Quantity is the next decision, and it is where couples tend to overspend or come up short. Work per table rather than per head at first. A round of ten guests usually wants ten individual favours, plus a couple spare for the top table and any late additions. Order roughly five to ten per cent over your final count. Chocolates keep, so a small surplus is never wasted, whereas a shortfall on the morning is a genuine headache.

Provenance gives a retirement gift the weight it should have. Lily O'Brien's has handcrafted its chocolates in Newbridge, Co. Kildare since 1992, and holds BRC Grade A+ accreditation for its production, so the hamper arrives as something made with genuine care rather than assembled for the sake of it. For a gift meant to say a career mattered, that kind of detail does real work.

Timing is easy compared with weddings or corporate orders, but if you want personalisation, a new address or a short message for instance, allow a few extra days rather than ordering the night before.

One honest note. If the leaver or anyone sharing the hamper asks about ingredients or dietary suitability, point them to the published product information rather than vouching for it yourself.

New babies and christenings bring a run of gifts aimed squarely at the child, which is lovely and also slightly misses the people doing the hard work. A chocolate hampers gift, especially a personalised one, quietly addresses the parents and the wider family at a point when a small kindness lands well.

On dietary questions, and there will be some, point guests to the published ingredient information rather than vouching for suitability yourself. It is the accurate way to answer.