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From candy canes to hot chocolate, there are many items that are considered staples of the holiday season. So, why not combine these holiday favorites to create a one-of-a-kind gift basket for the wintertime?
The holiday season is the perfect time to spread cheer with a gift basket. So, it’s time to get festive and begin putting together a hot chocolate gift basket. Loved by many, hot chocolate is the perfect way to wind down on a chilly winter night.
If you’re looking to keep warm this winter, here are 5 things to include in your hot chocolate gift basket.
1. An assortment of hot chocolate mix
The main item to include in your hot chocolate gift basket is, of course, hot chocolate. If you know your recipient well and can name their go-to choice of chocolate, feel free to include that specific brand in your gift basket. If not, you should aim to incorporate a variety of hot chocolate mixes for them to choose from, including well-known brands as well as creations from a local vendor.
If you’re a pro in the kitchen, you can create your own hot chocolate mix to add to your gift basket. Luckily, there are plenty of recipes available online for homemade hot chocolate mixes. Making your own hot chocolate mix can even make the gift seem more personal.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can add a hot chocolate bomb to your gift basket. A hot chocolate bomb is a sphere filled with a dry hot chocolate mix. Once the “bomb” is placed in hot milk or water, it “explodes,” melting into a tasty cup of hot chocolate. Keep in mind, however, that hot chocolate bombs should be refrigerated until you are ready to deliver your gift basket.
2. Marshmallows
What’s a cup of hot chocolate without marshmallows? Whether your preference is miniature marshmallows or jumbo marshmallows, this is another item you don’t want to forget to add to your gift basket.
You can also get creative with your choice of marshmallows! Marshmallows are available in a variety of colors and flavors, so you might want to choose a flavor that is typical for the wintertime, like peppermint, or a color like blue, which resembles snow and ice.
This collection is pictured in a 13 in x 7½ in x 3½ in wooden gift box by Carpenter Core.
3. Candy canes or crushed peppermint
To truly make a hot chocolate that looks gourmet, you can add a candy cane or crushed peppermint over the top of your mug. Plus, candy canes are another staple of the holiday season so this is something you will definitely want to include in your hot chocolate gift basket.
If you would like to add more candy to your gift basket, you can choose a milk chocolate bar or even mint-flavored chocolate, as mint pairs well with hot chocolate.
4. Pastries
Sweets go well with hot chocolate, so you should add a few to your gift basket. Whether they are homemade or store-bought, your recipient is sure to appreciate a sweet treat to pair with their mug of hot chocolate.
A few pastries to consider adding to your gift basket include:
- Sugar cookies
- Scones
- Gingersnaps
- Pound cake
- Biscotti
- Macaroons
- Chocolate chip cookies
To prevent any cookies or pastries from falling apart, be sure to pack them in tins or containers with plenty of padding.
5. Fun holiday gifts
As a final touch to your hot chocolate gift basket, it can be a good idea to add fun holiday-themed gifts that the recipient can use and appreciate.
Holiday-themed set of mugs
Find a set of mugs for your gift basket recipient to enjoy their hot chocolate in. When positioning everything in your gift basket, you can place any bags of hot chocolate inside the mug for a nice and creative presentation.
Coasters
To go along with the mugs, you can also include a set of holiday-themed coasters. Look for Christmas colors or holiday designs to go along with your overall gift basket theme.
Holiday cookbook
If your gift basket recipient loves to bake, then you should definitely include a holiday cookbook in your hot chocolate gift basket. You can even find a cookbook with different hot chocolate recipes that they can try out with all their new goodies.
Conclusion
And there you have it! The items listed above are sure to satisfy any gift basket recipient looking to keep warm with a cup of hot chocolate this winter.
What else would you add to a hot chocolate gift basket?