Valentine’s Day is just around the corner (this Sunday, February 14th) and we know that many of you have already planned out your romantic weekend with your loved one full of gifts and romantic gestures, right? Nah? You haven’t? Us neither but not to worry, there is still plenty of time to make it happen and make it one they will never forget. From chocolates to cocktail kits and everything in-between, here is your Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.
Give the gift of chocolate and wine pairings
Giving chocolate as a Valentine’s Day gift may seem a bit too expected but may we suggest passing up on those heart shaped boxes and putting together a gift basket of gourmet chocolate and wine. Trust us, everyone loves chocolate and wine; they make the perfect pairing. Just pick up some of your favourite wine and some delicious organic chocolate bars and pack them up in a beautiful box or basket. May we suggest you try the following pairings: Green & Black’s organic white chocolate with La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir; Green & Black’s 60% Dark Chocolate with Toffee paired with Kendall-Jackson Vitner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Or you could even opt for a bubbly, which pairs perfectly with a milk chocolate.
Valentine’s Day gifts should always smell this good
Studies show that scent is often associated with our strongest memories, so why not give the gift of a great new fragrance (and new memories) to your loved one. The trick to picking out a new scent that they will love is to find one that is adjacent but different to the one they currently wear. If they enjoy sweet, fruity, and floral, we would recommend Love Osmanthus from Atelier Cologne or Under the Lemon Tree from Maison Margiela. And you can’t go wrong with FlowerBomb from Viktor & Rolf. If you want to gift them something a little more fresh, opt for Orange Blossom from Jo Malone or Bergamote 22 from Le Labo. And every time they spritz on that latest scent, they will remember Valentine’s Day 2021. Moreover, if they aren’t a fragrance fan, opt for a beautiful scented candle to fill your space with a great scent. You can’t go wrong with Rose Noir & Oud or Amalfi Lemon & Mint from Nest New York.
Valentine’s Day gifts that shine (and make you giggle)
The latest trend in jewellery is all about the return of pearls. Once thought to be the domain of older generations, pearls are the hottest new Valentine’s Day gift for millennials and hipsters alike. Canadian based Mejuri has a great collection of modern jewellery pieces featuring cultured pearls at great price points. Looking for something more sleek? May we suggest the vantage cuff from Jenny Bird. Or go big with the bling with a Plaza ring from Dean Davidson. Moreover the African inspired jewellery collection from Omi Woods is sure to make anyone’s Valentine’s Day a bit brighter. Finally, you could change it up this year and gift them a cheeky love inspired timepiece from Swatch. We love that their Valentine’s Day gift collection features a watch brandishing the catchphrase “I Hate to Love You”. Moreover the brand is hosting a comedy show on their IGTV and YouTube on Sunday, February 14 at 11:00 PST. I mean couldn’t we all use an extra laugh this Valentine’s Day?
Date Night at home: DIY cocktail kits
Cocktail kits have become all the rage over the past year, many of your local bars have started to bottle your favourite cocktails so you can enjoy them at home. So why not order some in and pretend you are on a special date at your favourite local (while being safe at home). If you are based in Toronto, we recommend the All Night Long Valentine’s Cocktail Kit from Grey Tiger, not only does it feature two delicious cocktails but some chocolate and a bottle of bubbly. Vancouverites may want to gift First Blush Valentine Cocktail from Odd Society. And Montrealers can get a little more edgy with their Valentine’s Day Gift with the ‘boîte à bloody’. No, it’s not a bloody valentine but a delicious cocktail kit for making Le Lab’s signature Bloody Marys. Or you could create your own cocktail kit. One of our favourite new cocktails is the French Metropolitan – it’s delicious and easy to make. With only 4 ingredients: St Remy Signature, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters and Brandy Cherries for garnish; this is one cocktail kit that would be easy to make and gift. You could even pre-bottle the cocktail, so your loved one can enjoy a handmade cocktail anytime they want.
Spa at home
One of our favourite gifts of Valentine’s Days past was a day at a spa. This year might be different but that doesn’t mean you can’t gift that spa experience at home. Start the afternoon off with preparing your tub for a long hot soak; put on some relaxing music and light some candles. Drop in the latest bath bomb, the Aphrodite, from Bathorium for a relaxing bath time that will soothe all the senses. We would suggest adding a delicious cup of organic tea, from Cup of Te, tub side and add in a 24k gold face mask from Radford. Finally have some Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich on hand for some post bath deep moisturizing. Its nourishing and creamy texture is a must-have for dry and dull winter skin. Top it off with a gift card to a luxe spa in your area like The Iridium at the St Regis or the Spa at Four Seasons Whistler. Or plan an escape together at Le Nordik Spa when things open up again.
