Valentine''s chocolate gifts for her and him

Valentine''s Day

Valentine''s Day is just around the corner and you''re still stuck for ideas on how or what to surprise your loved one with? We have the answer for you! The most important thing about a gift is that it comes from the heart and is given with love. And that means it doesn''t have to be big or expensive. We assume that most of you will choose gifts that suit the person they are intended for. By this we mean that the value and type of gift, and its symbolic meaning, will depend on your romantic or friendship relationship.

What kind of gifts are suitable for Valentine''s Day?

We advise you to opt for buying chocolate. Chocolate in any form is sure to be the right choice for everyone. You just have to be careful what flavour you choose. If the person you are giving the gift to does not like marzipan, for example, then you should avoid this flavour to a large extent, because the wrong choice of flavour can make even the most perfect gift a disaster. We would argue, however, that everyone should adhere to the two principles: "It''s the intention that counts" and "You don''t look a gift horse in the mouth". Those of you who are choosing a gift for a partner with whom you have a long-standing relationship will probably opt for some of the more "precious" gifts, but we still recommend that you include some chocolate treats for the icing on the cake.

And for those of you who have been in a long-standing relationship, why not make a little change this year and surprise your partner with just a chocolate treat?

You can choose something from the shop or, even better, bake something chocolate yourself at home. Can you imagine the satisfaction you and your partner would get from unwrapping the chocolate vices, smelling the chocolate aroma and tasting this sweet vice? Is there anything better than chocolate? In our opinion, no. If you don''t have an idea for recipes, that''s the least of your problems these days. Just Google e.g. chocolate recipes, chocolate desserts, etc. and you will be surprised at the number of hits your browser will give you. It certainly won''t disappoint or let you down in any way. For those of you who still want to give something a little more original, you can also give something chocolatey, like a chocolate bath or a chocolate couple''s massage. It contains chocolate, you both enjoy the gift and the romance, and it''s quite affordable.

But the fact that people in the Western Hemisphere refer to Valentine''s Day as Chocolate Day shows how important chocolate is to some peoples. St Gregory''s Day is a similar day, said to be the day when birds get married. On this day, too, lovers exchange gifts, but on a smaller scale than on Valentine''s Day. Chocolate is also the most common gift on this day.

Gift-giving customs around the world

Japan: In Japan, women are required to give gifts to men. The custom is called girichoco and chocolate is called chocoreto. Men gift women on a day called ''White Day''. On this day, they give white chocolate and foamed, chocolate-covered sweets, marshmallows.

UK: In some places, the tradition of lovers giving each other valuable gifts such as diamond pendants and rings on this day has been preserved. In the past, young girls also believed in various prophecies. The most famous "prophecy" is the bird, which predicts what kind of husband a girl will get. The bird a girl sees on that day tells her what kind of husband she will get. The sparrow means a farmer, the blackbird a priest, the finch a rich man, the mother-in-law a sailor, and the woodpecker tells her that she will remain single.

America: In America, this day is characterised by the fact that a woman can fall in love with a man.

These are the most well-known customs from different continents. However, it is still true that Valentine''s Day is not what it used to be - it is no longer just a day for lovers, but is increasingly becoming a day for traders, due to commercialisation. We advise you that whatever you choose for your loved one, choose it with love. Remember, it is the purpose that matters, not the price! And of course CHOCOLATE!