Food & Drink

Candy & chocolate

8 kinds worth knowing, 13 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of candy & chocolate — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Candy and chocolate work for almost anyone on your list: a coworker, a host, a teen, or the relative who says they don't need anything. Unlike most gifts, it gets eaten, so it never ends up in a closet. The ones that land best either feel a bit special, like a box of gourmet candy, or bring back a memory, like the candy bars someone grew up with. Think about the person's tastes first. Do they like dark or milk chocolate, chewy or crunchy, classic or unusual? Packaging matters too. A tin, jar or box that looks good on the table does half the work of a gift.

Kind 1 of 8

Candy bars people actually reach for

A bundle of candy bars is an easy stocking stuffer or desk gift, and it's hard to get wrong. Mix familiar favourites with a few the person may not have tried, or go up a step with a set of artisan bars in different origins and cocoa levels. Artisan bars suit someone who likes to taste and compare, and classic bars suit someone who just wants a treat. Before buying, check whether the person prefers milk, dark or white chocolate, and read the ingredient list if they avoid nuts, gluten or dairy.

  • Representative photo-style image of artisan chocolate bar collection — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Artisan chocolate bar collection

    This collection of unique chocolate bars suits connoisseurs who appreciate diverse cacao origins and flavor profiles.

Kind 2 of 8

Tiny candy-coated chocolates

Mini candy-coated chocolates are small enough to snack on by the handful, sprinkle over ice cream or bake into cookies. They suit bakers, kids, and anyone who keeps a candy dish on their desk. Tubes and small bags fit easily in a stocking, and a clear jar filled with them, or with a retro candy mix, makes a simple gift that looks cheerful. Check whether you want plain or a flavoured variety, and pick a container the person can reuse once the candy is gone.

  • Representative photo-style image of retro candy mix jar — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Retro candy mix jar

    A nostalgic mix of classic candies brings back childhood memories and offers a sweet trip down memory lane for all ages.

Kind 3 of 8

A mini claw machine for candy

A mini claw machine is a desktop version of the arcade game. You fill it with small candies or trinkets and try to grab them. It's a toy first and a candy gift second, which makes it a fun pick for teens, game lovers, or an office that likes a bit of play. Before buying, check the size so it fits on a desk or shelf, whether it runs on batteries or a cable, and what size of candy the claw can actually pick up.

Kind 4 of 8

Candy-coated chocolate for sharing

Candy-coated chocolate is a crowd favourite for a reason: it doesn't melt on your fingers, it comes in many flavours, and it's easy to share. It works well in a holiday bowl for a host or in a family gift basket. Pair it with a chocolate-covered pretzel variety pack for a salty-sweet mix. Check the flavour: peanut, plain, caramel and seasonal versions taste quite different. Pick a resealable bag or a jar so it stays fresh through the holidays.

  • Representative photo-style image of chocolate covered pretzel variety pack — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Chocolate covered pretzel variety pack

    The perfect balance of sweet and salty, this variety pack offers a satisfying crunch and rich chocolate coating for snack lovers.

Kind 5 of 8

Chocolate and caramel together

Chocolate and caramel is one of the most loved combinations, from soft chews to chocolate-dipped caramels with a pinch of sea salt. It suits anyone with a sweet tooth, and it works especially well for parents, grandparents and hosts who enjoy a classic. Caramels come soft or firm, so think about who is eating them. Individually wrapped pieces are easier to share and keep better. Check whether the caramel is salted or plain, and whether the chocolate is milk or dark.

  • Representative photo-style image of gourmet caramel chews selection — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Gourmet caramel chews selection

    A collection of buttery, chewy caramel candies offers a rich and satisfying indulgence for those who enjoy classic sweet treats.

Kind 6 of 8

Gourmet candy that feels special

Gourmet candy is for the person who notices quality: truffles with real fillings, gummies made with fruit, maple treats, or candy from other countries they've never tried. It makes a good host gift or a thank-you for a coworker because it feels chosen, not grabbed. A truffle advent calendar spreads the fun across December, and a lump of coal tin adds a joke for someone with a good sense of humour. Check the flavour list and whether the candy needs to stay cool.

  • Illustration of Maple Candy Lollipops

    Curated pickUnder $15

    Maple Candy Lollipops

    Canadiana on a stick — real maple candy lollipops

  • Representative photo-style image of gourmet gummy candy assortment — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Gourmet gummy candy assortment

    A delightful assortment of chewy gummy candies offers a fun and fruity treat for those who enjoy vibrant flavors and textures.

  • Representative photo-style image of international candy sampler box — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    International candy sampler box

    This curated box allows recipients to explore a diverse array of unique and exotic candies from around the world, perfect for adventurous palates.

  • Representative photo-style image of luxury chocolate truffle box — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Luxury chocolate truffle box

    This elegant box of rich, decadent chocolate truffles makes a sophisticated gift for anyone who appreciates fine confectionery.

Kind 7 of 8

White chocolate treats

White chocolate has a loyal following among people who find dark chocolate too bitter. You'll find it as bark with peppermint or berries, dipped pretzels, and white hot chocolate bombs that melt into a mug of warm milk. It suits kids, teens, and anyone who loves sweet, creamy flavours. Look for cocoa butter near the top of the ingredient list, since some cheaper versions swap it for other fats. Hot chocolate bombs also make a cozy gift for a family to share.

  • Representative photo-style image of hot chocolate bomb set — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Hot chocolate bomb set

    These delightful spheres of chocolate, filled with cocoa and marshmallows, create an engaging and comforting warm beverage experience.

Kind 8 of 8

Mini chocolate bars for sharing

Mini chocolate bars are made for sharing. They fill stockings, top up a gift basket, or sit in a bowl at a holiday party. Mixed bags let everyone find a favourite, and small bars from a good chocolate maker make a neat gift for a coworker or teacher. They also suit people who like a small treat without a whole bar. Check the mix of flavours in the bag, and choose individually wrapped bars if you plan to hand them out.

How to choose candy & chocolate as a gift

  • Match the chocolate style to the person: milk, dark or white matters more than fancy packaging.
  • Read the ingredient list if the person avoids nuts, dairy, gluten or gelatin.
  • Pick packaging that can be reused, like a tin or jar, so the gift lasts after the candy is gone.
  • For groups or offices, pick individually wrapped pieces that are easy to share.
  • If you're shipping or storing chocolate, think about warm rooms and pick sturdier treats like hard candy.

Usually safe to skip

  • Huge novelty bars look fun but usually go stale before anyone finishes them.
  • Heavily flavoured chocolate, like chili or lavender, can miss unless you know the person enjoys unusual tastes.
  • Mixed bags full of candy the person already buys every week don't feel like much of a gift.

Questions people ask about candy & chocolate

What kind of candy makes a good gift for a coworker?
Pick something easy to share and not too personal. Mini chocolate bars, a small box of truffles, or a jar of mixed candy all work. Individually wrapped pieces are handy if the coworker wants to share with the team.
How far ahead can I buy chocolate for Christmas?
Most boxed chocolates and candy bars keep well for several weeks. Check the best-before date on the package and store them somewhere cool and dry. Truffles and fresh caramels usually have a shorter window, so buy those closer to the holidays.
Is candy a good gift for someone who has everything?
Yes. Candy gets eaten, so it won't add clutter. Choose something they wouldn't usually buy for themselves, like an international sampler box, gourmet truffles or maple candy, so it still feels thoughtful.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All candy & chocolate picks

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