In the UK, we just love greeting cards. A staggering 55 cards are purchased annually for every head of population, making an industry that is worth £1.3 million. We also like giving little boxes of chocolate as a token gift to say “Thank you”, “Happy Birthday”, “Good luck”, “Get well soon”, “Happy Mother’s Day” and much more besides. Putting all that together, Nico and Elkie had a rather splendid idea.

LetterBoxChocs was originally launched in October 2008. Nico and Elkie Nicholas developed an original concept of combining the purpose of a greeting card with a box of chocolates, all packaged so that it could conveniently go straight into the post or given immediately – no extra packaging or tape required.

 Here is how it works:

1. Choose your design of Letterbox Chocs
2. Write your message in the area provided (borrowing a pen from the shop if required)
3. Seal the box
4. Give it as a gift or address the box
5. If mailing, add postage then post the box

How convenient!

Building on such a refreshing idea, LetterboxChocs was shortlisted for “Gift of the Year” in both 2009 and 2010. Nico even got the chance to present some LetterboxChocs to the Prime Minister, in person, in Number 10!

Bearing in mind that these clever chocolates can be purchased in small quantities on clip strips and in shelf ready display boxes, it struck us that they were ideal for all manner of confectionery retailers and perfect for post offices!

The chocolates inside the box match the quality of the designs – all made by Thorntons. The lovely designs offer plenty of choice and more continue to be added to keep the range interesting.

“We are already developing a Christmas Thorntons range for 2011 and we have created a JellyBeanMail range which holds Fairtrade status and uses Jelly Bean Factory Beans which have all natural ingredients” says Elkie, co-founder of LetterboxChocs.

The minimum order to purchase these clever little boxes is ten gifts and they have a recommended retail price of £4.99 for LetterBoxChocs and £3.99 for JellyBeanMail cards. For further information visit the website http://www.letterboxgifts.com or call 01258 450 200.

I for one could do with a box of “Happy Belated Birthday” right here on my desk!