The Clever Chocolatier: 6 Creative Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

“Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies.” – John Q. Tullius

Almost as soon as the page turns into a new year, sparklers and party hats are replaced with red hearts and chocolates for that special Hallmark holiday that comes every February 14th. An astounding $13.19 billion dollars is the average annual VDay spending, and candy is the #1 gift to give on Valentine’s Day at 47.5%, beating out the #2 gift (flowers) by 13.7%. (Source)

This Valentine’s Day, you can find something much better than your run-of-the-mill assorted candy box. Here are some fun ideas just for you that involve, what else?….chocolate! Spice up chocolate by adding liquor or making your own dessert with these creative ideas from around the web.

Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Winter Ale Floats

{get the recipe here}Make two of these–one for your sweetie and one for you–and have a fun date night at home.

Liqueur-Filled Chocolates Gift Box

It’s an assortment of 48 liquor-filled chocolates that any chocolate fan (over the age of 21) will enjoy. ($28.99 from theonlinecandyshop.com)

Liqueur-Filled Belgian Chocolates

Perfect for the chocolate lover, this 40-piece assortment of Belgian chocolate are all filled with rich liqueur. (On sale for $24 from orvis.com)

Chocolate Fondue Set

($8.99 from amazon.com) It’s a set for two! Includes one 6oz porcelain ramekin, chocolate fondue mix, and two stainless steel fondue forks. Makes a very fun date night at home or dessert for after dinner.

For the handyman: Milk Chocolate Tool Gift Set

($18.95 from wisconsinmade.com) Have this special box of chocolates shipped directly to you from Wisconsin and give your handyman a fun surprise!

And finally, if you really do have your heart set on a regular box of chocolate, spice it up and make it personal with a box of these personalized chocolates!

Personalized Chocolate Box

($24.99 from chocolatesays on Etsy)

Letters are made to order and delivered within 4-10 business days. Arrives in a white gift box.

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{P.S. To find out more than you ever needed to know about the history of chocolate, check out: thestoryofchocolate.com or hersheys.com}