For an early anniversary, a first or a second say, the register is warm and unshowy. A mid-size collection, perhaps with a short printed message or the date, says you remembered and you made a small effort, which is precisely the tone those years call for. It is a gift between two people rather than a public statement, so restraint reads better than grandeur.

New babies and christenings bring a run of gifts aimed squarely at the child, which is lovely and also slightly misses the people doing the hard work. A chocolate gift, especially a personalised one, quietly addresses the parents and the wider family at a point when a small kindness lands well.

Match the scale to the gesture, choose a maker with real provenance, and keep the box simple. Handled that way, a thank you gift does its whole job: it closes the loop warmly and leaves nobody feeling they have to reply in kind.

One honest point that applies to any recipient. If he asks about ingredients or dietary suitability, point him to the published product information rather than reassuring him yourself.

Anniversaries come in a range of sizes, and a gift that fits a first year rarely fits a fortieth. Chocolate scales neatly across all of them, provided you match the collection and its personalisation to the milestone you are actually marking.

Learn more at wedding favour Lily O'Brien's Chocolates.