For most of us, Valentine’s Day means chocolate.

In 1861, British chocolate manufacturer Richard Cadbury created the first heart-shaped box of chocolate for Valentine’s Day; and commercialization took over.

We wish we could send you some of our favorite chocolates for Valentine’s Day, but we’ve done the next best thing: created a list of them, below, so the next time you need to give someone the “best,” you have a starting point.

The list follows. Elsewhere on The Nibble, check out:

> The history of Valentine’s Day.
 
> The history of chocolate.

> The different types of chocolate: a photo glossary.

> The year’s 69 chocolate holidays.

> Pairing wine with chocolate.
 
 
OUR FAVORITE ARTISAN CHOCOLATES

We’ve been writing about fine chocolate for 25 years! Here are some of the favorites we continue to enjoy.

With the exception of one specialist, The Cordial Cherry, each of these chocolatiers make beautiful boxes of assorted bonbons and other products. You’ll be delighted with everything they make. All make beautiful assortments like this one:

[7] Chocolat Modern: Assorted Chocolates.

We’re calling out favorites from each brand that are particular to that brand. In addition to the other dazzling chocolates on the websites, seek them out.

Click on the brand’s name to go to its website.

CHARLES CHOCOLATES
Must Try: Edible Boxes (chocolate boxes filled with chocolates, photo #1), Triple Chocolate Almonds.

THE CORDIAL CHERRY
Must Try: The company hand-sculpts bonbons filled with either cordial cherries or chocolate ganache (“truffles”), with lovely designs for every occasion (photo #2).

CHOCOLAT MODERNE
Must Try: Avant Garde filled chocolate bars (our favorite chocolate bars, photo #3), Kimono Collection (bonbons with Japanese flavors), Greek Revival (bonbons with Greek flavors).

JOHN & KIRA’S
Must Try: Chocolate Cherries (photo #4), Chocolate Figs, Bee My Lovebug (Caramel Bees & Dark Chocolate Ladybugs, photo #8), Chocolate Pumpkins (fall only).

[8] John & Kira’s: Caramel Honey Bees and Dark Chocolate Ladybugs .

L. A. BURDICK CHOCOLATE
Must Try: Chocolate Mice (photo #5) and Penguins, Scotch-Infused Chocolates (Holidays plus Father’s Day).

OMNOM CHOCOLATE
Must Try: Flavored chocolate bars in fanciful wrappers.

RECCHIUTI CONFECTIONS
Must Try: Batons (Banana Caramel, Butterscotch Caramel, Candied Orange Peel Batons), Fleur de Sel Caramels, Peanut Butter Pucks (photo #9).

WOODHOUSE CHOCOLATE
Must Try: Elephant Peanut Butter Cups, Gooey Caramel Clusters, S’mores (photo #6).

[2] The Cordial Cherry: Designs for every season and occasion.

[3] Chocolat Modern: Gourmet chocolate bars with stupendous fillings.

[4] John & Kira’s: Chocolate Cherries.

[5] L.A. Burdick: Chocolate Mice.

[6] Woodhouse Chocolate: S’mores.