Candy Gift Giving Guide

Candy makes a great gift for everyone. To make sure you select the best candy for any gift-giving occassion use the following questions to help guide your purchase.

1. Flavor
A. Does the recipient prefer sweet, sour or chocolate treats?
B. Would they prefer fruit or non fruit flavors? Mint?
C. Unsure? Consider this: Which type of candy is the recipient most likely to “steal” out of a Halloween bag or bowl?

2. Feel
A. Do they prefer confections that are gooey and chewy, soft and creamy or hard?
B. Would they prefer nuts, raisins or caramel…or all three?
C. Unsure? Which type of candy do you associate most with recipient: Lollipop or hard tac candy? Chocolate? Piece of taffy? Stick of gum? Fruit bar?

3. Function
A. Will the recipient use these treats for an energy boost? To pamper themselves? To make friends?
B. Would they prefer their treats to be packaged in a colorful box? Individually wrapped? Pocket-sized?
C. Unsure? Consider these scenarios: Is your mom more likely to keep the candy all to herself or to share it with members of her book club? Is your dad more likely to bring the candy with him on a fishing trip or to keep it in the glove compartment of his car for a quick pick-me-up on the ride home from work? Will your college-age son stash the treats in his dorm room or use it as an ice breaker to meet new people?

4. Fitness
A. Does the recipient have special dietary needs? Are they diabetic? Subscribe to a low-calorie, low-fat diet?
B. Would they prefer sweets that supply energy to increase their athletic performance?
C. Unsure? Consult the candy labels for guidance. Also, consider sugar-free treats for low-calorie, diabetic diets or sweets containing nuts and fruits that can give athletes a protein and energy boost.

5. Fun
A. Does the recipient have a favorite childhood candy which could provide a welcome wave of nostalgia?
B. Would these treats be introduced for the first time to start a new tradition?
C. Unsure? Why not give your favorite candy as a gift and share the personal memories behind why you think it’s the best?