Chocolate, too, is a party. Among the classic French ganaches, a thick outer shell of chocolate is considered a mistake, the mark of an amateur. Bon Bon Bon makes it a gem, a dramatic crack in the hard chocolate that gives way to the creamy or crunchy or spicy secrets inside. This may include a “praline” made in Detroit Better Made potato chipsa liquid drizzle of strawberry balsamic, cookie crumble, or a “cake” flavor like a child’s birthday party.

Being nice is not a strong suit. Sweetness, irreverence, and unexpected textures reign. And if the establishment of French cocoa can be white, our lone French taster is delighted, saying that the box makes him feel “like a child again.” In a word, Bon Bon Bon is fun. And who hates fun? (Don’t answer.)

Delivery and presentation: For someone with a sense of humor and playfulness, this is a delightful gift: a brightly colored assortment bag full of nostalgia and wonder. Gift wraps are offered for $3 more. Gift dedications come on a packing slip. Google Pay is accepted.

shipping: Plan ahead. After a one to three business day fulfillment time (these bonbons are heavily packaged), UPS ground shipping costs $10 for a mixed box, or it’s free for orders north of $100. Overnight is a lot, depending on where you are. See here for shipping timelines for the holidays.

Truffles From a Goat Farm: Big Picture Farm

Courtesy of Big Picture Farm

Big Picture Farm

Ultimate Confection Collection

Love comes in many forms. On the one hand, nostalgic chocolate caramels and truffles from Vermont’s Big Picture Farm come in a classic chocolate box format, tried and true. On the other hand, the box is rustic cardboard and comes with cute pictures of grinning goats. “I like goats,” read a card with chocolate. “Do you like goat?”

We, it turns out. Our tasters around the world enjoy the simple, pastoral presentation and complex goat-milk character of Big Picture Farm’s nostalgic confections, goat-milk caramels and truffles or chocolate turtles with little eyes. Each chocolate tastes better than expected, with an off note or an off-temper.