Enter any local grocery or drug store and you will be bombarded with bright red hearts, fuzzy pink bears and “I love you” messages of all kinds. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and stores everywhere are stocking up with sweets and gifts to make that clear. There are numerous ways to tell someone important in your life how much they mean to you this Valentine’s Day, the question is which way you decide to do so.
With so much to choose from, it can hard to single out the perfect gift for all of those in your life. Do not deter! Follow your sweet tooth and you’ll be sure to find something just right for every sweetie in need of a Valentine, and maybe even something for yourself.
If you are looking for a little direction, we’ve put together a list of the top chocolate producers from around the country, selecting the best of those both regional and national just in time for you to place your V-Day orders.
With so much to choose from, it can hard to single out the perfect gift for all of those in your life. Do not deter! Follow your sweet tooth and you’ll be sure to find something just right for every sweetie in need of a Valentine, and maybe even something for yourself.
If you are looking for a little direction, we’ve put together a list of the top chocolate producers from around the country, selecting the best of those both regional and national just in time for you to place your V-Day orders.
Something Unique - Valentine’s Day chocolate is not limited to truffles and red heart boxes anymore. With everything from chocolate Kiss Me Lips ($7) from California’s Woodhouse Chocolate to Jacques Torres’s Prince Charming chocolate frog ($23), your valentine will be smitten in one quick look, knowing you found something unique that is just for him or her.
NYC Lover - New York City is home to an incredible amount of chocolate shops. From international producers Jacques Torres and La Maison du Chocolat to local shops Kee’s and Xocolatti, there is really something to be found for each and every chocolate lover. For that Big Apple fanatic in your life, get something uniquely New York. Both Kee’s and Li-Lac supply incredible chocolate treats that are sure to please. Check out the cute chocolate Pudgy Bear from Li-Lac ($10) for chocolate loving youngsters.
Vegan/Organic/Raw Eater - Finding decent vegan chocolate can be a daunting task. Sacred Chocolates, based out of California, produces an incredible range of chocolates that are all vegan, organic and raw. Our favorite of the Valentine’s Day products? The “mylk” chocolate foil-wrapped heart ($8.40).
Something Beautiful - There is something awe-inspiring about hand dipped, hand painted chocolates, and Florida’s Norman Love Confections has just the sweets to prove it. These perfect little hearts are each delicately decorated and shined up, making them into precious little truffle gems. Their coming in a light green bracelet box ($13) is only a glimpse at the luxury of each bite. For something truly decadent, try Lake Champlain Chocolates from Vermont.
Easily Found - The larger national producers are sending out their Valentine’s-themed products just in time for the holiday. Check out Godiva’s limited edition Ultimate Dessert Truffles ($25), featuring the likes of red velvet cake and chocolate souffle truffles, or Hershey’s Pot of Gold truffle collection hearts ($8) for something a bit out of the ordinary. Or stick to the traditional with the classic mixed chocolate boxes from Russell Stover or See’s.
For chocolate-friendly wine pairings, check out Valentine's Day Wines over on Snooth.
NYC Lover - New York City is home to an incredible amount of chocolate shops. From international producers Jacques Torres and La Maison du Chocolat to local shops Kee’s and Xocolatti, there is really something to be found for each and every chocolate lover. For that Big Apple fanatic in your life, get something uniquely New York. Both Kee’s and Li-Lac supply incredible chocolate treats that are sure to please. Check out the cute chocolate Pudgy Bear from Li-Lac ($10) for chocolate loving youngsters.
Vegan/Organic/Raw Eater - Finding decent vegan chocolate can be a daunting task. Sacred Chocolates, based out of California, produces an incredible range of chocolates that are all vegan, organic and raw. Our favorite of the Valentine’s Day products? The “mylk” chocolate foil-wrapped heart ($8.40).
Something Beautiful - There is something awe-inspiring about hand dipped, hand painted chocolates, and Florida’s Norman Love Confections has just the sweets to prove it. These perfect little hearts are each delicately decorated and shined up, making them into precious little truffle gems. Their coming in a light green bracelet box ($13) is only a glimpse at the luxury of each bite. For something truly decadent, try Lake Champlain Chocolates from Vermont.
Easily Found - The larger national producers are sending out their Valentine’s-themed products just in time for the holiday. Check out Godiva’s limited edition Ultimate Dessert Truffles ($25), featuring the likes of red velvet cake and chocolate souffle truffles, or Hershey’s Pot of Gold truffle collection hearts ($8) for something a bit out of the ordinary. Or stick to the traditional with the classic mixed chocolate boxes from Russell Stover or See’s.
For chocolate-friendly wine pairings, check out Valentine's Day Wines over on Snooth.
Comments
2
don't forget the 'freshest FUDGE on earth from AL'S CAFE IN-THE-VILLAGE, Carlsbad CA.
Feb 06, 2012 at 1:58 PM
Check out JOHN AND KIRA'S CHOCOLATES in Philadelphia at http://www.johnandkiras.com. "John & Kira’s is a socially innovative chocolate company dedicated to both making and selling world class confections and promoting positive social change. Our products highlight ingredients from small family producers and urban gardens. We hope that after tasting our confections and understanding where the ingredients come from, you will feel encouraged to support small family farms and school gardens-our partners and others"
Feb 06, 2012 at 3:38 PM
My problem with valentine's day chocolates is that I only like plain chocolate. What is a fancy plain chocolate?
Feb 06, 2012 at 5:35 PM
Carpita
Who would want to eat a whole chocolate rabbit?
Feb 08, 2012 at 10:36 AM
I am indulging in MarieBelle chocolates. A company from New York, they are beautifully packaged and each little square chocolate has a different colored printed image. Each chocolate in my nine piece blue box is something different. Definitely a fun surprise whether it be rich and creamy, fudge-like, espresso-like, nutty-like, cinnoman-like, a little fruity or a little minty... All were decadent and scrumptious. And each chocolate has its own name and descriptive story attached to it for additional merriment. They certainly made me happy esp since Valentine's Day is approaching!
@mimi kim, my favorite plain fancy chocolate is Ghiradelli, if you consider Ghiradelli fancy.
Feb 13, 2012 at 4:04 PM
I just suckled a sublime slab of Salted Almond Dark Chocolate made in Seattle of organic 70% cocao by Theo Chocolate <http://www.theochocolate.com>. 10/10.
Mar 05, 2012 at 4:41 PM
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