Its tough to find someone who doesnt like chocolate. Maybe its partially due to the fact that chocolate releases endorphins, the same neurotransmitters that make you feel good after you sneeze or have sex or fall in love. The nearly universal draw to chocolate makes chocolate, in any shape or form, an extremely popular gift. This is as true for children as it is for grandparents; who didnt love trick-or-treating when they were little or receiving a box of chocolates for Valentine s Day when they were older? Chocolate is a great gift for just about anyone, big or small.

Of course, all chocolate is not created equal. Though the mass-produced chocolates made by companies like M&M, Mars, and Hersheys taste good, theyre really nothing compared to gourmet chocolate. Its a bit of a shame that some people go their whole lives thinking that gourmet chocolate refers to those heart-shaped boxes of factory truffles passed around after Valentines Day, but this couldnt be further from the truth (especially if you get to the box of Valentines chocolates last and all thats left are the picked-over remains, most of them with holes in the bottom where Aunt May punched her thumb through to see what kind of chocolate each contained).

True gourmet chocolate is usually crafted by master chocolatiers (which, incidentally, must be an amazing job). These chocolatiers create chocolates in the same way that professional chefs create meals; with the best ingredients, best recipes, and with an expert sense of taste. Though the finest chocolates can be found only at the table of one of these chocolatiers, other fine retail outlets like Godiva also sell some excellent gourmet chocolates. Of course, like the finest meals, these gourmet chocolates do come at a price. Though you may pay $15 for a box of 50 chocolate truffles in a drug store, youre more likely to pay from $1.50-$5.00 per truffle if youre getting them from a professional chocolatiers.

Though gourmet chocolates arent very likely to replace Hersheys Kisses in your everyday candy dish, they do make a great touch of extravagance, especially for that special person in your life (and even if you decide to spoil yourself every now and again). Its tough to explain or replicate the flavor of an excellent chocolate; its truly something you need to experience for yourself. Though it may take a little searching, eventually youll find that perfect chocolate, and it will be tough to ever go back to Hersheys Kisses again.