Shop Local: 10 Valentine's Day Gifts for Him or Her
Everyone is a last minute Valentine’s Day shopper. There is no such thing as shopping ahead for this holiday. Maybe your first thought about this holiday is happening right now, as you read this. Fear not—we’ve done some thinking for you. We’ve gone ahead and put together a list of 10 ideas for your Valentine that are not only romantic, tasty, boozy, and fun, but also available at locally owned stores.
Snarky Valentine’s Day Cards
Rust Belt Love, 617 Main Street, Buffalo
If you’re a snarky Valentine, then Rust Belt Love has the perfect card for you. Sometimes you just have the need to tell someone, “You’re not the worst!”
Nerdy Chocolate Gifts
Sweet Jenny’s, 5732 Main Street, Buffalo
Nerds need love, too. That’s why Sweet Jenny’s in Williamsville has actual-sized Sega Genesis controllers made of milk chocolate. Nintendo and Playstation fangirls (and boys) have their choice of those classic controllers, too.
Buffalo Themed Cookware
Buffalo Adore, 391 Abbott Road, Buffalo
For the chef in your life, a buffalo-shaped chopping board would make the perfect gift, and give you an excuse to encourage some Valentine’s Day culinary adventures.
Bath Bombs
Renew Bath and Body, 927 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo
On this list of romantic things to do on Valentine’s Day, a relaxing couples bath is near the top. Renew on Elmwood has a wide selection of bath bombs to do that bath right. We recommend the ginger lime scent (since ginger is an aphrodisiac) but you can mix and match.
Macaroon for Two
Nickel City Cheese & Mercantile, 423 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo
This macaroon is so big, it’s actually meant for two. To the single Valentines out there, that just means twice the fun. On pre-order now.
Emoji Throw Pillows
Furnishings, 500 Main Street, Buffalo
For some couples, Emoji is the only language they need. If you’re a lover of these little pictographs, you can now decorate your home with these little guys. $40.
Sweet-Scented Melts
Candle Nook Cafe,16 W Main Street, Lockport
This small storefront manufactures and sells candles from an inventory of 23,000 scents. For your Valentine, there’s the bag of chocolate-covered strawberries, white chocolate, and hot-fudge-scented “melts” for $3.50, but a season-friendly apple pie candle—constructed to appear just like a small apple pie—for $17 is hard to resist.
Petrichor Flora
petrichorflora.com
If you’re looking to surprise your Valentine with some beautiful flowers, strongly consider Petrichor Flora. This firm can send the most amazing flowers directly to wherever your crush may be. This floral service thrives on special occasions and intimate evenings. You can’t go wrong this Valentine’s Day with Petrichor Flora.
Deutz Brut Rosé
Paradise Wines, 435 Rhode Island Street, Buffalo
You can’t go wrong with a nice rosé champagne on Valentine’s Day. This bottle of Deutz Brut Rosé champagne from Paradise Wines is on special this week in two sizes—a 375ml bottle (regular $30.99, on sale for $27.99) and a 750ml bottle (regular $63.99, on sale for $59.99)—and should pair well with a box of chocolate.
Hemingway For Men Beard Oil
Renew Bath and Body, 927 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo
Did you know there is a Buffalo-based company that manufactures mens grooming products like beard oil, moisturizer, and cologne? The company is called Hemingway and their signature product is “The Boxer,” a beard and facial moisturizer, which would make a perfect gift for the hirsute man in your life. You can find the Boxer online at hemingwayformen.com, or at local stores like Renew Bath and Body.