Why sugarcoat it? Feb. 14 is all about sweet displays of affection, and that often takes the form of chocolate. In fact, candy is the most gifted item for Valentine’s Day. If you count yourself among the more than 85% of thoughtful souls who have said they plan to buy gifts as a testament of their love, we have a few suggestions.
Artisan Confections
A box of chocolates may not be an unusual Valentine’s gift, but it’s nearly always a winner. This Clarendon-based candy shop specializes in decadent truffles that are nearly too gorgeous to eat, in packages built for any budget. For the sweetie in your life, a 15-piece sampler box ($36) makes a stunning presentation, and you can customize it with the flavors of your choice. They offer five Valentine’s exclusive flavors: Chocolate-covered strawberry, Death by Chocolate, salted butter caramel, passion fruit and Nutella crunch. 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington (Clarendon) and 1333 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean
Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe
A beloved local staple for 50 years, this Best of Arlington-winning Bavarian bakery knows its sweets. For Valentine’s Day, pick up a set of dark and white chocolate bears, chocolate hearts filled with marzipan, or petite edible chocolate boxes with a chocolate truffle inside. The pastry case also has large, frosted gingerbread heart cookies for the holiday. 2150 N. Culpeper St., Arlington
Kingsbury Chocolates
You’ve got four chances to grab a decadent dessert from Rob Kingsbury, a self-taught chocolatier who’s been catering to Arlington’s sweet tooth for 23 years. This year he’s got a 14-piece truffle and caramel assortment, a 3-piece collection of conversation hearts and chocolate-dipped, spicy mango. They’re only available at pop-up events, or by placing an order. Get first dibs at One More Page Books (2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington) Feb. 7, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Courthouse Plaza (2200 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington) Feb. 11 and 12, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Grab a bottle of vino and a box of truffles at Pentagon City Wine (1330 Fern St., Arlington) on Feb. 13, 5-8:30 p.m. He’ll be available on the big day, too: Feb. 14 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UnWined. (1600 Belle View Shopping Center, Alexandria).Â
Läderach
With 60 types of goodies on display, this Swiss confectioner at Tysons Corner Center and The Fashion Center at Pentagon City has plenty of Valentine’s Day options. Go classic with a velvet heart-shaped box filled with 36 pieces of heart-shaped chocolates, or cute with Teddy Raspberry, a pink bear made of raspberry-infused white chocolate. Also popular are the FrischSchoggi (translation: fresh chocolate) sticks of dark or milk chocolate with nuts; and FrischSchoggi hearts with caramel, almonds and dark chocolate. 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons and 1100 S Hayes St, 22202 Arlington (Westpost)
Northside Social
Pick up special Valentine’s Day treats with your coffee at both the Arlington and Falls Church locations of Northside. Offerings include chocolate-dipped strawberries ($16 for a 4-pack); strawberry shortcake truffles ($6 for a box of 3); and chocolate-covered oreos ($10 for a box of 3). Or enjoy doing the decorating yourself with a sugar cookie decorating kit ($15) that includes an oversize heart-shaped sugar cookie, a frosting palette and sprinkles. 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon) and 205 Park Ave., Falls Church
Neuhaus
This chocolatier founded in Belgium in 1857 has a limited-edition Love Letter Box—a heart-shaped package featuring 15 chocolates in flavors such as Milk Heart Passion Fruit & Salted Caramel, Red Heart Coconut, and Dark Heart Banana & Pecan Nuts. Other holiday treats include Valentine mini heart boxes and Romantic Ballotin half- or full-pound boxes of chocolates. 2905 Strawberry Lane, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
The Swiss Bakery
Continuing our culinary tour of Europe, this Swiss wonderland in Springfield is worth the drive, not only for its tempting display cases of house-made patisseries, but also its selection of Swiss chocolate brands you may not find elsewhere. This year’s sweet sentiments also include fondant cookies with Valentine’s designs, a 6-inch Love Cake, strawberry eclairs and the Ismelda: a raspberry macaron pastry. New desserts will be ready for the holiday in the coming days.  5224 Port Royal Road, Springfield
Trade Roots
Fair trade chocolate bars and truffles are among the treasures at this global cafe and gift shop in Westover. The off-beat treats include salted milk and dark chocolate caramels, handmade by Farmhouse Chocolates of Vermont. The mini chocolates are locally made by River Seas Chocolates of Chantilly and come in a variety of flavors. River Seas imports their cocoa beans on large sailing vessels to cut down on their carbon footprint. Trade Roots supports farmers by always selling only direct-sourced bean-to-bar chocolates. 5852 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover)
ArTeA
On the hunt for that viral Dubai chocolate everyone seems to be losing their minds over on social media? This McLean tea house serves up bricks of the toasted kataifi pastry smothered in pistachio cream and tahini and dipped in chocolate. 6635 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
The Hanging Gardens Cafe
This Tysons newcomer is also on board with the Dubai chocolate craze. Valentine’s Day brings heart-shaped, bite-size versions of the wildly popular confection. Two standard sizes are always available: 1.8 ounces and 12.7 ounces. 8229 Boone Blvd., Vienna
Golden Fox BoutiqueÂ
This woman-owned lifestyle boutique in the heart of Clarendon has plenty to capture your loved-ones’ heart. Amid the gifts, clothes and candles there’s also chocolate. Their popular Scamps Toffee is handmade, gluten friendly and preservative free. Choose dark or milk chocolate. ($26). 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)