Things for the Chocolate Connoisseur

• The tricky part about creating a basket for chocolate connoisseurs is finding items that will surprise them and live up to their high standards of chocolate excellence. Shop specialty stores for handmade or imported chocolates, or for seasonal items like chocolate-covered summer fruits that are only available for a short time. Check out websites for candy shops in foreign countries and order some exceptional handpicked items. Look for items such as chocolate tea, wine or beer, as well as chocolate cheese or chocolate pasta.

Things for the Guest of Honor

• Bestow the bride-to-be with a basked filled with chocolate wine, heart-shaped candies and cookies, champagne chocolates, tiny boxes containing two truffles and a membership in a chocolate of the month club to enjoy after the honeymoon. Along with a box of her favorite chocolates, gift the expectant mom with colorful chocolates shaped like diaper pins, bottles, rattles and booties. Include some items to help mom relax like chocolate-scented candles, body lotion or bubble bath.

Things for the Do-It-Yourselfer

• If you know someone who loves to whip up his own confections in the kitchen, create a basket filled with do-it-yourself chocolate fun. Choose candy-making and baking items such as melting chocolates in various colors and flavors, chocolate chips, nuts, chocolate extract, frosting in tubs and tubes, cocoa powder and chocolate sauces in squeeze bottles. Include kitchen tools such as a double boiler, candy molds, a candy thermometer, cupcake tins and cookie cutters. Round out the goodies with a chocolate-themed cookbook and a few personal recipes.

Things for the Retro-Minded

• For that friend who loves all things retro, create a chocolate basket that will sweep her off her feet and back in time. Start with a fondue pot, melting chocolates and little bags of dippers such as cubed pound cake, dried fruit and shortbread cookies. Many websites offer retro candies and chocolates. Search the web and order a few items from her favorite decade. Scour used book stores or auction sites for old cookbooks filled with nostalgic recipes and photos.