Caramel bees & chocolate ladybugs at John & Kira's

This Valentine’s Day, show how thoughtful you are by spurning the heart-shaped drugstore box of chocolates wrapped in red cellophane! Below, your guide to the best chocolatiers in Philadelphia –

Naked Chocolate Café – Lavender buttercream truffles, dense, moist cupcakes and European-style hot chocolate make this quaint Gayborhood shop a favorite.

Teuscher – Zagat claims they have “the best champagne truffles on the planet” while their wide selection offers everything from giandjua, a chocolate consisting of 50% hazelnuts, to spicy pink pepper candy bars.

John & Kira’s – This socially responsible boutique chocolatier sources ingredients from local family farms and supports urban garden programs in West Philadelphia. Their beautiful Honey Caramel Bees (salted caramel, basswood honey) and Valentine’s lovebugs (Valrhona chocolate, cream and sugar) are a delight for the eyes and mouth.

Eclat – Perfect for the jetsetter in your life, Eclat offers Single Origin Mendiants from Tanzania, Madagascar and Alto El Sol (among other exotic locations). Belgian-style truffles are rolled in Venezuelan cocoa powder, while their flavored cocoa sticks (try the vanilla or green tea for a real treat) warm up winter afternoons.

Betty’s Tasty Buttons – Homemade artisan fudge, in wild flavors: Bomb Diggity, Champagne Cocktail, Sugar Plum and Hocus Pocus. Celebrating Valentine’s Day at home? Buy the decadent warm fudge sauce, Mexican cajeta (caramel) or Black Velvet cake for dessert.