# Skewered Drink Seasoners These Hot Chocolate Stir Sticks are the Perfect Personalized Gift By Susan Keefe | Published 2011-11-30 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-chocolate-stir-sticks References: [foodbuzz](http://www.foodbuzz.com/blogs/4607737-hot-chocolate-stir-sticks) & [tokyoterrace](http://www.tokyoterrace.com/2011/11/hot-chocolate-stir-sticks/) If you're strapped for cash this holiday season you may want to consider making your gifts in the comfort of your own home and these Hot Chocolate Stir Sticks are a great and easy way to get your [gourmet gift basket](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-coffee-tasting) off the ground. Made by the lovely Rachael from the gorgeous food blog [Tokyo Terrace](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/konbini-confidential), these Hot Chocolate Stir Sticks are a snap to make and allow for a good deal of creativity. These simple treats only require [good-quality chocolate](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/koho-chocolates), cocoa powder, skewers and an ice cube tray. When the chocolate is set introduce this tasty treat to a cup of hot milk and let it melt. Personalize each stir stick with any number of toppings that you think will make the recipient's heart go pitter-pat. Rachael opted for pink sea salt, cinnamon and matcha powder. Simple, cost effective and wonderfully individualized, these Hot Chocolate Stir Sticks are the perfect gift and party favor for any occasion. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Homemade Food Gifts:** The trend of making and giving homemade food gifts as personalized presents during holidays or special occasions is on the rise. - **DIY Stir Sticks:** The trend of creating DIY flavored stir sticks for hot chocolate has emerged as a unique way to personalize beverages. - **Gourmet Cocktail Garnishes:** The trend of creating customized cocktail garnishes from artisanal ingredients is gaining popularity in the foodservice industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food and Beverage:** Food and beverage companies can disrupt the market by creating DIY hot chocolate stir stick kits that people can buy and make at home. - **Craft and Hobby:** Craft and hobby stores could create a product line for DIY beverage stir sticks for hot chocolate and coffee to cater to the consumers' increasing interest in making personalized gifts. - **Hospitality:** Hospitality outlets can add value to customers' beverage experiences by offering homemade flavored stir sticks for hot chocolate or coffee as a unique and premium garnish. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cherry Chocolate Drink Mixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-cherry-hot-chocolate-stirrer.md) - [Hot Cocoa Stirring Spoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-chocolate-stirring-spoon.md) - [Cinnamon Sugar Stir Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cinnamon-swizzle-sticks.md) - [Stir-In Hot Chocolate Spoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coxco-hot-chocolate-spoons.md) - [Liqueur-Flavored Hot Chocolate Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baileys-hot-chocolate.md) - [Vegan Hot Chocolate Spoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-chocolate-spoons.md) - [Hot Chocolate Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-chocolate-cubes.md) - [Pudding-Inspired Hot Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-chocolate-spoon.md) - [Decorative Holiday Marshmallows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-marshmallow.md)