Valentines Day is in the horizon. But where to go and what do you give that significant other, bestie, or yourself, to celebrate the Feast of Saint Valentine? WEHO TIMES contributor Shaena Engle, compiled the perfect Valentine’s Day gift guide.
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LOCAL DATE NIGHTS
Q Sushi
Q Sushi is the ultimate date spot for foodies. Offering a unique high-end Omakase dining experience that is sure to impress, Q Sushi is located in the heart of downtown. Upon entry, diners are transported to an elegant atmosphere with classical music in an intimate setting. Serving more than 20 courses, Q Sushi is a perfect spot for Valentine’s Day or any evening celebrating a special event with the one you love. Call 213.335.6285 for reservations.
Cirque Du Soleil’s VOLTA
Spend Valentine’s under the Big Top at Dodger Stadium for Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA, featuring acrobatics inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports. Tickets at https://www.cirquedusoleil.com.
The Last Ship
Take your sweetie to see Sting in LA’s run of The Last Ship at the Ahmanson Theatre, for a night of live music and storytelling, tickets at https://www.centertheatergroup.org.
Ethel M Chocolate Tasting for Two
Head to Glendale for Ethel M’s Sweet Surprise Valentine’s Package and take your sweetie to chocolate heaven. This chocolate tasting includes info on how chocolate is made as well as tastings of Ethel M’s delicious delicacies and a 14 piece satin heart box, a perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day, twice nightly, Friday Feb. 7 – Sunday, Feb. 9 and Friday, Feb. 14 – Sunday, Feb. 16 at 7pm and 8pm, Glendale Galleria, reserve at https://www.ethelm.com/valentine-packages.
THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE LIST
La Maison du Chocolat
La Maison du Chocolat’s four, nine and fifteen piece chocolate boxes set the stage for a trip to Paris with their “Parisian Dream” in a variety of flavors including caramel and toffee, passionfruit and dark ganache, almonds and hazelnuts and vanilla marshmallow and milk chocolate, $14 to $54. Also available is their beautiful elegant Au Coeur de Paris heart shaped gift boxes with 15 and 38 pieces, $45 and $115, all available at www.lamaisonduchocolat.us.
See’s Candies
Choose from See’s candies offerings of traditional heart shaped boxes filled with chocolates or their Scotchmallow® Hearts with buttery caramel and honey marshmallow, coated in rich dark chocolate; Dark Chocolate Raspberry Heart with raspberry buttercream and decadent dark chocolate and Milk Chocolate Bordeaux™ Heart with a brown sugar soft center. Prices vary, available at local See’s candies and online at www.sees.com.
Simply Chocolate
1800Flowers has a variety of sweet choices from their Fruit Bouquets including luscious chocolate covered strawberries (Berrylicious Chocolate Covered Strawberries, $29.99 to $49.99) or one of their many Simply Chocolate gift baskets of truffles, chocolates and sweets or an elegant Simply Chocolate premier chocolate box of artisan chocolates including sea salt peanut butter, mocha cream, caramel coconut and other flavors ($34.99), and Chocopologie has a wide variety of gift boxes that would make any chocoholic happy, including one with raspberry truffles, a Burnt Caramel Hawaiian Sea Salt bar and signature chocolates, all at www.1800flowers.com.
Ethel M Chocolates
Vegas’s Ethel M Chocolates mails bars, gift baskets and sets straight to any Valentine’s door, prices vary, available to order at www.ethelm.com.
Eataly
Eataly has dozens of gift baskets for foodies on Valentines Day including the Italia del Cioccolato ($107.91) with chocolate spread, hot cocoa, chocolate bars and a chocolate cigar, available at www.eatlay.com. They also have everything to build your own gift box and a variety of cooking classes for a delicious Valentine’s Day date.
K+M Extravirgin Chocolates
Chef Thomas Keller’s chocolate company which pairs premium chocolate with olive oil offers up rich creamy hot chocolate $25, hand made heart marshmallows, $15, to accompany them and a rich Milk Chocolate Coffee + Sea Salt bar, $14.95 for Valentine’s Day, all at https://www.kellermannichocolate.com.
Ferrero Rocher
This traditional treat, a circle filled with crushed hazelnuts and chocolate filling, is a perfect present for friends, relatives and loved ones. Choose from a Grand Ferrero Rocher, a hollow milk chocolate and hazelnut shell with 2 Ferrero Rocher chocolates inside, $5.49, or a 16, 18, 24 piece or heart shaped box, various prices, at www.target.com.
LOVELY LIBATIONS
Alíe Rose
A great alternative to champagne, Alie from Frescobaldi Toscana is an elegant Syrah and Vermentino blend rosé with a pale pink hue and subtle peach highlights and notes of grapefruit and Marasca cherries, $22.99 at https://www.wine.com.
Chambord
Chambord brings black raspberry taste and a deep red color to any Valentine’s Day cocktail, $17.99 at www.chambordchannel.com.
Daou Vineyards Soul of A Lion
Daou’s Soul of A Lion will bring romance to any Valentine’s Day meal. It’s combination of blueberries, blackberries, spice and ace create a bright acidity with a finish of vanilla and hazelnuts, $125 at www.daouvineyards.com.
Tanteo Blanco Tequila
Tanteo’s 100% agave blanco tequila will brighten up any cocktail hour and is a perfect mix with grapefruit, lemon, lime and club soda, $39.99 at https://www.tanteotequila.com.
Gin Mare
This Mediterranean Gin is distilled with olives, thyme, rosemary and basil giving it an unusual complex flavor and a floral scent of juniper and thyme. Great for a Negroni or Gin and Tonic, $39.99 at http://totalwine.com.
Reyka Vodka
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a dirty martini with Reyka Vodka mix up a cosmo for the one you love. Filtered with lava rock and spring water with an initial sweetness and then a bitter peppery finish, it’s great on it’s own or in your favorite cocktail, $17.99 at https://www.totalwine.com.
Tanteo Tequila
Add some spice to happy hour with Tanteo Tequila. Infused with jalapenos, it’s taste is spicy grapefruit and perfect for drinking straight or mixing, $29.99 at https://www.totalwine.com.
Flor de Cana Anejo Oro Rum
This medium bodied golden amber rum tastes like toasted coconut and is great with soda, sparkling water or for a Valentine’s tropical cocktail, $14.99 at https://www.totalwine.com.
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
This 92 proof rum will spice up any date night and is modeled after the rums that sailors used to create. Hints of cherry, honey and vanilla make this a great mixer for punch and cocktails, $22.99 at https://www.totalwine.com.
Bev Canned Wines
Put a little fizz in your wine of choice with Bev’s canned fizzy wines in Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Pinot Grigio, all $49 for an 8 pack at https://www.drinkbev.com.
Mixallogy Cocktails
If your are staying in for a romantic night for two this Valentine’s Day, or hosting a Galentine’s party, you can mix your favorite cocktails with Mixallogy cocktail mixes. Whip up refreshing flavorful drinks that are gluten free and organic. Choose from margarita, cosmopolitan and lemon sour flavors, $14.99 each at https://mixallogy.com.
Nespresso Ispirazionne Italiana Coffees
Nespresso’s new Ispirazione Italiana coffees will transport you to Italy this Valentine’s Day. Café The collection includes blends from their current permanent range, limited edition launches and the new Napoli and Venezia blends, each crafted to capture the essence of the Italian region it was inspired by. $8 per sleeve at https://www.newspresso.com.
Tealeaves
Tealeaves tea gift sets, including Happily Ever After and their Cherry Blossom Sakura Experience , as well as individual bags including their Eros tea and tins such as Shanghai Rose make gift shopping a breeze. Various prices, available at www.tealeaves.com.
David’s Teas
David’s Teas On My mind color changing Nordic cup ($25) paired with their raspberry cream pie tea ($8.98) will delight any tea tottler, www.davidstea.com.
Tea Forte
Tea Forte’s Herbal Retreat Presentation Box, featuring 20 infuser bags with a wide variety of herbal teas brings peace and comfort this Valentine’s Day, $30 at www.teaforte.com.
Hecho Tequila Soda
Made from Tequila blanco and soda, this perfectly mixed canned cocktail can easily be transported to concerts, parties and anywhere else, $3.99 at https://www.cheersondemandla.com.
SNACKS FOR YOUR SWEETHEART
Harry & David
Harry & David are offering an assortment of a dozen beautiful pears in a box with love message stickers for $29.99 as well as a variety of chocolate and fruit baskets at www.harryanddavid.com.
Think! Protein Bars
Is your sweetie always on the go? Give them a box of think! Protein bars to keep them healthy and energetic, with flavors like chocolate fudge, maple almond and brownie crunch and 0 grams of sugar, these bars are tasty and nutritious, 10 bars for $13 at https://thinkproducts.com.
Cherry Flavored Tic Tacs
Keep breath kissably fresh with Share Your Love cherry flavored Tic Tacs, 3.4 ounces $3.39 at www.target.com.
Lee Kum Kim Authentic Asian Sauces
Bring an exotic flair to any meal with Lee Kum Kim Authentic Asian Sauces including chiu chow style chili oil, marinade, vinegars, and other
Oyster flavored sauces, various prices at https://www.walmart.com.
FOR THE HEALTH CONSCIOUS
Welle Intentioned
Founded by model Elle Macpherson, this 30 –Day Program provides supplements to mix in with drinks and meals, recipes and nutritional information that support overall optimal health and wellbeing. Kit includes Super Elixer, hydrator bottle, ph tester kit and recipe book, $75 at http://www.welleco.com.
Asystem Superhuman Supplements and Skincare
Designed for men to help achieve peak performance and mental clarity, Asystem’s Superhuman Supplements provide a daily dose of vitamins and minerals. They also have a skincare systems to cleanse, tone and moisturize, $99 per month, www.asystem.com.
Seed
Seed’s probiotic and prebiotic supplement improves digestion, gut immune function and heart and skin health, $49 per month at https://seed.com.
FOR THE FASHIONISTAS
Greats Royale Shearling
These cozy sneakers with a shearling collar and Italian nubuck upper will keep you warm and comfy all winter long, $99 at www.greats.com.
Brahmin Handbags
Give a gift that never goes out of style with Brahmin’s collection of luxury designer handbags, chic totes and accessories in gorgeous colors and textures, prices vary, all at https://www.brahim.com.
Amaryllis Apparel
Amaryllis clothing is soft, comfortable and versatile enough to wear for a Valentine’s dinner or just hanging out with friends. They also have a wide variety of new leopard prints, prices vary, all at https://amaryllisapparel.com.
Fab Fit Fun
A subscription to FabFitFun is a great choice for the fashionista in your life. Filled with full-size premium products, this gift is delivered four times a year and features all kinds of cosmetics, fashion items and jewelry, $49.99 per box, www.fabfitfun.com.
Vionics Avery Pro Suede Slip On
Vionics Avery Pro Suede Slip On Sneaker in hot pink is lightweight, slip resistant and is perfect for a casual Valentine’s night on the town, $129.95 at https://www.vionicshoes.com.
Softies PJ’s and Loungewear
Give your sweetie the gift of comfort with Softies Marshmallow Hooded Lounger in pink with fabric so soft and a flattering shape. It features a front pocket, shirttail hem and pull up hood, $99, also their stylish and equally comfortable pajama lounge sets come in a wide range of colors and sizes, $99, and their tunics are perfect with yoga pants or jeans and boots, $85, all at https://www.softiespjs.com.
Stance Socks
These soft silky smooth anti-microbial socks are great for both women and men and come in a variety of designs including vibrant colorful crews, no show fashion conscious and athletic socks. Stance also sells sexy comfy underwear options, prices vary at https://www.stance.com.
Cosmetics, Hair and Body Care for Your Beauty
Arbonne Vanilla Bean Lip Therapy Set
Keep lips kissably soft and supple with Arbonne’s vanilla bean lip therapy set including a lip smoother and a lip salve, $27 at www.arbonne.com.
Sol Janeiro Kiss Your Crush Gift Set
Sol Janeiro has paired two of their most popular products, their Brazilian Kiss Cupuacu Butter Lip Butter and their Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist in this gift set, for a perfect Valentine’s Day beauty gift, $25 at https://soldejaneiro.com.
Essence Blush and Gloss
Get cheeky with Essence’s The Blush ($2.99) with a silky smooth texture to add a natural flush to any cheek and get shine for days with their super smooth Shine Shine Shine Lipgloss ($3.29),, available in 18 shades, both at https://essencemakeup.com.
Jane Iredale Triple Luxe Long Lasting Lipstick
Jane Iredale’s Triple Luxe Long Lasting Lipstick keeps lips soft and supple with hydrating vitamin rich colors that go on smooth and stay put, 12 colors, $28 at https://janeiredale.com.
Sky Organics Organic Beeswax Lip Balms
Sky Organic Beeswax Lip Balms hydrate and smooth lips in any weather with all natural flavors including tropical coconut, citrus, strawberry and eucalyptus mint, $7.95 for a four pack at https://skyorganics.com.
Hydropeptide Antiwrinkle & Restore Lip Mask
This power mask nourishes and hydrates lips improving texture and reducing lines, $42 at https://hydropeptide.com.
Catrice Eye Palettes
Catrice’s three palettes each contain twelve intensely pigmented eyeshadows n matte and shimmering finishes, Basic Bae includes classic neutral shades; Badass Bae includes warm and fiery shades and Self Made Bae in deep berry and earthy shades, $14.99 at https://www.ulta.com.
Rejuvenique by Monet
Rejuvenique by Monet, blend of natural plant and essential oils, can be used to balance rejuvenate and benefit both hair and skin, $99 at https://monatglobal.com.
Philosophy Gift Sets
Philosophy offers a variety of gift sets making it easy to pick the perfect fragrance, moisturizer, cleanser, bath and body present for everyone on your Valentine’s Day gift list. Their Amazing Grace shampoo, bath & shower gel and firming lotion ($65) duo will leave skin touchably soft and silky and their Amazing Grace and Pure Grace fragrances are fresh and light, ($20 to $69) both at www.philosophy.com.
FLATTERING FRAGRANCES
Floral Street
London based perfume company Floral Street’s vegan and recyclable packaged fragrances are affordable and include travel sized spray options, nine fragrances $26 to $75 at https://www.sephora.com.
Build A Love Nest
Pit Boss Pro Series Black Triple Function Grill and Smoker
This beautiful combo grill and smoker with side burner will melt any bbq lover’s heart. Combining a wood pellet grill smoker, two-gas grill and big side burner, this combo grill does it all, $649.99 at https://www.lowes.com.
Hexclad 12” Wok
Perfect for home cooks, this HexClad Wok makes creating stir-fry’s, sauces, pastas and soups a dream. It’s hybrid of stainless steel and non-stick materials makes cooking and cleanup easy, $179.00 at http://hexclad.com.
Riedel Champagne Glasses
Champagne is the drink of choice for Valentine’s Day and Riedel has performance enhancing glasses to enhance your bubbly of choice. Choose from their Champagne Glass, $59 for set of 2; Veritas Coupe Glass, $34.50 for single stem and Vinum Cuvee Prestige Flute, $59 for set of 2 to hold your favorite champagne or sparkling wine, all at www.riedel.com.
Wusthof’s Classic 7-inch Hollow Edge Craftsman Knife
Wusthof’s Classic 7-inch Hollow Edge Craftsman Knife is the ultimate tool for any home cook, combining the features of a chef’s knife, boning knife and carving knife all in one, $129.99. Wusthof also has a great double-sided end-grain Acacia wood chopping block perfect for cheese boards, $126 – $163. Both at www.bedbathandbeyond.com.
HomeGoods
Head to HomeGoods for the perfect gift for your valentine, galantine or anyone else on your list. Their extensive selection of chocolates, home décor items, baskets, kitchenware and so much more make it easy to create a personalized Vday gift basket, check www.homegoods.com for the nearest location.
Rouse Condoms
Having safer sex doesn’t have to tame you, with Rouse Condoms let your inhibitions run wild and choose your sexual spirit animal. 75% of all profits are donated to charity, $9.95 a box of 12 at https://rousecondoms.com.
FOR THE NOMAD
Solo New York Duffels and Bags
Solo New York’s new Re:Cycled Collection, in cool gray, uses recycled materials for their backpacks, duffels and bags. Their new Re:Move Duffel is perfect for any weekend getaway made from recycled PET bottles with removable adjustable shoulder straps and a back panel that can slide over luggage handles for longer trips, $64.99. Their Leroy Rolling Duffel, $119, is equally travel friendly and meets carry-on requirements for most airlines with a separate shoe and laundry compartment and easy glide wheels, both at https://solo-ny.com.
Clckr Phone Grip Cases
These phone grips and stands make it easy to use your phone anywhere. These attachable bands have a handle in the back to prevent dropping while scrolling that also acts like a stand enabling users to text, browse and facetime hands free, available in a wide range of colors, $15 and up at https://www.clckr.com/eu/.
