A Sweet Surprise

It’s rare to receive a corporate gift that truly stands out. Most of us are accustomed to the usual swags: branded T-shirts, Starbucks gift cards, or the occasional holiday hamper filled with cookies and jams. But this Christmas, my company surprised me with a gift that was not only thoughtful but also unique, memorable, and downright delicious—a World Chocolates Tasting Box. This wasn’t just a gift; it was an experience, one that brought curiosity, inspiration and a little bit of global adventure into my doorstep.

My fiancé and I were intrigued. The packaging was elegant, with a map of the world subtly printed on the lid, hinting at the journey that awaited inside. As I opened it, I was greeted by an array of beautifully wrapped chocolates, from around the world – the strawberry cream filled dark chocolate from Germany, creamy crunchy milk chocolate from Switzerland, and even exotic flavors like matcha-infused chocolate from Japan, the box was a treasure trove of global delights.

Accompanying the chocolates was a sleek booklet that provided information about proper chocolate tasting techniques (who knew this existed) and a scoring sheet. My fiancé and I couldn’t wait to dive in.

That evening, we turned the tasting into a mini-date night. We laid out the chocolates on the coffee table, brewed some green and black teas to pair with the flavors, and began our journey around the world, one chocolate at a time. As we sampled each piece, we discussed the flavors, debated our favorites, and marveled at how something as simple as chocolate could vary so dramatically from one country to another.

The dark chocolate from Ecuador had a bold, almost smoky flavor, while the milk chocolate from Switzerland was velvety and smooth. The matcha chocolate from Japan was a surprising favorite, with its perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. Each bite felt like a passport stamp, transporting us to a different corner of the world without ever leaving our couch.

What made this gift so special wasn’t just the quality of the chocolates—it was the thought and intention behind it. This gift was personal, experiential, unique and connected us deeply sparking inspiration about our next trip, funny travel stories and laughter.

This gift made me realize how much potential there is for companies to go beyond the ordinary when it comes to showing appreciation for their employees. Instead of handing out yet another branded notebook or coffee mug, why not give something that creates a moment of joy, connection, or discovery? A gift like the World Chocolates Tasting Box

from a company called Appreciato doesn’t just say, “Thank you for your hard work”—it says, “We value you enough to give you something meaningful and memorable.”

In a world where remote work and digital communication are becoming the norm, thoughtful gifts like this can help bridge the gap and make employees feel seen and appreciated. They remind us that, even in a corporate setting, there’s room for creativity, thoughtfulness, and a little bit of sweetness.

As I finished the last piece of chocolate (a decadent truffle from Thailand), I couldn’t help but feel grateful—not just for the gift itself, but for the experience it created. It was a reminder that the best gifts aren’t always the most expensive or extravagant; they’re the ones that show thought, care, and a desire to bring joy to the recipient.

So, to any companies out there wondering how to show appreciation for their employees, take a page out of my company’s book. Skip the generic swag and opt for something that sparks joy, fosters connection, and creates lasting memories. After all, a happy employee isn’t just a productive employee—they’re someone who feels valued, seen, and inspired to give their best. And sometimes, all it takes is a little chocolate to make that happen.