Valentine’s Day and sweet treats go hand in hand. But have you ever wondered why chocolates and candies became the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift? Whether you’re shopping for the perfect present, curious about the history, or just looking for an excuse to indulge in something sweet, this article is for you!
Let’s dive into the history, traditions, and fun facts behind Valentine’s Day candy and why it remains a symbol of love and romance.
Who Created the First Valentine’s Day Box of Chocolates?
We can thank Richard Cadbury, a British chocolatier, for starting the chocolate-gifting tradition.
In the 1860s, the Cadbury family was looking for ways to sell more of their newly refined chocolate. Richard came up with the brilliant idea of packaging chocolates in heart-shaped boxes, making them the perfect romantic gift for Valentine’s Day.
Not only were these boxes filled with delicious chocolates, but they were also designed to be keepsake boxes—a place to store love letters, trinkets, or sentimental items. This marketing move was a huge success, and the chocolate box tradition has continued ever since.
Why Is Chocolate Associated with Valentine’s Day?
There are a few key reasons why chocolate has become a Valentine’s Day staple:
1. The "Love Chemical" Effect
Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound that releases endorphins and mimics the feeling of falling in love. That natural “high” makes chocolate the perfect romantic treat.
2. A Symbol of Luxury and Passion
For centuries, chocolate was considered a rare and luxurious delicacy, reserved for royalty and the wealthy. In the 17th and 18th centuries, European aristocrats gifted chocolate to express affection, reinforcing its connection to romance.
3. The Power of Marketing
Major candy companies like Hershey’s, Godiva, and Ferrero Rocher made heart-shaped chocolates, red packaging, and limited-edition Valentine’s flavors a tradition. With smart marketing, chocolate quickly became the most popular gift choice for the holiday.
What Other Candies Are Popular on Valentine’s Day?
Besides chocolate, there are several other sweet treats that dominate Valentine’s Day.
1. Conversation Hearts
These pastel-colored, heart-shaped candies with cute messages like “Be Mine” and “XOXO” have been a Valentine’s Day classic for over 150 years. Originally called "Sweethearts", they were first produced in the 1860s by the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO).
2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
A mix of fruit and chocolate, these treats are elegant and romantic. They became widely popular in the 1960s and remain a top-tier Valentine’s Day dessert.
3. Heart-Shaped Lollipops & Gummy Candies
Brands like Haribo and Trolli produce heart-shaped gummies, while classic red lollipops remain a fun and playful gift choice.
How Many Days Until Valentine’s Day 2025?
If you’re already looking forward to Valentine’s Day 2025, the countdown is on! February 14, 2025, is just around the corner.
As of today, there are 7 days left until Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re planning a special date, looking for the perfect gift, or just excited for some discounted chocolates on February 15, it’s never too early to start thinking about it!
Fun Facts About Valentine’s Day Candy
- 💝 Over 58 million pounds of chocolate are sold in the U.S. during Valentine’s week.
- 🍫 The heart-shaped chocolate box was one of the first specialty chocolate packages ever created.
- 💌 More than 36 million heart-shaped candy boxes are sold each year.
- 💕 Conversation hearts were originally much bigger—early versions had enough space for full-length love notes.
Valentine's Day Gifts For Her - Handmade Crochet Roses
Or maybe your loved one doesn't like chocolate? Prefer something more practical and long-lasting? This year, give her a unique and timeless gift - a hand-crocheted rose!
Why Choose Crochet Roses?
- Eternal love: Compared with flowers that are perishable, crochet roses never wither, symbolizing your eternal love.
- Unique: Each crochet rose is carefully handmade and unique, just like her position in your heart.
- Exquisite and beautiful: Made of high-quality wool, exquisite and delicate, comparable to real flowers, or even better.
- Strong practicality: Can be used as a home decoration, preserved forever, always reminding her of your love.
The crochet red roses we made for Valentine's Day are 3.15 inches wide x 3.15 inches long x 15.75 inches high (8 cm * 8 cm * 40 cm), and the estimated weight is 50g/piece
This Valentine's Day, give her a unique gift and let the crochet roses witness your love!
Visit Ownkoti to learn more about crochet roses. Order now to enjoy a limited-time offer!
Related read:
Final Thoughts: Why Do We Give Candy on Valentine’s Day?
Candy and love go together perfectly. Whether it’s chocolate, conversation hearts, or gourmet sweets, Valentine’s Day treats are more than just delicious—they’re part of a centuries-old tradition that celebrates romance and affection.
FAQ
What Candy Symbolizes Love?
Chocolate is the ultimate symbol of love, and we have Richard Cadbury to thank for that. In 1861, he introduced heart-shaped chocolate boxes as a romantic gift for Valentine’s Day, making chocolate the go-to sweet for the holiday. Since then, chocolates have remained a timeless expression of love and affection.
What Is the History of Valentine’s Candy Hearts?
Valentine’s candy hearts, also known as Sweethearts, date back to 1866 when Daniel Chase invented a machine to print short messages on candy lozenges using food dye. His brother, Oliver Chase, founder of the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO), had already popularized the candy, but the addition of love notes made them a hit—especially at weddings. Over time, these conversation hearts became a Valentine’s Day tradition, sharing sweet (and sometimes cheeky) messages of love.
What Do People Buy the Most on Valentine’s Day?
According to a 2024 NRF report, greeting cards and gift cards are the most purchased Valentine’s Day items, with 40% of Americans planning to buy them. Personalized and unique cards are especially popular, as they allow people to express love and appreciation in a heartfelt way. Exchanging cards remains one of the most classic and meaningful traditions of the holiday.
What’s Trending on Valentine’s Day?
Traditional gifts like flowers and food remain top choices, especially among men—46% prefer giving flowers as a romantic gesture. Women, on the other hand, lean toward practical and thoughtful gifts, with 16% opting for clothing, like pajamas/loungewear sets, and 8% choosing vouchers. Personalized experiences and creative gifts are also gaining popularity, reflecting a shift toward more meaningful and memorable celebrations.