Valentine’s Day gift ideas to enjoy an evening in

As we head into February, our thoughts usually turn to all things hearts and flowers. This year, we’ll be lucky to be able to leave the house, but we can’t let that stop us from enjoying Valentine’s Day to the best of our abilities.

We’ve rounded up some fun and different ideas, from local gift options to items and meals for celebrating a night in with your loved ones – safely, of course.

Not sure what your sweetheart may like this year? Browse the local Valentine’s Market, opening in February, brought to you by the Kingston Holiday Market.

“We have created an online market to make shopping for a loved one (including yourself) easy!” says Vanessa Martin, the market’s founder. “With options for chocolate, dried floral arrangements, jewelry, dog treats, and other fine gifts— we have you covered.”

The Valentines Market offers free local delivery to Kingston, Glenburnie and Inverary.

Online shopping begins at noon on Thursday, Feb. 4 and wraps up Tuesday, Feb. 9. Sign up on their website now to be notified over email when the market opens.

Orders will be delivered beginning Friday, Feb. 12 and ending at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021.

Hoping to start your shopping earlier? Artisan Made Co is launching its Winter Love Collection at 8 p.m. on Thursday Jan. 21, 2021.

“A perfectly curated collection of gifts for your significant other, galentine and yourself! We have in stock products and pre-orders for flowers, treats and charcuterie boards that will be available on Valentine’s weekend,” says Jessica Pecore, founder of Artisan Made Co. “Shop online at www.artisanmadeco.com and select free curbside pickup, delivery within Kingston or tracked shipping across Canada.”

Curbside pickup at Artisan Made Co, 1724 Bath Road Unit 9 + 10, has extended hours on Valentine’s weekend, Feb 12 to 14, to accommodate the added traffic. Orders can be picked up between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Delivery time frames will be confirmed after purchases are completed to ensure gifts arrive on time. Use the comments box on the checkout page to provide details of when you would like to pick up your purchase, or if you need a specific day for delivery.

Bowtie Services will help keep you rested and relaxed in every situation, including while doing your Valentine’s Day shopping. They have a solution to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone in the middle of a State of Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order with a limited edition Sweetheart Box.

“These boxes are filled with local products that have been tried, tested and refined by our friends and family,” says Heather MacArthur, Professional Organizer & Event Planner at Bowtie Services. “We sourced items that appeal to our sense of taste, touch and smell from vendors such as Old Country Bath and Body, Queen Bee, and Inspired Sisters. We have also added in a few other treats that we hope you will enjoy as much as we do.” 

Order your Sweetheart Box here.

If you are interested in finding out more about other custom box options, or in being a part of a future box with Bowtie Services, visit their website, send them an email, or follow them on social media – @bowtieservices on Facebook and Instagram – to find out more.

Choose to stay in and stay cozy with your love, with the help of the YGK Date Box. Share a lovely evening in with fare and items from some wonderful Kingston businesses:

Start or end your evening with a relaxing bath and bath bomb from All Good Things, and add a few drops of oil from Cher-Mere to the bath to keep you moisturized during the winter months.

Perhaps an after bath massage is in order, using the extra rich nourishing body oil from Cher-Mere, before you prepare a meal together with ingredients and a recipe from Olivea.

Build a puzzle together or play a virtual game sourced from Minotaur or Wonderland Games. And get comfortable in matching Eat.Drink.Shop Local Kingston T-shirts from Inspire Local.

Order your box through Cher-Mere. Curbside pick up will take place on Saturdays at Cher-Mere Downtown, 68 Brock Street, and delivery is available.

If you’re looking for jewelery for your sweetheart, look no further than Alison Cote, a local Stella&Dot Ambassador.

“This Valentine’s Day gift her with an amazing piece from Stella&Dot,” Cote suggests. “There is something for every jewellery lover, whether she likes to keep things simple, is somewhere in the middle, or whether she likes to make a statement wherever she goes!”

“One of my favourite gift ideas is a piece from our amazing engravable collection. You can personalize a piece in a way meaningful to her – your initials, a special date (ie. wedding, etc.), or the coordinates of a special place – such as the place you met; the place you got married; or the home you’ve built together.”

Cote says orders will be shipped directly to your doorstep via Purolator within 5 to 7 business days.  “If you need help deciding please reach out to me directly – all I need is a budget. My favourite thing to do is to help customize a gift for that special someone!”

Shop for ideas on the Stella&Dot website, or reach out to Alison directly over email.

Chocolate is a gift almost everyone loves. At CocoaBistro, they believe that chocolate is something to be experienced rather than consumed.

“Chocolate IS synonymous with Valentine’s Day because it stimulates those regions of our brains that process feelings of Love,” says Audrey Brown, creator of CocoaBistro. “Giving excellent-quality confections made with Belgian chocolate (and a big helping of LOVE), shows just how much you care about that special someone.”

“We are proud to use locally sourced ingredients, and we would never use artificial preservatives or flavourings in our products. We are locally owned and operated, and are proud to be Kingston’s source for affordably luxurious chocolate creations,” Brown continued. “This year, our special Valentine’s Day treats feature Ruby, a unique and naturally pink chocolate that has a subtle hint of ripe berries.”

Visit the website at cocoabistro.ca and place your order for curb side pickup or free delivery within Kingston. (There is a small fee for deliveries within a 20 minute drive). If you would like delivery of a dozen luscious chocolate-dipped strawberries, CocoaBistro asks that orders be placed the week of February 1 through 8, 2021.

Celebrate at home and treat yourself and your sweetheart to a seven course Chef’s Tasting Menu from Tango Nuevo. The courses will include menu favourites and Valentine’s special creations, and feature their popular cocktail kits. Available to peruse and order starting Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 at tangonuevo.ca, or by phone at (613) 548-3778.

*This article was created during the provincially mandated lockdown. Some of the above retailers may amend their pickup and delivery policies when the lockdown ends. Please connect with businesses directly for more information.*

Now that you’ve gathered some ideas, how will you treat your loved ones this Valentine’s Day? Whatever you choose to do, stay safe and enjoy the quality time together.

This article is sponsored content. The businesses above paid a fee to be included in this article. If you would like to be approached for opportunities of this nature, email [email protected].