Whimsical and Shapely

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates, Walpole, New Hampshire ($24 for a package of nine mice)
The wow: tiny mice with colorful silk tails, boxed in a wooden case with sealing wax and a ribbon closure. Inside the critters are rich fillings such as mocha and cinnamon. Almond ears on all.
Our choice: the freshness of the orange fillings
To buy: www.burdickchocolate.com, 1-800-229-2419

Pure Art

Norman Love Confections, Fort Myers, Florida ($18.75 for 10-piece box)
The wow: handcrafted, hand-painted, novel shapes. The 36-piece selection comes in a 4-tier jewelry box ($58.30).
Our choice: white chocolate ganache pieces with real banana or pumpkin pie flavors within
To buy: www.normanloveconfections.com, (239) 561-7215

Tantalizing Truffles

The Truffle Shop, Nevada City, California ($38 for nine-piece box)
The wow: bombe-shaped confections big enough for two connoisseurs. Ganache fillings with strong coffee and bittersweet chocolate laced with bourbon and cognac.
Our choice: Raspberry Cream Truffle with dreamy, sweet puree inside a Belgian milk chocolate shell
To buy: www.chocolategod.com, 1-800-366-3538