Chocolate has come to the rescue of millions of indecisive gift givers over the years. It’s the one gift that surely never goes to waste! Make your gift a little special by producing your own homemade bark or truffles, or take our advice and buy some special single origin choccies.

1. Chocolate bark

No other gift will ever be this much fun to make! Photo by Greg de Villiers.

Melt 200 g dark, milk or white chocolate in a double-boiler or bain-marie (don’t let the top bowl touch the simmering water!), then pour onto silicone baking paper. Top with mini white marshmallows, toasted coconut flakes, caramel popcorn and crushed sugared almonds. Chill to set and break into shards to wrap.

2. Chocolate truffles

Make your own chocolate truffles. Photo by Mark Serra.

Melt 300 g 60% dark chocolate in a double-boiler, then stir through 6 T heated cream until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Beat 150 g butter until pale and doubled in volume, then gradually pour in the melted chocolate, stirring until everything is incorporated. Add 3 T rum if you like, then chill the mixture until firm. Scoop out rounds of the mixture using a melon baller or teaspoon, then roll in a mixture of cocoa powder and icing sugar, chopped pistachios, or dessicated coconut. Store in an airtight container until you’re ready to put them in a gift box.

3. Artisanal chocolates

There’s no shame in giving shop-bought choccies. Especially if they’re locally manufactured, bean-to-bar artisanal chocolate in delicious flavours such as orange peel and vanilla, lime and ginger, and cinnamon and chilli, and wrapped in the most gorgeous packaging you’ve ever seen. We’re talking about De Villiers Artisan Chocolate – available in single origin and flavour tasting packs. They’re guaranteed to earn you serious cred from your foodie friends.

For more fab gift-worthy chocolates made using 100% UTZ certified sustainable cocoa, visit Woolworths.