Lots of people love getting chocolates for Valentine’s Day or even for birthdays and other holidays. But which ones are the best is a hard decision. Hope this helps make your choice easier.
Ferrero Rocher
This chocolate has three layers to it, having a thin crisp wafer shell covered with chopped hazelnuts, a smooth milk chocolate hazelnut cream filling and a whole roasted hazelnut surrounded by the wafer. The prices vary, small boxes (3 to 5 pieces) are $4 to $9, larger boxes (16 to 24 pieces) are $10 to $20, and gift boxes and larger boxes can go from $30 or more. You can find these chocolates at CVS, Walgreens, online, Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, some grocery stores etc.
Russell Stover
A typical box contains a mix of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and chocolate covered creams. Fillings include caramels, nuts (pecans, almonds, peanuts), coconut, and various flavoured creams (strawberry, raspberry, orange, etc.). The price varies, with small boxes (1.5 – 4 oz) being around $2 to $5, medium boxes (8 – 12 oz) being $7 to $15, and larger boxes can be from $15 to $30 or more depending on the seasons and specialty boxes. You can find these chocolates at stores like Walmart, Target, drugstores, convenience stores and online.
Breakable Chocolate Heart
A breakable chocolate heart is a hollow chocolate shell, in the shape of a heart, designed to be cracked open. Inside you could find a variety of smaller treats or it can be personalized and a gift can be put inside also. Prices start at $30 and can vary with the way you want the chocolate designed. You can find these at bakery shops, you can also order online through their websites. Some shops around San Diego are Sweet Trees by Jess, Delicious Treats, San Diego Dipped, and Mitris Delights.
Godiva
Typically, a box of Godiva chocolates contain truffles, caramels, fruit flavored chocolates, and nutty varieties. Prices vary; individual chocolates can range from about $2 to $5 each, a box containing 4 to 12 pieces typically costs between $10 and $30, and bigger boxes with 30 or more pieces can go from $50 to $100 or more, especially for special editions or seasonal offerings. You can find this chocolate in stores like Target, Seabreeze Craft Chocolates, Walmart, and there are some Godiva stores in San Diego.
Hershey’s
Hershey’s is known for its sweet, tangy, milky flavor. They have a variety of products and promotions for Valentine’s Day including kisses, chocolate bars, gift sets, and personalized options you can add to the chocolate. The price for a standard size bags of kisses are $4-$6, special valentines kisses boxes/tins are about $5-$10, a standard hershey’s bar is about $2, heart shaped chocolates are (small box $5-$8) & (larger box $10-$15). Personalized gifts can range from $15-$30+ depending on what you would like in your gift. You can find these likely at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, basically convenience stores.
Lindt
Lindt chocolates can be known by its hard chocolate shell and a smooth, melting filling. Lindor often releases special Valentine’s Day themed packaging and assortments like heart shaped boxes, red and pink foil wrapping, special flavor combinations, and gift sets. Small boxes can range from $5 to $10, medium boxes range from $10 to $20, and larger boxes or gift sets can range from $20 to $50+. Customized gifts will tend to have a higher price due to special packaging. You can find this chocolate at stores like CVS, Walgreens, See’s Candies, and Ghirardelli Chocolate Outlet and Ice Cream Shop.
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Ghirardelli is known for its intense, rich flavor and smooth texture. For Valentine’s Day they typically offer a range of products including heart-shaped boxes, Valentine’s Day themed gift baskets, and limited edition flavors. Prices vary, small boxes or bags of chocolate squares are around $5 to $10, medium sized gifts are around $15 to $30, and larger gifts are $30 and up. You can find these at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Outlet and Ice Cream Shop, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS.
Kinder
Kinder is known for its unique combination of milk chocolate and milky filling. For Valentine’s Day they offer heart shaped boxes, Valentine’s day themed individual packs and gift sets. Smaller packs or individual bars can range from $2 to $10 and larger boxes or gift sets can range from $10 to $25. You can usually find this chocolate in convenience stores like El Super, CVS, Walgreens, Target and Walmart.
Simply Chocolate
Simply Chocolate’s are known for their smooth texture and intense flavor. For Valentine’s Day they give special edition bars, gift boxes, and heart shaped chocolates or other seasonal shapes. Individual bars can range from $5 to $10 depending on the size and type, and the price of gift boxes would be depending on how many types of bars they want and they can start around $20 and up. These chocolates can be bought online, at Eclipse Chocolate, CVS, Target, and Walmart.
Dove
Dove is known for its generally sweet and creamy flavor. For Valentine’s Day they often offer heart shaped boxes, special Valentine’s Day wrappers, gift bags, and dark chocolate hearts. Smaller bags or boxes typically range from $5 to $15 and larger boxes or gift bags can range from $15 to $30. Dove chocolate is available in grocery stores, CVS, Walgreens, Target, and online.
