Love is like a box of chocolates ...
SWEET VALENTINE’S: Celebrate the season of romance with some special treats
NEW YORK — Got a chocolate lover? Why not mark the season of romance with something special just for them?
With an ancient love connection — the Aztecs believed chocolate was an aphrodisiac — and built-in marketing opportunities that include Valentine’s Day, the purveyors of chocolate offer their wares in a variety of price ranges, flavour combinations and just plain fun factor.
Here are some suggestions (most items can be shipped to Canada, but check online stores to confirm):
The bubbly
Uncommongoods offers a Champagne bottle crafted out of dark chocolate that’s filled with silver-wrapped truffles that contain a bit of the bubbly, all handmade, for US$62. (uncommongoods.com)
With Champagne and chocolate forever intertwined in the romance department, gift basket pairings are everywhere. Make sure to check out websites and read reviews.
The playful
Sometimes, one needs a gift of Peeps to make all the sugar worthwhile, so take advantage of the little packets of red and pink hearts and other specialty items on offer this season from the makers of the marshmallow mainstay.
Peeps are especially nice if your holiday is more Galentine’s Day than Valentine’s Day. They just make certain people smile. Packs of mini hearts are available for US$3.75. A two-pack of larger pink hearts goes for US$9.91.
Look for the company’s four-pack of vanilla-flavoured chicks on a stick in Valentine’s hues of white, pink and red. (peepsandcompany.com or amazon.ca)
Got a Candy Corn fanatic? Give the gift of Cupid Corn in a two-pound bag, US$12.95. It’s red, pink and white. (candynation.com)
The fruity
Yes, we’re talking chocolate-dipped strawberries, either DIY or ordered ahead.
A box of 12 dipped in semi-sweet chocolate from Edible Arrangements (ediblearrangements.ca) costs $30. Look around to go even fancier.
Fruity bouquets are also available. So are other fruits with a kiss of chocolate. Bissingers offers 12 Valencia orange slices dipped in dark chocolate, using glaceeing techniques, for US$43 (bissingers.com).
If you feel like going DIY, buy a chocolate fountain, slice up your loved one’s favourite fruit, and have at it.
The sentimental
Partial to See’s Candies? Check the website after Jan. 18 for Valentine’s Day specials.
A heart-shaped box in a tuxedo theme and stuffed with the company’s best chocolates has been available in the past. How about personalizing some M&Ms for your beloved? (sees.com)
Hershey offers its chocolate Kisses by occasion, including pink ones. Lots of other name brands like Kit Kat will be offering up special-issue goodies for Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking to not break the bank. Little grab-and-go’s like these are a great complement to a larger gift.
Miscellaneous yummies
Lots of handcrafted boxes of chocolates are available online and in stores with fancy and colourful decorations that may not be all about love, but are special nonetheless. If you’re lucky, you have a high-end chocolate maker nearby, but if not, search around online for just the right box and flavour profiles.
MarieBelle sells a 25-piece caramel collection, with flavours ranging from banana flambe to matcha green tea, for US$52. They’re beautifully decorated, handmade and preservative-free. (mariebelle.com)