groovychocolate.com

You know there are some things that are so good that you can’t wait to tell the whole world about them? Well, I’ve found one. One of the most underrated sites on the Internet has to be groovychocolate.com. Unlike a normal Internet order site for chocolate, this company has made it so that you can create individual and unique bars every time you place an order.

On top of a layer of chocolate (dark, white or milk) sits a specially designed piece of artistry made of icing sugar), which can either consist of one of the designs built into the system, or a picture uploaded to the site via your scanner and modem. What makes the chocolate so unique is that you are able to print a message into the side of the picture, so that your friend not only knows who gave it you, but so that you can add your own jokes or touches.

Something so personalised and with need of careful attention when posted to an address is something that you wouldn’t expect to come too cheaply. Although there are more expensive chocolate sites out there, the bar still retails at £9.99 (+ p&p), which is quite expensive when you consider all you are getting is 220g of chocolate. To put that into comparison for you, that is approximately the size of a 200g Dairy Milk bar, which retails at around £1. However, it is not the chocolate that you are paying for, obviously. It is the unique nature of every bar that’s printed. You are even allowed to pick a date for dispatch and change the fonts and sizes of the writing. Besides, the quality of the chocolate itself (I can speak from experience) is higher than any I’ve ever found in the shops (with the possible exception of Dream bars, eh Moose?).

The site also operates a system of ‘Brownie points’, whereby when you have bought five bars, you effectively get the fifth one for free. Although this seems like a really great deal in principal, which it is, because the site has recently introduced an extra £1.95 per order to cover the postage and packing charges, you rather irritatingly still have to provide your credit card details even for this rather measly bit of extra cash. Could they not have given the postage and packing for free in the make-up of the other orders?

However, it’s not just bars that they sell, (although they are the main selling point of the site). Groovychocolate also sell boxes of very high-quality chocolates, all at ridiculously high prices. If you are looking to buy a box that contains fewer chocolates than a box of Black Magic chocolates, you’re looking to pay at least £23.50. I’m all for good quality chocolates, but is this not a bit high a price, especially when these aren’t even in their ‘Luxury Chocolate’ range? If you’re feeling particularly extravagant, though, it might be worth trying the biggest Easter egg in the world, which is available from the site for a mere (sarcastic comment, there) £115 (including postage and packing). It weighs 4kg, and is pretty hefty. It also looks to be available all year round, as you can still purchase it now, in July!

The layout of the site can occasionally be slightly confusing to a newcomer. You would expect the main categories of designs (birthday, anniversary, well done, etc.) to be listed in clear view at either the side of top of the site. Instead, they are barely visible in small writing just above the centre of the screen. The main page is too cluttered, and it’s hard to get back to where you were if you want to retrace your steps. The speed of the site is also ridiculously slow, even at times when there is little traffic on the Web, something that definitely needs looking at in the age of high-speed broadband and T1/2/3 connections.

It is also difficult to try and upload a picture. I’ve tried many a time, and failed (ok, I think my scanner hates me, and I often have to use reverse psychology to get any results from it at all, but it still isn’t easy!)

Their delivery is usually excellent. I’ve ordered multiple times off the site, and the package always arrives on time, the chocolate carefully protected by layers of bubble-wrap and plastic. As well as this, the case in which it arrives looks very presentable. You can also choose to have a message printed on the box saying ‘Do Not Open Until Your Birthday!’ or something similar. Only once have I ordered something that hasn’t arrived in perfect condition. My first order placed was that of one for my mum’s birthday using my beenz (remember them?), which was cracked down the middle. However, I haven’t had any problems since.

It may be a tad on the expensive side, as gifts go, but if you’re looking for something unique, and original, then groovychocolate.com is a good idea. Their delivery and style are sure to impress you all, as they have me. An excellent and tasty gift to remember!