PST, 12:00 CST, 1:00 pm EST), on Tuesday, Dec 23rd, 2025. Links below to watch LIVE and to view the archived episode. This ****YOUTUBE** link is shareable. 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[Watch this episode on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/share/1KtTBPHXHS/) --- ## **Overview - Episode 169** Episode 167 of PodSaveChocolate took a look at Advent Calendars for the 2025 season after briefly exploring the history of Advent Calendars and when chocolate first appeared in them. The episode was not a buying guide (too late) or a critical review (I did not buy any of them). Instead, I took a look at two lists of recommendations – one aimed at the general public and one aimed at chocolate fans. [What’s Behind Door #24? | #PSC 167Episode 167 of #PodSaveChocolate takes a look at chocolate-themed Advent calendars; not a buying guide and not a critical tasting guide; just a look at what was/is on offer and what to think about them and the way they are described. \[updated\]![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-346.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Ep-167-Advent-Calendars---Featured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/whats-behind-door-24-psc-167/) I am going to take a similar approach in this episode, taking a look at three lists of recommendations, all published in 2025: [The Best Boxed ChocolatesWe’ve taste-tested 36 brands of chocolate since 2014, and we found six delicious, luxurious boxes that make perfect gifts.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-23.png)The New York Times![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/boxedchocolates-2048px-1577-2x1-1.jpg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-boxed-chocolates/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) > **Price/Emphasis:** Roughly $50–$180 per box; calls out shipping costs and facility notes; value framed by execution and precision. **Overlaps:** Valerie Confections appears across guides; artisan bonbons category overlaps with Serious Eats. **Uniques:** Most granular tasting panels and technique critique; includes vegan/nut-free picks and single-origin truffle education. [Life Handed Us 28 Boxes of Chocolates—We Found the Best Ones for Gifting (or Keeping for Yourself)We tried 28 boxes of chocolates, noting their shipping, flavor, and presentation. After tasting the bonbons, we landed on 23 top picks for any occasion.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-29.png)Serious EatsEditorial Process![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/se-boxed-chocolates-2-gk-c6bf4ad7744547e4996eeee6874383a6.jpg)](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-chocolate-boxes-8414371?ref=thechocolatelife.com) > **Price/Emphasis:** Broad but centered around $30–$120; attention to price-to-quality and practical giftability. **Overlaps:** In artisan bonbon makers category; often similar tier to Wirecutter’s Recchiuti/Stick With Me style picks. **Uniques:** Practicality (shipping, condition), larger set of winners; strong testing methodology write-up. [The Best Chocolate Gifts for Anyone Who Loves a Sweet Little TreatWhether you’re looking for truffles, artisanal bonbons, or the gooiest chocolate chip cookies—we’ve got you covered.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-59.ico)Bon AppétitKate Kassin![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/11.03_BA_Holiday-20Gift-20Guide-20Chocolate-20lovers.jpg)](https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-chocolate-gifts-2025?ref=thechocolatelife.com) > **Price/Emphasis:** Widest span: \~$10–$120+\]; value tied to packaging, mission, trendiness, and audience fit. **Overlaps:** Valerie Confections is a direct overlap; Compartés and bark are unique to BA’s broader lens. **Uniques:** Gift-guide breadth beyond bonbons; strong design/mission storytelling and seasonal classics. --- ### **Comments? Questions?** If you have questions or want to comment, you can do so during the episode or, if you are a ChocolateLife member, add them in the Comments below at ***any*** time. --- ### **Episode Hashtags and Socials** #cocoa #cacao #cacau #chocolate #chocolat #specialtychocolate #craftchocolate #beantobar #PodSaveChoc #LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife --- ### **Future Episodes** 🗓️ ****Friday, December 26th** **2025: The Year in Review* 🗓️ ****Tuesday, December 30th** **2026: The Year Ahead* 🗓️ ****Friday, January 2nd** TBD --- ### **#PodSaveChocolate and #TheChocolateLifeLIVE Archives** **To read an archived post** and find the links to watch archived episodes, click on one of the bookmark cards below. [Pod Save Chocolate Calendar and ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. #PodSaveChocolate!![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/11/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080-5.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/pod-save-chocolate-calendar-and-archive/) [#TheChocolateLifeLIVE ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/03/solen-feyissa-WG7v_wYZW4Q-unsplash-CalendarFeatured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/thechocolatelife-live-calendar/) [PodSaveChocolateHosted by Clay Gordon, the creator and moderator of TheChocolateLife.com, #PodSaveChocolate covers a wide variety of topics in the worlds of cocoa and chocolate. The video versions of this podcast are hosted and archived on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Click on the PodSaveChocolate link in the top nav on TheChocolateLife for the links to the post accompanying each episode.![](https://pnc.st/static/img/256x256.png)Pinecast![](https://social.pinecast.net/preview_card/podcasts/covers/d3730dca-0711-4720-9ef3-3b18918c1f0d/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080.jpg?title=PodSaveChocolate)](https://pnc.st/s/podsavechocolate?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Audio-only podcasts --- ## Not a Member? Live The Chocolate Life – Live La Vida Cocoa! Sign up for Free to comment and receive members-only content. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Premium subscriptions available. ---