Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re stumped on what to get your significant other, don’t stress! Use this Valentine’s Day gift guide to pick out that perfect present for the special someone in your life, whether they are into one-of-a-kind jewelry, decadent chocolate treats, or Virginia-made wines.
Gearhart’s Chocolates
Looking to get your sweetheart something sweet? Pick up a box of handmade artisan chocolates from either the Charlottesville or Richmond Gearhart’s Fine Chocolates locations, or order a box online to have it shipped directly to your home. While you’re at it, treat yourself and stock up on a few extra boxes! To sample an array of flavors, opt for the 16-piece assorted box, packed with delicious blends like Mint Julep, Almond Mocha, Tequila Lime, and Vanilla Bean Brulee, or go for the six-pack of chocolate bars.
Photo Credit: Jamie Goodin
Want even more sweet stuff? If chocolates and candies are the way to your love’s heart, there are many treat shops around Virginia where you can create the ultimate sugar-filled gift basket for Valentine’s Day, such as Cocoa Mill Chocolate Co. in Roanoke.
Red Truck Bakery Cookbook
When shopping for a DIY foodie, you can’t go wrong with a beloved Virginia cookbook, such as the latest version of the Red Truck Bakery Cookbook, written by bakery owner and chef Brian Noyes. The baked goods and desserts from this small-town bakery, located about an hour outside of Washington, D.C., have been recognized by notable publications like the New York Times and Washingtonian Magazine, as well as by prominent figures such as Oprah and former President Barack Obama. Before buying, test out one of his tried-and-true recipes from our Inside the Kitchen series; we promise you’ll be hooked!
Sun & Selene Jewelry
Photo Credit: Brittany DeRaffele
Owner, designer, and jeweler Brittanny DeRaffele started Sun & Selene Jewelry in 2013, combining her love of astrology and classic stories of mythology and ancient goddesses to craft beautifully modern jewelry. Each piece is hand fabricated, hammered, polished, and finished, resulting in distinctive rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that are suited for everyday wear and are sure to become favorite pieces for your significant other. Shop online to see Sun & Selene’s current selection of radiant jewelry.
Chesapeake Bay Oysters
Photo Credit: Todd Wright, @toddwrightphoto
Many claim that oysters are an aphrodisiac, so these tasty bivalves are the perfect starter for a Valentine’s Day meal. Order a bushel from a Virginia oyster company such as Rappahannock Oysters or Anderson’s Neck Oyster Company. With eight different oyster regions and over a dozen oyster companies offering delivery and pickup during COVID-19, you can find oysters that suit your tastes, from the briniest oysters raised in ocean waters to buttery smooth oysters harvested out of the Rappahannock River.
Virginia State Necklace
Photo Credit: Amy Houston
Love is in the air during Valentine’s Day, and what better way to share your love than with a Virginia state necklace? Made in both gold and silver, these handmade necklaces can be paired with the petite heart earrings also sold in the Etsy shop, run by Charlottesville-based jewelry designer Amy Houston.
AR’s Hot Southern Honey
Photo Credit: Jacqui DePas Schlosser
Produced in the Shenandoah Valley with honey sourced from bee hives in Virginia’s Appalachia, AR’s Hot Southern Honey is an ideal gift for those Valentine’s Day loves that go for both sweet and spicy flavors. This locally-made honey can be drizzled over fried chicken, paired with cheese and charcuterie, or stirred into your beloved’s favorite beverage to add a little sweet heat. For more food-inspired items, check out the latest VA Foodie Gift Guide and opt for a few different Virginia products to create a delicious Valentine’s Day gift basket.
Hugo Kohl Jewelry
Rather than picking up a shiny bauble from a jewelry store chain, splurge on a piece of unique handmade jewelry from Hugo Kohl Jewelry in Harrisonburg. This jewelry store is one of the few in the world that uses old-world craftsman methods and tools to create stunning pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. Peruse their online shop, or head to the Harrisonburg storefront to browse their latest jewelry and watch through the glass showroom wall as the owner methodically crafts each custom piece.
Naked Goat Soap Co. Candles
It may be hard to find fresh-cut flowers grown in Virginia during the chilly days around Valentine’s Day, but you can still fill your love’s home with incredible scents when you gift a few products from the Naked Goat Soap Company. We recommend their soy candles, which are both paraben- and phthalate-free, and are housed in modern concrete vessels handmade by the owner’s husband. The candles come in airy, light scents such as Thicket, infused with lavendin (a lavender hybrid), sage, and citrus, or Opal, with notes of orchid flowers. In addition to candles, the company carries goat’s milk soaps, essential oils, and other all-natural body products with lovely, refreshing fragrances.
Handley Watches
Photo Credit: Jay Carpenter
For the special man in your life, gift a Handley Watch, made in Richmond by a husband-and-wife duo. These stylish watches offer state-of-the-art design and function while also being comfortable enough to wear all day long. Athletic wearers will appreciate the Nester, a water-resistant sports watch, or opt for the Capital or Continental for those men who go for a more refined and sophisticated look. Check their website for a full list of available styles and colors.
Virginia Wines & Craft Beverages
Photo Credit: Rachel Stevens
If they’ve lived in Virginia for any amount of time, your sweetheart most likely has a favorite local winery, brewery, cidery, or distillery. Snag a bottle of wine or spirits or a six pack of their most beloved beers or ciders as a Valentine’s Day present that will get you major kudos from your partner.
Elodie’s Naturals Skin Care Products
Photo Credit: Elodie Cally
Elodie’s Naturals is a cosmetic shop that focuses on creating healthy, simple skin care formulas made without complicated chemicals. This Valentine’s Day, put together a gift bag of luxury products from Elodie’s Naturals, such as their plant-based, vegan-friendly French Lip Balms (which come in flavors like caramel and blackberry), facial lotions, moisturizing serums, and hand creams.
Virginia is for Lovers Merch
Photo Credit: Jordan Rodericks
Say, “I love you” with some unique Virginia is for Lovers merch that reflect your significant other’s interests, from craft beer growlers and oyster platters to wooden cutting boards and hiking backpacks.
A Romantic Virginia Getaway
Photo Credit: Jumping Rocks Photography, @jumpingrocksphoto
Finally, consider taking your favorite person away for a romantic weekend getaway in Virginia! Many hotels and resorts offer Valentine’s Day packages and deals to save you money and add extra love-inspired items like wine, chocolates, and flowers. Prefer a Valentine’s Day adventure that offers seclusion and privacy? Book a cozy cabin retreat to spend quality time with that special someone.
Tell us, what are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year in Virginia? Share your gift ideas and stories with us in the comments below!
I’m looking for an artisan chocolatier who makes chocolate covered cherries. And lives and works in Virginia. Can you help?
Chocolate Spike in Blacksburg does chocolate covered cherries!