These hot chocolate gift sets are so deliciously comforting (you'll definitely want to shop our favourites)

Unless you've lost your soul to salads and protein shakes, I'm going to guess that you secretly love a hot chocolate. It's hardly the most sophisticated of drinks, though it's absolutely one of the most delicious. We also all have a preferred way of drinking it: for some it's useless without the marshmallows while for others it's dead to them if even a speck of canned whipped cream lands on top. I get it - hot chocolate is an indulgent thing that isn't drank all too often so if you're going to get it, it has to be done right.

I suspect part of the allure of a hot chocolate on a cold winter's day comes from it's childish nature and the fact we associate it with being young. Once, bringing a comforting hot chocolate to my work desk (oh how long ago that feels), I could feel the silent judgement coming from my surrounding older colleagues. Never did I feel so young for my choice of drink. But, I suspect in truth they were just a little jealous...

35 of the best non-alcoholic drinks: alcohol-free wines, gins, beers and more to enjoy beyond Dry January

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By Sophie Cockett, Alice Barraclough and Lucy Smith

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There is something to be said of the power a good hot chocolate can have - all because of that childlike link. It may not be the most office-friendly choice, but take it home or in a cute café or park with friends and suddenly it's the most comforting thing in the world. Bad day? Forget tea - you deserve something much more luxurious to taste. And that's why we've put together a list of the best hot chocolate gift sets. You can't see your friends like you used to, but maybe someone in your life needs a pick-me-up and comforting gift to remind them they're not alone. Or maybe they just don't like regular "adult" drinks.