Valentine's Day Chocolates That Aren't Cheesy

Photo credit: Tumbador Chocolate

Pop into a jewelry store over the weekend? We did. It was a painful scene.

Saleswoman, displaying a bauble to a 25-year-old gentleman: “This is our Aries Cuff.”

Gent (pointing to Aries constellation on said cuff): “What is that thing?”

Stop it. Forget about jewels and expensive dinners this Valentine’s Day, and give your beloved a really nice box of chocolate. Yes, they still exist! And they look foxier and taste way better than that sampler of old.

The seven deadly sins, in chocolate form? Sign us up. Intended to be shared, Tumbador’s collection includes two hearts apiece of Passion Fruit (envy), Almond Praline (wrath), Cajeta (sloth), Pomegranate (lust), Champagne Black Currant (pride) and 75% Blend (greed). “Gluttony” is the largest of all, an oversized Hawaiian chocolate with a touch of black lava sea salt. Seven Deadly Sins, $34

Burnt sea salt caramel tiles are what got us hooked on Bay Area’s Poco Dolce, but we also love their slick packaging. Bittersweet Chocolate Hearts, $20

Portland, Oregon’s Alma knocks unusual flavor combos like Cardamom Burnt-Sugar Sesame and Salted Lavender Caramel out of the park. This sampler also includes a trio of simple milk chocolates, dark chocolates, and a ridiculously cute lovebird pop. Valentine Collection, $30

We’re crazy about La Maison du Chocolat’s Champagne Cognac truffles, but would be just as happy if Cupid delivered us a box of these, featuring unusual numbers such as a lemon zest–laced dark chocolate ganache and Gianduja praliné with hazelnuts. Heart Gift Box (42 pieces), $112

Valentines Day aficionados would be stoked to receive this 19-piece “Crush Tower” from Vosges (look at it!) loaded with heart-shaped caramel bonbons and truffles, and even haters would be hard-pressed to resist it. The Crush Tower, $62

Éclat chocolate is simply some of the best stuff on the market, from master chocolatier Chris Curtin. These hearts burst with sweet insides like passionfruit-ginger curd and lemon-lavender. A steal for the quality. Éclat heart collection, $32 

If you’re not down with over-the-top cutesiness, Brooklyn’s Liddabit Sweets has you covered. This straightforward but lovely sampler pack includes their famous King Bar (a peanut butter, banana and chocolate homage to Elvis) as well as four other types of treats. The Cult Classic, $40

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