Valentine’s Day is wonderful because it’s sandwiched in between two of the best days of the year, Galentine’s Day on Feb. 13 and a holiday I invented called The Day All The Fancy Chocolate Goes On Sale. But seriously, it’s a great reminder to tell the people in our lives that we love and care about them whether that’s our friends, family or significant other. Why not kill two birds with one stone and spread a little love to our neighborhood business owners in the process? We’ve updated our previous gift guide to give you a few ideas of ways to treat your loved ones and support local small businesses.
Kessler Pie Company
$25
If you ask me, the whole heart-shaped box filled with chocolates thing is so passé. This heart pies from Kessler Pie Company is a much more original (and flaky and buttery) alternative. Plus, it can be customized with different flavors and designs.
Spinster Records
$160
Sometimes a quiet Valentine’s Day at home is just what the doctor ordered. Light some candles, pour a little wine and set the mood with this Marvin Gaye box set. The set contains 8 LPs and, yes, Let’s Get It On is one of them.
Dude, Sweet Chocolate
$15
This “Tub of Love” is the perfect hazelnut spread—not too sweet and the tub is big enough to dip strawberries into. Or you can just eat it by the spoonful straight from the jar. No judgments.
Jimmie Vaughan at The Kessler Theater
$35
Oak Cliff native Jimmie Vaughan returns home for a benefit concert at The Kessler. Here the music that inspired artist Casto Solano to create an art installation honoring him and his brother, Stevie Ray. Proceeds go to the HART Fund (more like the HEART fund amirite?).
Emporium Pies
$30
While the “Smooth Operator” pie is part of their regular menu, the name is just too good to resist putting it on this list. They have an assortment of mini heart-shaped “Valenpies” as well if you’re looking for something more festive.
Beatnik Fine Goods
$70
For those of us who are single, or just love a good pampering, the Self Love Kit is perfect for relaxing night in. Treat yourself with their herbal bath soak, perfume balm, lip and cheek tint, and whipped body butter.
CocoAndré
$40
All the fun of consuming an entire bottle of champagne without the hangover—this chocolate champagne bottle is my dream come true. Coco André will also customize the label for you when you place your order.
Pink Pedi
$28-$98
Pink Pedi Salon at Sylvan Thirty makes their own scrubs, body butters, soaps and bath bombs using eco-friendly, organic, fair-trade products. Just for Valentine’s Day, they’re offering these heart-shaped bath bombs embedded with conversation hearts. Choose “Be Mine,” “Kiss Me,” “Call Me,” “Miss You,” or even “Will you marry me?” The limited supply of bath bombs are available for free with the purchase of a salon gift certificate — services start at $28.
