by Anne-Marie Wichael

Created on: January 09, 2011

The best chocolate gift for one Valentine may not be the best for another, and just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so it goes with chocolates.  A lovely box of chocolates is a traditional Valentine’s Day gift, and though perceptions may suggest that the box ought to be heart shaped, there are many packaging possibilities, just as there are many types of chocolates.  Knowing your Valentine, or not knowing so well, may determine what your best chocolate gift to give is.

Valentine’s Day chocolates are easy to find in department and grocery stores, and many of the mainstream candy companies offer Valentine’s assortments.  If you are working with a limited budget, or you haven’t known your Valentine for long, then look at an assortment of Lindt Truffles, or Hershey’s Pot of Gold, for something that doesn’t come across as cheap.  There are some traditional, more old fashioned names, and some off brands, as well, but as romantic gifts, these don’t make quite the right impression.  The off brands work for kids, but are often much too sweet.  The older name brands found in the grocery or department store are more suited to your parents, or grandparents, and are not impression makers for your sweetheart.

If you have a little bit more to spend, stick with an upscale boxed brand, or with a specialty chocolate shop.  Godiva is one of the most luxurious, and you can find extravagant hearts, or simple, elegant, gold boxes.  Stopping in at a chocolate specialty shop, such as See’s Candies, you can select something pre-made, whether in a heart shaped box, or in a regular box, wrapped in Valentine paper.  Additionally, with a source such as See’s, you can stay within a budget, or go overboard.  You can opt for an assortment, or include just one kind of candy in your selection, and have it gift wrapped. 

If you know your sweetheart’s likes and dislikes, when it comes to candies, you can leave out the less favorite types, and include those that will be a hit, when you opt for a specialty chocolatier.  Does your valentine prefer caramels?  A quarter, half, or whole pound of caramels is easily accomplished.  Does your sweetheart hate fruit flavored candies?  Definitely leave those out of the mix!  Is your budget tight?  Get a few pieces of your honey’s favorites, wrapped in a small box.  The chocolatier really provides the most variety and luxury, with a range of packaging sizes. 

Knowing your recipient’s likes and dislikes will be your most important determining factor in selecting a chocolate.  There are chocolates that one person will rave over, and another, reject completely.  Therefore, one size does not fit all in the world of Valentine chocolates.  However, it’s good to know what your options are.  Take some time in advance to gather information, through observation, and discreet questions, and make the most of your detective work when you pick out your chocolate gift for your Valentine.

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