You can never run out of reasons to give gifts: birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Easter and Valentine's days. Some people are easy to shop for, yet others are a bit more difficult. However, there seems to be one gift that seems to universally accepted: chocolate.

When these treats come in the form of handcrafted or gourmet chocolates, a simple present can become spectacular. Even if you're not too crazy about sweet chocolates you'll no doubt be able to appreciate the beauty of handcrafted chocolates, a luxuriousness that has accompanied chocolate making for years.

Since its discovery by the Spaniards, chocolate has been associated with opulence and comfort. As a matter of fact, only those who were wealthy and worthy had access to this treat. This god-like treat was so coveted that Oltecs and Mayan slaves were forced to grow enough chocolate to fulfill the demand of the European courts.

It was only during the Industrial Revolution that chocolate became readily available to everyone. New technology allowed producers to lower costs and increase production, which was an appealing result were it not for the fact that the quality of the product began to grossly decline.

In the years to come, the mass production of chocolate made it more uniform, and much less elaborate, however, it has always retained a sense of extravagance and indulgence. This is why handcrafted and luxury chocolates have become so appealing to so many people.

Recently these types of chocolate treats have once again become popular. In fact, chocolate bonbons are some of the most popular types of handcrafted chocolates around along with artisanal chocolate bars, that have recently found their way to the public's interest.

What are Bonbons?

Bonbon comes from the French word bon which literally means good. In modern usage, the word bon was taken a step further and converted into bonbon, a popular term used to describe a candy that has a center of fondant, fruit, or nuts and is coated with chocolate or fondant. In more simple terms, a chocolate bonbon is merely a fruit, flavored fondant, cream, or nut coated with chocolate.

As time went on, bonbon makers became more creative with their trade and began making new and exciting designs for their creations. If you go into a luxury chocolate store, you can find a wide range of designs including animal figures, jewelry shapes, flowers, etc.

What is an Artisanal Chocolate Bar?

Artisanal chocolate bars are basically chocolates that are custom-made by an artisanal chocolate maker. This chocolate maker works by experimenting with different materials to make new and exciting candy. It's even possible to find chocolate that has been laced with gold.

Unlike mass produced candy, handcrafted chocolates come in elegant and sophisticated packaging. This isn't just to help sell more, it's actually a part of the entire chocolate experience.

BRUNATTO CIOCCOLATO is a Chilean based chocolate atelier known for making the most unforgettable handcrafted chocolates and gourmet chocolate gifts. Brunatto chocolates are made using only the best dark chocolate, bittersweet chocolate and flavored liqueurs for a great gift idea that will make anyone smile.