Valentine's Day Chocolate Gifts: Decadent Treats for a Sweet Surprise

The Vosges Dark Chocolate Truffle Collection is a conversation starter, offering 16 pieces and 11 adventurous flavors from absinthe and wasabi to blood orange and raspberry rose. We found the guided tasting booklet and elegant box make it easy to turn dessert into an experience. Note that it contains milk and tree nuts, though it's labeled gluten-free. Because the truffles are perishable, plan to enjoy them shortly after receipt or refrigerate promptly for best texture and flavor.

For a refined gift, La Maison du Chocolat's Coffret Maison shows off exquisite ganache and praline craftsmanship in dark and milk varieties. During our review, the range of fruit, nut, vanilla, and caramelized praline notes felt beautifully balanced, and the packaging is instantly gift-ready. The tradeoff is value and timing: $86 for 24 pieces is steep, and freshness is best within 8 to 26 days. It also contains almonds, hazelnuts, pistachio, milk, and wheat, and it's not gluten-free, so it's not suitable for many allergies.

Handcrafted and beautifully presented, L.A. Burdick's Assortment with Love Small makes a luxe Valentine's surprise. In our testing, the variety stood out: salted cardamom, Earl Grey, fig, and even a Macallan whisky ganache keep each of the 10 pieces interesting. We also appreciate that they're made in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, which eases cross-contact worries for gluten-avoiders. Just note the compact size can feel small for sharing, and the assortment contains tree nuts and dairy, so it's not suitable for those allergies.

Our experience shows Dandelion's African Origins Collection is tailor-made for serious tasters. Five 70% single-origin bars, made only with cocoa beans and organic cane sugar, highlight striking notes ranging from strawberry lemonade and chocolate sourdough to cafe con leche and chocolate mousse. It's vegan and gluten-free, presented with a tasting guide for easy gifting, but each bar is just 2 ounces and the price is on the high side. Those seeking sweeter, inclusion-packed confections may want a different style of chocolate.

If your Valentine loves adventurous dark chocolate, Amano’s Dos Rios is a standout we loved in testing—floral bergamot and lavender meet blueberry and citrus, with a silky melt that feels downright velvety. It’s vegan and gluten‑free, making it broadly giftable, though our experience shows the bar’s snap can be soft and the finish a bit rustic. Compared with mainstream bars, the $14.99 price is higher, but the craftsmanship justifies it. Allergy‑wise, it’s made around nuts and may contain traces—best avoided for severe sensitivities.

We loved the celebratory twist of Ritual's Apres Bar, where 70% dark chocolate is infused with sparkling white wine notes and crowned with tart freeze-dried raspberries. The bright berry snap against those bubbly undertones makes a charming Valentine's bite. That said, at 2.12 ounces for $12, it's a splurge, it's not gluten-free, and it may contain traces of peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat. Shipping can also be limited (only with coffee orders and restricted in hot weather), so plan purchases accordingly.

Looking to elevate cozy nights in, we found Dandelion's Signature Hot Chocolate Trio both gorgeous and delicious. The reusable corked glass bottles feel gift-ready, and each 70% single-origin blend delivers a distinct profile: House is creamy and fudgy, Mission brings warm spices and gentle heat, and Hojicha adds lightly roasted, smoky tea notes. It's vegan and gluten-free, but each 5.6-ounce bottle makes only about four servings. At $72 for the trio, the quantity is modest, yet the experience feels undeniably special.

For an at‑home Valentine’s treat, our testing found Valrhona’s Hot Chocolate Mix exceptionally rich and smooth, with real chocolate pieces that melt into a sweet, milky dark‑chocolate sip. The 12‑ounce, resealable pouch makes gifting and storage simple, and it’s easy to whisk into milk or your favorite alt‑milk. The premium price ($34.95) is steep for the size, but the café‑style texture delivers. Allergy note: it may contain traces of nuts, milk proteins, and gluten, so sensitive drinkers should proceed carefully.

We found Marich’s Milk Chocolate Cherries to be a charming little gift: creamy milk chocolate layered over sweet West Coast Bing cherry centers, nestled in a ready-to-give 4.25‑ounce gable box. The Fair Trade certified ingredients and kosher label add feel‑good appeal for conscientious buyers, especially at $6. Just note it’s not vegan and contains milk; it may also share equipment with peanuts and tree nuts. Portion-wise, our experience shows the box goes quickly—great for a sweet gesture, less ideal if you’re feeding a crowd.

During our review, the Hotel Chocolat Unbelievably Vegan Sleekster impressed with its creamy hazelnut ‘Nutmilk’ base and a generous variety—think orange, raspberry, pecan, salted caramel, and gianduja—spread across 33 bite-size pieces. It’s a luxurious vegan pick for Valentine’s Day, delivering nutty, citrusy, praline notes that feel indulgent without dairy. Our experience shows allergy diligence is vital: it contains tree nuts/peanuts and is made near milk chocolate, so traces are possible. At $50, it’s a premium splurge, but the range and texture justify the treat.

On our tasting table, Raaka's Chocolate Library felt like a guided adventure through unroasted, fruit-forward cacao. Eight vegan, gluten-free bars span bold dark to milky oat and coconut notes, and the included 16-page craft chocolate booklet turns it into a true experience. Keep in mind there's a Coconut Milk bar, so it isn't safe for those avoiding tree nuts, and the $65 price is premium. Buyers who prefer very sweet chocolate may find the higher-percentage bars a bit intense.

If you're cutting sugar, Lily's Variety Pack offers six 3-ounce bars with no added sugar, sweetened with stevia, and made with fair trade cocoa. In our testing, the mix of milk and dark flavors (Original, Almond, Coconut, Crispy Rice, Creamy Milk, and Salted Almond & Milk) makes gifting or sampling easy. Keep in mind some bars contain milk and tree nuts, so it isn't vegan or nut-safe. A few buyers notice a stevia aftertaste, but gluten-free and non-GMO credentials are a plus.

For a sugar-free Valentine's treat, our testing shows ChocZero's Keto Bark delivers rich 55% dark chocolate without the crash. Monk fruit keeps it keto-friendly, and it's vegan and gluten-free, while the eight individually wrapped pieces are perfect for portion control or sharing. The roasted almonds and a touch of sea salt add crunch and balance, though it's not suitable for nut-allergic friends and can be pricier per ounce than conventional bars. If you live in a warm climate, consider expedited shipping or chilling to prevent melting.

For a playful, personalized surprise, we like M&M’S Custom Packaging Gift Jar: you can print names or inside jokes on the candies, and the clear, compact jar looks great on a desk. In our testing, the classic milk‑chocolate‑plus‑crisp‑shell flavor pleased most palates, and the 12.7‑ounce fill is about eight casual servings for $34.99. Do note the trade‑offs: print quality can look faded, and shipping hiccups do happen. It isn’t vegan and may involve nuts and milk, so allergy‑sensitive giftees should steer clear.

See’s Custom Mix Red Gift Box is a Valentine’s crowd‑pleaser if you want control—choose up to 10 favorites across caramels, creams, truffles, and nutty centers, then size it from 1 to 5 pounds; our $71 box felt generous. During our review, the assortment made it easy to tailor for mixed tastes or to minimize nuts, though it’s not a safe pick for severe nut allergies. It’s also gluten‑free. Be aware some customers report stale pieces and occasional shipping mishaps, so order early.

During our review, the Godiva Holiday Assorted Gift Box proved to be a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its wide mix of pralines, ganaches, caramels, and nutty fillings. The gold box and festive ribbon make it feel special right out of the package, ideal for last-minute Valentine's gifting. Note that it contains nuts and some biscuit/crisp inclusions, so it isn't suitable for gluten-free or nut-averse friends. The 15-piece box sits at a premium price, but presentation and variety carry the day.

If you want a ready‑to‑gift mix, our experience shows the Harry & David Deluxe Occasion Basket arrives polished with a bow and a branded lineup—Cheryl’s cookies, Moose Munch, Scharffen Berger chocolate, and Wolferman’s English muffins. The six‑item spread leans chocolate‑forward with caramel and bakery notes, making a sweet breakfast‑plus‑dessert bundle for $49.99. Trade‑offs: tree nuts (almonds, cashews) are included, and the muffins and cookies are perishable, so shipping can be rough. We suggest faster delivery windows to keep everything fresh.