Giving from the Heart: A Guide to Spoiling Your Valentine

By Anna Berend

Dia de los enamorados. Giorno dell'amore. Jour de l'amour. The day of love. No matter how you say it, Valentine's Day is the perfect day to shower your special someone with gifts from the heart. Well, actually, gifts from the heart are good, but sometimes store bought gifts are even better. And if it's the thought that counts, then you'd better put some forethought into what your true love is dreaming of on this dia de los enamorados.

If you're looking to wow, surprise and impress, then go for the top of the line; the best of the best; the cream of the crop. Don't know where to start? Well, I've got some ideas for you.

But first, you've got to think about your loved one's passions, preferences and palate. Simply picking the best gift in the wrong category will not win you any points. My husband's first Valentine's Day gift to me years ago when we were dating was perfume. A traditional, but nice gift, except one thing; I'm allergic to fragrances. It was an awkward moment. Clearly, we got past that moment, but do be sure to choose wisely with your special guy or girl in mind.

I have chosen a top contender in each of the traditional Valentine's gift categories:

Flowers

Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

Spruce is not like all the rest of the florists in town. At Spruce, they create exquisite masterpieces just for you. Pull up a chair at their flower bar and start talking or call or email color and flower preferences. Online you will find a helpful guide to arrangement styles each named for a street in Minneapolis. They are passionate about flowers, using simple, organic styles.

Chocolate

Rogue Chocolatier

According to local food critic, Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, Rogue Chocolate is the best. The good news is that it won't break the bank to shower your chocolate lover with this delectable gift. Until recently, Rogue was made here in the Twin Cities. Sadly, they are now located in MA, but you can still order online. Each batch is lovingly made by founder and chocolate maker, Colin J. Gasko, during a three day process. There are three, single source chocolate bars to choose from: the Rio Caribe; the Hispaniola; and the Sambirano. Each bar costs $6.99 and can be found in select retail shops in the Twin Cities or can be ordered and shipped for a flat shipping fee of $10, plus the cost of each bar.

Spa Treatments

Spa treatments for one or for the couple are always a welcome gift. Give the choice with a gift card and your sweetie can pick from hair treatments, skin treatments, manicures, pedicures, massages, packages and more. Your special someone will leave feeling radiant, relaxed and rejuvenated. At Sanctuary, customer service is their main focus. They know you need to retreat from the stress of everyday life into their sanctuary of soothing, calming treatments.

Romantic Dining

Private In-Home Meal
Personal Chef, Molly Herrmann
Molly@tastebudtart.com

Dining out is lovely, but how about staying in for dinner? That is, how about enjoying a specially planned, chef prepared meal at your very own table, with candlelight and romance dancing all around the dining room? If that sounds delicious to you, call on Personal Chef Molly Herrmann. She'll do the shopping and the cooking for you. She can prepare it on site or deliver the prepared meal. This private meal will run you $250, plus the cost of the food. Molly is also co-owner of Kitchen in the Market. So, if you'd rather prepare a meal for your valentine yourself, contact her for a schedule of classes being offered at KITM.

Jewelry

Stacey Johnson Jewelry
Website

Diamonds might be a girl's best friend, but your girl's BFF is wearing the same piece of jewelry that you just gave her, she's not going to feel so special, no matter how much you spent. You want a better choice? Choose one of a kind jewelry from local artisans who make unique and beautiful pieces by hand. The cost will surprise you. You can get fantastic pieces for very reasonable prices. One jewelry maker that I think is Valentine gift worthy is Stacey Johnson. She sells her jewels in select shops and online. Here pieces can be found at Bibelot shops around the Twin Cities.