Valentines Day is just around the corner. Shaena Engle brings us her extended list of gift ideas to give your significant other, bestie, or something to buy for yourself this 2021 Valentine’s Day
===
Chocolates for Your Better Half
La Maison Chocolates
La Maison du Chocolates new nine piece chocolate box sets the stage for a trip to Paris depicting the City of Lights in a variety of fragrances and flavors including orange and dark chocolate; mango gelee, vanilla and jasmine flowers; lemon and honey and ginger and lemon with dark almond praline. 16 piece box, $54, available at www.lamaisonduchocolat.us.
See’s Candies
See’s Candies is offering a variety of options for the sweet tooth in your life, including Scotchmallow® Hearts with buttery caramel and honey marshmallow, coated in rich dark chocolate; Dark Chocolate Raspberry Heart with raspberry buttercream and decadent dark chocolate; Milk Chocolate Bordeaux™ Heart with brown sugar soft center in See’s classic milk chocolate; Assorted Chocolates box full of See’s favorites and their Sweet Indulgence Heart, a giant heart filled with two pounds of See’s milk and dark chocolate. See’s also has bags of hot and sour heart candies and strawberry and dark chocolate truffle hearts, https://www.sees.com.
Ferrero Rocher and Golden Gallery Signature Virtual Chocolate and Wine Pairing Class
Golden Gallery Signature and N10 Restaurant will be presenting a virtual pairing and tasting session for Valentines to celebrate together, at home or virtually. The session will be hosted by pastry chef Zac Young and Marino Monferrato, the maître d’ of Hell’s Kitchen and N10 Restaurant manager. Visit www.goldengalleryvalentines.com to enter to win to an exclusive Golden Gallery Signature and N10 wine pairing kit and reservations for two to attend the virtual event on February 14.
Café Galletti’s Fine Ecuadorian Chocolate
This Ecuadorian chocolate includes the Bella Donna, fig and rose petal; the Amazonica, pineapple, passionfruit and energy plant; Orange Mocha, orange and ground coffee and Andina, strawberry flakes and raspberry, four-pack for $29. Galletti also produces coffee in a variety of roast blends, $16.99 at https://cafegallettiusa.com.
Venchi Chocolates
Venchi Italian chocolates are the perfect gift for any sweet tooth. Choose from chocolate, truffles, spreads and gelato. Their Valentine’s Day collection includes heart boxes with milk and dark chocolates; a valentine tin book with assorted chocolates and heart shaped chocolates, prices vary, https://us.venchi.com.
Say it With Flowers
Lovely Libations
Sonoma-Cutrer 2020 Rosé of Pinot Noir
This beautiful pink blush from Russian River goes well with spicy ahi, a margarita pizza or crab cakes with Siracha mayo and has aromas of blueberry, pink grapefruit, and cantaloupe with a crisp taste of citrus, strawberry and blood orange, $25 at https://www.sonomacutrer.com.
Elegance Vodka
This hand-crafted gluten free vodka is made in Australia and distilled from Chardonnay grapes from the Barossa Valley wine region. Each bottle is individually blown from crystal into a diamond shape and than hand embossed, $68 available on https://www.reservebar.com.
Rancho La Gloria’s Boozy Frozen Margarita Pops
Portable and delicious, these boozy frozen margarita pops are great to take on picnics or just enjoy at home, $199.99 for a 12-variety pack; they also produce large format margarita cocktails, $8.99 and sparkling canned margaritas in lime, strawberry, mango, peach and watermelon, $9.99 for a 4-pack, at https://rancholagloria.com.
Tea Forte
Tea Forte’s new Wellbeing teas are the perfect way to relax, restore and revitalize the mind and body with the one you love. Organic green tea blends and herbal tisanes team to support a calm state of mind. Included are green and herbal teas, petite presentation box of 10 infusers, $22 at http://www.teaforte.com.
Fairlife Milk
Get healthy this Valentine’s Day with Fairlife ultra-filtered milk. With 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk, enjoy desserts, cappuccinos and more without any guilt, $3.39 at Target and local supermarkets, https://fairlife.com.
Lipton Green and Black Teas
In addition to Valentine’s Day, February is heart health month. Drinking a few cups of unsweetened green or black tea each day can help support heart health. Lipton’s green and black teas are full of flavonoids and is equally hydrating as it is refreshing, Lipton Black Tea $3.49, Green Tea $3.69, at local grocery stores https://ww.lipton.com.
Lyre’s Italian Spritz
This alcohol-free aperitif includes a mix of fruits, spices and botanicals with bittersweet notes of a classic Italian bitter aperitif. Flavors of rhubarb and orange, this booze free libation is also gluten and dairy free, $36 at https://lyres.com.
Oban 14-Year Whisky
Oban 14-Year Whisky is the perfect start to Valentine’s Day dinner at home. With flavors including orange peel, smoke, sea salt and honey, this Scotch whisky is smooth and oaky sweet, $69.99 at https://www.totalwine.com.
Chandon Brut Classic and Rosé
Chandon Brut is a classic sparkling wine perfect for every celebration. With flavor profiles of apple, pear and citrus flavors it pairs well with shellfish, cheese and salads. Chandon also makes a delicious Rosé version, $17.97 at https://www.totalwine.com.
The Singleton Re-Fashioned Cocktail Kit
Put a twist on the Old Fashioned this Valentine’s Day with The Singleton’s Old Fashion cocktail kit including The Singleton of Glendullan 12-Year Single Malt Scotch, Barspoon blackberry licqueur, sherry, branded cups and a jigger, $43.27 for 8 cocktails, https://sourcedcraftcocktails.com.
Velvet Fire from Disaranno and Jack Daniel’s
Combining Disaronno Velvet Cream Liqueur and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, the Velvet Fire cocktail creates a smooth cinnamon pour combining floral almond flavor and nuances of chocolate and vanilla with warming notes of cinnamon, $49.99, available nationwide.
Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage Sparkling Wine
Following extensive ageing, Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage has distinctive toasty and spicy aromas. A palate of honey, almond, pastry and baked apples gives it a hint of decadence. Intense yet delicate, elegant yet complex, a perfect start to a Valentine’s Day meal, $55 at local wine shops.
Cupcake Vineyards and Chloe Wine Release Prosecco Rosé Wines
Cupcake Vineyards and Chloe Wine have released new prosecco rosé wines. Cupcake Vineyards is a sparkling wine with flavors of citrus and notes of light berry and peach, $15.99, and Chloe’s prosecco rosé has notes of ripe red berries and rose petals, $15.99, https://www.cupcakevineyards.com, https://www.chloewinecollection.com.
Frankly Organic Vodka
Made without refined sugars, gluten, artificial colors or GMO’s, Frankly Organic Vodka is delicious mixed for cocktails, as a dirty martini, or on it’s own. Available in original, strawberry, apple, grapefruit and pomegranate flavors, $19.99 – $26.99 at https://buy.franklyvodka.com.
Enate Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
The perfect pair for steak, duck or stews, Enate’s Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of berries and mint with a spicy background of vanilla, pepper and bay leaf, $17.99 at https://www.wine.com.
For the Fitness Minded
Fluidstance
The perfect 2021 Valentines Day gift for anyone working online all day, Fluidstance can provide a healthier work environment. These balance boards engage stabilizing muscles in the core and legs while standing. Choose from The Original (aluminum/bamboo), The Level (aluminum/maple or walnut), The Plane (plastic/cushion-top) or The Grade (recycled plastic), $289-$439, https://fluidstance.com.
ALT Water Soluble Liquid THC
Advanced Liquid Technology (ALT) offers the gift of calm with water soluble liquid THC with a neutral flavor available to add to any beverage. Perfect for Valentine’s Day cocktails or as an alternative mixer for juices, pack of 5 5mg vials $28, pack of 5 10mg vials, $38, at https://altlife.com.
The Tiny Dome Yoga Studio
Bring hot yoga into the comfort of your home with The Tiny Dome’s portable at-home hot yoga studios. Inflates in just 60 seconds and heats up within 10 minutes, $850 at https://www.thehotyogadome.com.
Real Coconut Kitchen /The Mindry Cleanse & Meditation Package
Give the 2021 Valentine’s Day gift of health with the Real Coconut Kitchen and The Mindry’s 5-day cleanse and virtual meditation classes. The package includes 5 days of prepared foods and supplements as well as virtual meditations and check-ins, $230-$330, https://www.realcoconutkitchen.com.
Vita CoCo
Share VitaCoco coconut water with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. Available in original, pineapple and peach and mango flavors and also available in a Boosted variety with caffeine in coconut chocolate, vanilla latte and chai flavors, $34.99 for a dozen at https://www.amazon.com.
Martha Stuart Limited Edition Gummies
Martha Stuart’s limited edition heart shaped box of wellness gummies is a perfect replacement to the traditional box of chocolates. It contains 72 gummies in 6 gourmet flavors, $69.99 at https://www.shopcanopy.com.
Mad Lilly CBD
Chill out with Mad Lilly all natural fruit juices infused with a low dose of cannabis blends including raspberry hibiscus, passion fruit mango and ginger pear flavors, at https://www.eaze.com.
Cosmetics, Hair and Body Care for Your Beauty
Natural Formula’s Intense Hair Treatments
Get your hair in soft silky shape for Valentine’s Day with Natural Formula’s intense hair repair and treatment masks. Their Ampoule mask restores color, dry and damaged hair with restorative nutrients. Their Keratin Intense mask is rich in concentrated keratin and helps keep straightened hair straight while rebuilding elasticity, both $18.99 at https://www.natuarlformula.com.
Alani Nu Balance Powder
Alani Nu’s Balance Powder supports hormonal balance, weight management, complexion and fertility, $59.99 at https://www.alaninu.com.
Ella+Mila Nail Polish
These chip resistant quick-dry nail polishes are high shine and are acetone free.
Choose the perfect pink, violet or red shade for February, $10.50 at https://www.ellamila.com.
Something for the Fashionista
Scout
Scout’s pretty pink striped Rolling Stones jewelry case ($29) and limited edition Swig 20 ounce Tumbler ($34.95) and Swig Skinny Can Cooler ($29.95) are perfect editions for any traveller or gym enthusiast, at https://www.scoutbags.com.
Vionics Relax Slippers
Vionic’s Relax Slippers are so comfortable you might not want to ever take them off. Featuring Vionic’s exclusive orthotic footbed, these soft comfy slippers come in a variety of colors including the perfect pink for your valentine, $64.95 at https://www.vionicshoes.com.
Life is Good
Life is Good has a huge variety of 2021 Valentine’s Day themed shirts for men, women and children. Available in all sizes and colors, these comfy tees are perfect for dressing up or staying casual, $28, and they also have a heart tattered chili cap, $24, all at https://www.lifeisgood.com.
Build A Love Nest
BioPEDIC Mattress Pad
Give comfort this Valentine’s Day with a BioPEDIC mattress pad. Made with ultra-fresh treated fabric providing built-in odor control, the BioPEDIC and protection helps provide sweet dreams and restful sleeps with hypoallergenic and breathable materials, $80 at https://www.amazon.com.
Messermeister Knives and Cooking Tools
Messermeister has a wide selection for home chefs including their Adventure Chef collection making it easy to cook outside like a pro with full-sized, chef-grade quality knives that are compact and portable; their Kawashima collection includes their sharpest knives handcrafted in Seki, Japan; the Oliva Elite boasts beautiful natural Mediterranean olive wood handles and their magnetic knife block looks beautiful in any kitchen, prices vary, visit https://www.messermeister.com.
Braid & Wood Plant Holders
Braid & Wood’s Modern Valentine Collection includes a plant hanger, bud vase, dried floral arrangement and hanging kit, elevating the beauty of the pot and plant. Made with brass plated rings and a maple wood base, bring beauty and greenery into your home with Braid & Wood plant hangers, $75 at https://braidandwood.com.
Finamill Spice Grinder
The perfect present for home cooks, the FinaMill is an electric spice grinder with interchangeable pods so it’s easy to freshly grind salt, peppers and spices for any recipe, $29.97 at https://www.finamill.com.
For the Foodie
Chef Max Spices
Bahamian-American Chef Max Hardy’s extensive spice line will be sure to add fire to any Valentine’s Day dinner. Spice mixes include coriander, fenugreek, turmeric, brown mustard powder, cumin and white rice powder. There is also a cutting board to help with preparing meals, visit https://www.chefmaxcelhardy.com.
BBQGuys Spices
BBQGuys has a variety of rubs and spices including Memphis Rub, Kansas City Rub, Chicken, Pork and Beef Rubs ($16.99) as well as a Ultimate Charcoal Gift Set ($75.92) and other gift sets for those who want to spread love via their grill, https://www.bbqguys.com.
@Pizza Via Uber Eats
Don’t want to cook this Valentine’s Day? Opt for a delicious pizza from a neighborhood restaurant with the @pizza via Uber Eats. Just search @pizza to find close tasty pizza places near you.
Martini & Rossi Fiero’s Ultimate Winter Picnic Kit
This cozy Secret Supper Winter Picnic kit allows you to enjoy an indoor picnic on chilly nights. Complete with a cutting board, melamine plates, Martini & Rossi glasses, cashmere throw, knit hat and gloves, hand warmers and more. There’s also a pairing menu with yummy recipes to enjoy. Perfectly paired with the new Martini & Rosso Fiero spritzer, $150, available starting Feb. 4, at
Black Tap’s Red Velvet Cake Batter Shake
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Black Tap in Anaheim is offering a special Red Velvet Cake Batter Shake ($12) available for takeout all February.
MEATER’s Ultimate Dinner at Home
MEATER, Genesee Valley Ranch, Palmaz Vineyards and Annette’s Napa Valley have teamed together to create an Ultimate Dinner at Home Virtual Valentine’s Day event bringing high-end dining into your kitchen. Their package includes a MEATER wireless meat thermometer, organic Wagyu steak, premium bottle of Cabernet, artisanal chocolates and live virtual entertainment, $415 and up, orders must be purchased by Feb. 5 to be received by Feb. 13, details and purchase at https://brasasclub.com/valentines-2021.
Eat Me Guilt Free! Goodies
Eat Me Guilt Free! Brings healthy brownies and snacks made by artisanal bakers to your sweetie. Their Valentine Vixen includes six low carb chocolate and six red velvet brownies, perfect for your sweet tooth, $38 at https://www.eatmeguiltfree.com.
Made by Gather BELLA Hot Air Popcorn Maker
Snuggle side by side while enjoying freshly popped popcorn with the Bella + Crux hot air popcorn popper by BELLA, $30 at https://bellahousewares.com.
Porto’s Bake at Home Croquettes
Bring Porto’s home for Valentine’s Day with their Bake at Home collection including ham and chicken croquettes, chicken pies and potato balls, all at https://store.portosbakery.com.
Cheese Brothers
Give your sweetheart a taste of Wisconsin with Cheese Brothers assortments of cheese and handmade treats. Included are Dill Havarti, Gouda and Honey Sriracha Gouda cheeses, jar of cherry lavender jam, caramels and crackers, $64.95 at https://www.cheesebros.com.
Jeni’s Ice Cream
Jeni’s ice creams are the perfect end to a Valentine’s Day dinner, new flavors include gooey butter cake, White House chocolate chip and salted peanut butter with chocolate flecks, 5 pack of top sellers, $58 at https://jenis.com.
Nick’s Ice Cream
Nick’s ice creams have big taste but contain fewer calories than most ice creams and come in delicious flavors including Triple Chocolate, Peanut Butter Cup and Birthday Cake, $9.99 a pint, https://nicks.com.
Staycation and Weddings
Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills Valentine’s Day Micro-wedding Package
To celebrate the month of love and romance, Sofitel LA is offering a limited-edition version of its helipad micro wedding package. From a breathtaking intimate wedding ceremony on Sofitel’s helipad with a 360° view of Los Angeles to a romantic night in the Presidential suite, the happy couple will enjoy red roses in-room, a special amenity with an exclusive cocktail creation paired with an aphrodisiac chocolate dipping sauce and long-stemmed strawberries, and exclusive discounts at Kitson, Leclaireur and other stores through Sofitel’s online shopping app nJoy. Available from February 1st to March 15th, $1,999 at https://www.sofitel-los-angeles.com.
Upstate New York Getaways
For those heading to the east coast, here are a few romantic getaways.
The Lazy Acre Alpaca Farm in Bloomfield, NY, first opened in 2000 and is home to over 50 alpacas of various colors and personalities. The farm seeks to educate the public on livestock care, and welcomes visitors for small and large group educational tours, private yoga classes at the farm, and more. Take a farm tour and later visit the farm store where you can purchase cozy alpaca fur slippers, sweaters, hats and more, to last you and your couple through the winter season, https://www.lazyacrealpacas.com.
Or, if you just want to stay inside, enjoy a six-course food and wine pairing dinner in the historic Belhurst Castle & Winery , overlooking views of Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes. The menu of unique, seasonal inspired dishes are paired with Belhurst Estate award-winning wines. After dinner, head over to the tasting room where couples can enjoy Belhurst Estate’s very own craft beer and hard cider, or purchase a bottle as a keepsake from their trip, https://www.belhurst.com.
Xtreme Xperience
Perfect for car lovers, Xtreme Xperience makes luxurious exclusive cars accessible to those who dream of driving them. Choose your car and enjoy laps around a world-class racetrack Pricing options and packages start at $69 with choices from a fleet of supercars, gift certificates also available, https://www.thextremexperience.com.