Have you ever wondered how people started to make a habit of giving chocolate as a gift for most of every occasion, 365 days of the year? From birthdays to Valentine’s to Mother’s Day chocolates to simply saying “Thank You” or “I’m Thinking of You”. Many have resolved their choosing-the-perfect-gift-woes by giving a simple bar or a box full of chocolates. There is nothing sweeter than showing how you really feel for one special person especially by presenting him or her with a ballotin of Belgium pralines or a basketful of assorted chocolate squares, drops and bonbons with or without a bouquet of flowers.
The meaning of giving chocolate as a gift can be traced back during ancient times when the Aztecs presented cups of their chocolate concoctions to kings or members of royalty, warriors, and to explorers because they believed that chocolate or the cacao beans were gifts from their gods. Thus, it was just appropriate that “god-like” beings should partake of this gift. Subsequently, when the Spaniards conquered the Aztec lands and dominated the acquisition and use of cacao beans, they kept them as a secret from the rest of the world for almost a century.
Aside from being known as the food of the Gods, chocolate was also known during ancient times as an aphrodisiac. Aztec Emperor Montezuma was known to drink several cups of chocolate to sustain his virility. This is why it became very popular in Europe even though it had a bitter taste. Even Casanova, the infamous seducer of women, was known to drink chocolate instead of champagne and called it the elixir of love. Thus, nuns, during an unspecified time in the past, were forbidden to eat or drink chocolate because of its sexual reputation. Another tale even tells of French doctors prescribing chocolates to heal a broken heart and to change moods.
Over the years, chocolates became an instant hit as a gift for many occasions, when wooing a mate or when you just want somebody to feel better. For as long as anyone can remember, giving chocolates as a gift means that you consider the person who will receive it as very special - just like royalty and you would like him or her to have warm feelings towards you.
However, if you want to stick to facts (historical facts, that is) it was Queen Victoria who started giving away chocolates as a gift during the 1900s. She sent tins of chocolates to soldiers in the Boer War as a Christmas/New Year’s gift. This was adopted by many Europeans and subsequently by other nations using their own beliefs and celebrations to provide meaning into giving chocolate gifts. In recent years, chocolates have become very popular and considered to be one of the most consumed food product in the United States and some parts of the world.
After all, what is Valentine’s Day without giving and receiving chocolate? What is Easter Sunday without the chocolate eggs and bunnies? What is Christmas without chocolate Santa Claus and Christmas tree cookies? And what is Mother’s Day without a some incredible gourmet chocolates to enjoy? All of these and more provide meaning to different occasions and the importance we give to those we love the most.
If you missed the first part of this post on the top ten reasons to send chocolate gifts, click here to read the first part!
5. Send chocolates to kiss off a diet. If your special someone is on a diet, give them a break with a hearty box of chocolates. You don’t worry about giving a fattening gift, because sugar-free, low-carb and organic chocolate boxes are fun, diet-friendly options.
6. Send chocolate to spread the good news. If you have a big announcement to make, chocolate is a great way to get everyone’s attention.7. Send chocolate to celebrate a special occasion. Chocolates are in order if someone in your life has just celebrated a special occasion like an engagement, a wedding or the birth of a child. Sure, cards are nice and flowers are pretty. But chocolates will always win!
8. Send chocolates to break the ice on a date. This especially works for females, but giving chocolates can also let a man’s guard down so he is more at ease. Plus, it gets the conversation going if the box is assorted chocolates. You can delve into what you fillings you like and don’t like then move into life things you like and don’t like… without it sounding so much like a typical, first date interview.
9. Send chocolates to say you’re sorry. We all make mistakes. Maybe you hurt someone you care about. Say “I’m sorry” by sending chocolates instead of an olive branch.
10. Send chocolates for fun. Look, everyone loves them. Brighten up a dreary day with a fun delivery sure to make anyone’s day.
Now that you’ve found the best ten reasons to send chocolates, who are you going to start with today and send them a scrumptious chocolate treat?
If you send chocolate, you will win the heart of anyone with a sweet tooth. Although many send chocolates as a romantic gesture, there are several other reasons to send chocolate out into the world.
1. Send chocolates on major holidays. This includes Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and of course, Grandparents Day. If you send chocolates on one of these fun occasions, you will certainly bring a sweet touch into someone’s life.
2. Send chocolates as a bribe. Hey, maybe you need to sweet talk your boss into giving you that big promotion. Or maybe you just want to make sure that all your hard work at the office does not go unnoticed. If you send chocolates, you’re not just kissing up, you’re creating a friendly vibe within your office, ‘cause odds are, your boss is going to share. This is also a great technique if you want to make friends with your co-workers or make an impression on anyone else in the office.
3. Send chocolate to make someone’s birthday wish come true! If it’s your mom/dad/sister/brother’s birthday and you didn’t have time to think of another gift, chocolate is always a winner. This is also a good last minute pick-up if you are headed out to a birthday party for someone who is an acquaintance.
4. Send chocolates to alleviate a sweet tooth. Maybe a friend of yours has a major chocolate habit and you just want to make their day.
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