It’s been a rollercoaster of a year. Though it’s unlikely everyone will ever agree on matters of politics or contentious worldwide issues, one thing you can always count on is chocolate being a hit.

Desiree DeNunzio is the gift guide editor for CNET's Commerce team. When she's not writing and editing, she's either hiking through the redwoods or curled up with a good book and a lazy dog. Expertise ...