Best Valentine's Day Gifts From Etsy

I'm a big fan of sweets.
Even though Hudson and I are starting our "eating healthy" thing this week, I plan to take every opportunity to celebrate Valentine's Day...with chocolate. :)
In my opinion, sweets make some of the best Valentine's Day gifts. Whether for your husband or for your friends who live halfway across the country (or for your favorite bloggers -- aka ME ;) ordering yummy treats can be a great way to show your love.
BUT...it can get pricey. And while there are so many gift basket sites etc online, I am a firm believer in supporting real people who own small businesses. So I thought, why not find and review the best 3-5 Etsy shops that sell Valentine's Day treats? Then, we can go buy from them and it'll be a win-win for everyone!
Well, there were so many great shops that this turned into more like the best 8! But what I love about these shops in particular are that they each sell Valentine's Day sweets for $20 or less, and each lady is so genuine. They all sent me delicious treats to try, so I thought I'd take the time today to share with you not only what they sell, but also a little bit about how they started their business!
P.S. Sorry for making you hungry!! :)

Pavonia Chocolates

Amanda of Pavonia Chocolates What I ordered: chocolate covered strawberries!
What else she sells: chocolates, champagne bon-bons, truffles, and more
Why she started: "I majored in English at Rutgers University and began work at Columbia Records following graduation - my dream. As it turned out, the atmosphere wasn't for me. But being impressed by the goodies I brought in occassionaly for birthdays and such, my coworkers convinced me to try culinary school. After a year in culinary school, I moved to Philadelphia and came upon a job at Classic Cake with executive pastry chef Robert Bennett. Chef Bennett is the former pastry chef of Mobil Travel Guide four-star rated Le Bec Fin, and current Cacao Barry chocolate ambassador. I apprenticed with Chef Bennett and learned his chocolate artistry."
Specials right now: free shipping on anything ordered before Valentine's Day

Aunt Peachie's Sweets

Lisa of Aunt Peachie's Sweets
What I ordered: chocolate covered strawberries!
What else she sells: red hot bark, mint patties, chocolate covered oreos, and more
Why she started: "My candy has been all over the United States and friends would ask me to ship to them but I was concerned over shipping costs and the handling of my treats, but I finally decided  to give it a try and wahlah, it was a success. I opened the Etsy shop for my friends in other states to order easily."
Specials right now: a dozen strawberries for $10 plus shipping

Liquorish

Heidi of Liquorish
What I ordered: truffles!
What else she sells: chocolate covered pretzels, cookie sandwiches, brownies, and more
Why she started: "I have been baking cookies, cupcakes, and confections for years. I usually brought them to fundraisers, church functions, and parties. Many people would mention that I seem to have a real love and passion for what I do and that everything was so tasty that I should really think about selling them. I am a LOVER of all things handmade and unique! So instead of utilizing Etsy simply from a buyer standpoint, I began to sell my items for others to enjoy! I can bake almost anything, so if there is something you have a craving for or would like to try and don't see in the store, just drop me a line. I LOVE custom orders!"
Specials right now: 10% discount with the coupon code REVIEW

Kay's Cakes and Desserts

Kay of Kay's Cakes and Desserts
What I ordered: bite-sized truffles!
What else she sells: cupcakes in a jar, sea glass candy, cake pops, and more
Why she started: "I came across Etsy in a search for something else back in early November. After checking out some other shops I realized this would be a perfect way to find new customers for my products that I can ship."

The Sugar Shack

Lauren of The Sugar Shack

What I ordered: cake pops!

What else she sells: chocolate-covered strawberries, truffles, and more

Why she started: "I started The Sugar Shack in August of 2012 after making a Spongebob cake for a friend's son's birthday. After getting overwhelming feedback and a suggestion that I open my own shop, I did! I have a background in Culinary and Baking from studying at Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island, but after the birth of my first daughter in 2007, I needed to take a career path to be home more, so I went into Banking. Unfortunately I was laid off in April, but then found out we were pregnant with our second little girl who I gave birth to in December. Being home gave me the opportunity to start doing what I love again, and that's how The Sugar Shack was born!"

Specials right now: Lists giveaways and promos on her Facebook and website

Lil' Taste of Heaven

Heather of Lil' Taste of Heaven
What I ordered: cupcakes!
What else she sells: mini cheesecakes, chocolates and truffles in heart shapes, and more
Why she started: "I have always enjoyed baking. I am currently teaching at the high school level and I absolutely adore my job. I often cook for my students and they enjoy it so much that they have encouraged and motivated me to open this shop. Before I became a teacher, I thought that I would have to choose between my passions, but now I realize that I can do both! My students helped me come up with the name of my shop and designed my store logo. I couldn't have done it without their support."
Specials right now: All orders $20+ can be shipped the week of Valentine's Day; normally policy is $30+

Midnight Kittens

Jeana & Ciera of Midnight Kittens
What I ordered: fudge!
What else they sell: chocolate biscotti, snowballs, caramels, and more
Why they started: "We've both always loved to bake cookies and other delicious treats, but had never really though of doing it as a way to make money. At the end of 2009, Ciera was diagnosed with Agoraphobia/severe social anxiety, and baking was a way to keep in touch with the world through her customers. Etsy is an amazing site, on which we both frequently shop to support other small business owners!"
Specials right now: Taking special orders, and also offer samplers of many items upon request

Melina's Bistro

Melany & Tina of Melina's Bistro
What I ordered: scones!
What else they sell: cookies, muffins, danishes, and more
Why they started: "We started as a small business with a store front, but have now moved to just doing online treats and are having a lot of fun focusing on this side of the business. Our names together are Melina: Melany and Tina. Our other sister April came up with it!"
So, now that you've seen all of these delicious treats, go check them out!! :)