DIY Gifts
The gift of chocolate is a sweet way to let someone know they are special.Chocolate makes a great gift for many different events and purposes. You can give chocolate at a party or for a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gift. Valentine's Day, Easter, Christmas, Mother's Day, and Father's Day are popular holidays for giving chocolate. Chocolate can be given to to cheer someone up such as for sympathy or for someone going through a difficult time. Chocolate can make a special gift for times of celebration like a baby shower, birth, wedding, graduation, new job, or retirement. You can give chocolate as a thank you to a teacher, friend, relative, or co-worker.
Chocolate bar wrappers
Print available online designs of chocolate bar wrappers or use a template to make your own. Put the chocolate bar wrapper around a 1.55 oz. or 3.5 oz bar size.
Hot cocoa mix in a jar
Mix 1 1/2 cups powdered milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa, and 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows in a bowl. Pour into a pint container like a mason jar. Close with lid and decorate with ribbon. Make a recipe card to attach that says: measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug. Stir in 1 cup hot water.
Trail mix
Combine chocolate pieces, nuts, and raisins to make a trail mix in a bowl. Transfer to a tin or plastic container.
Chocolate popcorn
Stir together 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup corn syrup, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla, then pour over 2 quarts of popped popcorn in a large bowl. Stir until the popcorn is well coated. Spread the popcorn onto a greased baking pan. Bake in oven at 270°F for 15 minutes, mixing a few times. Let cool and place in a container.
Chocolate truffles
Microwave 1/2 cup whipping cream for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips until melted. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour. Sift 2 tablespoons cocoa powder onto a plate. Form the mixture into 1 inch balls and roll them in the cocoa. coat evenly and shake off extra cocoa. Store in a container and refrigerate.
Chocolate candles
Buy chocolate candles at the dollar store. Place them in paper cupcake holders and put in a gift box.
Homemade chocolate crunch bars
Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Place 16 ounces of finely chopped chocolate in a large bowl and microwave on 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until completely melted. Immediately stir in 2 cups crisped cereal until evenly coated and distributed. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. Remove from the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into bars or irregular shapes. The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.